VS.
The two heroines of the story that serve as the main character's backup (Negi & Ichigo) are two beautiful and kindhearted women who've dedicated themselves to becoming the sword and shield of our main heroes. These are two completely different series where magic plays a pivotal role in one and the other bangsian fantasy (events relating to the afterlife). So it's hard to judge considering Rukia is a Soul Reaper and Setsuna is a Magister - one is technically dead and the other technically human/demon. But nonetheless, we are going to judge who is the better "Sidekick." Allow me to explain - I am not judging that one is weaker than the other (considering both have had their fair share of wins and losses), but I will be considering their role with the main character + side characters. Here are their similarities:
1) Both are talented in swordsmanship
2) Both are friends to the main character
3) Both are loyal and dedicated
4) Both have supernatural powers
5) Both have had their wins and losses in battle
Setsuna, alongisde Negi's other students, attends Mahora academy and is highly skilled in the Shinmei-ryu sword style. Long ago, she became a bodyguard and friend to Konoka, a fellow classmate and one of Negi's "pactio partners." Setsuna has dedicated her swordsmanship abilities to protect Konoka (partly due to Setsuna having crush on her), but after meeting and helping out Negi in his fights, Setsuna has become a valuable asset to Negi's team and has even formed a "pactio" with Negi (Pactio = kiss that grants powers in the form of a card). She is also a demon (Hanyo), concealing this from everyone and later unafraid of showing who she really is with her angelic wings that will be a deciding factor in the final battle. Previously, she was kicked out of her own tribe due to the wings being a bad omen, but nonetheless years later, she would become entrusted in protecting Konoka. Setsuna is a complicated person, entrusted with protecting Konoka, but at the cost of feeling that she hasn't held up her end of the bargain as she distances herself from her friend. Nonetheless, Setsuna's swordsmanship skills become a sword and shield for Konoka, Negi, Asuna, etc etc. She is loyal to all 3 and would gladly risk her life to ensure their safety over her own.
Rukia, alongisde her childhood friend Renji, is a Shinigami that was previously entrusted in protecting Karakura town, but that will change when she meets Ichigo Kurosaki. She gives a majority of her powers to Ichigo as she soon finds herself in a Gigai whereas Ichigo become a Substitute Shinigami. Rukia is not only skilled with her Zanpaktou, but is proficient in the use of Kido & Hakuda. Despite her size, she isn't to be underestimated. She served a more pivotal role in the Rescue Arc and later would become one of Ichigo's trusted friends as their relationship becomes much more like Captain & Lieutenant. She is dutiful, kindhearted, uplifting, and loyal as both a Shinigami and as a friend. In the past, her sister, Hisana, left her and it would be much more later that Byakuya, Rukia's sister and Hisana's husband, would adopt to into the Kuchiki clan, thus abandoning Renji and her other friends in order to become a full-fledged Shinigami. As a Shinigami, she is highly skilled and even rose the level of Lieutenant (where she was just a seated position earlier). Rukia is loyal to Ichigo, teaching him all he had to know as well as learning what it meant to adapt to a ordinary lifestyle. Each influenced one another and that is what defines Rukia today - loyal, steadfast, and proud.
So who won in terms of battle? Well, to be perfectly honest, I think both are tied. Highly proficient in swordsmanship and other supernatural abilities (enhanced strength, endurance, agility, etc). Both are extremely loyal to their own friends and especially in battle, they show off their new abilities that thwart the enemy's attempts in winning. However, if you realllllllly want me to tell you honestly who would personally win, bias or no bias, it's pretty obvious: Rukia Kuchiki
Why: Well, I did say if it came down to it, it was a tie. But, if I had to choose (like if there was a sword at my neck and I had to choose), it'd be Rukia. I mean no disrespect to Setsuna, but I found Rukia more fleshed out as a character (more development in abilities, personality, relationshops, and was involved in most, if not, all the arcs). Setsuna is great and all, but I found her not that much developed when you compare her to Rukia. Setsuna is strong in her own right and has had a tragic past. In terms of past events, I found Setsuna's more saddening because she was kicked out of her own tribe just because of her wings (being a Demon and all). But you could also argue that Rukia was abandoned and a great duration of her life she didn't have a guardian, having to fend for herself in the streets alongside Renji and his friends. However, Rukia was pretty happy up until Byakuya showed up and Setsuna, not so much (later would be picked up by Eishun, Konoka's dad). Rukia and Setsuna can fend for themselves, but if you really nitpick on this - Setsuna became twice as strong when forming the "pactio" whereas Rukia was already strong and she just became stronger as time passed. So the deciding factor, despite me thinking it should be a tie, the winner is Rukia Kuchiki.
So who do you think won and would you agree that it could've/would've been a tie? Setsuna Sakurazaki or. Rukia Kuchiki? Vote now! Look forward for tomorrow's daily affinity post (schedule posted on the left).
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