Welcome, fellow anime enthusiasts! You've landed here likely wondering about the presence and age of Subaru Natsuki within the sprawling world of Sword Art Online: Alicization. It's an intriguing thought, especially given how popular characters often cross over or inspire similar narratives across different series. We understand the excitement of imagining such epic crossovers!
However, let's clear up a common misconception right from the start. Subaru Natsuki, the earnest and often unlucky protagonist, is actually the central character of Tappei Nagatsuki's acclaimed series, Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World. He doesn't appear in Sword Art Online: Alicization at all. While both series involve protagonists transported to other worlds, their universes, characters, and storylines are entirely distinct.
But don't fret! Just because Subaru isn't part of Kirito's journey through Underworld doesn't mean we can't dive deep into the fascinating world of Sword Art Online: Alicization itself. This hub is your ultimate guide, breaking down everything you need to know about its characters, plot, production, and more. Consider it your comprehensive map to the Alicization arc, helping you understand the ages and roles of its actual inhabitants.
Unraveling the Mystery: Why Subaru Natsuki Isn't in SAO Alicization
It's easy to see why some might link Subaru Natsuki to Sword Art Online. Both series are pillars of the "isekai" (other world) genre, featuring protagonists who find themselves in fantastical settings far from their homes. Kirito is trapped in virtual reality, experiencing it as a new reality, much like Subaru is whisked away to a fantasy kingdom. This thematic overlap can certainly lead to moments of mistaken identity or hopeful speculation about crossovers.
However, the universes of Re:Zero and Sword Art Online are separate creations by different authors. There are no official crossovers integrating Subaru Natsuki into the SAO narrative, nor is there any canonical explanation for his presence within the Underworld system. So, while we can appreciate the thought, Subaru Natsuki remains firmly within his own distinct series.
Journey into Underworld: Understanding Sword Art Online: Alicization
Sword Art Online: Alicization represents the third major season of the Sword Art Online anime, meticulously adapting the beloved light novel series penned by Reki Kawahara and beautifully illustrated by abec. Following the events of the Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale, this saga plunges protagonist Kirito into an entirely new, incredibly realistic virtual world known as Underworld. The first part of the anime adaptation, which covers the "Alicization" arc from the ninth to the fourteenth novel volumes, premiered in late 2018. For a detailed look at the full anime run, including its various segments and broadcast dates, explore our guide on .
Who Are the Key Players? Main Characters in SAO Alicization
The heart of Alicization beats with its captivating cast, each playing a crucial role in Kirito's journey through Underworld. While Subaru Natsuki isn't among them, the characters here are equally compelling.
Let's meet the central figures:
- Kazuto Kirigaya (Kirito): Our familiar Black Swordsman, who finds himself with his memories partially suppressed in Underworld. Kirito's age varies throughout the broader SAO series, but during the Alicization arc's beginning, he is around 17 years old, having been 14 at the start of SAO. Understanding his journey and development is key to the series, and you can delve deeper into here.
- Alice Zuberg: A childhood friend of Kirito and Eugeo within Underworld. Her story is central to the entire arc, as she becomes an Integrity Knight after being taken away. Discover more about her poignant journey in our dedicated .
- Eugeo: Kirito's first true friend in Underworld, a kind and determined young man who dreams of reaching the Central Cathedral alongside Kirito. Their bond forms the emotional core of the early Alicization arc. Learn all about his aspirations and tragic fate by checking out our .
These three form the unbreakable core, driving the narrative forward. For a comprehensive overview of everyone involved, including their significance to the plot, we recommend our [placeholder_link slug="main-characters-sao-alicization" text="main characters in SAO Alicization" guide].
The Story So Far: A Glimpse into the Alicization Arc Plot
The Alicization arc begins with Kirito waking up in a lush, medieval-fantasy world. He has no memory of how he got there, only a vague sense of a mission. He quickly befriends Eugeo, a young woodcutter, and together they embark on a quest to reach the Central Cathedral and rescue their childhood friend, Alice. This journey leads them to uncover the dark truths of Underworld and its governing body, the Axiom Church. The narrative is rich with themes of artificial intelligence, humanity, and free will. Get a full breakdown of the initial events and major plot points in our .
The story then intensifies dramatically with the arrival of the second part, aptly titled Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld. This segment chronicles a brutal conflict between the forces of the Human Empire and the Dark Territory, with the fate of Underworld, and indeed humanity, hanging in the balance. Don't miss our deep dive into to understand the full scope of this epic struggle.
Beyond the Main Trio: Other Notable Characters and Their Ages
While Kirito, Alice, and Eugeo dominate the spotlight, Alicization features a rich ensemble of supporting characters from both the real world and Underworld, each adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
- Asuna Yuuki: Kirito's beloved partner, who actively works in the real world to save him from his critical condition. Asuna, born on September 30th, continues to be a crucial figure, even when not directly in Underworld. You can explore her enduring legacy and contributions in our .
- Lisbeth (Rika Shinozaki): One of Kirito's earliest allies and a skilled blacksmith, Lisbeth is typically around 15 years old during her main appearances in Aincrad, maintaining her age relative to the ongoing events. Get the full scoop on her unwavering loyalty and crucial support in our .
- Quinella: The formidable Administrator of the Axiom Church, a pivotal antagonist whose actions set much of the conflict in motion.
- Silica, Leafa (Suguha Kirigaya), and Sinon (Shino Asada): These familiar faces from previous SAO arcs also play significant roles in the real-world efforts to support Kirito.
- Other key figures within Underworld include the revered Integrity Knight Bercouli Synthesis One, the loyal trainees Tiese Schtrinen and Ronye Arabel, and real-world scientific minds like Rinko Koujiro, who is 28 years old, alongside Heathcliff (Akihiko Kayaba), who was 28 years old during the Aincrad incident.
The Creative Minds: Production and Music of SAO Alicization
Bringing a world as intricate as Underworld to life requires immense talent and dedication. A-1 Pictures, the renowned animation studio, took the helm for Sword Art Online: Alicization, with Manabu Ono directing, ensuring a faithful yet visually stunning adaptation of Reki Kawahara's vision. The series' immersive atmosphere is greatly enhanced by the masterful compositions of Yuki Kajiura, whose orchestral scores elevate every emotional beat and action sequence.
The series also boasted a memorable array of opening and ending theme songs that resonated deeply with fans:
- Alicization Arc (Part 1): "Adamas" by LiSA and "Resister" by ASCA served as the electrifying opening themes, while "Iris" by Eir Aoi and "Forget-me-not" by Reona provided poignant endings.
- War of Underworld Arc (Part 2): "Resolution" by Haruka Tomatsu and "Anima" by Reona captured the escalating conflict, with "Unlasting" by LiSA and "I will" by Eir Aoi closing out the intense battles.
To dive deeper into the incredible auditory journey and the specific tracks that define the arc, explore our comprehensive guide on . For more behind-the-scenes insights into how this grand production came to fruition, be sure to read our article on the .
While Subaru Natsuki may not be found within the intricate layers of Underworld, the Sword Art Online: Alicization arc offers a rich, complex narrative filled with unforgettable characters, thrilling action, and profound philosophical questions. It stands as a monumental chapter in the SAO saga, inviting you to explore its depths and discover why it captivated audiences worldwide. We encourage you to delve into each of our supporting pillars to fully appreciate this epic adventure!