Hey guys, ever pondered what could've been? I'm talking about a wild "what if" scenario that has been bouncing around my brain lately. Imagine, just imagine, Subaru Natsuki, our beloved, perpetually suffering protagonist from Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World, actually watching the anime before he got truck-kun'd to another world. Sounds crazy, right? But stick with me, because this thought experiment is a rabbit hole of potential changes, hilarious implications, and maybe, just maybe, a slightly less tragic journey for our boy. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's dive deep into this bizarre, fan-fiction-esque world where Subaru is a Re:Zero superfan before he becomes its main character.
Subaru's Pre-Isekai Life: A Couch Potato with a Twist
Let's paint a picture, shall we? Instead of the clueless, game-obsessed NEET we initially meet, we're dealing with a Subaru who is well-versed in the trials and tribulations of Emilia, Rem, and the whole gang. He's seen the suffering, the betrayals, the triumphs, and the many, many deaths. He knows the plot twists, the character motivations, and the overall stakes of the story. He probably has his favorite characters (Rem stans, where you at?), favorite arcs, and opinions that he's ready to defend with the passion of a thousand suns. Imagine Subaru's life before the Isekai as a regular anime fan. He's probably deep into online forums, dissecting every episode, and theorizing about future events. He's likely caught up on all the light novels, manga, and even the spin-offs. He is the Re:Zero encyclopedia! Now, with all this knowledge, how would his reaction be different if he's transported into the world, and becomes Subaru?
So, instead of being completely blindsided by the world of Lugunica, this Subaru is somewhat prepared. He's not going to be a master strategist or a combat expert overnight, but he has a huge advantage: foresight. He knows who the villains are, what traps to avoid, and what key decisions will impact the plot. Think of the first few episodes. Instead of stumbling around cluelessly, he'd be frantically trying to trigger the events he knows are coming. He would be screaming about the forbidden library, trying to avoid the White Whale, and desperately trying to connect with Emilia, armed with the knowledge of her identity and the impending threat. This alone would change the course of the story. He could warn Emilia about the assassins, maybe even try to take them on himself (though, let's be real, he's still just a regular dude). The possibilities are endless.
His knowledge of the story could also change his relationships with other characters. He would know about the loyalty of Rem and Ram and how the twins would protect him if he becomes a friend. He'd probably be able to get closer to Beatrice and even avoid the trials she goes through. He'd also be more prepared to deal with the political intrigues of the royal selection, armed with information about each candidate's motives and the events to come. This is a Subaru with a plan, or at least a better understanding of the chaotic game he has been thrown into. Of course, this all depends on how much he remembers. Does he get a full-blown recap of the anime/light novel? Or is it just a vague feeling of déjà vu? The exact extent of his knowledge will determine the overall effect of the story.
The Impact on Subaru's Mindset: From Despair to (Slight) Hope
One of the biggest aspects of Re:Zero is Subaru's mental state. He goes through massive emotional trauma. Watching the series before his isekai might alter his response to this. Imagine a Subaru who knows what's coming. He has seen Rem die countless times. He knows the pain of the witch's miasma. He's witnessed the horrific deaths of the villagers in the Sanctuary. He understands the depths of his own despair. While this knowledge would not magically make him immune to suffering, it might change his approach to his many deaths and the psychological toll of returning by death. Instead of being constantly blindsided by the horror, he might be able to brace himself for the blows. He could be more prepared for the emotional rollercoaster. He could even use his knowledge to develop coping mechanisms or strategies for dealing with the trauma. This version of Subaru might still break down, but perhaps not as frequently or as severely. He could find himself a little less prone to self-loathing, knowing that, despite his flaws, he has the potential to overcome the challenges ahead. Knowing that the story has an ending is very helpful.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. His pre-existing knowledge could also backfire. Knowing what's to come might lead to a feeling of futility. He knows just how bad things will get, and the challenges that he has to overcome. This can cause Subaru to lose hope and give in to the despair that he fights against the entire series. He could find himself paralyzed by fear, too scared to act, or making reckless decisions in a desperate attempt to change the future. The knowledge of the story could become a burden, weighing him down and preventing him from taking action. In other words, Subaru may have trouble accepting the story's events, because he is aware of the plot. It all boils down to his personality and how he chooses to react to the information at hand. Maybe he would spend his time trying to cheat the plot, not wanting to deal with his suffering. His mental fortitude will be the key. One thing is for sure, he would have a greater understanding of the stakes and a better grasp of his role in the grand scheme of things.
Changing the Story: Plot Holes, Triumphs, and Hilarious Mishaps
Let's get to the fun part: how would Subaru's actual actions change the plot? This is where things get interesting and the fan theories begin to flow. This is one of the most important parts of the content. The possibilities are endless. He could try to avert major tragedies. He could save characters from their deaths, maybe even Rem's death or the deaths in the first arc. He could manipulate events to his advantage, using his knowledge to make alliances, gather resources, and gain power. Imagine him trying to get the Royal Selection to listen to him. He'd be a walking spoiler, trying to get everyone to cooperate and work together to avoid the disasters he knows are coming. Think about the reaction from the other characters. Emilia, for example, would likely have questions and would have a lot of trouble trusting a stranger who seems to know a lot about the future. Roswaal would likely be much more cautious, aware that Subaru's actions can disrupt his plans. The dynamics of the story will change drastically.
There will be some hilarious and unexpected consequences. Imagine Subaru trying to explain the plot of Re:Zero to the inhabitants of Lugunica. He would probably be met with confusion, disbelief, and maybe even accusations of witchcraft. He might accidentally reveal spoilers to the wrong people, causing chaos and unforeseen outcomes. Furthermore, if he tries to be too clever, he could easily create plot holes or paradoxes. By altering certain events, he might inadvertently make the situation worse, leading to even more suffering. The butterfly effect would be in full force. Small changes could cause huge shifts in the story, leading to entirely new paths. Overall, a Subaru armed with prior knowledge is bound to create an altered, potentially more optimistic, and definitely more chaotic story.
The Ultimate Question: Would it be a Better Story?
Now, the million-dollar question: would this pre-informed Subaru result in a better story? That is a very complex question. While a version of Re:Zero with a knowledgeable protagonist offers some exciting potential, it also comes with some inherent challenges. On one hand, it could remove some of the emotional impact that comes with seeing Subaru struggle, fail, and learn from his mistakes. The element of surprise that is a huge part of Re:Zero would be gone. On the other hand, a Subaru who is less clueless can bring a new dynamic to the story. It can also make the story more dynamic, and even more fascinating to watch. Perhaps, the plot would be more focused, and the payoff even more satisfying. This would require the writers to shift their approach and create a new narrative. The essence of the story, which is Subaru's resilience in the face of adversity, would still be there. He would still have to grapple with his flaws, his insecurities, and the burden of his knowledge. He would still have to earn the trust of those around him and fight for the people he loves. His character would still be tested by the challenges, and the emotional impact would be as strong as before.
Moreover, the story will be able to delve into other characters. His character would go through a huge change, and the story would offer a unique perspective. The focus on the characters would bring a new level of depth to the story. **Whether it makes the story
