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In several interviews, Kawahara has expressed slight embarrassment regarding the chapter. He wrote it when he was a young, amateur author. He has stated that he does not dislike the chapter, but he feels the relationship between Kirito and Asuna is better expressed through action and trust rather than explicit scenes. Sword Art Online Chapter 16.5 Full Color WORK
Chapter 16.5 is the missing link. Written explicitly by Kawahara in the web novel era, this chapter details, in graphic literary detail, the night Kirito and Asuna spend together. It is infamous for its abrupt shift in tone from high-fantasy action to explicit romance. Officially, this chapter is non-canon . ASCII Media Works (the publisher) and Kawahara have never included it in the published light novels, as it conflicts with the target demographic (Shonen/Seinen). Chapter 16