Kirigaya Kazuto, known as Kirito, is the protagonist ofSword Art Online. Although Kirito may appear to be anoverpowered main characterdevoid of emotions on the surface, at his core, he is just an ordinary boy who is exceptionally skilled at gaming and sword fighting. His experiences and losses have molded him into a stronger person capable of overcoming grief and continuing to progress each day.

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Kirito delivers many powerful and inspiring quotes throughout theSword Art Onlineseries. His resilience and determination to overcome the many obstacles thrown at him are reflected in some of his most memorable lines. This list will therefore feature the best Kirito quotes in the anime.

10“I don’t even know the real names of the two… no, three that I killed back then. I just closed my eyes, put my hands over my ears, and tried to forget it all.”

This quote demonstrates how Kirito is haunted byhaving to take the lifeof others. Kirito is put into unfair life-threatening situations which he has to overcome often by battling to the death.

He makes this statement when Sinon questions his fearlessness, he clarifies that his success in battles stems from his skill, not strength. He asks Sinon if she would be willing to take human lives in the real world to safeguard herself and those she loves. Kirito admits that he is no longer capable of doing so himself, and that is why he does not consider himself strong.

Sword art online Kirito GGO

9“You stole this world and its people. You are a king of thieves, alone upon a stolen throne.”

During his climactic battle with Fairy King Oberon, also known as Sugou Nobuyuki, Kirito delivers a powerful statement condemning the despicable actions of his adversary. Through his words, Kirito seeks to expose the true nature of his enemy and bring an end to the suffering and injustice that he has caused.

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Kirito denounces Sugou for his heinous deeds, which include stealing the game from Asuna’s father, holding her captive, and subjecting her to repulsive assaults. Kirito’s words serve as a reminder that justice will always prevail over cruelty and that those who perpetrate such heinous acts will eventually face the consequences of their actions.

8“This may be a virtual world, but I feel more alive here than in the real world.”

Kirigaya Kazuto lived more of an isolated life in the real world with very few friends and no romantic interests. He wasn’t the best at expressing himself and so playing video games was one way he could experience joy.

This is why he felt ‘more alive’ in the game. Even though theworld ofSword Art Onlinewas far from perfect, Kirito found it more liberating. Living in a virtual world that offered countless abilities and opportunities, he was able to be his true self and live the way he really wanted.

fairy king oberon

7“I’d rather trust and regret, than doubt and regret.”

In the twelfth episode of theSword Art Onlineanime series, Kirito finds himself faced with a difficult decision when Yulier, the vice commander of The Aincrad Liberation Force, seeks his and Asuna’s assistance in rescuing Thinker.

Despite his skepticism and fear that the plan might be a trap, Yulier’s desperation and sincerity are difficult to ignore. With Yui’s encouragement, Kirito chooses to believe in Yulier’s story, and they agree to help. His decision to put his own doubts aside and take a chance on Yulier’s story demonstrates hisselflessness and willingness to help, even when it may put him in harm’s way.

Kirito sword art online

6“In this world, strength is just an illusion. There are more important things.”

In theSword Art Onlineworld, strength is seen as essential. Players can only advance to the next level by getting more powerful and experienced. As such, every player is consumed by thedesire to become stronger.

Kirito, however, is motivated by his desire to protect Asuna and to enjoy life to the fullest. He is not driven by the illusion of strength but by the power of love. He believes that to win, players need more than just strength. The right motivation is just as valuable as skill and experience.

Kirito attacking with a weapon

5“Real pain is the result of losing someone you care about.”

It is apparent from Kirito’s actions that he cares deeply about his friend and is extremely devoted to those dear to him. He displayed exceptional courage in battles when it came to defending those he cared about.

Even after experiencing so much pain as a player in the SAO game, he knew thatthe greatest painhe could experience would be losing a loved one, particularly Asuna. He was prepared to do everything within his power to defend her because he felt there would be no reason for him to live if he ever lost her.

Kirito from Sword Art Online

4“The main reason I got stronger was so I’d be able to survive.”

Asuna brings up an important point in the thirteenth episode ofSword Art Online, emphasizing the weight of responsibility that falls on the shoulders of front-liners. She notes that many people in the world are living normal lives and confides in Kirito, telling him that she has placed her hopes in him, along with many others.

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In response, Kirito admits that his primary motivation for becoming stronger was survival. He knew that the only way to save everyone was to become the strongest player he could be. Kirito also acknowledges the promise he made to save everyone, which serves as a constant reminder of his duty and drives him to keep pushing forward.

3“My life is yours, Asuna. So I’ll live for your sake. Until the very end, let’s be together.”

This quote is one of the most heartfelt lines in the series. Kirito makes this declaration to Asuna afterKuradeel tries to murder him. Following Kuradeel’s defeat, Asuna believes that the whole situation is her fault and tries to leave. Kirito stops her by kissing her and letting her know that she can count on him at all times.

This statement expresses Kirito’s feelings towards Asuna as well as his unwavering dedication to her. Meeting Asuna had a profound impact on his life, he drew strength from their relationship and became the most dedicated player in the SAO World.

Asuna Yuuki & Kirito in Sword Art Online

2“Everybody can fight. It’s just a choice of whether you should.”

This quote is layered as it holds both tactical wisdom for the game and a valuable life lesson. In this statement, Kirito displays justhow intelligent he actuallyis. He believes that players have to exercise caution and stick together, as unity was their best chance of completing the game.

Despite being fully capable of winning most fights, Kirito always tries to avoid unnecessary fights. He even considers the possibility of fleeing with Asuna, believing that living in the virtual world of SAO would be safer than risking their lives in pursuit of returning to reality.

Kirito performing Dual Wielding

1“I’d rather die with someone than let that person die before my eyes.”

On a quest to obtain the material needed to create a new sword, Kirito, and Lisbeth come up against X’rphan the White Wyrm. When the dragon aims its ice breath at Lisbeth, Kirito jumps in to shield her, causing them both to fall into a deep pit.

Lisbeth asks Kirito why he had saved her and he explains that he thought that dying with someone together was preferable to letting them die alone. Kirito’s statement shows just how far he is willing to go for the sake of others.

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Kirito And His Swords (Sword Art Online)

Kirito of Sword Art Online