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Why Asta and Yuno's rivalry is the definition of a true rivalry. A thread:
This thread will be based mainly on my opinion. Asta and yuno's rivalry goes back to when they were still kids. Yuno, after being saved by asta becomes inspired by asta's actions which led to his change in personality. This is where their rivalry began.
Asta made it clear to yuno that even if you are a peasant, even if you are an orphan, you can shine in this world. After doubting himself, Yuno then realizes that what asta said is true. And that he too wants to prove it by becoming wizard king.
Fast forward to when they are 15 years of age and are finally able to get a grimoire, Yuno was captured by revchi and wanted to steal his grimoire to sell it for money. Asta again comes to his aid but this time, he is shown that without magic, you are utterly useless.
Asta, at the verge of giving up on everything, his dream, and even losing hope in his ideals and philosophy, Yuno acknowledges him as his rival. Yuno then tells Asta that he can't become wizard king because it is Yuno who will be the wizard king. Because of this, asta is able to-
get back up on his feet again. Asta then becomes chosen by the 5 leaf grimoire. Yuno never once doubted Asta that he could never be chosen. He always believed in him. This scene alone proves that Yuno never once doubted Asta and that he acknowledges him as his worthy rival.
"Even if you are poor, an orphan or even us... We can be greater than anyone else in this world. And to prove that, and to make sister and everyone else happy, let's see who can become wizard king!"
They remember the promise that they made to each other as kids and this is where their journey as magic knight rivals began.
Going in to the magic knight entrance exam, Yuno being able to do everything perfectly while asta is struggling because he has no magic, they still continue to acknowledge each other and see each other in the same level. As rivals.
In the dungeon arc, as Yuno struggles with his fight with Mars becuase his magic has no effect to him. Asta then comes again and tells Mars that Yuno is his rival. He then gets mad at Yuno for performing not too good against mars. And tells him if they can see who can take him on
Instead of feeling jealous that Asta has defeated Mars, Yuno acknowledges Asta's strength and what he can do. This is what makes their rivalry healthy and not toxic. They always see each other in the same playing field as rivals. Nobody is looking down on the other.
This here by far is still my favorite Yuno and Asta moment. This scene for me has solidified what a rivalry meant in anime. After being doubted by the people simply because they were peasants, Yuno tells Bell to go full power and aims directly at Asta.
He purposely did this to show all the doubters how strong and capable they are. He wants to silence the haters and he wants to prove to them what they are worth. This moment is the embodiment of true rivalry and it was Yuno's way of letting the people acknowledge asta.
The fact that both of them push each other to become stronger instead of feeling jealousy towards the other is what makes them worthy rivals. Yuno know's Asta's worth and vice versa.
Faced with such a powerful opponent, they continue to bring out the best in each other and believe in each other's strength and skill. Throughout the licht fight, not even one of them complained to each other about not being able to land a blow.
Do these shots still need an explanation?
Another underrated moment is where they both get powerups against Zagred. Yuno continues to push Asta to his limits for him to become stronger. I love the fact that they're proud of each other's achievements. This rivalry is built down to the core.
This rivalry will forever go down as one of if not THE BEST rivalry in all of anime. Hands down. This is what you call a true rivalry. They are not toxic to each other and they want each other to grow stronger while staying as rivals. Having respect for a rival is of no easy task
