OnS Theories (23S). Eighth Theory - Shiho Kimizuki and Yoichi Saotome. A silent resolution, shattered bond.
Hello everyone, this is another theory that I’ve been delaying for so long...I’m really sorry for that dear readers x.x
You might wonder why or what exactly this follows up to, since it seems like those two are attached to their only family bond they have which is the squad but, is it true or will the seeds of doubt born eventually?
Let’s proceed!
P.S: Theories are held within a neutral view and ships are excluded
This theory at first seems simple and basic and most related to the latest events between the squad, Guren and their respective demons, but there’s a touch of depthness, but for that, let’s make a review
Back in chapter 99, when Guren just arrived and ordered the squad that they needed to hurry to help him set a barrier in order to catch the demon Mikaela, the only members of the squad that hesitated on doing so were Shiho Kimizuki and Yoichi Saotome; but why?
Shiho and Yoichi were the firsts ones to see another face of Guren; they literally saw how Guren killed Kimizuki’s sister in front of them with the purpose to hold down Shikama Doji, but even with this goal in mind, for Shiho, it was something he couldn’t forgive and of course, what triggered it more was the fact that the whole squad learnt that Guren was the one that caused Mika’s death.
Image taken from Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign - Chapter 99
To certain degree, their response or behavior is the most natural; they were left alone, they brought the vampire queen with them to learn about what exactly they’re facing against; but the fact that Guren appeared out of nowhere, the fact that Krul knew Guren, only made Shiho grow suspicious of everything that surrounded him.
This eventually lead to the panel of Guren stating there was no time and they needed to set a barrier to save Mikaela and of course, the first one to get happy about this was Yuu.
Yuu was happy to learn that Mika could be saved;on the other hand, Shiho was the first one to retaliate and attempt to make Yuu analyze that sealing Mika would be the same as what they do with their demons.
This eventually lead to a confrontation between Guren and Shiho:
Image taken from Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign - Chapter 99
The very reason why Shiho retaliated was because he understands the pain of losing someone important; he doesn’t want Yuu to keep suffering or following plans without answers; along the fact that Yuu’s situation reminds him of how he lost his sister against Guren:
Image taken from Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign - Chapter 99
Shiho’s display of emotions shows the grief and that sentation of being tired of everything’s that has been going around in their lives within the manga story; it could be said that this display of emotions was the grudge and punishment he carried to himself for not being able to save his sister which is why he asks Guren whenever he’d resurrect her as well.
To this point, the next one to follow Shiho’s example was Yoichi:
Image taken from Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign - Chapter 99
Yoichi also has a grudge against Guren due to the fact that Guren himself revealed that his sister was stored like the corpses of Narumi’s squad in order to trigger the resurrection later on; but why would Yoichi jump into this discussion or disagreement?
The very reason is that despite the very personal reasons each character carries, they treasure the small family they’ve made. Yoichi despite not showing it directly, he’s tired of seeing his friends suffer, he wants to see them happy; he treasured the small happy moments of peace they had and the fact he saw Yuu crying due to Mikaela’s death was something that he couldn’t tolerate along the fact that he was present when Guren killed Shiho’s sister.
But despite that moment of tension, Guren confessed his crimes and accepted the responsibility of them; and of course, the fact the squad and Guren could cooperate was due to the fact Shikama Doji was in the movement to reach what he desired the most.
Such event only lead for the squad to work together once again with Guren, ensuring Mikaela wouldn’t be taken away by the first and Asuramaru; which of course, the news about who were cooperating with Asuramaru was something that disgusted Shiho and specially Yoichi whose response was just like Yuu’s response towards how their trust with their demons was shattered:
Image taken from Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign - Chapter 102
One of the things that Yoichi detests are liars, and the very fact that Gekkouin, a demon whose memories were forgotten long ago made Yoichi have to certain extend a bond with him, and of course said bond was destroyed after learning that he was participating on the hunt of Mika:
Image taken from Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign - Chapter 102
Now, after making this small review...this is where the theory begins.
What’s exactly going within Yoichi’s and Kimizuki’s mind?
In order to understand such question, it is needed to look at chapter 102; in said chapter, there was actually something rather interesting that was dismissed easily with the serious attitude Shiho, Yuu and Yoichi took, which is something the fandom loved in general, but, what is that interesting thing that was dismissed?
This:
Image taken from Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign - Chapter 102
Yoichi stated that he’s sick of people and their great causes, which implies a lot that he doesn’t want to hear another thing related to the better of the world, and what it was rather more intriguing was the fact that he applied such concept not only for the demons but humans alike.
It could be said that Yoichi is hiding deep within his heart the emotions he really or naturally feels towards Mikaela’s sealing, what do I mean?
While it’s true Yoichi knows that Mika is being aimed to be used by the First Progenitor which is why Guren aimed to find them and make them set a barrier to bring Mikaela with them, it can be implied that he isn’t happy with how events are going around which is something that can be applied with Shiho but, is there a proof to this?
In fact, there is:
Image taken from Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign - Chapter 102
In the same chapter, when Yuu told them their demons were cooperating with Shikama and Asuramaru, Shiho’s expression was silent, it was an expression that displayed seriousness, but, what does this have to do with the highlighted question?
For this, it is needed to understand what Shiho’s expression displays is anger.
But, how can this be?
Anger is defined as an emotion characterized by tension and hostility arising from frustration, real or imagined injury by another, or perceived injustice. It can manifest itself in behaviors designed to remove the object of the anger (e.g., determined action) or behaviors designed merely to express the emotion (e.g., swearing). Anger is distinct from, but a significant activator of, aggression, which is behavior intended to harm someone or something. Despite their mutually influential relationship, anger is neither necessary nor sufficient for aggression to occur.
Link: https://dictionary.apa.org/anger
As such site describes and defines, anger is a strong emotion that has been used within the latest chapters as of late, and the ones who have displayed it absolutely are Shiho and Yoichi.
In Shiho’s case, after the anger he displayed in chapter 99, he didn’t expect something more to surprise him or disappoint him, but knowing that his demon Kiseki-O, the one who he allowed to enter in his heart and made him known what he truthfully felt only to later know that he was working with the First Progenitor, very independent of the events transcurring, he felt frustated, disappointed, but how can I state such thing?
It’s well known that people have different ways to express anger and such thing has been displayed very well by each character.
In Shiho’s case, he can be very straightfoward with his words, but with the latest situation, he remained silent but his facial expression was a key point alone to show he was angry, that the one he trusted was betraying his trust and making fun of it.
In Yoichi’s case, he doesn’t display his anger directly but rather, he keeps it at the bottom of his heart, but after the events and knowing his demon too was participating with Shikama Doji, only made him show this side of him, to his demon alone; he displayed hostility towards his demon by how he decided it was best to not talk about it or consult it with him to understand the situation as two beings that had their respective backs.
But, is their shattered trust just displayed to demons?
Despite how they are working together with Guren and Mahiru, it is needed to be considered that Shiho and Yoichi have a bond of their own; they know their struggles and support each other since they’re the mature part of the squad, whenever it comes to a decision, Shiho and Yoichi have supported each other which is heavily seen in early chapters:
Image taken from Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign - Chapter 19
Within the squad, it’s been shown that Yoichi and Kimizuki have a strong bond; Kimizuki easily managed to build a bond of trust with Yoichi due to the fact that Yoichi is a soft kind hearted guy in contrast to Shiho’s nature that he’s the serious one and almost like the mature figure within the squad.
Back in chapter 19 when the squad was aiming to teach Shiho and Yuu the manifestation of their demons, Yuu was the first one to go, leading to a serious conversation among the members of the squad; which of course resulted on Shiho doubting Shinoa’s will and bond of friendship and family; to which Yoichi supported since they wanted to know the truth.
Furthermore, in future chapters such as chapter 71:
Image taken from Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign - Chapter 71
In said chapter, Shiho was aiming to find his sister that was kept by the Hiragi Family; in such situation, the one to give him support was Yoichi since he understood that Kimizuki was technically alone; and in order to follow suit their bond as a family, Yoichi looked after him.
Therefore, what does this imply?
Yoichi and Shiho have an extraordinary bond as comrades and friends, they do treasure a lot the concept of family since they both lost what it was precious to them, thus leading them to not wanting to lose more, they are willing to protect what it’s dear to them even if it means to disagree with some things presented.
The very fact that Guren’s actions weren’t the best ones taken, have only made them lose their trust towards him; they want to believe him that he’ll resurrect those they love but they do acknowledge that the present is there; that even if they grieve for their loved ones, they have to protect those they have alive.
Therefore, this follows only the last question:
What kind of resolution will those two have?
Taking in consideration that their real emotions show they’re tired, exhausted and frustrated with how many events have taken place and have affected their lives to certain degree along their loved ones; it can be said that Yoichi and Kimizuki could and actually have the wits to take drastic decisions if it means stop taking risks that would endanger their loved ones.
They do have the design of being capable of halting or deciding when to say “it’s enough” if things don’t go in favor or rather, if things directly affect their loved ones.
What do you think dear readers?
Let me know!
P.S: I’m really sorry for delaying this so much x.x I apologize dear readers
gif belongs to the-loyal-one
