Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-180.214.233.65-20141121100326/@comment-25908228-20141224215708

Well, maybe I'm necro-ing this thread, but excerpt from Medicuboid article: "It has many more pulse generated components than the NerveGear and its CPU far surpasses the processing speed of the AmuSphere. These superior specs can enhance the in-game abilities of the user, although Asuna does not suspect that this is the source of Yuuki's amazing skills."

Sure, Yuuki was practically 24/7 ingame for 3 years, but I imagine she would be using it as an alternative to the real world, to hang out with friends, chat and stuff. Enjoy as many virtual worlds as she can. Not relentlessly grinding in order to level up. I believe the desire to be remembered came after the situation took a turn for the worse, so, knowing she did not have much time left, wanted to leave a mark, an impact, on ALfheim, the greatest world she had seen so far according to her. So no, it makes no sense to say Kirito had dulled and wasn't training as hard as he was in SAO, 'cause I can't believe Yuuki would either. Those that say faster natural reaction speed, (including Kirito kimself I must admit) perhaps that's true. But Kirito's usually modest about stuff and somewhat insecure of his own capabilities. Or perhaps Kirito was unconsciously not giving it his all as he had nothing to protect or lose (he didn't care much for pride), unlike SAO's life-or-death situation or Old ALOs Save Asuna thing. Not to mention, I know it would be cruel to hold back, but who can truly fight a terminally ill little girl with a short time left? I know it would be rude, I know it would be insulting, but I also know I wouldn't be able to. Similarly, without even intending to, Kirito could be holding back.

I'm not saying Yuuki is bad or it was a rigged match or anything, I just don't like the fact that people say Kirito had no chance at all since the beginning. Face it, if Kirito was in a serious situation, we know he can be much stronger than this. This wasn't him at 100%. It is often argued that if Yuuki was put in a similar situation as well, she would be more serious too. Except, I don't think it can get anymore serious when she's fighting for the right to exist, at least in memory. In a way, she's in SAO too. To win the tournament meant she would be a legend, a memory that surpassed her inevitable close death and lived on in the minds of others. A legacy, so to speak.