#chapter 623

yep!

Can't believe the marine did that

I actually can

Disgusting people

He was a slave??

As much as fans are hungry for Shin versus Houken, it wouldn’t hurt to pause for a moment and explore the inner depth of a character. Someone who has yet to share with anyone; until now. It may upset some fans, but I believe it will pay-off greatly. If this is truly the sign for the endgame, then by all means, gives us the backstory of the Bushin.

The backstory of Houken has been hinted for a while. There were clearer indications within this day of battle with him appearing without a call and Riboku’s cryptic messages, including the last chapter, calling him mankind’s representative. Apparently, he really meant by those words. As absurd that may sound, there’s more to come to truly understand the title. To explain the origin, Riboku makes room to explain the story, starting with his first encounter. In a way, this would technically be his backstory as well.

It took place around 19 years ago; before Kaine met him for the first time. Unlike today, he wasn’t all that magnificent. In fact, you can argue he’s a polar opposite. Even his appearance, disregarding on the age, was different; more of a fighter than a thinker. Back then, he thought of himself as a fool who charged head-first to battle, recklessly costing his men’s lives. He was on the verge to death, but ready to accept the consequence of his action. His life changed when he met his destiny.

Houken appeared out of nowhere, carrying a tiger’s head. It’s just a normal day for him. I like how Hara-sensei illustrates him as a monster, whether it’s due to his behemoth size or the camera shot that angled him as a terrifying creature. Even the close-up shot to his bleeding hand carrying the Glaive oozes a monstrous aura. All Riboku thought was how strange it was for him to witness an inhuman man before his end. That speaks on how low he was in at the time. Upon his encounter, Houken was prepared to kill him, even though that would do more good than harm.

Riboku was so defeated, he didn’t care if he were to die by a monster. He has lost everything in a war. Ending him would end his misery. It’s a bit surreal to see him fallen this low, though I got a feeling we will see it once more when this war ends. Maybe not to this extent, but something similar. You would think it was Riboku that gave a reason to work together, but Houken was unusually portraying as a philosopher; gave him a reason to live.

Instead of killing him, he granted him a chance to recover, because he sought of him as someone that would guide him. That’s unusually noble of him; it’s almost like a different character. He enlightened him that the voices of Earth led him to this destined meeting. In other words, it’s destiny. All it was missing was him saying, “I have spoken.” I can settle with him proclaiming as a Pathseeker. Once Riboku woke up from recovery, he stepped on the bloody soil, realizing his enemies were annihilated by Houken. No wonder Riboku always have him on dial.

I find the meeting interesting. This explains why Riboku’s foundation in battle drastically changed from charging like a wild man to playing with strategic mindset. The way I see it, he was once like Shin, only life wasn’t favor to him. It’s no wonder when he and Shin exchanged attacks way back then, Shin picked up that he had experiences in battle. He did fight on the battlefield, but the fact he lost everything, it pissed him off for that bitter reminder. I find it neat that he wasn’t a prodigy at start. He was a simple man that had to learn the hard way. It’s relatable in a sense.

His encounter with Houken was also interesting. I thought it would be him that persuaded Houken to work together, but it’s reverse. I’m used to Houken to be a wild animal that hardly can be reasoned with. The fact he spoke with enlightenments was kind of surprising. I know he has said deep words before, including recently against Kyou Kai, but one that spoke about life and guidance didn’t feel like his fortitude. With the explanation of Riboku and his upbringings out of the way, this is where it gets a bit complicated.

The one part that stood out from the story is Houken’s title, Pathseeker. As it implies, it’s a group that seeks a path; the salvation of humanity. After Riboku recovered, he took a time off from military and researched on Houken and the Pathseekers. According to him, the Pathseekers have been around over five centuries; predated before their time of era. I am reminded that the series does hold some elements of supernatural entity or faction, so this shouldn’t feel as distance to its nature.

They were disheartened by the foolish nature of endless warfare; thus, they gathered together. Unfortunately, the path for an answer was defined as futile. So long as one man held beliefs that differed another, a conflict would be born. To make matter worse, so long as man continued to possess passions or emotions, the world of suffering would never change. Translation: peace is impossible. This truly speaks for us, let alone the theme of this series. By this logic, the only way for peace is wiping out humanity altogether. Of course, this won’t go that deep, but it did transpire for the Pathseekers to choose the only way to settle the matter.

Realizing humanity is doomed with endless warfare, they chose the path that would contradict their old method. When you look at Houken’s action, it definitely expose that notion. Their solution was for everyone to transform into an existence that transcends humanity. They vanished from society, working on the chosen path. The major first step was to become an example to everyone. When it all comes down to it, the goal is to present themselves to the Heavens that they have transcended humanity. So in a twisted way, Houken wasn’t fighting to show everyone that he’s the strongest, but rather prove a point that this is the way to save mankind.

The idea is that they strived for the goal with contradiction. It’s basically fight fire with fire, or in this case, be the man to beat the man. It’s absurd and Riboku is very aware of it. I don’t believe Hara-sensei justifying Houken’s action as a saint, but more like justifying his motive. It’s twisted without a doubt, but fans must keep in mind that the theme always revolve with justification. What is the right path to peace? What needs to be done to change the country? We have seen conflicts from many grounds, hence why this war is even happening in the first place. This time, it’s Houken’s turn to provide his reason to fight.

I understand why the Pathseekers chose this path so to say and make an example to the world, but much like forcing people to choose one side, it can never be done. Zhao sided with him because he brought victories and glories to their home. Plus he’s with Riboku, who is basically the brain of the two, so it’s a stable condition. Now that they learned the true motivation, their view changed drastically. I don’t understand the idea of Kaine and others crying with left eye only though. Was it done supernaturally? If so, why? Perhaps it’s a symbolic way to show the grief of Houken through their tears. That’s the story of Houken, the man who is set path of becoming Martial God, a Bushin.

I should comment on the storytelling for it was addressed really well. I couldn’t do justice here with the summary and intakes, but Riboku as the narrator made the story extraordinary. The paneling with its emphasis complement well with texts; creating deep meanings. He does have ways with words. Just look how he concluded the story. He made Houken’s image as the most valuable player of all time.