Kizuna no Allele Episode 1+2: VTuber Academy

I originally planned on discussing this show when my most anticipated girl debuted but looks like it’ll be a while before that happens. Besides something happened in the 2nd episode worth checking out.

We began the show with the Hulk Hogan of VTubers herself and the namesake of the show, Kizuna Ai. We briefly got to see her announce an upcoming virtual concert and a neat performance. However, she mysteriously disappeared sometime after.

Our main heroine Miracle was a huge fan of Kizuna Hogan and hoped to one day become as cool as her. Unfortunately she had a long way to go. By the way the anime is a mix of regular 2D and VTuber style CG animation during skits and performances.

On her way to the VTuber School called ADEN we learned that after Kizuna Hogan’s disappearance 5 years ago someone else took her spot as the top star of the digital world, Ada. Miracle was shocked to hear many in the classroom preferred Ada over Kizuna and was confident there was good reason for Kizuna to go into hiding. She had hope one day the legend would return.

The teacher saw her resolved and remembered it’s her turn to put on a demo performance which Miracle did. The class liked it, including some high ranking VTuber in the school named Noelle. We got a glimpse of her behind the monitor watching Miracle’s stream but viewers know what she looks like thanks to the OP and ED. Anyway Miracle’s classmates egged her into requesting a collab with Noelle but she immediately refused to the shock of no one. It still stung.

Episode 2

While sulking she was cheered up by what sounded like Kizuna Hogan’s voice. Suddenly a portal appeared taking her to what looked like a virtual version of the greenhouse area or somewhere similar. There she met a pudgy fairy thing. It was rude but harmless. Miracle enjoyed rubbing the sleepy chub. Inspired by the sleepy thing Miracle too decided to take a nap.

When she woke up she had a similar situation seen in D4DJ S2. Those who know, know. The violet beauty Chris was fascinated by Miracle and quietly observed her taking photos of the napping beauty. Miracle said it’d be funny to upload a video of her singing in her sleep but upon hearing herself sleep sing she changed her mind.

While discussing courses to take Chris showed she took many explaining she followed whatever she’s interested in. Currently what she’s interested in was Miracle herself.

During Cybersecurity class the students were shown various VTuber avatars to study and be inspired by. Not copy/paste obviously because that violated copyright laws. As Miracle saw them she realized how little talent she felt she had. Chris simply said “You are cute”. Miracle thought she’s just cheering her up. She wasn’t. She just hit on her but Miracle didn’t notice. After class she asked to stay with Miracle but when Miracle’s tummy rumbled and it’s time for lunch she disappeared.

Ah yes. I haven’t talked about this person yet. In episode 1 before Miracle got to class she passed by a greenhouse and met a mysterious person with a cold aura. She didn’t know what to make of them and neither do I. Her interest in them looks like a token “chicks dig bad people” setup. We’ll see what happens but for now I don’t know what to say about them other than maybe them being a red herring, as in they’re Chris. It’s a crazy theory but something I may bring up again another time.

Back in the virtual world Miracle found Chris. As they discussed whether they’re friends or not Chris repeated her interest in Miracle, specifically after seeing her Yosuga performance. Something about her dancing drew Chris to her.

She thought doing it herself might give her an answer. To Miracle’s surprise when Chris said she could emulate the performance after only seeing it once she did just that. Even more people were impressed by Chris’ version than Miracle’s. The fact she did it so well in her first attempt made Miracle doubt herself even more but Chris was like “Doesn’t matter what others think. You were great. In fact I like your version even more so allow me to stay by your side.”

Fingers crossed this dynamic between Chris and Miracle isn’t dropped or lessened as the show progresses. Please have it be love at first sight basically.

I think the show is solid so far. Neither amazing nor bad. It’s comforting to watch and that’s all I need. Next time looks like Noelle will formally introduce herself.

By the way at the end of Episode 2 we got a VTuber skit featuring Miracle and her AI companion Vanity. I assume this will be a recurring thing going forward. Cool with me.