DARLING in the FRANKXX

[Kraco]

That's not how that scene went about at all. The choice and order came from above their pay-grade. In fact, it was specifically mentioned that the choice had to come from within the team. They then defaulted into Ichigo who was who offered her services. In fact, Zero Two took herself from the running as it was, and in fact later told Ichigo to go for it herself.

Zero Two tried to volunteer as well, but was overruled by Ichigo's loud objections and the order from the brass. However, I'd have still liked to see Hiro try to pair with Zero Two, not just anybody available. Sure, he did look at her at first, but then fell silent. I don't need to him be like Zorome, but he should throw his weight around at least a little. Otherwise nobody will ever listen to him, even if he actually had something critical to say.

And he should have a problem pairing up with Ichigo why? She's the team leader, and from all we have seen, they've had a good relationship.

It doesn't matter. He knows himself he's a failure. The only success, if you can call it that with his memory loss, is with Zero Two. He should have had a problem trying with anyone else if he really wanted to make sure he succeeds. Now the chances were he would show a performance similar to the ones with Naomi.

From what I gathered from that scene, compatibility aside, it seemed like he should've been able to pilot with just about anyone qualified if he was a legit pilot. He seems to be an exception to the rule. It was specifically stated that they were testing specifically for Hiro's aptitude, and it seemed in that context the partner was irrelevant. Heck, when the test began, it seemed like Hiro and Ichigo were well in-sync. Then whatever happened, happened.

Yes, should have been. It was already proven he can't, and thus he was about to hit the road in the beginning of the show. Now he, however, knows there are weird sort of people around, like Zero Two who will kill her pairs. Is it a long shot to think he might be another aberration? It seems to me more logical to think that way than to imagine he could now suddenly magically work with anyone like a regular pilot (which he is not).

In this context, man I feel terrible for Naomi... chances are that she would've been fine if she had taken the previous test with anyone but Hiro.

Indeed. Although I don't remember Naomi's number anymore, if it was said, but maybe it was a high one, so the organisation didn't bother to investigate too much, considering Hiro is a low two digit.

Yet in the Papa Group there were people objecting to having their precious Zero Two pairing with 016 because he would contaminate her.

Well, yeah, there will always be people like that. They would rather see a precious tool rot unused than let a person they subjectively deem unworthy use it.

Just the same, as mentioned above, in that specific scene it seems that being able to test for Hiro's aptitude who he partners with should be irrelevant, but this is a unique case it seems.

If they can't accept unique cases despite having Zero Two around, they should retire and let smarter people take over.

All this to say, I have no real issues with you having problems with this MC and your characterization of him, but you're also attributing a lot of his flaws to things he had no control over and actually immaterial all told.

Probably. It's because Zero Two is a jolly character and I desperately want her pair to be able to kick some ass as well, even a little bit.