Cover image: Tohru Honda & Kyo Sohma | TMS Entertainment
One of my most cherished anime, Fruits Basket, has been buzzing around in my head more often than usual. So, with no other correct response, I searched Crunchyroll for the wholesome romance anime and pressed play.
For those of you who have already finished the series once before, you are aware of the certain dynamic between our main character, Tohru, and our potential love interest, Kyo. You also might remember that there was another potential love interest, Yuki.
If you are anything like me (Team Rhysand and Team Damon from the beginning), then you might have already though Kyo and Tohru were the obvious end game. However, for most viewers, there was once an even run between Kyo and Yuki when it came to Tohru’s heart.
But, as I continued onto the second episode, I realized how obvious it was that Tohru was destined to be with the once stubborn and hard-headed cat zodiac.
So, here are a few key reasons that Tohru was meant to be with Kyo from the first 5 episodes of Fruits Basket.
The Story Of The Cat Zodiac
At the beginning of the first episode, Tohru’s mother, Kyoko, shares the story of the cat zodiac. By the end of the story, Tohru claims that she is now a cat, rather than a dog, her true birth zodiac.
Even from the beginning, Tohru promised herself to the cat zodiac, without even knowing that she would one day meet the zodiacs.
In fact, she is so dedicated to the cat zodiac that at the beginning of the first episode, she notices a zodiac rock collection on the Sohma’s porch and sadly states that it is another set without the cat zodiac. Shigure, the dog zodiac, finds this remark strange and even states that “he” (in reference to Kyo) will find that interesting.
Being Recognized By The Cat Zodiac
Since she wants to be a cat instead of a dog, Tohru wants to be liked by the cat zodiac, Kyo. However, she seems to keep stepping on his tail (pun intended) and assumes that Kyo doesn’t like her.
While this may seem like her motivation to get Kyo’s approval rests in her pre-existing love for the cat zodiac, it can easily be read as foreshadowing for their love.
Kyo’s Soft Spot For Tohru
Kyo is seen as his angry self from the beginning, but he has a few tone shifts when it comes to Tohru.
The first major setting was when Tohru was walking home from work and Kyo asked to walk her home. While he doesn’t outright apologize, Tohru picks up on his unspoken words and accepts the non-apology apology.
The next time we are introduced to another side of Kyo is when he talks about his time training. On the roof, Kyo’s eyes brighten and he becomes enthusiastic about his time spent training with his sensei. Tohru understands he has a strong desire for his martial arts training and even notices that he respects his sensei.
Kyo’s tone shifts are not reserved for big moments, but are also scattered throughout the show. Most of his flustered animations (often accented by a small cat chibi) are in the proximity of Tohru.
The Rice Ball In The Fruits Basket
At the start of episode 5, Tohru reflects on her childhood after thinking that she was never a bright kid.
In the flashback, a child assigns the other children names of various fruits. He tells Tohru that she is a rice ball. The children’s fruit is then called throughout the game, but no one ever calls for the rice ball.
By the end of the episode, the story comes to a happy conclusion about Kyo and Yuki finally choosing her, the rice ball.
However, while this story feels like it can be counted positively towards Kyo and Yuki, it is more relevant for the story of Kyo and Tohru.
The story reveales that, like Kyo, Tohru is used to being an outcast. Despite Kyo’s rebellion against the pressure is more aggressive and Tohru’s is more positive-minded, both suffer in their own ways and continue to preserve.
Nothing like some shared trauma to bring a couple closer!
Tohru and Kyo Forever!
As Fruits Basket progresses, it becomes more and more apparent that Tohru is destined to be with Kyo. However, it is important to recognize the foreshadowing that was established from the very beginning.
What is your favorite Kyo and Tohru scene? Who do you think Tohru should have been with? Let us know in the comments!
Leave a Reply