The tournament’s third Elite 8 match-up showcases a physical ability vs. intellectual ability battle between two anime teens. So far, Kyoko Sakura has bested two idols to reach the sweet 16. One was a character playing an idol, the other was one of the shounen world’s figurative idol Ichigo Kurosaki, whom she narrowly upset. Kurisu Makise advanced past two of the tournament’s most eccentric characters, which included her last battle between Nyanpire, who, while blood-suckingly cute, posed no threat.

Will the mahou shoujou fight through another foe, or will the young brainiac out-think her way to the next round?

Vote and help send one of these characters into the Final 4 at the break!

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Kyoko Sakura (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

Kyoko Sakura Sakura Kyoko…How do I begin to explain Kyoko Sakura? Kyoko Sakura is flawless…

…I kid, I wasn’t going to quote a classic Mean Girls scene. Kyouko is everything but flawless, which is why we all love her.

Seemingly a callous and selfish character, she presented a sharp contrast to every other major character we had seen so far in the anime and that was what caught my attention. When her entire backstory was revealed in the anime, it started to add another layer to her. She wasn’t a bad kid at all; she just wanted to protect herself and others from harm because of the foolish mistakes and decisions that she ultimately would make, which led to her family’s destruction. We see her strength shining through, being alone and coping with witnessing her family dead in front of her and carrying the guilt around on her shoulders.

Kyoko is that character who tries to be the “villain”, but fails terribly at it, because one, she is too moe; two, despite all her denials, she has a heart and conscience. Deep down inside, she is still that girl who believes that love and courage will prevail. The question now is: will you disappointing her? -digifreaks

—versus—

Kurisu Makise (Steins;Gate)

Kurisu is a nerd’s wet dream. Not only is she intelligent and logical in scientific fronts, but also an active enthusiast in popular forums designed for shut-ins. Nothing wrong with that — nothing at all. Just add in the tsundere aspect and she only becomes a more intriguing character. 

But really, I really like her. Something about smart girls with extraordinary knowledge is attractive. Nerdy is the way to go. And the way she dresses… It’s not seductive at all. Nope. -sjakim

Kyoko vs. Kurisu: Who’s moving on to the next round?