Figuring out Zack’s timelines based on what we’ve seen so far:

The original hilt from Crisis Core is seen on the buster sword in Advent Children but not in the remake or the end credit scene.

Crisis Core and Advent Children:

End credits scene and the remake:

I have two other posts pointing out possible clues. You can find them here and here.

I will be over analyzing this information until we get answers.

I want to know what Kunsel would have said to Cloud.

Would he have asked about Zack right away? This makes me think Kunsel and Cloud interacted a lot. (probably because of Zack). The other guys know Cloud too so were their interactions good? Did Cloud talk to them or was he the “weird kid” and that’s why they know him? This also means they all knew Zack, Angeal, and Genesis (probably.)

I need answers.

It’s weird to think people that didn’t play Crisis Core don’t know about them and exactly how much happened before the start of the original FFVII.

All of this fuels so many headcanons and fan fiction scenarios.

Cloud: You can’t make everyone like you. You’re not Zack.

Kunsel: Not everyone likes Zack.

Cloud: Who doesn’t?

Kunsel: Well—

Cloud: Names damn it. I want names.

Cloud: The next person who says “weird flex but okay” is going to get a kick to the shin.

Zack: Preposterous boast, but alas.

This is easily the saddest part of the remake. Cloud’s social skills lack so much that he doesn’t know how to high five someone without it being awkward.

Yet...

My headcanon:

After Zack left, Kunsel introduced himself to Aerith and would randomly drop in to check on her. He’d stop by whenever the Turks weren’t hovering.

They’d talk, mostly about Zack. He’d offered to help her around the church or to walk her home sometimes. When they declared Zack KIA Kunsel didn’t know how to bring it up. He didn’t want to be the one to tell her. He tried several times but each time he’d start to get the words out she would cut him off as if she knew what he was about to say.

When Aerith’s wagon broke Kunsel offered to fix it repeatedly but she refused. Years passed and she still insisted Zack would be coming back to fix it for her even though deep down she knew he was dead.

It became awkward between them so Kunsel stopped visiting but he still checked in on her from time to time without her knowing.

Never forget that thanks to Crisis Core we know Sephiroth’s hair routine.

Crisis Core Wallpapers

I would love to see more of their interactions after they initially met in Crisis Core.

I can hear this gif

“Hey, would you say I became a hero?”

“My friend, do you fly away now?

To a world that abhors you and I?

All that awaits you is a somber morrow

No matter where the winds may blow

My friend, your desire

Is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess

Even if the morrow is barren of promises

Nothing shall forestall my return.”

FFVII Crisis Core / FFVII Advent Children

“It’s where a hero’s journey once began.”