Juri unable to duel Shiori? Now that got me curious to see a duel between Juri and Shiori. I think Juri can get over it... slowly, of course. If she couldn't duel like Utena facing Wakaba, why would Juri asks for Utena's picture for her new locket. (Of course, some people can argue that she was only joking at that point)

I think Touga would run in second if not tied with Juri as to having the potential to attain the power to revolutionize the world. He is, after all, the one who knows the most about the End of the World throughout the whole series besides Anthy and possibly Ruka.

Last edited by Hiraku (05-19-2007 10:27:05 PM)

I'd have to go with Touga, because he's the only one that really managed to fluster Utena, get behind her defenses.

That's strategy.

Hiraku wrote:

I think Touga would run in second if not tied with Juri as to having the potential to attain the power to revolutionize the world. He is, after all, the one who knows the most about the End of the World throughout the whole series besides Anthy and possibly Ruka.

Could Mikage be added to the list? I'm still wondering about the origin of his sword on ep. 23.

brian wrote:

It's probably not about skill. The best duellist was best at shaking Utena's faith in herself. Touga comes in way ahead because he didn't just shake it, he destroyed it. He lost later through miscalculation but he alone broke Utena's spirit.

Juri and Ruka? They never had a chance even though they likely would have beaten her in a normal arena. Against Utena's idealism they were as pre-destined to failure as Nanami.

Looking at things from this point of view, I cannot but agree.

Normally, I would concentrate more on a matter of skills, and I used to think Juri could have been the one to defeat Utena due to the fact that, as some people have stated, she loses only because of a "miracle" and because her locket is shattered just as she was getting quite close to victory.

Nevertheless, it is true that the key-point to take an advantage on Utena lies in undermining her self-confidence, and Touga is the one to do so by fooling her into believing he is her long-lost prince.

Ruka could be a good bet due to his selflessness, but then his duel was just part of his plan to free Juri, and I don't think he really had an interest in bringing the revolution.

Saionji looking for something eternal...? I don't really know because even during the Akio arc he still hadn't moved on from his poblems with Touga, and he tends to lose control in the Arena.

So this would go: Touga, Juri, Miki, Saionji, Nanami - the Black Rose Duelists wouldn't even have a chance, and moreover they fight for personal matters, with someone else's sword...

As for a good duel to watch, it's a tie between Juri-Shiori and Juri-Touga - ok, Juri is my favourite character, and it would be interesting to see if she'd really be able to seriously challenge Shiori to a duel and defeat her. I'm not so sure even post-Ruka, more relaxed Juri could do so and keep her aloofness, although it is implied post-Ruka Shiori has entered the fencing club and they'd cross swords sooner or later anyway...

I'd have to pick Juri. Nanami and Saionji's tempers would probably make them lose focus in the arena, and Ruka's reverse psychology couldn't possibly work on everybody. 

Miki is pure enough to deserve victory (compared to the other duelists), but I don't believe he's confident enough to beat somebody like Touga or Saionji. Now, Touga might have been the ultimate victor if his lust for power didn't make him so easily influenced by Akio.

Juri's strong, swift, and she has her wits about her. Plus, she is one of the few people who comes close to Utena's level.

Juri, hands down. Based on sheer skill, she never actually gets beaten by Utena's hand. She's just good.

After her, my next bet is going to be Touga. He has the ruthlessness and manipulation down.