#chapter 631

Arlong on steroids got weird

Life is valuable, but how much is the question. Hi Shin Unit’s sadness was enough to answer on how much they valued their captain. Even Kyou Kai shows it by sacrificing her lifespan; whatever it takes to save him. With that said, what about Shin himself? Is it time to go to the afterlife or his life still worth more to live for?

It’s all on Kyou Kai to save Shin; literally risking her life. The problem is, it was never going to be easy. The way how it works is a spirit practically interrupting another spirit from reaching to the afterlife. At the very least, this sequence offers a challenge rather than instantaneously revive like how other series work. It also makes it difficult when the sacrificed spirit can’t communicate with the fading spirit. It may be seen as stalling the inevitable, but there’s more than a simple wake-up.

The Red Stairway appears before Shin. I don’t know if this is based on Chinese culture or something, but I do know it often referenced as a gateway to heaven or afterlife. Basically, Shin is on the verge to no return. The ground turns muddy to prevent Kyou Kai from saving, though there’s a little more on that later. At one point, he heard her, but didn’t think about it. I expected Shin to return somehow, but I didn’t know how exactly. Could you imagine if Shin does go to the stairs? It would be a double kill with one sacrificed for nothing.

Everything seems over until Hyou appears. Since this scene is all spiritual and mystical, it’s quite fitting to bring back a character from the first chapter. The arc has been a roller coaster ride that will soon land to the moment where Shin finally becomes a Great General, hence the sensation of series’ ending. From aiming to the goal to defeating Houken, there’s no way he won’t become one after this. Not to mention, the past chapters dealt with many past characters, including Ouki. Why not bring back the character that essentially started the series with his untimely death? The stairway was randomly moved, so Hyou guides Shin. I guess he wants him dead.

Kyou Kai is struggling to get out of the mud pool. It’s because it is actually sucking away her life force. It makes the most sense to slow down a beast like her. Even so, it still doesn’t stop her. It is a testament to her determination and loyalty for Shin. Although she will die, she’s not going out with him.

Hyou and Shin have a chat walking towards the stairway. Kind of funny how relaxed Shin is; he is talking to the dead. He even brags about being a badass, just like the good old times. It is perhaps the one time they are able to talk after so long, which is neat. It grows concerning when Shin doesn’t remember his accomplishments after Hyou passed away. It grows even more when he forgot about Hi Shin Unit. I’m not part of the Unit, but even hearing that stung me.

It’s clear that his memory is slowly wiping away. It does ache to see him trying to remember important parts of his life, but fall flat. By the time they reached to the stairs, Hyou asked multiple questions to jog his memory. The sad part is, you can tell he is doing everything he can before Shin takes a step. One panel shows a sign of frustration. He’s losing him.

Essentially, it’s a test for Shin to determine life and death (literally). If he doesn’t recall anything value, perhaps his life has reached its end. The only part that popped up in his head is a dream. It’s the driving force of his character. If he can’t remember that, then it’s all over. He sadly brushed aside and Hyou pretty much looked defeated. Then, one last miracle happen.

Kyou Kai finally reached to Shin, stopping him from taking a step. I have to say, this scene is emotional. With Shin’s lost memories, it’s no wonder she’s in pain, physically and mentally. She reminds him about Hi Shin Unit; one he should never forget. Right before she mentions his dream, Hyou stops her, because this is for him to remember. Thank the Heavens, he remembers his dream or rather, his and Hyou’s dream: become a Great General of the Heavens. Kyou Kai’s happiness is rewarding itself.

Hyou vanishes after his role was completed. In other words, Shin has passed and he will be revived. All he has to do is step into the portal. Thank goodness, only Shin’s spirit is there with a guest. If it’s an open world for everyone, imagine Houken steps in. That would be hilarious, but terrifying.

Anyway, Shin remembered everything and Kyou Kai’s presence startled him. He sure takes it simple on the fact she’s in between life and death as well. She hugs him for one last time. She truly deserved that. She shoves him to the portal; leaving her to fall to the abyss. While I didn’t think Shin would remain dead, the tension was really on her. The last chapter made it certain that her sacrifice is guaranteed death. It’s her time to go out instead. Or perhaps not.

Just before she drowns, Shousa and Kyogai come to her rescue. It’s really nice to see them again, though hilariously, Shousa called Kyogai freshly baked. I mean he did die not too long ago, so he’s not off. It wasn’t her time since it’s done by tribute, so off she goes; taking care of their boss for them. It’s not said if she has lost some of her lifespan or anything. I know realistically, well in mystical speaking, returning back to life requires a healthy body, so Houken can’t really come back. Back in real world, everyone is giving up their last hope. Then, Shin has risen.

The entire field goes completely quiet. This part is stunning to me. I would love to see how the anime execute this scene. The funniest part is Shin waking up and have a look that says, “Hey…What I miss?” Everyone explodes with great shock. The reactions are priceless. Hell, can you really blame them? It’s a pure definition of a miracle.

To think you know how the war will go, it turns to a different approach, and I like it. War tends to be full of mystery with its outcome and this is no exception. As the arc enters the next phase of battle, it leaves with a new approach, battles, and the return to claim his rights for one last time.

Chapter 631

Chapter 631