Do Ayanokoji Kiyotaka and His Overpowered Abilities Make ‘Classroom of the Elite’ a Boring Read?

When the manga 'Classroom of the Elite' (COTE) first came out, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, the main character, was seen as a bit handsome, cold, and non-communicative. Some even speculated that he had faced a traumatic past. However, after thoroughly reading up to Volume 2, Chapter 7, and watching both seasons of the anime, it's clear that Ayanokoji has evolved into a character that many find dull. His overpowered abilities enhance the anime and manga, but also overshadow the plot and character development. This article aims to explore the reasons behind Ayanokoji's monotonous character and why his exploits no longer captivate readers.

Overpowered Abilities and Boring Plot

Ayanokoji is an all-rounder, excelling in every aspect from physical abilities to intelligence. While some prodigies in other series (like Lelouch from 'Code Geass') also possess extraordinary abilities, Ayanokoji's lack of flaws results in an unchallenged journey. Each conflict is either resolved without effort or fails to escalate due to his unparalleled skills. Villains like Ryuuen and Sakayanagi are easily defeated, and other students such as Ichika and Yamagi struggle or give up at minimal resistance. This predictability diminishes the excitement and suspense that readers are seeking.

Role of Harem and Social Skills

Initially, Ayanokoji's background as a superhuman created in a training facility could have offered a fascinating angle into his interpersonal relationships and how he navigates the complexities of human interactions. However, his preposterous social prowess and manipulation skills, coupled with a harem of women who idolize him, feel out of place. Sakura and Ichinose’s interest in him feels forced rather than natural. While such skills could have provided depth, his early and effortless mastery of them makes the character feel less relatable and more contrived.

Snore-Inducing Personality

The seamless nature of Ayanokoji's character development has turned him into a source of monotony. Despite having the ability to live a normal high school life, he continually gets involved in complicated situations. His intentions and ideologies are inconsistent; he claims to desire a normal life but consistently rejects it for more troublesome endeavors. His goals, such as reaching Class A or understanding the personal growth of other characters, conflict with his dismissive attitude towards humanity. His apathetic stance on human emotions and his lack of hobbies or interests further strip away his human qualities, making it challenging to connect with him on a personal level.

Overstated Intelligence

The feats of intelligence once provided a unique challenge for readers. However, the depth and complexity of Ayanokoji's strategic thinking have diminished. Characters in other anime like Yuiichi from 'Tomodachi Game', Nana from 'Talentless Nana', and Akiyama from 'Liar Game' each present incredibly intricate thought processes that maintain reader interest. In COTE, the author has moved away from justifying his clever tactics, instead relying on vague or overly simplistic explanations. Ayanokoji's mastery of chess is an example; the lack of detail in his strategies and the unexplained ease with which he defeats opponents, including Sakayanagi, fail to elicit the same excitement and engagement.

Impact on Other Characters and Plot Development

Ayanokoji's overpowered performance and linear progression in COTE have not only harmed his own character but have also negatively impacted the development of other characters. Ichinose’s ideology on group efforts and her leadership skills suffer when her focus shifts to Ayanokoji. Ryuuen, once a compelling villain with intelligent and malicious tactics, is sidelined due to Ayanokoji's superiority. Sakayanagi's victory in a chess match is undermined, and enemies like Yamagi and Ichika, trained similarly, are easily overcome or worship Ayanokoji, rendering their efforts and conflicts meaningless.

Despite attracting fans with his enigmatic psychopathic tendencies, Ayanokoji's lack of growth or realistic flaws makes him hard to empathize with. His bored and stoic personality, devoid of genuine emotions or dreams, reduces his character to an aloof figure without depth or personal stakes.

Concluding Thoughts

While Ayanokoji's overpowered abilities and psychological complexity add layers to the manga and anime, they also create a monotonous and unsatisfying narrative. The author's decision to present his character as infallible and inflexible has led to a diminished interest in his story. Reading 'Classroom of the Elite' has become less engaging as the original excitement over his strategic brilliance has waned, replaced by a sense of predictability and lack of genuine character development. Despite this, COTE still holds elements that can appeal to a niche audience but for many, it has lost its charm and appeal.

Ultimately, Ayanokoji's overpowered abilities and lack of compelling character development make 'Classroom of the Elite' a boring read for those who crave a more complex and engaging narrative. Readers who are looking for depth and intrigue may find alternative choices within the genre of shōnen or psychological thrillers.