youou + yuui

So... WIFE?!

I put the series on because I wanted something new to watch. That first episode works so well because it's literally just our main character not dying. Its whole point is just to introduce us to Gabimaru, and it does such a good job in doing that by exploring his own inner thoughts and his internal contradictions (what he thinks he should want vs. what he actually wants and him coming to terms with that). And if you ask me, the most important thing we learn in that episode is not the premise of the story (going to the island to find the elixir of life) but that Gabi's got a wife!!!

I don't think I've ever seen a shonen series that has started with the protagonist not only having an established love interest, but an entire wife that he is completely devoted to. And any other stories I have seen with married protagonists tend to let the romance fall into the background, because it's just not the point of the story, which is fine if that's not the point. But Gabimaru's love for his wife is his entire driving force, it cannot be ignored throughout the story and is actually an integral part of it, and that's so unique!! Like you cannot have this same amazing story without his love for her! When it showed the flashbacks of the two of them in the first episode, I had to sit up in my seat because I couldn't believe what I was seeing. What do you mean this character that spent the entire episode trying to convince us that he's an unfeeling badass assassin is smiling like a puppy dog at his pretty wife and losing his mind over a little kiss?! And their relationship is just done so well. Even though we only get bits and pieces of their life together, you can see exactly why Gabimaru loves her and how they work together.

But what I really love is that, that isn't all Gabimaru is. Like is he the "MY WIFE" guy? Yes absolutely, he is the most MY WIFE guy to ever exist actually. But he's also so much more! We know that he has already changed from what we are told he was because of the time spent with his wife before the story begins. But that doesn't mean his character development is just over before the series can even start. Even away from him, his wife guides him and influences him and that helps him continue to grow and change and make new relationships, all while never sacrificing his love for his wife. And the fact that we not only have a married protagonist, but also a strong platonic relationship between Gabi and Sagiri? Gabimaru's relationship with Sagiri is just as important as his relationship with his wife and I LOVE TO SEE IT!!! They care about each other and protect each other and yes, love each other, even without the romance!

Manga spoiler here but the chapter nearish the end when Gabi is seemingly done for and dreaming about his wife and smiling through it? Because even moments from death, just being able to see her is what makes him happier than anything else? And Sagiri coming into her own and finding a crazy way to save him? Even she comments on how happy he looks when he's in that horrific situation and it makes me want to rip my own heart out

It's just such a good series. The relationships between all of the characters, the story, the LORE?! I binged the manga and I cannot wait for some of those last chapters to get animated