callester

[callester]

Further scrutinisation on Wheeler's Arc details, as continued from the previous takes (links below).

• Disguises' Foreshadow

The name play on Shellbury ("shell" + "bury") may act as a foreshadow to this arc's pinpoint on the slipping (buried) layer of one's protection (shell), as showcased in Twilight's close call of almost having his face revealed by Wheeler.

• Border Symbolism

Due to Shellbury being a town at the (northside) border of Westalis and Ostania, the location alone became the symbolism on the clash between the two countries' exact counterparts.

Bearing the same role of a skilled intelligence agent, Twilight and Wheeler became the main target of the SSS and WISE respectively, all while actively trying to tip the balance into their side's favour upon clashing.

Possessing the same sense of determination, Yuri and Nightfall came into an equal role of the persistent pursuer of Twilight and Wheeler.

Thus, the main narration perspectives of this arc had mainly focused on them due to their close calls on their respective target, as highlighted through their forward gazes (breaking the fourth wall) in Volume 13's special illustration (full analysis here).

Another worthwhile note on Yuri and Nightfall's parallels would be their contribution in stopping their targets' tracks, differed only by the sequence of events:

》 Yuri's battle with Twilight had led to his fall in the hands of Wheeler.

》 Nightfall's clash with Wheeler later had similarly cause the latter to be defeated as well.

• Strength-building

With Nightfall finding the irony in her intensive tennis rematch training to have reduced the severity of her injury, Yuri had similarly began his own with the thought of improving his own strength to capture Twilight the next time they met. Interestingly, Yor acted as the main motivator in both cases.

Note: Due to the author's flawless inclusion of numerous intricate details throughout the storyline, different connections are only realised upon every reread. And thus, this is yet another part for the analysis (series, at this point) on Wheeler's Arc.

While catching up to the latest release on a timely basis had been a source of pride to most, missing out the hints included in the main narration's background would cause one to stray further away from its actual intent upon such ignorance.

Wheeler's Arc Parallels: Part I • Part II

[callester]

A scrutiny into Twilight's remark in Mission 107 between the Japanese and English translated manga.

Japanese Manga

• "だとしてもオレは..." (Datoshitemo ore ha...)

"Even so, I..."

だとしても (datoshitemo) - even so

オレは... (ore ha / ore wa) - I...

With the latter part of the sentence composed of "オレ (ore, I)" and the topic particle "は ("ha", pronounced as "wa")", "オレは... (ore ha)" had directly meant "I...". The trailing end (...) of this sentence had indicated the incomplete nature of the remark due to the emphasis that was left unspoken in this scene, making Twilight's statement vague and neutral in this context.

English Translated Manga

• "And yet, here I am..."

Straying off the literal meaning of the japanese counterpart of the same sentence, the English translated version offered a slightly different view. Taking the sentence as it is, the meaning behind it seemed to suggest that the speaker expressed a sense of agreement towards the discussed topic while currently doing an opposing action. Thus, most would see this remark as one of "regret", with the trailing end of it greatly emphasising the speaker's uncertain stance.

Though if both versions are to be taken into equal consideration, the trailing end of "here I am..." could reflect the japanese version's take but only when the sentence is viewed as incomplete instead being concluded rather doubtfully by the speaker.

Additional Context: Background Interruption

Still bearing the same thoughtful expression in the following panel, Damian's victory exclaim must have been the cause to Twilight's interrupted monologue. Thus, this further solidifies the incomplete nature of the sentence instead of the "remorseful" stance assumed by some.

Note: Despite the effort poured into ensuring translations to be done within the context of a selected language, losing the initial intent of the story from its source would result to misleading details and perceptions. Hence, this post is another instance of the difference across the japanese manga and its english translation.

While it lies in the majority to rejoice upon the found flaws of others, bearing the wrong perception on it would be as fruitless as pinpointing it in the first place.

[callester]

"Ignorance, the root and stem of every evil" (Plato)

無理とはなんて無力でなんて悪

(muchi to ha nante muryoku de nante aku)

Ignorance is powerlessness and evil.

Powerlessness • 無力 (むりょく, muryoku)

In the wake of his lost, Twilight came to acknowledge the vagueness of the reality he lived in as he lack the power to save his friends as well as the comprehension on the reason behind the seemingly unending clash.

Evil • 悪 (あく, aku)

Through such realisation had Twilight concluded that being ignorant towards the present truth as "evil", where continuing down the path of relentlessly fight for an unclear purpose, as most was driven into, could not bring one closer to a desirable outcome in the future.

子どもが泣かない世界それを作り���くてオレはスパイになったんだ

(kodomo ga nakanai sekai sore wo tsukuritakute ore ha supai ni nattanda)

To make a world where children do not cry, I became a spy.

Rooted to his shattered childhood had Twilight aimed to reach a future where such past could no longer repeat itself, and thus chose to trail down a path that could grant him realistic means of moving the present towards such hope for the sake of its successors to come.

Note: In dimissing a vision due to a proclaimed sense of naivety would all hope be diminished, for no effort is given in even changing the present. And through such lens had most continue to cast doubt and criticise anything that appear to be more advanced than all that existed in the current time.

In imagining a perfected ideal would all hope exist as mere thoughts, for nothing from one's mind is actually obtained. And from holding on to such flawless idea had most turn a blind eye to the extent of their own capabilities amidst the ongoing present.

With almost anyone fitting to either side of the two contrasts easily, it should dawn in one's realisation where uttering criticisms and bearing dreams alone could not help to secure a better future envisioned by the minds of all. An ideal would remain as an ideal until it could be realised into the real world through the collective yet realistic means taken in moving towards the shared vision.

[callester]

An interpretation on the ideal echoed in Mission 107.

Vision of an Ideal

"How I hope that these children are able to remain forever unburdened by the statures and standpoints of their parents, and continue seeking out their own happiness of their own accord. It may not be my place to hope for such things, but I cannot help but wish it all the same."

In the light of witnessing the liveliness shared by the children at the festival, the ideal that was stated out by Jeeves had reached an unanimous agreement from the parents' side.

Trailing a realistic path

"And yet, here I am..."

Giving a ponder on the sentiment discussed in his background while glancing over at Anya from the distant, Twilight came to conclude his take on the said matter rather incompletely (due to being being cut off by Damian's victorious exclaim).

Despite the brief glimpse into his thoughts, his words alone were sufficient in portraying the awareness on the truth behind the spoken ideal that had long since existed in himself. Though instead of only holding onto it as a core belief, he chose to view it all in a rather realistic perspective of eventually reaching the said ideal.

Thus, from prioritising such objective-based approach had Twilight been associated with a false assumption of bearing "guilt" or "remorse" over all actions and considerations taken throughout Operation Strix.

Note: Discarding the subjectivity that comes with reality, most would opt to maintain a simplistic view of comparing righteousness between two contrasts and proceeds to choose the side that fits a generally-accepted norm over rational judgements. And trailing down such path would one ultimately lose sight of the truth.

[callester]

An alternative view on the interactions between the Desmonds in Mission 106.

Right after Damian's first attempt of starting a conversation with Donovan at the beginning of the chapter, Demetrius can be seen consuming his dinner in a rather continuous flow to the point where his speed eventually led to finishing most of his dishes first as compared to his family members.

While Demetrius can be seen as nonchalant towards the rare family dinner to the point of aiming to conclude it as soon as possible, his course of action had eventually gave way to a sliver of alone time between Donovan and Damian, right after Melinda similarly taking the cue to leave the table, in which had enabled Donovan to directly address Damian, despite only through short comments that thus strucked a sense of deep satisfaction in the latter.

Another instance taken from the past (Mission 37) would be the brief phone conversation between Demetrius and Damian, where upon the latter's request of meeting up with their father after the Imperial Scholars mixer, Demetrius had spoken up the possibility of Donovan not making it due to his busy nature in avoiding Damian from getting his hopes too high up. And despite the rather formal-like exchange between the two, Demetrius still left a space for Damian in case he needed to ask anything more before hanging up.

Note: Viewing things from the outer perspective of a situation would always grant the viewer with the ability of making effortless judgements, where most would be able to tell if one is better or worse than the other in an almost mirroring scenario, unconsciously leading them to assume which of the two is the "more correct" version and thus, adapting and expecting the said ideal to be a part of the majority's norm or standards.

Despite such ideal assumption, the reality has never strayed from its subjectivity, for not all matters could be addressed and solved simply through spoken words, with an instance being Demetrius' subtle actions showcased in this chapter. Hence, to attempt to fit everyone into the frame of a perceived perfect norm is a lost cause to begin with.

[callester]

世の中には心の風邪をひく人がたくさんいるんだ。

[callester]

"I curse this era" parallelism as expressed by Martha and Franky.

Amidst the era of conflict

Shedding a light on the physical and mental strain that came with constant battles, Martha's definition had mainly centred on the unrest of her era that crushed her dreams as well as being one of the contributors to her immense heartbreak.

In the wake of cold war

Contrasting the visible physical battles of the past, Franky's point of view reveals a different struggle that only takes place underneath the shadows. Thus, his definition had been based off the constant unseen struggles of being part of the underground information chain while trying to strike a sense of normalcy in life.

Note: Echoing Yor's point in Mission 91 on the existence of mental burden among her generation alongside the pain experienced by those in the previous one, Martha and Franky's retellings proved the unchanging truth on the presence of hardships in each era, despite in a different form.

Where human nature persists on a sense of superiority over one's triumph in conquering the difficulties in their own era, dismissing the relevance of all struggles that exist in the succeeding generations simply breeds utter ignorance. And thus, the acknowledgement towards visible scars shouldn't be used to nullify those that remain unapparent to one's sight.

[callester]

Pinpointing Twilight's constant reading habit throughout the series.

The newspapers were first introduced as the main medium of messages and codes transfer between WISE and its agents.

Despite so, reading has been his first priority in gaining more information on a particular topic that is off his extensive knowledge, namely in his attempt of understanding Anya and her favourite comic series, Spywars.

It even came off as an almost default activity regardless of time and place, as often portrayed during his free time at home and along with his familiarity on most of the books in the cruise's library.

Similarly, the author had placed the same emphasis in a few of his special illustrations.

Note: While most would settle into believing Twilight's lack of a hobby in his profile (Volume 1), placing a keen observation on the consistent behavioural pattern shown would offer a new insight.

[callester]

Extending the details for @ascalide's pinpointed observation on Nightfall's return from recovery post Wheeler's arc.

Nightfall's debut scene in Mission 105 bears a stark resemblance to an almost similar scene in Mission 60, with a subtle difference on the side of the shoulder where she carries her bag.

Through various instances previously shown, it can be assumed that Nightfall's dominant hand lies on the right side.

Though opposing that, there is a notable change on the side she chooses to carry her bag and receiving the required documents from Franky using her left hand as opposed to her dominant hand.

The reason behind the author's decision to commence such change is due to the aftermath of Nightfall's more severe right arm injury when facing off Wheeler. Mission 105 marks her return to her on-site tasks since last seen recovering in the hospital in Mission 87.

Note: While negligible to most, the detailed considerations taken by the author has always been highly appreciated.

[callester]

A look on Franky's interactions with the WISE agents, Twilight and Nightfall, as part of his daily dealings.

Now associated as an informant to another WISE agent, Franky is shown to have earned Nightfall's trust in obtaining the needed documents for her undercover missions just as frequent as Twilight's request on overlooking Anya and Bond.

Having mirroring panels, these two interactions were done in a similar utmost curt way when exchanging information and services with Franky through the brief parting remarks of "take care" (Nightfall) and "have fun" (Twilight).

Contrasting the slightly differed yet equally brief remarks, the japanese counterparts of those words from both Nightfall and Twilight were the same, which is "よろしく" (yoroshiku). While there lies vagueness in a direct yet exact translation of this word into English due to its dependence on the sentence's context itself, the one in use here came close to a meaning of "thank you in advance".

Where this context may sound off in comparison to the English translated versions of "take care" and "have fun", viewing "よろしく" as "thank you in advance" in an asian language context would give off the perspective of a forced conclusion to a requested task without allowing a space for debate. Thus, the english translation achieved the goal of portraying the conclusive context through the parting remarks. And while the asian conversational perspective of it may be interpreted as "rude" in other language's context, concluding a request using a "thank you in advance" remark is simply a way of convincing the other side to answer to a request without much delay or further procrastination.

Note: This chapter sheds a light on Franky's sturdy connection with the WISE agents, as shown in his back-to-back emphasis of himself not being WISE's gofer (errand) boy to Nightfall and then to Twilight, that may further endanger himself alongside the chain of underground information network that is being actively hunted down by the SSS. And regardless of the difficulties presented in this era, those residing within the underground network showcased a strong sense of camaraderie.

Others: Mission 60 nickname analysis

[callester]

Observations made on Mission 104's storyline settings.

Mysterious Plant

• Features

The plant's features are a combination of a few carnivorous plants that inhabit the rainforests, which occupy lands near the Earth's Equator.

Stigma - Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus Titanum)

Petals - Rafflesia (Rafflesia Arnoldii)

Body - Pitcher Plant (Nephentes Rajah)

• Geschocran (ゲツショクラン, getsushokuran)

Through a few attempts and references of finding out the possible Kanji words referred as Katakana characters in the flower's name, the possibilities are:

Getsu (月, ゲツ) - Moon

Shoku (植, ショク) - Plant

Ran (蘭, ラン) - Orchid

But since Japanese is not my first language and the interpretations done here could be a little off, it serves as an exercise in the learnt language.

• Witch's Crib (魔女の寝床, majou no nedoko)

The word "寝床" may translate as either a "bed" or a "crib", where if taken as literal had meant a witch's sleeping place.

Another take on the word "crib" in its archaic use would be "one's resting place", where it may refer to the place for those who lost their lives. Taking into consideration of the cauldron-like shape of the flower's body and it's carnivorous plants' inspired features, the flower's name may indicate the victims that fell into its trap and ended up being drowned in the said cauldron-like area (a shared trait of most carnivorous plants).

Ancient Builds, Chichen Itza

The snippet of the older civilisation's building shown resembles that of the Chichen Itza, with the Temple of Kukulcan on its centre.

In a possible symbolism, the snake that appeared in this chapter may refer to the said temple being dedicated to the Mayan Feathered Serpent deity, Quatzalcoatl.

Equinox's Sun Alignment

• Temple of Kukulcan

The setting sun during the spring and the autumn equinox casts a shadow illusion of the Feathered Serpent descending the temple.

• Angkor Wat

On a similar occasion of the spring and the autumn equinox, one could see the sun rising above the building's central lotus tower from the perspective of the western entrance.

Note: To some, this chapter may come off as bland. But to those who appreciate both geography and history, this release gives off an additional take on the author's skills in weaving the intricate details of realistic elements into his worldbuilding ventures that thus add in the depth of this series all while building up the main tale. And standing by the latter perspective, it's an impressive take by the author while expanding the series' characters.

[callester]

A strike of balance in wisdom as expressed by Loid and Yor.

To live past unnecessary expectations and as one's truest self.

To momentarily free one's mind from all known burden.

Note: Where both characters receive a rather contrasting recognition from most, the complementary acts of composing one's insecurity (Mission 14) as well as breaking one's hectic routine (Mission 103) proved the interchange of the giving and receiving ends of a timely advice between Loid and Yor.

And despite being expressed on a fictional setting, these advices hold no less significance in the context of overcoming the critical scrutiny and demands posed in reality.

[callester]

A scrutiny on Anya's remark across different translations in Mission 30.

Japanese Manga

• "アニヤこのははだんこきょひ!!" (Anya kono haha danko kyohi!!)

Since Anya is known to mainly utilise hiragana (ひらがな), the terms used along Anya's sentence may contain the kanji version of the same term expressed in hiragana. Matching the terms to its kanji version would help to put things into a clearer context and these are the possible words.

だんこ (danko) = 断固 - resolute

きょひ (kyohi) = 拒否 - rejection

Thus, the translation to Anya's remark is "Anya resolutely rejects this mother (type)!!".

English Translated Manga

• "This woman wants to be my mama? I can't let that happen!"

The context here offers the fact where Anya is defensive of someone that tries to take over Yor's position as her mother. Assuming this, Anya would go against anyone who comes across as bearing this intent and not only specifically towards Nightfall.

Anime's English Subtitle

• "Anya rejects this mother entirely!"

Sticking closer to the context of the Japanese manga's sentence, the anime subtitle had indicated Anya's utter rejection towards Nightfall's parenting style (forced studying session) through the term "this mother".

Extra: Anya's Meddlings

Anya is known to judge the "candidates" of her mother through the envisioned attempts of an individual as reached by her mind-reading ability. This alone had led to her involvement in pulling Yor into Operation Strix (in assisting Twilight) and even up to aiding Becky's crush with a thought where she could gain the advantage of being served by world-class chefs in the latter attempt. Bearing this in mind, Anya had "rejected" Nightfall's intent due to being terrified by the forced studying vision imagined by Nightfall in achieving more Stella Stars.

Note: While the differences between the sentences used in Japanese manga and its English translated version may be subtle or negligible to some, gaining a full context on Anya's remark would help to understand her view on different individuals throughout the series. In which, in this case, had helped to indicate that Anya did not possess any sense of repulsion towards Nightfall upon their meeting.

And on a more serious note, it would help to view Anya's side meddling quests when facing those who intended to "gain" the mother position as part of a lighter take (joke) in this series.

[callester]

Domestic support capabilities as featured in Nightfall's expectations and Yuri's initiatives through a list of similar tasks.

Cooking

Laundry

Finances

Recon

First Aid

Note: It's almost comical how Nightfall's list of domestic support tasks had each been completed by Yuri, except for the First Aid part where he had always refused to visit the hospital to treat his injuries. Else, the hospital itself would have been the pioneer intercepting point between Yuri and Nightfall; something that I do invest in.

[callester]

Reblogging an update on this analysis featuring a more recent version of Volume 13's extended illustration.

Close Parallels

Yuri and Nightfall's differed levels of perspectives and along with the broken fourth wall may refer to their respective intercepting point with Twilight and Wheeler:

• Crouched position (Yuri) - lower level, the sewers.

• Standing position (Nightfall) - normal level, the roads.

An interpretation on Spy×Family's Volume 13 special illustration in the context of its content arc. 🔍

Twilight (Loid Forger)

Standing nearest to the edge of the wall symbolises his almost exposed identity.

Eyes casted towards his right side out of observation on the East.

Nightfall (Fiona Frost)

Standing far from the intercepting edge due to her identity being barely known from the SSS.

Breaking the fourth wall may refer to her ability of pinpointing Wheeler (from his disguise among the crowd) that thus began the intense chase.

Yuri Briar

Standing close to the edge (opposing WISE agents' side) due to his close encounter with Twilight.

Breaking the fourth wall (looking forward) due to being able to see through Twilight's panic escape (noticing his footstep) and bear a constant yet pointed suspicion on Loid (bullet wound).

Chloe

Eyes casted towards her left to observe the movements on the West.

SSS' First Lieutenant

Stood on the same side as the rest of SSS agents.

Eyes focused on his own side (the East) to portray SSS' nature of overlooking the safety of within Ostania.

WISE Agent (unnamed, Red 2)

Stood on the watchtower overlooking the left opposing side to observe the East's movements.

Positions' Significance

Agents that are actively assigned to site surveillances / spying tasks are all positioned on the ground (standing / crouching).

Agents that are less active are positioned on higher levels (atop of wall / watchtower).

Breaking the fourth wall

Sharing the same sight direction (forward) from opposing sides, Yuri and Nightfall's intentions are in a direct clash, where one attempted to uncover Twilight's identity while the other fought hard to maintain it.

Feel free to add in your interpretations!

[callester]

An additional take on Yuri and Nightfall's parallels in Wheeler's Arc, as extended from the previous part.

• Imposter's Encounter

Ironically, Yuri had never met Wheeler in person just as much as Nightfall had never intercepted with Yuri despite both operating within a close proximity, only encountering Twilight's disguises for both individuals.

• Close Calls

The Berlint General Hospital and the Forgers' Residence happened to be the almost interception points of Yuri and Nightfall, if both weren't diverted by the mission's call and its aftermath respectively.

• Strix's Interference

In an almost mirroring act, the arc began with Yuri suggesting Yor to tail Loid in catching him off-guard and then ended with Nightfall insisting Twilight that she will need to investigate the state of Strix.

Note: Due to the action-packed nature of this arc, it has been nothing but a showcase of mirrored capabilities shown by the SSS and WISE as contributed almost equally from Yuri and Nightfall's sheer determination.

Wheeler's Arc Parallels: Part I • Part III

[callester]

A take on Spy×Family manga covers' symbolism.

Reference Point: The Forgers

Twilight (facing and looking forward, aligned to the right)

Yor (facing and looking forward, aligned to the left)

Anya (facing forward and glancing to her right, possibly curious of the East, aligned to the centre)

Mirrored Counterparts: WISE & Western Alliance (aligned to the left)

Nightfall (facing forward, looking towards her left, symbolising her admiration towards Twilight)

Franky (facing and looking forward)

Handler (facing forward, glancing to her right, East)

The Briars

Yuri (facing towards the left, symbolising his stance with Yor, looking forward)

Eden Students

All students are aligned to the centre. An exception to Emile and Ewen, where both seemed to match Damian's centre position.

Additional Bonds

Since Bond is aligned to the centre, it matches with Anya's position and could be matched with others' covers.

Becky's cover could be mirrored with young Twilight's cover due to herself facing to her left, in a symbolism of her admiration.

Extra: Title Design

There is an ongoing pattern on the title alignment that seemed to connect different individuals, with an instance being Twilight and Yor's volume covers, and coincidentally (or not), Yuri and Nightfall's as well.

Note: A different take on the possibilities of viewing the volume covers and its connections to its respective character(s), apart from the observation on the surrounding details (chairs and the elements around it) that may contribute to biased characters' perspective from those who attempted related interpretations. The volumes' order is arranged and viewed from right to left in replicating the tradional Japanese tategaki (縦書��) format as maintained in reading the manga.