Rival: Squall Leonhart
Seifer and Squall are more alike than either of them would ever admit. Both are highly skilled gunblade specialists, both are orphans raised in Balamb Garden, and both struggle with isolation—though in vastly different ways.
Squall is introverted and disciplined, following orders without question and maintaining emotional distance from others.
Seifer is outspoken and rebellious, constantly challenging authority and acting on impulse.
Their rivalry is not just about proving who is the better fighter; it is a clash of ideologies. Seifer sees Squall’s strict adherence to rules as cowardly, while Squall sees Seifer’s recklessness as foolish. Despite this, they understand each other better than anyone else, perhaps because they recognize a part of themselves in one another.
Competition
From the beginning of the game, Seifer takes every opportunity to mock and challenge Squall, seeing him as his greatest competitor. Their iconic duel at the start of Final Fantasy VIII, where they leave matching scars on each other’s faces, is a symbolic moment; binding them together in conflict.Even after Seifer defects and aligns himself with Edea and later Ultimecia, he remains fixated on Squall. He constantly refers to him as “Chicken-Wuss,” belittling him, yet at the same time, he seeks Squall’s recognition. It’s as if he needs Squall to acknowledge his strength, to validate the choices he has made.
Respect
Despite their constant clashes, there is an unspoken respect between them. Seifer may taunt Squall, but he acknowledges his skill, and Squall, though often indifferent, takes Seifer seriously as an opponent.Even after Seifer’s downfall, Squall never treats him as a true enemy: Just a rival who lost his way. This is especially evident in the final scenes of the game, where Seifer, having failed to achieve his dream, quietly watches Balamb Garden from afar with Raijin and Fujin. Squall does not seek revenge or humiliation; instead, he simply moves on, as if understanding that Seifer was never truly his enemy to begin with.
Reflection
Seifer and Squall’s relationship is more than a simple rivalry. It’s a reflection of what they could have been under different circumstances. In another life, they might have been close friends, but in this one, they are destined to clash. Their rivalry defines them, but in the end, it is also what makes them stronger.
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