Lycoris Recoil: Friends Are Thieves of Time – The Perfect Snack for Fans Starved for More

Let’s cut to the chase: if you loved the original Lycoris Recoil for its chaotic blend of gunfights, found family, and unapologetic yuri vibes, then Friends Are Thieves of Time is the six-course dessert platter you didn’t know you needed. A-1 Pictures dropped these bite-sized shorts in April 2025, and they’re exactly what the fandom craved—no filler, just pure, unadulterated fun with Chisato, Takina, and the gang.

First off, let’s talk about the format: six episodes, each clocking in at 3–4 minutes. Yeah, you read that right. At first, I was like, “Wait, that’s it?” But here’s the thing—these shorts don’t waste a single second. They’re like those tiny, expensive macarons you splurge on: small, but packed with flavor, and you’ll immediately want another.

Chisato & Takina: Still the Dynamic Duo We Adore

Let’s start with the star of the show (besides Takina’s resting murder face): Chisato Nishikigi. If you thought she couldn’t get more chaotic, Episode 3 introduces us to Chisato Zuckerberg—yes, that’s her running a fake social media empire called “Desert Innovations.” She’s out here quoting Einstein and pitching poop-shaped desserts like it’s a TED Talk. Fans were losing it in the comments: “Chisato Zuckerberg is crazy lmao” and “We need her to make a Twitter alternative lol.” Relatable.

Then there’s Takina Inoue, our favorite emotionally constipated cinnamon roll. Episode 3 gives us her magnum opus: a peach parfait that… well, let’s just say it looks like something you’d find in a very specific section of the internet. The comments? “Would you look at the ass on that? I laughed so hard I nearly shit myself!” and “Takina’s artistic and culinary talents never disappoint.” Understatement of the year. She’s the queen of accidental chaos—one minute she’s calculating bullet trajectories, the next she’s creating desserts that would make a sailor blush.

The Side Characters Steal the Spotlight (Literally)

You know it’s a good LycoReco episode when Kurumi (our favorite hacker gremlin) is involved. Episode 4 is a masterclass in trolling: she teams up with Chisato and Mizuki to prank Takina with a “ghost” in the LycoReco café. Spoiler: Takina does not react well. She pulls a gun and starts shooting like it’s a John Wick movie. Fans were screaming: “Who knew a 3-minute short could execute horror more than 99% of horror anime?” and “Playing a prank on Takina is taking your life into your own hands.” True. If there’s one rule in LycoReco, it’s: Never scare the ex-elite Lycoris with a gun.

And let’s not forget Fuki and Sakura, the red-uniformed Lycoris from the original series. Episode 5 is a sleepover episode (yes, you read that right) where they’re geeking out over Chisato’s iconic red jacket. Takina, ever the tsundere, tries on the jacket in secret… and gets caught. Her reaction? “You didn’t see anything.” while holding a gun. Classic Takina. Fans were melting: “Takina in the red uniform looks so good” and “She acts cold, but she’s just like everyone else.”

The Finale: A Teaser for What’s Next

Episode 6 wraps things up with a bang (pun intended). The crew is planning a trip to Hawaii (yes, Hawaii), and Chisato is out here designing magical girl-inspired uniforms for the trip. Mizuki’s drunk off her ass (shocking), Mika is in a Hawaiian shirt (iconic), and Takina is just trying to keep everyone from getting arrested. The final scene? A callback to the original series’ ending, with the gang grinning like idiots as they head to the airport.

But here’s the kicker: the end credits roll with Hana no Tou by Sayuri, the original ED from 2022. Fans were emotional: “Hearing the full ED made me shed a tear” and “RIP Sayuri. This was the perfect tribute.” It’s a small touch, but it ties the shorts back to the heart of the original series—found family, friendship, and the quiet moments between the chaos.

The Fandom Reacts: Chaos, Memes, and Begging for Season 2

If you scroll through MyAnimeList or Twitter, the consensus is clear: We need more. Fans are begging for a full season 2, and honestly? I get it. These shorts are like a preview of what’s possible when LycoReco leans into its slice-of-life side. The comments are a goldmine: “I need a second season immediately” and “These shorts are teasing us even more—give us season two right now!”

But let’s be real—these shorts aren’t just fan service. They’re a love letter to the fandom. They remind us why we fell in love with LycoReco in the first place: the characters. Chisato’s chaos, Takina’s soft side, Kurumi’s gremlin energy—they’re all here, and they’re better than ever.

Final Verdict: 10/10, Would Binge Again

Is Friends Are Thieves of Time a masterpiece? No. Is it the most important anime of 2025? Probably not. But is it exactly what LycoReco fans needed? Absolutely. It’s a fun, chaotic, and heartwarming reminder of why this franchise means so much to so many people.

So, if you’re craving more Chisato and Takina, or just need a quick pick-me-up, do yourself a favor: watch these shorts. They’re on YouTube (Aniplex of America’s channel) for free. And when you’re done? Join the rest of us in begging A-1 Pictures for season 2.

As one fan put it: “These shorts are the best kind of sequel this show could ever have.”

Amen to that.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to rewatch Episode 3 for the 10th time. That peach parfait is truly a work of art.

— A LycoReco Stan Who Needs More Takina Content

P.S. If you don’t ship Chisato and Takina after watching these shorts, you’re lying to yourself. Just sayin’.