Nakajitos

I don't know right now. Shirai has never seemed very interested in befriending Aoki. In fact, this most recent event is the first time where she's ever shown any remorse for lashing out at him, and that's saying a lot considering she pimp-slapped him previously. In a sense, I think they are both trying to achieve that: Shirai has really warmed up from her previously icy facade, while Aoki has called upon his past experience to figure out what to do in given situations (it was remembering his experience getting Rin to warm up to him that convinced him that it was possible to do the same with Reiji). I'm guessing it's a natural progression as both characters mature in their own ways.

Samuraisedge

True that. From what I recall, this is the first time Shirai has ever questioned her actions toward Aoki and why. But it certainly does go to proving how much she's grown as a character. She always used to be cold and officious the way she approached the staff and students. But as she interacted with Kuro and Oyajima, she slowly started to relax her stance and opened up to people. Kuro's influence caused Shirai to change her dressing habit, as well as becoming more affectionate toward children. Oyajima had awakened her feminine side that craves a males embrace, and slowly warming up to being in a romantic relationship. She's still strict as a teacher should be, but she's much more outgoing than in the beginning, and more open to new ideas.

Ugetsu

@Samuraisedge, Shirai has become more and more human. Another facet of this very rich story.

and -- BUMP!

Samuraisedge

Well, her character was always human. It's just she became a more 'likable' human. Not the overbearing pain in the ass she used to be. At the beginning, she was the kind of person I'd want to throttle if I had to work with her. But as the saying goes 'Don't mix business with pleasure'.

Newnonimous

Yeah i guess. I can relate to Shirai with the same struggle i was going through; not exactly the same but close enough(no i'm not a girl). So what i would say if i were in her shoes, she should try to warm up to Aoki more. Yes, it's hard to comprehend with others perspective view about the values of human nature but learning from them can better understand your judgement on those you think are incompitent. It's emotions that increases your view on the subject. I said this in the past but i use to have no emotion, hated people because i saw them as inferiors to society; but it took very few people and video games(don't ask how) to realize how wonderful human lives are and what the world can offer you. All this might sound chessy to you guys but this is based on my emotions, we just say what we believe.

I'm sorry i'm getting a little off the subject but overall; It wouldn't hurt for Shirai to open up even more with Aoki, Oyajima, Houin and her students, she should just so what is right in her heart not mind(which i know she struggling with but if i'm right she'll be an entirely new person for the better)

SusanoSasori

Newnonimous I think that's what Shirai's slowly working towards, using her heart more. Right from the very early beginning when she decided that "skinship in moderation" was acceptable, she's gradually becoming more of a normal person who isn't so strict and legalistic. And now she's finally kissed Oyajima, so soon enough she will be like that.

Newnonimous

Yeah i believe so too. Suddenly i'm more interested in Shirai's development than the main characters right now(not that i don't care). Sometimes, the supporting characters can be just as important as the main ones. I don't know i haven't realized it until recently that i feel exactly what shes feeling. i've been through it before and it's a painful process, we seen her go through it.....but after that you feel more alive, happy, and you want to be with people who love you and would do anything to make them happy.

Here i go again; i'm sorry about that again, i think i'm going to sleep for three days(or something like that) maybe that will put me more sane again so till then see ya SusanoSasori.

Nakajitos

It's not so much an issue about being likable or no; Shirai was a loner, who cared nothing about others at all. She had no need for friends, and teaching was just a job for her. She has become a more sociable person, and developed friendly and intimate relationships with other people... something she didn't do before.