Inazuma Eleven Episode 11 Analysis (Kidou and Kageyama Scene)
This episode has been in my mind since I first watched it back in 2010, and I wasn’t sure why except from Kidou’s quote at the end of the scene.
I made an analysis of this scene because it was brought to my attention as I’m writing my current fic because it’s related all this family issues I’m currently relating with.
The scene starts with an interesting question from Kidou, “Who am I?“ after he has been doubting his abilities a lot, and, as Kidou’s adoptive father said, his capabilities as the successor of the Kidou Financial Group. He is doubting his entire existence, that which he was so sure of as we see in the first episode. The arrogant, powerful Kidou Yuuto, captain of the strongest middle school soccer team in the whole country.
Here, he looks vulnerable, and opened his heart to Kageyama, the one who is more like a father to him than his adoptive one.
And what does Kageyama answers?
“Don’t think about it?“
I don’t know about Kidou but I would be heartbroken to get this answer. Similarly, “it doesn’t matter” or “you are thinking about it too much” hold a similar meaning and impact. Kageyama doesn’t care about Kidou’s existential crisis, and he proves it with actions throughout the whole scene.
Kageyama proceeds to tell Kidou what he has to do, don’t disappoint him and his father. As if that’s the only rule he musn’t break. Kidou strikes me as Lawful in the ethical alignment, so I believe he feels a lot of pressure from both his mentor and adoptive father, adding to his current turbulent emotional state.
After Kageyama finished the flashback about Kidou’s past, he reassures Kidou he is useful (in my opinion, it is a way of easing Kidou’s growing despair so he doesn’t break completely) and he proceeds to remind him his place.
Kageyama isn’t trying to ease Kidou’s worries but merely showing him what Kidou already possess. He isn’t adding anything as if he doesn’t want Kidou to change, because a mindless tool is easier to use than one with it’s own moral compass.
If this isn’t abuse, then what is it? I have to say I really like their exchange, and it masks Kageyama’s abuse pretty well while showing it straight in our faces. And this is a show for children oh my god.
Kageyama then asks what else does he wants, and Kidou immediately replies “soccer”.
At this point I’m this close to punching the screen.
Kageyama completely dismisses Kidou’s desire to play soccer as something secondary. Like Kidou doesn’t have to play for fun, like he doesn’t have the right to have something he enjoys from the bottom of his heart. And he confirms this by saying the following,
In other words, soccer isn’t a fun sport for Kidou to enjoy, but serves for the bigger purpose of one of his main duties, succeeding the Kidou name.
Kageyama elaborates more on this.
According to Kageyama, in both soccer and economics, one wrong judgement equals downfall, not just your own, but all the people that depend on you.
Gosh dammit I cannot imagine how stressful it is to be told you will ruin lives if you make a mistake at the age of fourteen.
The full quote is, “By winning, you’ll continue to mature and be suitable for the Kidou name.“
It’s pretty damn clever for Kageyama for being able to stuff down Kidou’s throat, and justifying let’s not forget that, his own winning ideology using Kidou’s family as an excuse. Notice the sarcasm. But I’m actually impressed.
And finally, Kidou’s reply. But first, some details about Kidou’s actions so far. He had been pretty meek, and heard every word than came from Kageyama’s mouth. He has also been level-headed, but his subtle actions show his anger. Also, Kidou has been using keigo (polite language) with Kageyama this whole time, contrary when he’s around people his age. And he even makes and effort to stand up to him while still being polite.
Skipping Kidou’s biggest display of raw emotion (kya), Kageyama mocks Kidou’s sentimentality for being attached to the past (this hypocrite). Then, Kidou replies to Kageyama’s previous statement, “losing is unsightly“.
Kidou goes directly against Kageyama’s views, probably for the first time in his life, saying that losing is not unsightly if I do my best.
To which Kageyama replies with s fucking sigh. I’m sorry for that curse word. I’m so pissed.
The scene ends with Kageyama tackling Kidou’s first question and current doubt, “Who am I?“
Kidou Yuuto. Captain of the strongest middle school soccer team in the country and the heir of the Kidou Financial Group. Kageyama reminds him once again that is his place and he cannot escape, then leaves.
All in all, I love their exchange despite the feelings it arouses in me. I think it’s a great reference of good dialogue in fiction. Both hold their stance in the issue, creating sparks of conflict. Not the conflict you can see, but the internal, subtle conflict. Because not all conflict has to be two people screaming and hitting each other which doesn’t fit Kidou and Kageyama’s relationship at all. It’s a fight with words which doesn’t have a positive conclusion, leaving Kidou worse than before.
Feel free to add stuff and your own views!
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