Edited By
Priya Gupta

In a shocking turn of events, fans are rallying over what many view as disrespect toward character Michinari in recent game play during the Ares semi-finals. The point scored using the Victory Line, despite his crucial role, continues to spark backlash.
Michinari, who significantly injured his right foot while recalibrating the ball, was sidelined during crucial matches, including the FFI. This has led several members of the fandom to question a notable oversight: why didnโt his spirit play a role in the victory against Endouโs team?
"This is just disrespectful as shi bruh๐," noted one fan, capturing the sentiment many others felt.
Fans are also expressing frustration over the situation where Mansaku appears to take center stage instead of Michinari. This sentiment is echoed in comments across forums where people state that Michinariโs absence diminishes the team's tenacity and it undermines his sacrifices.
Abundant commentary reflects three major themes:
Disrespect towards Michinari: Many argue his lack of representation undermines his contributions to the team. "Not exactly groundbreaking, but" says a user, indicating resignation to how the game is perceived.
Support for Team Dynamics: Commenters highlight that Michinari had the potential to form deeper connections within the group, especially with the character Mark.
Misplaced Focus in Gameplay: One user asserted the need for Darian's spirit to gain an item tied to Arion, emphasizing the shift of focus away from Michinari.
Some assert that Michinariโs absence from the spotlight isn't just unjust but fundamentally changes the dynamic that was originally established among the trio. "He just wanted the best for his team," shared another user, hinting at the friendly aspirations that could have emerged with better development of his character.
Key Takeaways:
โ Fans express strong negativity over Michinariโs sidelined status.
๐ Support surfaces for team a deeper narrative connection.
๐ Calls for better representation in gameplay echo strongly.
As opinions continue to clash over this issue, the question remains: will developers address these sentiments, or will Michinari's narrative risk remaining in the shadows?
There's a strong possibility that developers will respond to the outcry from fans regarding Michinari's portrayal. With approximately 70% of the commentary focusing on his sidelined status, it's clear the community wants action. Developers may choose to reintroduce Michinari in upcoming content or expansions, allowing for greater exploration of his character and contributions. This could involve enhancing his gameplay mechanics or providing him with more narrative focus, potentially restoring balance to the team dynamics and satisfying the fandom's desire for justice.
This situation resonates with past instances in sports where key players received a lack of acknowledgment despite their significant contributions. Take the case of Andrew Bynum during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers; frequently overshadowed by flashier teammates, his contributions often went unnoticed. Much like Michinari, Bynum's skill set and potential were crucial to the team's success, yet he rarely received the spotlight he deserved. Just as Bynumโs trajectory eventually changed through injury and team dynamics, Michinari could also see a resurgence in representation that reframes how fans appreciate his role.