Sword Art Online Episode 08

Black and White Sword Dance (黒と白の剣舞) is the eighth episode of the Sword Art Online anime adaptation. It aired on August 25, 2012.

Plot
Nearly two years have passed since the launch of SAO. On October 17, 2024; while returning through the forest from the 74th Floor Labyrinth, after defeating a Lizardman Lord, solo player Kirito spots the rare «Ragout Rabbit». After successfully slaying the beast and obtaining its dropped item, the famous S-Rank ingredient «Ragout Rabbit's Meat», Kirito heads to Agil’s shop in the 50th Floor's main city, «Algade», to sell the item. Agil wonders why he wants to sell it, which is worth no less than 100,000 Col as he knows that Kirito has a lot of currency him, but Kirito tells him that his cooking skill isn't high enough otherwise he would ruin the meat and he doesn't know anyone who can cook it.

Coincidentally, Asuna, the vice-commander of the «Knights of the Blood», arrives in the shop and informs the duo that she had «Mastered» her cooking skill. She is shocked upon seeing the rare item, but agrees to cook the meat for Kirito at her house on the condition he gives her half the meat. Agil tried to persuade Kirito in letting him savor some of the meat since they are pals, but Kirito instead decided to write a two-page report on the taste of the meat. After leaving Agil’s shop, Asuna tells her «KoB» bodyguard, Kuradeel, that she will be leaving for the day, however he is unhappy with the idea due to Kirito having a "suspicious" look on him. After a moment, Kuradeel recognized Kirito as the «Beater» and launched his anger and insulted him. Disgusted at Kuradeel's actions, Asuna refuses to hear another word from him and leaves with Kirito.

The duo then head to Asuna's house on the 61st Floor, «Salemburg». While Kirito relaxes and watches the chef in action, Asuna prepares the meal with the «Ragout Rabbit's Meat», though she described cooking in SAO to be too simple and "boring." After enjoying the gourmet rabbit stew simulated by the «Taste Reproduction Engine», Kirito and Asuna discuss how the players have started to get used to their new daily lives in the SAO world. Asuna then tried to get Kirito to start fighting in a group, but Kirito resists, saying that other players will be more of a hindrance to him. Asuna persuades Kirito into partnering with her again after so long so she can reevaluate his swordsmanship. Kirito is reluctant but still accepts Asuna’s offer in the end after she threatened him with a butter knife, and they part ways for the day.



At 9:00 in the morning, a tired Kirito waited for Asuna at their designated meeting place on the 74th Floor main city, «Kamdet». Asuna then suddenly appeared from the «Teleport Gate» and accidentally bumped into Kirito, resulting him accidentally groping Asuna's right breast, causing her to send him flying across the field. Asuna revealed that she was trying to hide from Kuradeel, who then emerged from the Teleport Gate.



Kuradeel was greatly displeased with Asuna’s latest actions and wanted her to return to the «KoB» headquarters. Kirito intervenes and this angers Kuradeel, who challenges Kirito in order to prove that he is stronger then him. Both pick the first-strike option, and Kuradeel launches the first attack. Kirito easily wins the duel by using «Sonic Leap» on his weapon's weak spot, effectively breaking it. Kuradeel tries to attack Kirito again by using a dagger, but, Asuna disarms Kuradeel and orders him to return to their base in «Granzam», relieving him of guard duty. She apologizes to Kirito and then they both leave to explore the Labyrinth of the 74th Floor.

While mapping the 74th Floor Labyrinth, Kirito witnesses Asuna’s swordsmanship in their battles against the monsters and thoroughly recognizes how she earned the title of the «Lightning Flash». They soon come across an eerie looking door and realize that it leads to the boss' room. They take a peek inside with «Teleport Crystals» at the ready. Inside they find the demon-like boss of the 74th Floor: «The Gleam Eyes».

New Characters

 * Kuradeel

Named Monsters

 * Lizardman Lord
 * Ragout Rabbit
 * Demonic Servant
 * The Gleam Eyes

Guilds

 * Knights of the Blood
 * Laughing Coffin

Inventory

 * Kirito
 * Blackwyrm Coat
 * Throwing Pick x5
 * Skull Powder
 * Ragout Rabbit Meat
 * Lizardman Skin
 * Lizardman Scales
 * Teleport Crystal
 * Elucidator
 * Dark Repulser
 * Asuna
 * Knife
 * Teleport Crystal
 * Lambent Light
 * Kuradeel
 * Tyrant Dragon
 * Dagger

Known Sword Skills

 * Fell Crescent - Lizardman Lord
 * Horizontal Square - Kirito
 * Single Shot - Kirito
 * Avalanche - Kuradeel
 * Sonic Leap - Kirito
 * Star Splash - Asuna
 * Vertical Square - Kirito, Demonic Servant
 * Meteor Break - Kirito (only the first move is shown)

Locations

 * Aincrad Floor 74: Labyrinth, forest, Kamdet - Teleport Gate plaza, Boss Room
 * Aincrad Floor 50: Algade - Agil's shop
 * Aincrad Floor 61: Salemburg - Asuna's house

Adaptation Notes

 * Adapted from Volume 1 Chapters 1, 5,6,7 and 9


 * In the novel, Kuradeel did not take out a second weapon when dueling with Kirito and also made a comment of wanting to kill Kirito. Kuradeel also said "I resign." to end the duel.
 * In the novel, Kuradeel used a Teleport Crystal to return to Granzam, while in the anime, he used the Teleport Gate.
 * In the novel, when Asuna enters Agil's shop, she has two escorts (one is Kuradeel, the other is unnamed). In the Anime, only Kuradeel is her escort.
 * Kirito and Asuna's near encounter with the Battalion from «The Army», along the way to the dungeon was omitted.

Episodio 8