: Consumed by guilt, Kirito spends the next six months obsessively searching for a legendary revival item rumored to drop from a special Christmas boss, Nicholas the Renegade .
In April 2023, months after the game began, Kirito joins a small, close-knit guild of real-life friends called the . He keeps his true, much higher level a secret to fit in and find a sense of belonging he lacks as a solo player. He grows particularly close to Sachi , a timid girl who struggles with the fear of dying in the death game. Watch Sword Art Online 03
This episode defines Kirito’s character for the rest of the Aincrad arc. His deep-seated fear of losing those close to him explains his initial reluctance to join the and his overprotective nature toward Asuna in later episodes. 12 Days of Christmas Anime, Day 5: Sword Art Online : Consumed by guilt, Kirito spends the next