The BEST episodes written by Atsuo Ishino
#1 - Unyielding Pirate
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 8 - Episode 20
The third day of the U20 begins, where Henri gets starstruck when he faces Am Chouno. Despite the disadvantage her Granblue deck has against Henri's, Am defeats and then gives him a Rummy Labyrinth keychain. Afterwards, she, Luna, and Saya get reacquainted with Tokoha, Kumi, and Enishi.
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#2 - The Light from Before
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 8 - Episode 30
The U20 continues into its second stage. Dubbed the Castle Royale, fighters will battle each other in a five-tiered castle area. The first four teams to reach the top of the castle and have the highest amount of points will then advance to the final stage. Furthermore, unlike the first stage, once a fighter loses a match, they will be eliminated with no chance of returning into battle. As the Castle Royale goes underway, Taiyou fights and loses to Team Diffrider's Verno Farenheart.
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#3 - Smile of Queen and Schemes
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 8 - Episode 5
The one who Shion hopes to recruit to Fukuhara's Vanguard club is Rin Hashima, but doing so is not an easy task. Hayao requests for Rin to join, which she initially refuses, but he manages to catch her interest when he mentions that Mamoru Anjou will come teach the club. Later that afternoon, Rin comes to the clubroom before Mamoru does, and Shion coaxes her into playing against Hayao. While the two have their cardfight, Mamoru appears, and Shion tricks him into believing that Rin is a member of the club and she is training with Hayao. As a result, Rin reluctantly becomes an official club member.
#4 - The Flower Will Bloom Radiantly
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 8 - Episode 9
Along with a disguised Jaime, Tokoha returns to Japan to form her team for the U20. She recruits her best friend Kumi Okizaki and Satoru Enishi, who has been working at the Dragon Empire Branch, wishing to show people the appeal of Vanguard. Tokoha visits Card Capital 2 where she reunites with Chrono and Taiyou and also meets Kazuma. Wanting to know more about Kazuma, she decides to have a cardfight with him. Although Kazuma tries his hardest, Tokoha manages to win. She offers him a handshake afterwards, but Kazuma refuses it and leaves, frustrated by his lack of power as a cardfighter.
#5 - Battlefield!! First Stage
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 8 - Episode 15
The U20 begins with its first stage, the Cray Scramble, in which fighters are scattered across a virtual field resembling the planet Cray. They will have to search for and battle other fighters to gain points, and the first sixteen teams to get fifty points will qualify for the second stage. Defeated fighters are temporarily eliminated but can be brought back if a fellow team member gets a win. As the first stage progresses, Chrono meets Team New Nippon, a group who admires and models itself after Team Nippon. He fights the leader of New Nippon, Arata Nishizawa, and defeats him. When the first day ends, everyone is stunned when they learn that Onimaru's Team Diffrider has already advanced with Onimaru beating Shion and Tokoha in the process.
#6 - Cherry Trees Blossom on Far-Away Mountains
Chihayafuru - Season 2 - Episode 23
As both Arata and Shinobu make it to the Class A finals, Chihaya is torn between watching their match or watching Taichi and Tsutomu in their respective finals. Although Yusei suggests that Chihaya should watch Arata's match, she instead goes with Kana to support Taichi as he faces against Rion. Taichi ends up becoming focused on trying to finish his match quickly so Chihaya can see Arata's match, causing his play to become sloppy. However, he manages to get back in the game by focusing on his desire to one day beat Chihaya and wins the Class B tournament. Afterwards, Taichi attempts to bring Chihaya to Arata's match, but she instead cries with delight over Taichi making it to Class A.
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#7 - The Face Of Determination
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 10
As the fight with Sawamura draws near, Ippo has pinned all his hopes on the newly-evolved Dempsey Roll, to the point where practicing it has left him worn out and overtrained. Left with a dire warning from his massage therapist about the toll his new move is taking, will Ippo be able to perfect his technique in time for the fight?!
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#8 - Ibuki's Mugwort Blazes, a Pyre Laps at My Poor Heart
Chihayafuru - Season 2 - Episode 11
Yusei becomes upset when Tsutomu settles for his suggestion way too easily, as he only mentioned it because he felt Tsutomu was drifting into a supporting role. After reading up on her opponents, Chihaya agrees to use the same order as the previous match, as she feels Tsutomu needs a rest from his scouting. Mizusawa soon begin their match against Shoyo High School, in which one loss means they lose. Whilst initially overwhelmed by Shoyo's speed, Misuzawa manage to make a comeback and win, thanks to the notes Tsutomu gathered from a team who lost to Shoyo. Meanwhile, Arata is allowed to participate in the individuals on the condition that he write an essay of apology and not be allowed to cheer on Chihaya and Taichi in exchange. As Misuzawa prepare for their semi-final match against Akashi Girls School, which features former Queen representative Megumu Ousaka, Tsutomu manages to deduce information about the other players based on Sumire's seemingly obscure notes.
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#9 - To Tago-no-Ura
Chihayafuru - Season 2 - Episode 15
Kana reveals her finger had become swollen during the last match, but assures Chihaya that luck is on their side as she concedes her position to Akihiro. Meanwhile, there is a lot of tension on the Fujisaki team as one of their third year players is taken out in favor of a girl named Rion Yamashiro, who had been spectating Misuzawa's match and is paired against Chihaya for the final match. Before the finals and third-play playoffs begin, Hiro visits Arata, informing him of Chihaya reaching the finals, though he remains firm in keeping to his agreed punishment. Irritated by Arata's words, Shinobu goes to spectate the finals as they begin.
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#10 - ROUND 8
Hi Score Girl - Season 1 - Episode 8
With tours of historic landmarks over for the day, Haruo sneaks off alone to the city of Osaka to compete in the Super Street Fighter II X tournament.
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#11 - A Savage Scenario
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 9
Volg has return to Japan to take back his boxing gloves from Ippo. He hopes to travel to America, but with no contacts there he must rely on Coach Kamogawa to introduce him to someone. The gang at the gym asks Volg to spar with Ippo to help him prepare for the Sawamura fight, but after such a long time away from the ring, can the Russian get in fighting shape in time?
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#12 - Golden Eagle
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 16
While Takamura approaches his physical limits as he cuts weight for his upcoming world title match, the American champion David Eagle arrives in Japan. Talented, dedicated, respectful, and honorable, he exudes the aura of a true champion.
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#13 - Transfer Experiment
Muv-Luv Alternative - Season 1 - Episode 6
In order to help Professor Kouzuki fulfil her plans for Alternative IV, Takeru partakes in an experiment designed to send him back to his home world.
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#14 - The Distance Between Me and Glory
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 6
Imae, cowed by Aoki’s fearsome new move, suddenly realizes what it is Aoki has that he lacks. Summoning up all the energy he has left, he faces his challenger once again. As the fight drags on, will Imae retain his championship, or will Aoki finally reach the belt?
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#15 - Comrades
Muv-Luv Alternative - Season 1 - Episode 4
Takeru's efforts to change the future are starting to have an effect, as the 207th's Tactical Surface Fighters show up earlier than in the previous timeline. And if an idea he's cooking up works, it might make them even more effective weapons against the BETA.
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#16 - Melancholy
Harem in the Labyrinth of Another World - Season 1 - Episode 10
Exploring labyrinths, making money by gathering items, coming up with efficient combat strategies, and preparing delicious meals using meat dropped by monsters. Michio has established a daily routine in this isekai. Everything has gone smoothly for him until now, but an encounter with a young man in a labyrinth forces him to face the harsh reality of this world.
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#17 - Complication
Golden Kamuy - Season 1 - Episode 7
During the battle with the hunters, Sugimoto is separated from Asirpa. Nihei abandons the wounded Tanigaki and tries to use Asirpa as bait to lure Retar. But just when Nihei thinks he's won the battle, another wolf appears and rips open his neck!
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#18 - Empowering Words
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 14
Ippo visits Dr. Yamaguchi and learns the full extent of the damage caused by the evolved Dempsey Roll. As he walks home on crutches, Umezawa drives by and gives him a lift. Ippo's relief is short-lives, however, as Umezawa suddenly reveals he plans to quit working on the Makunouchi fishing boat!
#19 - Tengu City, Five Years Ago
Date A Live - Season 3 - Episode 9
On a mission to avert disaster, Shido attempts to rewrite history. Can he stop Origami's crazed rampage or are her parents doomed to die?
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#20 - The Unfinished New Counter
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 18
It's the semifinal match, Miyata vs. Dachboy, and the Miyata camp recognizes a familiar face in the opponent's corner... Mister Sakaguchi, the former manager of the boxer Miyata beat for the OPBF title!
#21 - Crystal
Harem in the Labyrinth of Another World - Season 1 - Episode 5
Michio enters the labyrinth with Roxanne and learns more about the world. He realizes the actions he'd been taking based on assumptions have been terribly inefficient. With the knowledge he learned from Roxanne, common video game strategy, and skill settings, Michio develops a method to efficiently make money.
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#22 - The State of the World
Muv-Luv Alternative - Season 1 - Episode 1
An alien invasion begins in the 1970s, creating a worldwide crisis. In the late 1990s, beings dubbed BETAs begin their invasion of Japan, and human forces for counterattack are very limited.
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#23 - Transformation
Date A Live - Season 3 - Episode 4
Natsumi uses her powers to turn the girls into children. But their plan to convince Natsumi that her true form is cute turns out to be no child's play at all.
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#24 - New Home
Harem in the Labyrinth of Another World - Season 1 - Episode 8
Michio's party arrives in the town of Quratar located near the Imperial City famous for its large labyrinth. Due to its location, many Explorers live in the town, and it seems like a good base of operations for future adventuring. If they could just find a quiet reasonably-priced detached home... Then Michio could enjoy his life with Roxanne even more!
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#25 - Bath
Harem in the Labyrinth of Another World - Season 1 - Episode 9
Michio moves his home base to Quratar and begins his new life. Having completed their preliminary inspection of the labyrinth, Michio and Roxanne decide to make a farm at the house so they can grow herbs. The two of them spend an entire day completing the work, and by the end of it, both of them are covered in dirt. Michio goes out shopping for a washtub so Roxanne can wash their clothes, and a conversation with the shopkeeper inspires Michio to create the bathroom of his dreams.
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#26 - Despair Comes Crashing Down
Date A Live - Season 3 - Episode 5
The Humpty Dumpty satellite has a great fall towards Tengu City. Will Natsumi realize her own self-worth before the city is reduced to rubble?
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#27 - The Goddess of Victory
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 4
After an infuriating face-off with Imae, Aoki turns to his girlfriend Tomiko for comfort. Meanwhile, Imae chooses to focus all his energy on boxing and his upcoming title defense, rebuffing his former girlfriend Sachiko’s attempts to rekindle their romance. Will Tomiko’s support carry Aoki to victory, or will Imae’s intense focus keep the belt on his waist?
#28 - A Storm Descends on Makunouchi Fishing Boat
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 15
To celebrate Ippo's win and recovery, the whole gym gang hops aboard the Makunouchi Fishing Boat for a fun fishing trip. Yagi suggests they liven things up with a little contest, and suddenly a relaxing afternoon turns into an all-out war!
#29 - Resolve
Muv-Luv Alternative - Season 1 - Episode 10
As Takeru and the 207th Training Flight escort the Shogun across Japan, Professor Yuuko's personal task force fights a desperate battle to keep the rebels off their tails.
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#30 - Striders VS Jaime Flowers
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 8 - Episode 43
Striders and Jaime Flowers fighting for the second semi-final. A fight with gratitude to Kumi's friends and feelings for Vanguard hunts down Taiyo.
#31 - Dragon of Awakening
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 8 - Episode 48
In the semi-final, Saori fights coldly with hatred that resembles murderous intent. The dragon is now "awakening" to overcome the cold and smoldering wall of flames and seize the world he seeks.
#32 - Evil Deity Bishop, Gastille
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 9 - Episode 11
Chronos who were holding a Christmas party for Arata who returned to Japan. However, behind the scenes, Ibuki and Gastir's life-threatening fight begins.
#33 - Overlord's Purge
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 9 - Episode 6
Paddle, Arata, and Makoto, who search for the apostles' hideouts, join Kamui and Misaki and invade the apostle's secret laboratory. What was waiting there was Wakamizu, who turned into a defrider.
#34 - Oath of Striders
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 8 - Episode 40
Chrono and Taiyo are looking back on the trajectory of the battle at U20 for the final stage that is about to begin. Kazuma joins there, and the Striders solidify their determination before the final battle.
#35 - Fukuhara's Choice
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 8 - Episode 36
The second day of the second stage begins. Although the Fukuhara club decided to avoid the stronger teams including Chrono's, Henri cardfights Verno. Upon learning this, Shion rushes over to Henri, who tells him to play Vanguard the way he wants and not for Fukuhara's best interest. After Henri shockingly defeats Verno, Shion catches up to Chrono and challenges him.
#36 - Turbulence!! Q4 vs NwO
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 10 - Episode 8
The shop battle begins with Card Capital's representative, Team Q4, facing off against Voyage's representative, Team NwO. Gouki Daimonji and his sister Nagisa are the first members that Q4 needs to defeat.
#37 - Battle of Men!!
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 10 - Episode 11
Kamui Katsuragi and Gouki Daimonji battle in the deciding match. While trying to defeat Gouki, Kamui recalls what Gouki once said to him.
#38 - FRIEND
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 10 - Episode 15
Asaka Narumi of Team AL4 appears at Card Capital looking for the place that Kai belongs. Foreseeing that, Miwa faces Asaka and the Asteroids in an attempt to keep them away from Kai.
#39 - Abyss of Darkness
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 10 - Episode 21
Teams Q4 and AL4 gather at the Asteroid headquarters. Kai fights Ren in a decisive battle to protect Aichi. The battle begins between Kai, who denies the power of PSYqualia, and Ren, who is overflowing with that power.
#40 - Vanguard Abnormality!? Unit Encyclopedia!!
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 10 - Episode 26
Aichi's friends see him off as he heads towards the Asia Circuit as a representative of Japan. Meanwhile, in a mysterious dimension, familiar units and the clans they belong to are introduced.
#41 - Vanguard Koshien
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 10 - Episode 33
Naoki and his powered up deck faces the experienced idol, Suiko. During the intense fight, "Takuto Tatsunagi" from the "Tatsunagi Foundation" makes his appearance.
#42 - True Strength
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 10 - Episode 39
The invasion of the PSYqualia zombies spreads towards Card Capital. Kai brings forth the power of a new Overlord in order to save Kamui and the others who have become PSYqualia zombies.
#43 - Entangled Fate
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 10 - Episode 44
Aichi finally awakens as the strongest PSYqualia zombie. Kai, Ren, and friends head for the Tatsunagi mansion upon contact from Misaki, but the one who stands in their way is none other than Ibuki.
#44 - Kai's Memory
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 10 - Episode 48
PSYqualia zombie Aichi fights against Ibuki. The ability and anger contained within them clash at full force, but as the abnormal fight unfolds......
#45 - Vanguard Abnormality?! Unit Encyclopedia Grade 2!!
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 10 - Episode 52
The battle between the vanguards and the 2 planets...... isn't over? The "little ones" have been called forth by the popularity once more...... to recreate that tournament that wasn't reached in the main series
#46 - Beyond Globalization!
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 11 - Episode 4
It's the final battle of the challenge. With his way with words, Tatewaki Naitou, the Student Council president, makes Aichi Sendou his adviser. Can Misaki Tokura overcome the odds and save the club against such powerful adversaries?
#47 - Decisive Fight!!
Cardfight!! Vanguard - Season 11 - Episode 13
It's the final match of the Vanguard Koshien, between Naoki Ishida and Kouji Ibuki! Because of Naoki's overwhelming and passionately burning feelings during the fight, Kourin Tatsunagi herself has an intense feeling welling up inside of her.