By the time Kirito meets her in first season, Asuna is already one of the strongest members of the Knights of Blood.

Source: https://www.cbr.com/most-powerful-women-in-anime-ranked/

Defeating him was nearly impossible, and Kirito only did it because Heathcliff granted the exceptional swordsman some additional abilities to make it possible.

Source: https://www.cbr.com/sword-art-online-strongest-villains/

During a heart-to-heart conversation while Death Gun was pursuing Kirito and Sinon, the sniper finally explains her situation to the protagonist.

Source: https://gamerant.com/sword-art-online-best-sinon-quotes/

Sinon asks Kirito, “if we get a chance to start over, will you fight me for real?” as though referencing their first meeting where Kirito pretended to be a girl, hence developing a friendship with Sinon that may have had him hesitate to fight seriously.

Source: https://gamerant.com/sword-art-online-best-sinon-quotes/

Sinon asks Kirito, “if we get a chance to start over, will you fight me for real?” as though referencing their first meeting where Kirito pretended to be a girl, hence developing a friendship with Sinon that may have had him hesitate to fight seriously.

Source: https://gamerant.com/sword-art-online-best-sinon-quotes/

Such is the case with Kirito and his characterizationHis relatability and overall personality both take a toll due to the fast-paced nature of anime series.

Source: https://gamerant.com/anime-adaptations-change-light-novel-protagonist/

With Kirito and Eugeo's help, she and Ronie are saved from an attempted assault by Laios Antinos and Humbert Jizeck.

Source: https://gamerant.com/sword-art-online-best-female-characters/