Saikano carefully explores the somewhat popular theme in anime of the paradoxical nature of human beings needing both love and war. We are first introduced to high school students Shuju and Chise, who have recently revealed romantic feelings for each other. Both shy and awkward, they have begun exploring their relationship through a correspondence diary. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, their city is bombed from the sky by unknown assailants. Shuju has run for cover but catches a glimpse of what, upon closer examination, he learns is Chise with metal wings sprouted from her back and weapons grafted to her body. She has shot down many of the enemy planes and now, looking racked and haggard, she says to Shuju, "I have become the ultimate weapon." Despite the important backdrop of war, the story focuses on the place that two young and tender lovers must try to find in it. The overall theme of the series consistently returns to the inevitable struggle that all people must face in order to love and trust in a destructive world. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide