Final Fantasy VII: On the Way to a Smile - Episode: Denzel

Released in 2009, this original video animation serves as a narrative bridge set between the events of the video game Final Fantasy VII and the feature film Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. It is based on the novella of the same name by Kazushige Nojima, which explores the aftermath of the game's finale and the struggles of the world's survivors. The project was produced by A-1 Pictures, a studio known for its technical precision in anime production, and was bundled with the special edition release of Advent Children Complete to provide necessary emotional and historical context for the film’s new characters.

The animation focuses on the character Denzel, detailing his tragic backstory and his eventual integration into the orphanage managed by Tifa Lockhart. The visual design adheres to the established aesthetic of the compilation, maintaining the grounded, melancholic tone of the post-Meteor era. While it serves as a companion piece rather than a standalone feature, it was well-received by fans for its effort to flesh out the civilian casualties of the conflict and provide a more intimate look at the rebuilding of the city of Edge.