"I don't hate Pokemon, it's just that… Digimon has a deeper plot," Yuki says, crossing his arms, "The chosen children literally face the digital apocalypse. And they have growth arcs, they start one way and end another."
Sakura laughs, taking a sip from her soda can. "Growth arcs? What arcs? They have, like, ten episodes to become adults, the only thing that grows there are weapons sprouting, if you compare it to Ash's evolution in Pokemon, you realize the true work of a hero. A boy who goes from city to city, without losing enthusiasm, in an endless quest. That's adventure. That's true evolution, my friend."
Yuki rolls his eyes, but next to him, Ryo continues. "And the battles? Pokemon wins in charisma and action. Creatures have personalities."
"Sure, but Digimon have EVOLUTIONS that mean something, not just 'I want my pocket monster to become a bigger pocket monster,'" Takumi replies, mimicking an exaggerated tone. "Digimon evolve and even regress depending on the emotional situation. You don't see Pikachu turning back into Pichu just because Ash missed an attack."
Yuki: "And please, the stories. Digimon gives you an existential crisis at ten years old, while Pokémon is... what? Catching another Caterpie and hoping Pikachu learns another electric move?"
Ryo snorts. "Oh, sure, and with existential crises so good that no one even knows the names of the Digimon characters! Meanwhile, everyone knows who Ash, Misty, and Brock are. They're memorable!"
"They're forgettable," Takumi retorts, "Pokémon lives on repeating formulas. Digimon doesn't get stuck. Each season brings different characters and contexts. It's a new adventure, not an endless pilgrimage of Ash Ketchum."
"Repetition is a symbol of commitment," Sakura says, tapping her finger on the table. "Ash has a mission. The chosen one? Who's next in line? It's like a soap opera, only the cast changes."
Ryo laughs, taking advantage of the opportunity. "Let me get this straight: Takumi doesn't like Pokémon because he hates stability and thrives on change?"
Takumi opens his mouth to retort, but Yuki is already laughing, turning to Ryo. "There, settled. Digimon is the choice of conservatives."
And while Takumi protests that it's nothing like that, the group continues to provoke each other, exchanging arguments that only increase the tone of the discussion and the laughter among everyone.
The discussion quickly got out of control, turning into an open war of arguments. Now, they were not only defending their points, but attacking each other's without mercy.
"Okay, but let's be honest, Takumi," Sakura says, with a smile that suggests she's going to get tough. "Digimon is becoming a repetitive soap opera with hundreds of unnecessary characters. Who remembers the names of anyone besides Tai and Agumon? Or rather, does anyone really understand the logic behind that evolution they call a plot mechanism?"
Takumi leans forward, eyes narrowed. "And Pokémon is better, is that it? For the love of God, Sakura! Ash spent ten years at a Pokémon school in Alola and still didn't know how to use a potion properly! Twenty years of career, not a single League won until very recently, and look at how desperate they are to keep it the same since 1998. Pokémon has had the same formula since we were born! And what about the fillers? At least in Digimon, every arc is well-tied!"
"Yes, well-tied," Sakura quips, crossing her arms. "Like that time when the villains in Digimon are defeated by… children's prayers? Was that really it? I remember that scene well, Ryo. It wasn't a strategy game, but a miracle sponsored by faith. That's what you're defending."
"Oh, of course, Pokémon is so much better," Yuki retorts, turning to her. "Like that time when Pikachu loses to a level one Snivy! Do you really think Pokémon has any logic? It's all about cute animal merchandising, don't come here and talk about the plot."
Ryo decides to return to the discussion with full force. "What about the villains in Digimon, then? Stereotypes with curves and heels! Every villain looks like they've been taken from an old fanservice catalog! Pokémon may not be perfect, but at least it respects the young audience."
"Respect?" Takumi laughs, exaggeratedly loud. "Does this respect include releasing ten versions of the same game with tiny differences and expecting us to buy them all? Pokémon is the worst kind of exploitation: it's shameless capitalism, so the communist of the group will defend it."
"Oh, because Digimon never does that," Sakura retorts. "Every season is just an excuse to sell new dolls! And don't even try to say that it's for the love of the plot. The clothes and powers change just to put more product on the shelf!"
They look at each other in silence for a few seconds, almost genuinely offended. But suddenly, Ryo bursts out laughing.
"Okay, okay. Maybe they're both profiteering franchises, whatever." He leans back, relaxing. "But are they going to say that's not part of the fun?"
Yuki rolls his eyes, but can't help but laugh along. Takumi crosses his arms, muttering something like "I still think Digimon is better." Sakura gives him a little shove on the shoulder, and as he turns to look, she pinches his rib.
Takumi holds out the sheet of paper scribbled with numbers one through ten. With a smile, he begins his explanation:
"Okay, guys, we have ten episodes in the 'Planet of the Clone' arc. Each of us gets two... except Ryo, who gets four, since he needs to 'be funny to the editor', right?" Takumi says, giving a sarcastic smile.
Ryo rolled his eyes, but couldn't resist keeping his tone: "Someone needs to ensure quality around here, right?"
"Right, right." Yuki interrupted, already impatient. "What's the division going to be?"
Takumi explained the main points of each episode, while the others took notes. However, as soon as he finished, he saw Sakura's eyes light up as she pointed to episodes 6 and 7.
"I'll have these! The episodes where the clones discover their origins, where they start to realize their own differences. You can explore the whole identity thing in a unique way," Sakura said, grabbing the sheet.
Ryo didn't wait a second to intervene: "6 and 7?! These episodes are essential to build the mood I want in the end. And, let's face it, who better to create that tone than me? Sakura, you're going to end up making the whole thing seem like a cheap romance!"
Sakura frowned, but tried to remain calm: "Sorry, Ryo, but I already know exactly how these episodes are going to be. I can make it more than just a 'cheap romance', it's going to be the turning point for all the clones' reflection."
Yuki snorted, interrupting the fight: "Episode 3! This episode here," she pointed out enthusiastically, "has to have a strong rhythm. It's where the clones start to confront the differences that will explode later. I'm going to make this an existential drama that will make any other arc boring. Leave it to me."
Takumi scratched his head, hesitating: "But I had thought about making 3, actually. I'm thinking of something that introduces their crisis in a funny way, but also sets the stage for chaos later. That's my kind of thing!"
Yuki gave him a defiant look. "If you want it so much, Takumi, you'll have to take it from me."
"Okay, no need to be so dramatic..." he laughed awkwardly, and gave in. "Go ahead, go for it. I'll take episode 5, then, when they start debating the meaning of existence. It might be cool to bring the humor in that direction."
Sakura sighed. "Okay, Ryo, you take 6 and 7, since you like clones so much. But don't spoil the mystery, please."
Ryo nodded with a satisfied smile, before pointing to the beginning of the series. "Well, I'll take episodes 1, 2 and 4. I need to set the tone from the beginning so the arc works as a whole. And the ending, of course." He winked. "Episode 10 is mine. Only someone with a vision can wrap this up."
Takumi looked at the list and noticed a problem: "Guys..." he hesitated. "That leaves episode 8, the one about their moral dilemma about their own purpose. It's heavy and kind of philosophical..." He expected someone to raise their hand.
Silence fell, but Yuki just snorted, adjusting his glasses: "Honestly, I don't care. It's far from my dramatic vibe."
Sakura didn't seem very interested either: "I'd pass," she said bluntly.
"And I'm the only one who can wrap this up with quality," Ryo shrugged.
Takumi sighed, accepting his fate: "Okay, okay... I'll take 8 too. If no one wants it, I'll find a way."
And with that, everyone sat down in their place and started writing.
A few hours later, Takumi approached Ryo's desk, holding his notebook with several ideas scribbled on it and an excited smile. "Ryo, I got an idea for episode 8! Just think... the clones' dilemma could be a kind of trial between themselves. Each clone has a different idea of what it means to live, and then they debate, like a court, to decide if they should continue to exist. That will be the central point of their crisis, you know? Like a philosophical court."
Ryo looked at Takumi over his glasses, listening intently. He crossed his arms and gave a corner of his mouth a smirk. "Hm, interesting... But tell me, Takumi, have you seen 'Psycho-Pass'? Or even the courtroom arc in 'Hunter x Hunter'? It's basically the same concept of a trial of existences, you know?" He paused, watching his friend's expression fall slightly. "I think we could give it a different twist. A courtroom itself has become kind of a cliché. But the essence of your idea is good! Maybe explore the dilemma in a more... subtle way?"
Takumi sighed, slumping his shoulders, but smiled, recognizing the ring of truth in Ryo's comment: "Yeah, you're right, that idea has been used too much... Thanks, Ryo. I'll go back to my desk and see what I can do."
"Go for it. And think big, Takumi," Ryo replied with a smile, as Takumi returned to his desk, determined to make the episode more unique.
After two more hours of sketches, doodling, and seemingly endless brainstorming, Takumi finally felt satisfied with his new idea. He was confident that he now had something unique, something that finally escaped the clichés.
Excited, he walked over to Ryo's desk, but soon realized that Ryo and Sakura had gone out to lunch. Sighing and shrugging, Takumi turned to Yuki, who was still deep in his notes, reviewing the outlines for episode 6.
"What's up, Charizard? I think I've got a decent idea for episode 8 now," Takumi said, holding up the notebook as if it were a groundbreaking discovery.
Yuki looked up, slightly surprised by Takumi's enthusiasm. "Bring it on, Angemon. What did you think?"
"Here," Takumi began, lowering his tone to create an air of suspense. "The episode begins with the clones gathering in a sacred place, a temple of sorts, and there they discover that they are not actually clones, but fragments of the memories of an ancient being. Each clone represents an emotion or regret, and they are trapped in an eternal cycle of repeating these feelings. They must resolve their own internal conflicts, but only one of them can 'inherit' all the memories and, in a way, become 'the original.' Like a collective sacrifice where the last clone 'absorbs' all the others."
Yuki blinked a few times, trying to assimilate the volume of information. "Wait a minute... So, each clone is basically an embodied feeling? And the story is going to turn into something existential, with them debating which feeling is worth more?"
"That's right! Exactly! And in the end, only the strongest can continue. It's self-sabotage, but also an acceptance of one's own nature.
Yuki scratched his head and, after thinking for a moment, shook his head with a sideways smile. "That sounds… kind of absurd, Takumi. It's like that arc in 'Zetsuen no Tempest', remember? They try so hard to escape their fate that they end up heading towards it anyway. The story becomes so full of layers and metaphors that the audience gets lost. I think you've gone around it so much that you've ended up stumbling back into the cliché."
Takumi was silent for a moment, digesting the comment. He sighed, but laughed at himself, knowing that Yuki was right. "Yeah, maybe I exaggerated a little…"
Yuki patted Takumi on the shoulder, encouraging him. "Just try to make it more accessible, you know? Sometimes, the simplest approach ends up being the most impactful."
Takumi nodded, thanked him, and returned to his desk once more, notebook in hand and with a thoughtful look, ready to give his episode 8 another chance.
It was already three in the afternoon when Takumi put down his pen, stretching his arms with a satisfied smile. He took a deep breath, analyzing his notes for the hundredth time and feeling the emotion bubble up. This time, he was confident that he had gotten it right. He stood up, his body tense with anticipation, notebook firmly in hand, and headed towards Ryo's desk.
On his way, he passed Sakura, who was so focused that she didn't even notice Takumi's presence beside her. She was absorbed in her own script, scribbling a chikorita while rereading her text. Takumi watched her for a moment, noticing her intensity, the way she immersed herself without hesitation in what she was creating.
An idea flashed through his mind. He looked at her drafts, remembering several classic scenes and their re-imagined versions. In an instant, a new idea formed—not a replica, but something born from the essence of those stories, something that turned everything he had ever seen upside down.
His heart raced and he tightened his fingers around the notebook. Without thinking, Takumi turned around and ran back to his desk. He sat down, spread out papers, and his hands danced over the pages in a feverish rush. Each scene emerged with more clarity, a sequence that shattered the expectations of anyone watching. He was certain that this was unlike anything else.
As soon as he finished, Takumi grabbed the notebook with force and went straight to Ryo's desk, who was absorbed in something on the monitor.
He stopped beside Ryo and, still out of breath, without waiting for permission, began to explain. But instead of describing the idea, his eyes sparkled as he spoke of the nuances: the carefully constructed suspense, the plot points that held the attention, the dialogue that, however subtle, said it all.
Ryo, who at first seemed merely curious, slowly leaned in, listening with growing interest. He gave a smirk, one of those rare ones, and finally said: "Now, that's an idea no one has seen before."
Sakura looked up at the enthusiasm in Takumi's voice and approached, curious. "Wait a minute, Takumi," she interrupted, with a slight smile. "What is this idea that's making you like this?"
Takumi straightened his posture, visibly pleased with the attention of both, and began to explain, diving into every detail. "So, imagine that in episode 8, instead of having a direct conflict, the clones begin to notice, little by little, the subtle differences between them. But, instead of creating resistance or revolt, they become obsessed with correcting these differences, convinced that this is a 'defect'. Only each one has a different idea of what is 'perfect'. They begin to change themselves, each trying to become more like the other. And in the end, this obsession leads to self-destruction, because no one can truly become identical to the others."
Sakura and Ryo exchanged glances, each recognizing, in their own way, the freshness and depth of that proposal.
Sakura laughed, impressed. "That's pretty deep for a Digimon fan. A great idea. The total denial of what makes them unique."
Takumi smiled, feeling the approval of his colleagues. The idea was original, and even with references to other successes, it was unique – a dark reflection of the struggle for identity and the impossibility of absolute conformity.
Takumi stretches his arms, letting out a satisfied sigh, convinced that he has finally mastered episode 8. He looks around, enjoying the silence of the studio and the feeling of duty accomplished. When Ryo appears, smiling suspiciously, Takumi smiles back, proud.
"Are you resting, Takumi?" Ryo asks, raising an eyebrow. "Have you finished the script yet?"
"Sure, sure!" Takumi pushes the sheets of paper towards him with an air of superiority. But as soon as Ryo takes them, his expression changes to an amused smile.
Ryo flips through the papers and stops in the middle of the second page. "Dude... you just wrote some speech bubbles, is that it?"
Takumi feels his blood run cold.
Ryo sighs, pointing to his monitor, where four completed script files are flashing back at him. "While you were writing half a dozen lines, the rest of us finished our episodes. Including me, who wrote four."
"Four?" Takumi stammers, with a forced smile, trying to swallow his rising panic.
Ryo smiles, patting Takumi on the back. "Yeah, four. But at least we'll finish this one, right?"
Takumi swallows hard and feels the weight of the day come crashing down on him. As Ryo walks away, he slumps in his chair, staring at the empty screen, the phrase "Episode 5" flashing on a blank document.
He thinks: I haven't even started the other one yet…
Takumi walked through the empty office, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the stillness of the rooms. With a sigh of satisfaction, he left the pile of scripts on Ryo's desk, neatly stacked. The work was done, and for the first time in days, he felt like he could relax.
Leaving the building, he crossed the gate and went to the bus stop, where he sat down on one of the benches. It was already night. Takumi took his cell phone out of his pocket to pass the time, but it was when he held it that he noticed something different. There, on the back of the device, was a small sticker he had never seen before: a Chikorita, with round eyes and a cute expression, was looking at him, as if she was observing him.
He couldn't help but laugh when he saw the sticker, holding the cell phone to analyze it more closely. The figure of the Chikorita was looking at him with an almost curious expression, full of unexpected sweetness. He thought for a moment, and then it dawned on him. It could only be her doing.
Takumi got on the bus with a smile still on his face, holding his cell phone as if he were keeping a little secret. The bus started to move, and he, distracted by his thoughts wandering through the routes, watched the city pass by through the window. Even without realizing it, his eyes returned to the Chikorita sticker several times, which made him smile again, just thinking about her.
PS: My favorite Pokémon is Bulbasaur. My favorite Digimon is Patamon.