It makes me really sad when people hate Ryota Mitarai!! I know the anime was... a mixed bag, and he was very much tied to one of the worst parts of it (brainwashing video retcon) but! I don't think throwing his entire character out is the way to go! He existed in a lot of my canons (albeit without the brainwashing video for... most of them. I say most, because there are a few with it, but even in those it was used differently than in canon) and, like. I really, really care about him because of it! Yeah, the brainwashing video wasn't the best retcon, but do we really need to throw the baby (Ryota Mitarai's character) out with the bath water (poor execution of his character arc/the brainwashing video)? I just... Ryota gets so shit on by the fandom, but I don't think he deserves such treatment!
All this to say... Ryota, if you're out there, stay strong! Some of us appreciate and care about you, don't listen to the haters! And... if any of *my* Ryota's are out there, I don't know if this will ever reach you, but... I'm sorry. For... a lot of things, really. I sometimes... wasn't the best person, in the end. Yet... you always seemed to forgive me, didn't you? I don't know if I can put into words, how much I appreciate that. I really, truly wish you the best, Ryota Mitarai. Stay strong! <3
- Mikan Tsumiki (SDR2/DR3)
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