Sword Art Online: Extra Edition

Sword Art Online: Extra Edition (ソードアート・オンライン Extra Edition) is a special episode of the Sword Art Online anime series that premiered in Japan on December 31, 2013, and was simulcast worldwide. It was directed by Tomohiko Itō and screenplayed by Reki Kawahara and Munemasa Nakamoto. Set after the Fairy Dance arc, the episode is divided into two parts: the first half is a recap of the Aincrad and Fairy Dance arcs, interspersed with swimsuit scenes; the second half is an original story about Kirito and his friends' quest in the Undersea Temple of ALfheim Online. In the plot, Kirito is called to an emergency counseling meeting, while his sister and friends go swimming. The counseling turns out to be a ruse by Seijirou Kikuoka to rehash the SAO incident and investigate Akihiko Kayaba's motives. Meanwhile, the girls reminisce about their first encounters with Kirito at the pool. This special also includes a new ending theme song, "Niji no Oto" by Eir Aoi. This special episode serves as a bridge between the Fairy Dance and Phantom Bullet arcs and provides new content for fans.