Sword Art Online: Season 2/ Episode 14 "A Small Step" – Overview/ Review (with Spoilers)

Overview

As we go into part 2 of wrapping up the show’s first arc, a lot is explained in terms of how Death Gun came about.

Review (with Spoilers)

While the next episode is called “Debriefing,” it does seem most of the debriefing is done in this episode. We learn who the three members of Death Gun are, what led to the creation of Death Gun and are given hints of what’s to come. Also, for Shino, closure is presented.

Topic 1: From Where We Left Off/ What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger – Shino & Kirito

Kyoji Shinkawa and Kirito go back and forth and, for a moment, it seems Kyoji won since he uses the syringe on Kirito. However, with Kirito having this electrode heart monitor, it seems despite the injection he is perfectly fine. How and why? I’m not sure, but with the liquid from the syringe leaking out from where the electrode is, I assume that had something to do with it.

That wrap up aside, something you’ll notice has changed in Shino is that she has certainly attained her goal of becoming stronger. For rather than run as Kirito demanded, she pretty much saved him by hitting Kyoji over the head with her stereo. Also, the girls who we saw picking on her earlier in the season, she stands up to them and even scares them off.

Topic 2: The Creation of “Death Gun” – Kikuoku, Shino & Kirito

Though Shino and Kirito had their theory, in this episode everything is broken down thanks to the testimony of Kyoji’s older brother Shouichi. He says that Kyoji was a member of Laughing Coffin, as well as someone named Kanamoto. Now, as for how Souichi became involved? Well, it is noted he has a weak constitution and with him and Kyoji debating on doing the murders, honestly it seemed Souichi was crazy enough to do it. Add in Kanamoto so multiple targets could be done, and then you have the Death Gun method of execution. All of which dealt with synchronized murder times, an invisibility cape and binoculars to get people’s information, then investigating who lived alone and who had weak security. Making it so the only new information given is that there were three people total which included the Shinkawa brothers, Kyoji and Souichi, and Kanamoto, who is still on the run.

Leaving us with the question of whether Kanamoto will become the main villain in the next arc, or if maybe the threat Souichi passes along is nothing but words?

Topic 3: Closure – Shino

With Shino moving past her fear of guns comes the need to bring her closure full-circle. Something Kirito, with the help of Asuna and Lisbeth [1], provide for Shino by introducing her to one of the postal workers she saved, as well as the woman’s daughter. Someone she was pregnant with when the robbery happened. Thus allowing Shino to understand what Kirito has learned to. That while what he did kill people, and the guilt involved is his to bear, there is a need to remember that in the end, you saved lives in the process.

Things To Note

1. Who oddly are introduced as his friends. That is, rather than a friend and his girlfriend.