This post is part of my theOtaku Fan Challenge. Check it out!
[Note: Essay was edited after reading other better written challenge entries. Yes, I am picky and want the best for my Shino.]
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Over the past two and a half years, I have been “obsessed” with one character: Shino from .hack. At first, I couldn’t quite pinpoint why I loved her so, just that I did. But now, as I have continually watched her character, I have been able to identify where this love stems from.
First off, the superficial reason: Shino’s just damn pretty. I love her character design and I love the color choices for both her black and white costume. AND I LIKE THE HAT. I think it completes the overall look, all you naysayers out there.
All right, now for a deeper reason: I fell in love with Shino’s sad character. It first happened in .hack//Roots after Ovan went bye-bye. At that point, you start to see another side of Shino, one she wouldn’t let others see before. It was very important (for me, especially) to be able to see that side. Shino always put on a smile for everyone, but that doesn’t mean she was really happy on the inside. Her breaking down just shows she's human, not that she was particularly weak.
Some people might say she used Haseo by relying on him but I believe that she really needed him for that support, and it certainly wasn’t out of mean intentions that she did so.
I suppose part of my liking towards her is also due to the fact I feel I can relate somewhat. As "emo" as it sounds, I was feeling down during that time and, for whatever reason, seeing Shino in a similar state helped me with my own mood and resulted in a connection with her character. There was one line in particular from episode 12 of Roots where Shino says something to the effect of, “I think I’ll always remain in this world.” It was such a sad moment and (frankly) a really beautiful line. At that instant, I think my obsession really started with her.
Then there’s later, when you get Shino back at the end of Redemption. Although I have some issues with the ending scene involving Haseo, Shino and Atoli at Hulle Granz, overall I think it was part of an important insight into who she is. If you pay attention to what Shino says in towns, you’ll notice it as well. Shino really misses Ovan; not just Ovan, but the old Twilight Brigade days. She was in a frickin’ coma for 8 months, for goodness sakes, it’s no wonder when she comes back and finds everything different that she would miss it all. Again, this is one of those sadder sides of her character that makes me love her all the more.
Sure, Shino may end up seeming a bit Mary Sue at times. However, I believe she has a real (and realistic) character. She never just poured her guts out to whoever walked by in the game. No, she only let people see her vulnerable side when she became close to them; first with Ovan, and then Haseo.
There are always those types that try to hide their true feelings and put up a good front for others. It’s when that mask is removed though, or even just slightly ajar, that the real person peeks through. In fact, one could argue that such a thing is extremely human.
And in the end, that’s what I really love about Shino; her sadness, realistic character and growth throughout .hack. Oh, and the hat. That helps.
