Why Does Kotomine Hate Emiya Kiritsugu in Fate/Zero and Fate Stay Night: The Underlying Reasons and Key Conflicts

Understanding the complex dynamics of Kotomine Kirei's hatred towards Emiya Kiritsugu requires delving into the intricate psychological and moral landscapes portrayed in both Fate/Zero and Fate Stay Night. This hatred is not merely a matter of superficial antagonism but is rooted in deep-seated conflicts and misunderstandings.

The Precious Family of Kotomine Kirei

Kotomine Kirei's hatred towards Emiya Kiritsugu stems from a profound sense of loss and frustration. Kirei himself comes from a family that was destroyed when he was driven by a warped sense of duty and a twisted desire for control. Despite his father's and wife's love for him, Kirei cannot reciprocate their feelings due to his psychopathic tendencies. He takes pleasure in seeing everyone suffer, a trait that brings him an unhealthy sense of happiness. Despite his guilt, Kirei finds it difficult to empathize with others and cannot experience the emotional connections that provide a sense of happiness and fulfillment.

Emiya Kiritsugu: Normalcy and Perfection in His Eyes

On the other hand, Emiya Kiritsugu is a man who is very much grounded in normalcy. He possesses a family and normal emotions, making him a stark contrast to Kirei. Kiritsugu's ability to love and hate, his commitment to his family, and his penchant for normalcy are all antithetical to Kirei's perspective. Kiritsugu's goal of ending wars and suffering resonates with what Kirei sees as a meaningless and futile dream. For Kirei, anything that undermines his twisted vision of order and control is worthless and even stupid.

The Misunderstanding and Misalignment

What compounds the issue is the misunderstanding between Kirei and Kiritsugu. Kirei initially believes that Kiritsugu shares his psychopathic and amoral worldview, a misperception he clings to even when it is revealed that Kiritsugu is, in fact, a normal individual. This initial misunderstanding leads to a deep-seated disappointment when Kirei realizes that Kiritsugu is not only different but is pursuing what Kirei believes is a meaningless goal. This realization magnifies Kirei's feelings of hatred as it is perceived as the destruction of everything he holds precious.

Broader Context: Motifs of Sacrifice and Family

Kirei's and Kiritsugu's conflicts extend beyond their personal antipathy and reflect a broader narrative motif of sacrifice and the value of family. The relationship between Kariya and Tokiomi in Fate/Zero mirrors the Kirei-Kiritsugu dynamic, with Kariya placing his family and children above The Root, while Tokiomi values The Root and The Root Magus at the cost of his family.

With Kariya, family and children are seen as precious and important, while the ideals of The Root and The Root Magus are considered outdated and stupid. Conversely, with Tokiomi, The Root and its importance are seen as far more valuable than family, and he is willing to sacrifice his daughters and even allow one to be raped to achieve an ideal he deems crucial.

Conclusion

The animosity between Kotomine Kirei and Emiya Kiritsugu runs deep and is a product of profound misunderstandings, deep-seated feelings of loss, and conflicting values. The dynamics between them and their extended conflicts reflect a complex interplay of psychological and moral conflicts, making them among the most memorable and deeply-felt antagonisms in the Fate/Fate/universe of works. Understanding this hatred adds another layer to the rich tapestry of the Fate series, offering insights into the struggle between perfection and normality, and the complex nature of love and hate.