#about how powerful guren shinya and mahiru could be if they all got along with each other

[shinyasimp]

they could’ve been besties </3

[helioptrixx]

I can't bring myself to analyze chapter 108 so instead today I'm going to rewind a bit. (In which I'm a simp for Shinya I overanalyze and probably piss off a few people and overestimate Shinya's importance to the plot.)

A long, long time ago (I'm too lazy to find where, but I think it's before they go to Ferid's mansion, post-Nagoya) Kureto said something to Guren about how Shinya was special and how he would be important for rebuilding humanity or something along those lines. Why Shinya? What about him is so special? He's just some random kid who the Hiiragis bought from his parents because they needed the money and status, apparently (there's a lot of questions I have about that, but that's for another time). Had any of the other children won instead of him, would they be considered special too, or is it merely a coincidence that Shinya won and has some special things going for him?

That's all rhetorical, by the way. I was rereading chapter 83 because I hate myself and I miss Shinya, and I came across this panel:

The term "mate" implies some sort of deeper relationship than "married" does. You know. Like the Hiiragis were looking for someone to pair Mahiru up with and for them to have strong kids or whatever. This could also just be Byakkomaru's language and the fact that he's really, really, really old coming into play, but still, the question stands. Why would they be looking for a good mate for Mahiru among a bunch of low-born children, assuming that the parents of all the kids received the same things Shinya's parents got? Wouldn't someone from another powerful family be a better match? Hell, I hate to admit it, but Guren would've been a good match for Mahiru, considering that they seem to already have some sort of relationship and he's skilled, despite coming from the Ichinose family. Also, there seems to be some girls there (unless it's just Yamamoto and Kagami's thing for guys with long hair coming into play) and I don't think it's ever been explicitly stated that they bought a bunch of boys (I may be wrong).

But what if the point was never to find a "mate" for Mahiru? What if it was just for the Hiiragis to get their hands on Shinya?

There's some things we already know about him that set him apart from other people. He's one of the few able to wield a Black Demon series weapon, and at least one of the requirements for that is having been experimented on by the Hiiragis, but there are requirements for the surgery that most people don't meet. And even after the surgery, there's only a 20% chance the person will successfully get a contract with the demon. Additionally, there's also that whole thing in cat16 with him being the only one who isn't resurrected, and Ferid suddenly appearing out of nowhere and uncharacteristically agreeing to help Guren. You can't tell me that's a coincidence.

Something about Shinya was special from the start. He was picked alongside other "talented kids" to be able to mate Mahiru, but it seems that there were quite a few children picked out. How is it that he was picked, one out of many, and was also one of the few who fit the criteria to be able to successfully pair with a Black Demon? It's also implied that, at that age, Shinya was already skilled at separating himself from his emotions and was also quite smart, considering how Byakkomaru says that's how he had stayed alive.

But if all this stuff about the Hiiragis having picked him from the start were true, then what was the point of having Shinya go through he competition at all? Oh, I don't know. Conditioning, a method of control, a way of implanting the idea that Mahiru is good and something worth fighting for. Mental damage, or maybe simply because they are Hiiragis. (lol)

Even if all this is false, they must've seen something for him to get picked to possibly marry Mahiru.

I must also point out that all of those who have or have had Black Demon series weapons have all had some sort of plot relevance (or Kagami tried to make them seem plot relevant, at least).

Since I'm rereading chapter 83, I'm legally required to include this panel:

I must emphasize how this panel gets more than a quarter of the page.

heartbreak in the rain

[lostsoulaltair]

OnS Theories (14S). Seventh Theory - The difference between demon Mikaela and the black demon series (Long Theory)

Hey guys, the cowntdown starts, 5 theories left for the moment; hope everyone’s been doing well, without any other stuff to say, let’s begin!

In the previous theory, I talked about the factors that were involved in Mika’s power related to being a demon. We saw that Ashera’s natural reaction was that of fear instead of being happy for an opportunity to save Mika.

Image from Vampire Reign - Chapter 94

But despite giving the factors that made Mika an extremely dangerous and powerful demon, what makes him different from the other demons from the black demon series if they’re labeled as dangerous as well?

For that, let’s talk about each demon so far and how exactly their desire ended up awakening their demon selves, what do I mean?

Instead of focusing the traits they possess, there’s something more to base upon, such thing is the desire they had at its peak before they even became vampires, such thing will be stated within the next list:

1. Asuramaru - Ashera Tepes

Asuramaru is the second most dangerous demon that has ever existed, he was the one that drove Mahiru somehow out of control before she turned into a vampire; her desires grew wilder as she kept growing after she stated having nightmares:

Image from Catastrophe at 16 - Chapter 18

Within the Catastrophe LNs and manga, Mahiru started having nightmares about a demon back when she was around 11 years old or so, such dreams started to increase with time until it was hard to resist them:

Image from Catastrophe at 16 - Chapter 18

Mahiru ended up taking measures so she could protect Shinoa and give the option for Guren to save the world of its own madness drove by the First Progenitor.

But now, what exactly did Ashera’s desire end up revolving around?

As a demon, Asuramaru displayed the desire of power, violence, the power to be able to handle down any enemy in front of the wielder; in Mahiru’s case, Asuramaru offered the power she could have ever dreamt of; which is something that applies with Yu at the same time:

Image from Vampire Reign - Chapter 46

It can be said that Asuramaru’s primordial desire as a demon was to unleash its power freely, to unleash a savage destruction with the body of the wielder but then, how does this relate to the “he” that was once a vampire in the past?

If many might recall, Ashera once he along Krul and Noya discovered the corpse of Sika Madu’s son, Noya ended up killing Yu; Ashera ended up taking the responsibility of such acts:

Image from Vampire Reign - Chapter 94

Ashera clearly stated:

“I accidentally killed Yu. Oh! But my little sister is innocent! It’s my fault only mine! She kept telling us over and over that we shouldn’t...”

What does this imply?

Correct. It means that Ashera’s strongest desire was the safety of his sister; his sister was primordial after loss of their mother; he being the elder brother kept the oath of protecting his little sister which is why after being turned into a vampire, his main goal was to save Krul.

Then, why did Ashera look happy back in chapter 49?

Image from Vampire Reign - Chapter 49

Correct, it’s likely that Ashera traveled with the First not by his own but rather as a deal with the First with the sole purpose of actually protecting Krul from becoming a test subject after entering the forbbiden chamber where the corpse of his precious son.

Therefore, it can be said that Ashera’s strongest desire was the one to protect. The safety of his sister.  Then what could it be concludedd with this?

Correct. That Ahera’s strongest desire was “Protect his Sister” hence why the demon form he took was that of a violent demon able to crush down enemies if the wielder wished for but of course, everything would depend a lot with the mental strength of the wielder in order for him to really unleash his powers.

2. Noya - Noya Hienma

Noya’s often portrayed as a destructive demon who feeds from strong desires that involve a carefree life but getting rid of what ties a human from it’s pain. Which can be seen in the Catastrophe LNs, what do I mean?

Back in the Catastrophe, Noya once suggested Guren to kill his friends so he could embrace the power he required:

Image from Catasstrophe at 16 - Chapter 32

Noya promised Guren he’d give him the power to reach Mahiru if he allowed all what he harbored free; thus included harming his friends. Of course, Guren withstood such tempting offer since his squad was and still is the most important thing for him. Something like this can be see in Vampire Reign as well:

Image from Vampire Reign - Chapter 83

It can be said that Noya is a demon that gives power in exchange of having the wielder set all the things that bound them free, of course, letting go could result in a worst scenario; in Guren’s case, it means seeing his friends vanish after resurrecting them.

Now, what can it be said with the human or vampire self on which his desire was at its highest?

Noya once remembered a time on which he was roaming freely back in the catastrophe:

Image from Catastrophe at 16 - Chapter 32

It can be said that perhaps his desire was at its highest when he was roaming freely as a carefree boy back then, his looks show he was the happiest in the past, no cares no worries that could destroy his happiness; of course, once he became a vampire, some glimses of his personality displayed that Noya actually went through a hard life, it is pausible to say that perhaps he was tasked to do bad things hence why he displays no remorse when he kills Yu in the past.

3. Byakkomaru - unknown real name

Byakkomaru is Shinya’s demon, his manifestation form is that of a tiger while the vampire hiding behind such manifestation is:

Image from Vampire Reign - Chapter 83

Byakkomaru is displayed as a demon hiding beneath animal skin, he is rather the interesting demon, he seems rather patient compared to other demons when they aim to possess their wielders; Byakkomaru, in order to give power to Shinya, he asked his wielder to name what he desired; but why?

Byakkomaru in fact, is a demon that devours the void, what do I mean?

Shinya’s real personality is the one that stopped caring about the world, for him, it doesn’t matter if he really tries or not, it could be said that it’s technically Sloth; which is something Byakkomaru feeds from, the sloth that increases within Shinya; but, at the same time, in order to give his master power, Shinya stated his desire, which was to “have power to save Guren”.

It could be said that before Byakkomaru was turned into a demon, Byakkomaru’s personality was that of a man that never gave up, a man that was constantly battling even if the results were a complete void, if there was nothing to be achieved; it is likely that his desire was at its highest when he actually succeeded in something eventful.

4. Gekkouin - Unknown real name

Gekkouin’s first appearance was in chapter 51 after Yoichi spotted Lacus Welt; after recognizing his face, Gekkouin started to take over Yoichi due to the deep grudge Yoichi has against him.

Image from Vampire Reign - Chapter 51

Gekkouin is displayed as a rude demon towards his wielder, he seems like the type of guy that enjoys bullying the weak but actually, there’s something hidden beneath his physical appearance, what could it be?

Correct. Gekkouin’s demon self enjoys revengeful wielders, he insists Yoichi to take revenge upon the death of Yoichi’s sister who was taken by Lacus Welt.

Image from Vampire Reign - Chapter 51

Gekkouin attempts to convince Yoichi to allow him to take over him to kill Lacus which at the end results with Yoichi showing a sadist side which no one was really expecting; therefore, what could it be said about Gekkouin’s vampire side?

Who exactly was he before turning into a demon or what made his desire reach the peak?

Justice. 

You might ask why justice if his current self enjoys revenge.

In a way, despite the path Yoichi is taking, he’s attempting to do justice for the unfair death of his sister, it could be said that his former self was someone tied to the bounds of what was rightful or even it could be that he striked down with justice, but what exactly does justice ends up meaning?

It’s not that Gekkouin might have taken revenge as a mean of justice, but rather, law and order to make justice.

5. Kiseki-O

Kiseki-O is a demon whose background is really short, he hasn’t appeared ever since he made the pact with Kimzuki along the fact he got a better comunication with him to use his abilities for manifestation.

Image from Vampire Reign - Chapter 21

Kiseki-O is seen as a patient demon, he enjoys playing around but there’s actually a characteristic of him, what could it be?

Correct. Rage. He feeds from Kimizuki’s rage, back in chapter 21, Kiseki-O kept taunting Kimizuki until this one ended up losing his cool and eventually was submitted into a dream until he passed Kiseki-O’s test.

Furthermore, such statement can be reflected in chapter 84

Image from Vampire Reign - Chapter 93

Kiseki-O instantly got possession of Shiho since Guren killed Mirai Kimizuki in front of him; Shiho’s biggest desire is to protect his sister at any cost, even if it means betraying his friends, his biggest fear is to fail such task which is something that instead of paining him, it literally made him go beserk into a deep rage which is something Kiseki-O feeds from. What does this mean?

Shiho in fact has a deep rage within him due to the fact he doesn’t have the power to keep his sister safe, he was aware that he wasn’t able to protect her from the experiments, furthermore he ended up losing his sister in front of him after he finally retrieved her.

But now, what does this imply with Kiseki-O? What was Kiseki-O before he became a demon that fed from rage along the strong desire of Kimizuki?

It could be said that Kiseki-O might have had someone he was successful to protect, which might actually stablish as his most fulfilling desire.

6. Raimeki - Unknown real name

Raimeki appears or makes her debut in chapter 58 after Shikama possesses Kureto or likely attempts to possess him, of course, Raimeki states that she’s trying her best to not allow Shikama Doji possess him.

With Raimeki, there’s something rather peculiar, she suggests Kureto to break two personal taboos, one of them being lust towards Aoi and the 2nd one being to let loose of himself, to be a carefree instead of being strict with himself.

But what could it be implied with Raimeki as a demon?

Correct, Raimeki is a demon that feeds on strong desires, those desires end up withing longing, and you might wonder how it might be possible, for that, let’s take a look at Kureto; ever since the LNs, Kureto has been a strict guy that has literally worked hard so his father could acknowledge him, of course, his father never looked up to him which is something Kureto kept going on and on until he learnt his father was a puppet of someone else.

Returning to the theory itself, what could it be said about Raimeki’s former self or likely where her desires were at her highest?

It’s possible that Raimeki’s highest desire or wish was with someone she deeply longed to be with, perhaps that was the part of her life that literally made her the happiest, hence it could be the reason why she feeds on what Kureto longs for.

7. Special cases, Mikaela Hyakuya and Mahiru Hiragi

Now, as I’ve stated in other theories, I don’t involve ships within theories; therefore, let’s talk about the type of love these two displayed within their respective stories.

Mahiru Hiragi

Mahiru Hiragi as a demon has become rather more merciless and “free”, she enjoys taunting Guren but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t care; in fact, she cares about his well being even knowing she left a huge burden within him.

But, if we talk about her human self, Mahiru was once a kind hearted girl, of course, the curse she had ever since she was born wasn’t going to let her live a normal life, furthermore, the fact that her fate was written in stone was something that as much as she fought, was something she couldn’t avoid.

The reason why she became a demon was “love”. She loved Guren so much and yes, I’m aware many state she didn’t due to her being the person who killed Guren’s friends but, in fact, if she didn’t kill Guren’s friends; Tenri Hiragi would have killed them afterwards. How can I state this?

It is well known that Tenri was a merciless man, he was always stepping on the Ichinose family, always mocking on them, he didn’t hesitate on executing Sakae Ichinose, nor he even considered Guren’s feelings one bit.

Returning to the theory once again, love is one of the desires that has a high meaning within the story, of course, love can be different when it comes to characters, it can be selfless love, selfish love, obssessive love, possessive love, etc.

For Mahiru, her love was something that could be denominated as selfish, her actions seemed as she was always making Guren suffer but in fact, she was guiding him to find the pieces on how to fix the world and how to actually rescue those he held dear.

The reason why her body was never lost was due to an ability she had when she was a namanari, she was able to devour demons or parts of them; which is something that happened with Noya at the end of the Catastrophe LNs; she merged with him by devouring him, hence why Guren’s cursed gear is called Mahiru-no-Yo.

Mikaela Hyakuya

As I’ve stated in other theories, Mika’s love goes in two forms, selfless but obssessive as well; what do I mean?

Mika’s love for Yu is selfless, he cares about his well being, but at the same time, his past, the fact that Yu is the only family left he has, awoke obssession within him; he doesn’t hesitate to kill if it means to keep Yu safe, even if it goes against his wishes.

Mika’s love is pure in its own way, he always thanked that Yu became his light after the darkness surrounded him; when he stated “I love you” all the thoughts he had were transmitted in such phrase, a deep “thank you for everything you’ve done”; but then, what exactly makes Mika as a demon so dangerous?

Correct, his desire at its highest was love, when he reached the dream, his desire was at its highest, his dream only displayed what he wished and loved to have for the rest of his life; he wanted to keep the orphanage kids by himself, along Yu, all he needed was that, his family, the moment and the fact they were his only happiness.

Hence why, once he awoke as a demon, those who had knowledge about it were aware that the new demon was going to be the most dangerous and powerful that has ever existed.

To conclude, it can be said that the current demons from the black series had their desires at its highest whenever they had a goal in mind or aimed to achieve something even if it meant their lives; or simply, their happiest moments they’ve ever had along the fact that there was something that marked their lives in a positive way.

What do you think guys?

Let me know!

P.S: Theories don’t involve ships. They remain in a neutral view. 

[rev3rb]

Having Important Life Lessons About the Meaning of Life and Friendship Imparted to Them, a Guren and Yuu Parallel

Now before I get into it, I should say that I’m not going to really get into personal thoughts on Yuu and Guren’s relationship. That would take forever. I also won’t dwell too heavily on how successful Guren was at imparting these life lessons to Yuu as that’s easily up for debate. This is strictly meant to be an analysis/pointing out of how both Guren and Yuu had similar lessons imparted to them.

This gets a bit long with all of the screenshots, so it goes under a keep reading.

Say what you will about Guren, but it’s undeniable that Guren was important to Yuu’s growth in the 4 years between when Yuu escaped Sanguinem and the current day. Because we spend so little time dwelling on that period of time, it’s a little hard to say what exactly Guren did to/for Yuu, but we do see that there were two important lessons Guren tried to impart to him.

In chapter 33, we see 12 year old Yuu ask Guren the following question:

to which Guren ultimately responds with

The second lesson we see Guren try and impart to Yuu can be found in the extra chapter Yu and Guren. In it we see Yuu trying to get and then convince Guren to give him a sword. Guren refuses to give him one because:

Guren only gives him a sword after he sees Yuu protect a little girl rather than going for a sword and says the following:

While it wouldn’t be accurate to say that Guren is the sole reason that Yuu ends up adopting either of these mindsets, it does seem that Yuu took them at least somewhat to heart. Guren’s words, along with Yuu’s innate hatred of vampires at the time, is likely a large part of the reason why Yuu was so obsessed with revenge when the story first started out.

The other lessons, living because of the people you care about and those people making you strong, really don’t stick until Mika shows back up in Yuu’s life. In fact, Yuu outright rejects the idea of friendship at first.

It’s not for lack of Guren trying to get Yuu to embrace friendship though. We can see that he does try multiple times, most notably when Guren denies Yuu a position in the demon army until he makes a friend,

and later, after Yoichi is able to subdue Gekkoin after being possessed by him.

When you combine Guren’s continued reiteration on the importance of friendship with the weight Guren’s words carry in their respective scenes, it's difficult to miss the feeling that Guren values friendship very highly despite his words and actions towards his own friends sometimes suggesting the opposite. If you’ve read the Guren light novels, you know this to be true.

He wasn’t always like this though. In fact he viewed his care for other people as a weakness,

and because of this, he repeatedly rejected the idea entirely, much like Yuu.

Sure, Guren had other reasons beyond just viewing it as weakness to reject friendship, especially Shinya’s, but the fact still remains that friendship wasn’t something Guren valued right away. Friendship was something Guren had to grow to value, and much like Yuu had Guren, Guren had someone to help push these ideas on him. Who was that person? Shinya.

Well, really it was all of Guren’s friends, but Shinya is the one that really put it into words for Guren like Guren did for Yuu.

If we return to the first lesson that Guren tried to impart to Yuu, specifically the idea that he should live despite how painful living is, we see that Guren essentially admits to having went through a similar crisis.

It’s in Resurrection at 19′s first novel that we get to see Guren’s experience with this idea first hand. For all that we make fun of the book’s prologue, Shinya’s ultimate goal with that conversation was to get Guren to believe that there is a reason to continue living in their broken world, much like how Guren was trying to give Yuu an ideal to live for.

Shinya even started the conversation off by talking about bodily functions too.

“But I figured getting horny, that’s something. That gives life some kind of meaning. Well, maybe not meaning, but at least it shows you’ve still got the will to live. You get horny because some part of you refuses to give up on life. Same reason you get hungry, probably, or sleepy. Your belly is empty, you think dirty thoughts, you close your eyes because you’re so damn tired.” -Resurrection at 19, Book 1, Prologue, Page 12

While the meaning behind the statements are actually more like opposites, Guren is implying these things are burdensome efforts one has to go through to keep living, while Shinya’s saying it’s a sign that part of you still wants to live, it’s still a rather strange and specific way to start your pitch on having a reason to live.

The similarities continue when Guren ends up asking a question that’s quite similar to the one Yuu did in chapter 33.

“With things the way they are, is there any point to living?” -Resurrection at 19, Book 1, Prologue, Page 14

Shinya forces Guren to answer the question for himself, but ultimately, the prologue ends with Shinya offering these words:

“And Guren? Remember, life has meaning. It’s got to. So don’t go getting yourself killed.” -Resurrection at 19, Book 1, Prologue, Page 15 and 174

Is it the same sentiment Guren gives Yuu? No, not quite, and it shouldn’t be; Guren’s and Yuu’s needs in those moments are different. However, it is from this conversation that Guren finds and solidifies his reason to live, much like how Yuu did from Guren’s words.

“But there was no need to worry. Guren had found his reason for living. As long as Shinya, Norito, Mito, Shigure, and Sayuri were still alive--Guren had a purpose.” -Resurrection at 19, Book 1, Chapter 3, Page 174

At the end of it all, Guren ends up doing almost exactly what he told Yuu to do. He chose to keep living for those that need him, and it’s this goal, living so he can save Shinya, Goshi, Mito, Shigure, and Sayuri from dying again in two years with the added goal of fixing his mistakes, that pushes Guren forward in the current story.

For the parallel in Guren’s second lesson, having friends helps you to be strong, we have to look back at Catastrophe at 16. Catastrophe at 16 focuses heavily on the concept of what it means to grow stronger, so if we really wanted to dive into Guren’s growth behind this concept, we could be here all day, but once again, Shinya helps solidfy Guren’s concept of what it means to grow strong. Shortly after Shinya stops Guren from killing Seishiro in a fit of anger, and Guren sarcastically remarks about the power of friendship, Shinya offers these words:

“Yeah, but I don’t think frienship is so bad. Without it, what’s the point of living?” - Catastrophe at 16, Book 6, Chapter 3, Page 268

Shinya then launches into a talk on his own goals in life, but he eventually circles back to Guren when he shares what he percieves Guren’s goals in life to be.

“The reason you want to become stronger is to protect those around you, isn’t it? In other words, you want strength so that you can be close to people. What you’re really interested in is protecting people. Why be embarrassed about that? Why not just make that your ultimate goal?” -Catastrophe at 16, Book 6, Chapter 3, Page 269

As Guren puts it, Shinya wants him to “embrace friendship”. Guren being Guren still thinks that it’s weak for him to want that, but Shinya says one last thing to help hammer home that it’s okay to embrace friendship, and to grow strong for others over anything else.

“You mean if we have patience and stick together, we’ll make it someday?” “Maybe. How would I know?” “Very inspiring.” “But if we’re not close to anybody, I don’t think there’s much point to living. You feel the same way, too, don’t you, Guren? That getting strong just for the sake of it is meaningless? I think the meaning lies in protecting and supporting others... right? You can’t just think about yourself, can you?” -Catastrophe at 16, Book 6, Chapter 3, Page 271

The scene ends with Guren still being on the fence about the idea as a whole, but it’s obvious that Guren accepted this mindset as the rest of Catastrophe at 16 shows this. His advice to Yuu in the extra chapter 4 years later also shows that he did in fact take Shinya’s words to heart, or at the very least, he saw it as a lesson worth passing on.

However, like with Guren and Yuu, it would be far from accurate to say that Shinya is the sole reason that Guren adopted these either of these mindsets. Guren’s other friends were important as well, but really, Guren essentially already believed in these things. He was just in denial due to the likes of Mahiru and Kureto repeatedly showing and saying that frienship made him weak in comparision to them. All Shinya did was put Guren’s ideals into words, and tell him that it was okay to think the ways he suggested. Like Guren did with Yuu, Shinya just pushed Guren in the right direction, which for a character like Guren, who constantly lives in denial about his own feelings and character, is something he needs/needed.

TLDR: The two major lessons we see Guren try to impart to Yuu are lessons that Shinya helped impart to Guren back when they were kids.

And with that said, it all hits a bit differently when you remember Shinya admitted not only to only having a goal in life because he decided to take up Guren’s,

“And did you find the goal you were looking for?” “Nope, but I figured I might as well give protecting my friends a try too.” -Catastrophe at 16, Book 6, Chapter 3, Page 270

but to also having no real reason to live either.

Shinya really was only saying those things for Guren’s benefit. It’s hard to say whether Shinya even believed in some of the stuff he was saying, though it’d be nice to think he did.

[lendmeyourpower]

     Guren smiled when he heard Mahiru’s voice, she was right in the room with him. As he turned he let go of just one more person that had been in that way of what was going to happen tonight. He didn’t even care that he had blood on his lips, he was just ..... glad she would be here in the end. She probably couldn’t hear him from where he was, but he spoke anyway, “Mahiru. My sweet Mahiru. You came after all.” 

     Tears were in her eyes, as she took in his appearance, hands on the hilt of her katana. Shinya was right next to her....comforting her. “Yes Guren, I did. Let us save you. You know we all care about you. We need you.” 

    Guren laughed a little at that. As he watched the distance close so that they could hear him now. “You can’t save me. I asked you time and again Mahiru to join me, but time is up. Sadly there is no more time to mess around with anymore.” 

     “Master Gur-” Sayuri started, but Mahiru cut her off. 

     “We can.”

     “You can’t! But I am glad you came,” he said with a smile that always made Mahiru’s heart flutter. 

    “I said I would!”

    She was right next to Guren than. He saw it like it was in slow motion. Every attack they made. It was so easy now that he was a vampire to dodge everything. He even knew the Fuda spells wouldn’t hurt him somehow, so he didn’t waste energy moving and didn’t feel anything when they went off. He could tell they were trying their best, and if he was his old self, he would be almost on par with Mahiru, maybe a little slower. But now he didn’t even have to fight. 

     “Sorry Mahiru,” he said softly. In the next second he grabbed her arm, and tossed her into the others. Smelling blood told him he had done his job at, at least pacifying them for now. Maybe now they would hear reason, and stop trying to fight him. But knowing all of them, they wouldn’t. His old bodyguards wanted to get him back, Shinya and the other two he figured were following Mahiru to save the world or for some other reason. 

    But Mahiru.....she was here due to him. He wanted her here. He could tell she loved him still, just like when they were little. At school she came to see him when he was hurt, even though he knew it would heal soon enough. She was the whole reason he had undergone this entire madness. 

     He wanted to give her, her wish. 

     He started to laugh at little. Watching all the mighty saviors on the ground, unable to even lay a hand on him. It was sad really. In the end, he was just as screwed as the day he was born. 

     “What the hell is so funny, you crazed Ichinose?” Shinya asked, finally able to get up, blood going down his mouth. 

     “Shinya!” Mahiru said worried. She moved to clean his mouth, but stopped when a deep growl came from behind her. 

     “Are you jealous Guren?” Shinya asked, in a mocking tone.

     Guren paid Shinya no mind. He had his eyes locked on Mahiru’s. “How long are you going to stick around these people? One is a stud horse we both know you don’t want, two are from a sect the Hiragis would rather see squashed, and the other two...just hanging onto due to your name. They don’t know you like I do. So why?” 

     So many emotions were filling the air of the room. Sayuri and Shigure seemed as if Guren had slashed them open and said that they were better off dead. Mito, who was still laying injured on the floor, was giving Guren a glare that made it seem her red hair was fire that would burn him if he got to close. Goshi was shaking his head and silently saying, not cool man. 

     The worst reaction out of Guren’s friends, was Shinya. He was standing there torn between crying and wanting to run over and punching Guren. They seemed to always have a connection for some reason, even now Guren could tell that his words had stung him so deep that he wanted to hate him beyond words. He was even shaking, and it wasn’t from the built up tears. Even so, there was a part of Shinya deep down, that couldn’t hate Guren for some reason. And that was going to be his down fall.

     Suddenly a voice broke the awful silence, “It is what you would have done.” Mahiru’s voice tore his crimson eyes away from the scene in front of him, to only focus on Mahiru. “I know you Guren, you need people. That is why you keep asking for me right. These are your friends too. They are worried about-”

     Shinya cut off Mahiru with a chuckle. “He knows he has us beat, and yet he doen’t do anything, but talk about friends. Well I will tell you one thing Mahiru I don’t think he needs friends. All he cares about is power.” 

     Guren growled again, his demon coming to the front of his mind. Sure he had power, sure he had to get it. He had his reasons, and things had to happen. Shinya however wouldn’t understand, he just saw the Ichinose teen that went on adventures with him, trying to get ahead of the families, even though Guren was working for both sides. 

     Shinya walked closer. “I’m right, are’t I. You once told me you wanted to save your clan and someone you cared about. What happened to that?”

    In an instant things could change. Guren had learned that when he was six. Shinya and the others were learning it now while Mahiru was screaming. One moment Shinya was just standing there, the next Guren jabbed his hand into Shinya’s chest, through ribs just to get to his heart. It would be so easy to rip it out, but instead Guren held back. He wanted Shinya to live a little longer. Which is why he was looking at Guren confused.

     “You don’t understand anything stud horse. My struggle has everything to do with them and Mahiru. If you and the others had just stayed out of the way, this would have ended differently.” 

     Shinya opened his mouth to try and answer but only blood came out. Guren only let the adopted Hiragi drop to the floor when he heard the lady of his heart crying his name over and over to stop and let Shinya go. 

     In that one moment no one did anything. The only noise besides the fans, was the blood dripping down Guren’s hand. He looked down at Shinya. There was a hurt and confused look on his face, the moment that he died. They would all wear that look soon. After all he had fought this to get to Mahiru, not to hurt her, but to......

     But it was too late. The least he could do is remove the fake friends that she had. The people that only used her for her name. The ones that didn’t know her as, her. The sweet, loving girl that just wanted to be normal. 

     It only took on tick of the clock, not even enough time for Siyuri to call out for her Lord to stop. For anyone to say Guren’s name. Soon only bodies remained, all headless, apart from the one Guren had in a head lock right now. It was Shigure. One of his most trusted friends and bodyguards once. Now in his madness, he just saw her as someone that was a threat between him and Mahiru. Someone that wasn’t really a friend. 

    “Guren, no!” Mahiru finally got out. 

     “”If he wishes to kill me than so be it,” Shigure finally said. “Master Guren is-”

     But what he was Mahiru would never know, Guren broke her neck, before fully taking her head off. Guren dropped her, as he did the others. Before walking over the bodies to come closer to Mahiru. 

    “There, no more fake friends. Just you and me. Like you wanted when we were kids.” 

    Mahiru at that point was crying, eyes fixed on everyone on the floor. She looked as if she was about to scream, as she pulled out Noya. Guren pushed her arm down and pulled her closer. “Hey, there is time for that later. Right now just know you are-”

      “Gggg tttt, your arm off of her.” 

    Guren growled as he saw that Shinya was still alive. Mahiru stabbed her cursed gear into the ground and ran to him. He pulled it out of the ground and held Noya, remembering when this was made, and when he gave it to Mahiru after they had a night together, ignoring Mahiru and Shinya talking. Mahiru was begging him not to die, Shinya was saying he was going to have to disappoint her yet again. But his last words caught Guren’s attention,

     “You’re lucky he loves you so much. You know why I came along, I guess I will have to tell him in person, I’m sorry I failed. Do it.....for me. Just don’t cry.....or let the demon win okay Mahiru.”

     Mahuri nodded, “Okay.” She kissed Shinya’s forehead. But the light had left his face and eyes by then. She shook him a few times and he just stared blankly at her, with his smile on his face, that got him through life.

     “What was he talking about?” Guren asked darkly, Noya over his shoulder.

    Mahiru stayed by Shinya, wiping her eyes. “He cared deeply for you. He said he wanted to save you since he made a promise to your father that he would. Now I have to do it, since I promised him.” When she got up and turned around she saw Guren holding Noya as if he was inspecting it. 

    “You can’t, not this time Mahiru. All you can do it this,” he said, handing her the hilt of the katana the housed Noya. She looked confused, but did as she was asked. “Noya thanks to you has drank a lot of blood from demons and humans, he is the last piece to the experiment that is happening tonight. Are you ready?”

     “Ready for what Guren?” she asked, afraid of what else could happen.

     What happened was worse. Worse than Guren killing their friends, worse than what had been happening over the last few days, worse than anything she could think of. Guren ran himself through with the blade so deep that he came right to her and hugged her. 

    “Guren!” Mahiru screamed, as Guren’s knees buckled and she had to lower him to the floor. She moved to pull it out. 

    “Don’t. This needs to happen, I am bound to your demon now.”

    “Why? Why are you doing this?” 

     “I said it before,” he said softly, when she moved to put his head in her lap, “to save you. This was meant to be you Mahiru. I took your place a long time ago. I found out you and your sister were born with demons, and I took them both.” 

    “The cursed gear you gave my sister?” 

    Guren slowly nodded his head, a few tears going down his face. “I wanted you and her to have a normal life, like you wanted.” 

    “What about you?!” 

    Guren was turning translucent and even though he seemed solid to hold, it was clear something was wrong at the point of contact of the sword. There was black lines coming out like veins, as if the sword was feeding on him.

    “I won’t be here very soon. I am becoming one with your demon.” He closed his eyes for a moment, when he spoke with his eyes closed he sounded more like his normal self. “Mahiru this place is to conduct the Seraph of the End experiment. The world will only end if someone activates it.”

    “What is it Guren? You never fully said.” 

    Guren opened his eyes, one red eye was already black. “It is stepping into a realm man should not go. It is the punishment to man when they bring someone back from the dead.”

    “Guren you are not making any sense,” Mahiru pointed out. 

    “I don’t have much time. I left you enough information Mahiru, no one is watch us. Take your sister and go, you don’t have to do this. You are the only thing keeping the world from ending. The experiment was meant for today can be stopped thanks to you.” He took in a deep breath. Looking up at her, he smiled, and Mahiru knew it was Guren and not the demon in that one moment. “I do love you, and I will be with you.” 

      Mahiru started crying. She bent down and kissed Guren. “Please don’t go. I love you.”

     But in that moment, she wasn’t holding him anymore, she was holding a katana sword, with a letter fluttering to the floor. Inside it was not Guren nor Noya, but a newborn demon, that had all the memories of Guren. 

    Outside Mahiru had made her choice, deciding that she was going to bring her and Guren’s friends back. As she strapped on her cursed gear she noticed the letter, gently opening she noticed Guren’s handwriting.

     My dear Mahiru,

                 By now I know that things have reached the end and I am going to die soon. I just wanted to sit down and write something while I still had a clear head. 

    I know what I am doing doesn’t seem fair to you, but it did save you from growing up just to die at sixteen. This was my way to save you like I promised when we were kids. I also wanted you to know that my choice was part of some Hiragi plan. So i would ask yourself, how do the Hiragis stay so powerful. 

    I would ask that you take care of my clan since I was the head and I had no heir at the time, and they had to use dad against me and I couldn’t come in they executed him for their own sick games. Since I was not fully sticking to their plans. I was at least grateful for the funeral, and that you came. 

       Guren didn’t sign it, but he did put a crimson lotus inside the letter. 

    Mahiru shook her head and called him her stupid prince. 

    When the world died at the hands of Mahiru Hiragi, the demon inside her blade awakened. 

    That demon’s name, Guren-Aku-Ya  

[tang-wei]

ONS Guren LN Vol 1 Chapter 2 translation~

Title: Shinya’s Class

Translator: @tang-wei​

Raws: Chinese

If you feel the need to re-read the whole series again, the masterpost is here

Important note: Because the previous sources for Volume 1 have been taken down/ made unavailable, I am translating this for the sake of fans who are not able to purchase a copy of the official English translation that is available. If you enjoy Guren’s story, then please support the author by buying the novel!  

Classroom.

Homeroom.

A sight commonly seen in a normal school.

"............"

Right there, was Guren.

In Year 1 Class 9, in the seat by the window right at the back.

It was the first homeroom lesson right now. A woman who seemed to be the homeroom teacher was talking about the school entrance ceremony which was going to commence after.

Sayuri and Shigure were not in this class.

Sayuri was in Class 1.

Shigure was in Class 2; the two of them were assigned to the classes that were furthest away from Class 9, which clearly was the product of someone's meddling.

"Well, it's not something unexpected though."

The reason was because this place that Guren was in, was a place whose objective was to show to the next head of the Ichinose House the exceptional, overwhelming power possessed by the Hiiragi House.

 "Isolating you, bullying and subjugating me huh. This has been the underhanded method they had been using for 200 years after all."

Guren smiled.

25 years ago, his father had attended this school just as Guren was doing now, and had completely submitted to the Hiiragi House. Putting aside whether he liked or disliked the main house, whenever it was time to make a major decision, he always acted in the capacity of someone who was the pet of the Hiiragi House.

As such, his father did have a good reputation among the 『Mikado no Tsukki』.

But Guren did not think that it was something bad. He did not mind. It was not something that had decreased his respect for his father.

His father had just been doing whatever he was able to within his limits. As long as he was able to avoid conflict for their organization with that, it was fine.

And even on that day itself.

"............"

Guren recalled.

The memory of that time, when he was a child.

The memory of that day when he last met Mahiru.

The memory of when he was beaten up by the people from the Hiiragi House and brought back to his home.

His father looked at him apologetically, and said.

"Please forgive your powerless father......"

With a teary face, his father hugged his son who was covered with wounds, and immediately turned to apologize to the Hiiragi.

Even though his son was the one who got beaten up, he still apologized.

"............"

Guren snapped out of his reverie and looked up.

He looked around.

40 people.

The males and females each made up half the class.

From the register of the class, it seemed like this class had quite a number of children of from the top brass of 『Mikado no Oni』.

Jyuujou House.

Goshi House.

Sanguu House.

Even in the world of sorcery, these were among the famous houses.

The Ichinose House used to be the highest ranked supporting family of the Hiiragi. But right now, they had fallen to the lowest.

A few students shot fleeting glances at this lowest ranked. Only repugnance and animosity from knowing that someone like him was their classmate could be felt from them.

The lady teacher furthermore said.

"Well, now that everyone here has become a member of this First Shibuya High, I hope that everyone here can have a fruitful high school life with the pride and confidence befitting a student of the greatest sorcery school in Japan."

Following that, the lady teacher turned her gaze joyfully to Guren,

"Well, even though we have a rat who managed to enter, don't let it concern you. As the elites who are the most talented and have the best results, the students of this class will have to undertake the task of showing the dignity of this school to the rat.”

The rat was referring to Guren.

The students laughed. Even though not all of them did, those who did seemed to be enjoying themselves.

And then, even the rat also grinned foolishly for now.

Following that, he measured the teacher's strength. He weighed whether the teacher who had mocked him had more power than him.

It did not matter whether he was ridiculed.

He came here knowing that this would happen.

But, he could not allow himself to lose in power. He could not allow himself to lose when it came to spell invocation ability.

Unlike his father, he was burdened with a mission.

Since, unlike his father who ran the organization in a gentle and peaceful manner, he had a different ambition hidden in his heart.

"............"

While grinning foolishly, Guren looked around.

The girl of Jyuujou House.

The guy of Goshi House.

The girl of Sanguu House.

He already knew from the register that there was just one special person assigned to this class.

His name was ---

Hiiragi Shinya.

A person who bore the Hiiragi name.

To the those who owed allegiance to 『Mikado no Oni』, the Hiiragi name held a special distinguished status - so much so that the Hiiragi could even be thought as representatives of God.

To those of 『Mikado no Tsukki』, the Ichinose was the same. Just like how Guren was to Sayuri and Shigure.

But right now, that seat was empty.

Furthest away from Guren's seat --- the distinguished Hiiragi was assigned to the place that was the furthest from the seat of the dirty rat.

In other words, it was at the first row of the classroom, close to the entrance.

At that moment, the lady teacher said.

"Everyone should already have realized this, but this is the very class that Shinya-sama will be in. The honor to be with......."

And so on and so forth.

In other words, they would be together in the same class with such a wonderful person.

The students in the class were listening to the teacher with dreamy looks. It was a completely different attitude as compared to the earlier looks directed at the rat.

Guren smiled again at the idiotic, easy-to-understand change in attitude. Following that, he looked out the window. The roadside cherry trees outside the school gate could be seen from the window.

While staring at them,

"I'm worried about Shigure and Sayuri."

He murmured softly.

At that moment, he could hear the sound of the classroom door sliding open. In that instant, it was evident that the classroom returned to silence and he could feel the class tensed up.

And then,

"My, why is it so quiet?"

That voice rang out from the rear exit of the classroom.

It was the voice of a man.

The lady teacher said in a nervous voice,

"Oh my, it's Shinya-sama, welcome to my class...... Shinya-sama, here is your seat......"

But, Shinya cut her off and said.

"Eeh, I don't want such a front seat."

"Eh, erm......"

"I, would like that seat. So can I swap?"

"Wha, I mean...... but that......."

Guren could hear an ongoing conversation that seemed to indicate the arrival of a king.

It seemed like the one who carried the blood of Hiiragi had finally appeared.

Guren looked up, and turned his gaze into the classroom.

But, he ended slightly surprised by what he saw.

The reason was because the man there was the one who had thrown a talisman at Guren at the school gate this morning.

White hair. A uniform with a stand-up collar. Despite carrying a grin on his face, he had a sharp glint in his eyes. He had a smile that was brimming with self-confidence.

It seemed like this person was none other than Hiiragi Shinya.

I didn't even need to ask Shigure to investigate his identity huh, thought Guren.

To top it off, that very Shinya approached Guren. With a grin on his face, he said to the girl who was seated beside Guren.

"Hey? I'd like to sit here. Can you swap with me?"

The girl was stunned for an instant and she then said as she got up frantically,

"Ah, y-yes! Of course, please help yourself!"

On seeing that, the lady teacher said.

"B-But, sitting beside that rat......" Shinya cut her off with half-closed eyes.

"Hey Sensei. Is it really okay for a teacher to be calling her student a rat?"

"Ah, erm......"

"We are all in the same class. We have to get along."

"Well......"

 The girl who had been seated beside Guren then made way.

 "Thank you."

 Shinya grinned and took the seat beside Guren. Then,

"Aah, everyone, I'm sorry for interrupting. Please continue the homeroom lesson."

After Shinya said that, the lady teacher stepped back to the podium in a flustered manner that was unbecoming for a teacher, and resumed the homeroom lesson.

She talked about the protocol for the school entrance ceremony.

About how the term in this sorcery school would start and what the classes would be like.

Shinya listened on with a grin for a while. Guren turned his gaze out the window again. At that moment,

"Hey."

Shinya called out to him.

"............"

 "Erm, Ichinose Guren-kun, right? Can I call you Guren?"

Guren then turned around and looked at Shinya. He was still grinning. Guren stared at the face of Shinya, and replied.

 "Are perhaps you talking to me?" Shinya then smiled and said.

 "What's with the polite language?"

"I had been strictly taught since young that I must not defy the Hiiragi House."

"Eeh, really?" "Yes."

 "I see. That's kind of boring."

 "I'm very sorry."

Guren lowered his head. As Shinya stopped saying anything to him, Guren started looking out the window again but it was then Shinya began again,

"But then, you took my attack on purpose this morning right?"

"............"

"My, I wonder why you did that? Perhaps to hide your true power?"

"............"

"Isn't that a clear act of defiance? Your ambition is so obvious, you know?"

Damn. Seems like he really saw through it.

Guren looked at Shinya and said.

"About that...... I am really sorry."

"Oh, you admit to it pretty readily huh?"

"However, I was not admitting to the ambition part. It's just that I've been taught at home that I must not defy anyone, and not bring on the wrath of the people of the Hiiragi House, and as a result, it is true that I took the attack so as not to stir up any trouble. It's not like I was trying to hide my true power."

"Huh. I see."

"Yes."

"I see ~."

Shinya looked hard at Guren. Looking hard, grinning. And for some reason, he inched closer. He inched strangely close to him and said into his ear.

With a slightly lowered voice,

 "Hey Guren. Stop your boring lies."

"............"

Guren narrowed his eyes on hearing that. He looked intently at Shinya,

"I'm not ly......"

But Shinya cut him off and said.

"Well, doesn't matter ~. But it's just that I've been hoping all this time that we can actually be comrades you know."

"............"

"Since both you and I hate the Hiiragi House, I was thinking that we could actually join hands and secretly do lots of interesting things together."

"............"

"By the way, the Hiiragi blood doesn't flow in me. I'm a foster son. Since I was a kid, I've been raised in a manner to be fit to join the Hiiragi House. That's why I hate the Hiiragi House. In other words, we are comrades."

He said.

Guren had heard of something like this before. In order to strengthen the power in sorcery in the descendants of their bloodline, the Hiiragi House would seek out capable children, teach and raise them, then through the process of sifting and selection, adopt those who survived as their foster children.

Then they would make them marry those of their bloodline and give birth to children.

Such a rumor had been around for quite some time.

But Guren did not know whether Shinya was really a foster son of the Hiiragi House or not. More importantly, even if what Shinya said was true, there was no reason for Guren to reveal his true thoughts.

Thus, Guren was about to reply with a "you've misunderstood". He was about to reply with a "I'm not the person you thought out to be".

However, before he could do that ---

Shinya said.

"By the way, my partner is Mahiru. Hiiragi Mahiru. Ever since I was born, I had been raised to become her partner."

Instantly, Guren could tell that he had reacted.

Shinya looked on.

Receiving Guren's stare head on, Shinya smiled.

"Oh my, your true nature came out quite easily."

"What may you be referring to?"

"Well well, don't worry about it. I never thought we can become friends right away today."

"............"

"By the way, did you know that Mahiru also came to this school? She's really excellent and has thus been selected to give a speech as the freshman representative, it seems. Isn't that amazing? Your ex-girlfriend is......"

On hearing those words, Guren responded while keeping his expression unchanged.

"Mahiru-sama and I did not have that kind of relation......"

 "Now she's my fiancee though."

 "............"

In a flash, Guren's words stopped, and he directed a slightly forceful gaze towards Shinya. Shinya did not miss that and grinned with his well-ordered face. And he then said in a taunting manner.

"Why? Vexed?"

"Not really."

"Ha, haha, that face. Your ambition's completely written on your face. So why don't we get along? Just saying this, but Mahiru and I aren't really on that close terms so don't worry. Even though I have the Hiiragi name, I'm still just a foster son. I'm still just a filthy spawn of lowly birth. At the main house, the treatment I get is the same as what you're getting here now. I'm of course pissed by that, so I'm thinking of destroying everything."

He said.

He said something that would have gotten him executed immediately if it got leaked outside.

Is this a trap, or does this fellow really have the thought of rebelling against the Hiiragi House? Guren did not know.

Even though he did not know, it did not seem like Shinya was a guy he should get involved in, so Guren changed his approach.

He looked up, averted his eyes from Shinya, and said.

"Tch, you're really a talkative fella huh. My goal is different from yours. I don't know what you want to accomplish, but don't get me involved in it."

Instantly, Shinya's face brightened.

"Ah, you stopped your polite speech."

"Shut up."

"Then, are we friends? Let's be friends?"

"I told you to shut up."

 "Ah-haha. Well, whatever. At any rate, I'm the only comrade you can have here. So you have no choice but to get along with me."

As before, Shinya smiled in delight.

Guren then took a glance at Shinya. His mood became bitter at having attracted the attention of a pretty troublesome fellow right on the first day of school.

At that moment, the lady teacher said.

"All right, it's about time for the school entrance ceremony. Everyone, shall we go?"

With that, the students stood up.

Shinya too stood up and said.

"Well, shall we go? Let's go hear the speech of our common goddess."

The goddess was probably referring to Mahiru.

However, since that day, when they were separated by the adults, Guren had not seen Mahiru for 10 years. Thus, when he heard her name being mentioned after all this time, he did not know what kind of emotions he should be feeling.

But, right now, he was going to head to where Mahiru was.

Mahiru was going to give a speech as the freshman representative.

Though he had never thought that he would meet again under such circumstances.

Shinya held out his hand and said.

"Come on, let's go, Guren."

He called his name familiarly without any honorific.

Guren looked up at that hand, scowled, and brushed it away.

"Don't come close to me."

 "Haha."

And then, Guren and the rest of the class moved to the auditorium.

 ~CHAPTER 2 END~  

T/N: gotta update quick hehe

<< Chapter 1 || Chapter 3>>

[lostsoulaltair]

OnS Theories (11S). Fifth Theory (Special) - Shinoa and Mahiru Sisters by bonds but not even close by blood

Few days ago, I posted a list of theories I’d write up but, I decided to exclude for now one of them, mainly because its development it’s turning quite long from what I expected; therefore, I’d like to talk about a small detail I noticed in chapter 85, therefore, let’s begin!!

As many recall, the Hiragi family on the current timeline, its current members are somewhat alive (yes somewhat mainly because Mahiru is a ghost/demon? And Shinya is alive thanks to the resurrection)

The Hiragi family’s current members are: Kureto Hiragi, Seishiro Hiragi (Honestly, this boy is a forgotten one but well...) Shinya Hiragi and Shinoa Hiragi.

As we’ve known so far, Shinoa Hiragi is the member that held almost zero interaction with her older brothers except for Shinya and Mahiru Hiragi; though, there’s something that divides and distingues Shinoa by far compared to her other brothers and elder sister but before proceeding to talk about the theory, let’s start first with Mahiru Hiragi and her relationships with her brothers.

To begin with, Mahiru Hiragi was born through experimentation method, of course, her demon she was born with was Asuramaru. (Catastrophe LN and manga - chapter 18: https://loveheaven.net/read-owari-no-seraph-ichinose-guren-16-sai-no-catastrophe-raw-chapter-18.html)

She was born with talent, and intellect, she was aware how the world worked, how her family was like and what exactly she could do in order to achieve certain things respecfully to her age. 

Her relationship with her brothers and sister was different thus, let’s explain how these relationships went like:

Mahiru and Kureto

Mahiru and Kureto are both complex characters and their relationship as brothers seems like one filled with grudges but in fact; both have respect towards each other, but, how can I state that?

Well, in the LNs, Mahiru and Kureto indeed clashed but, Kureto admired the fact that Mahiru was strong, that many things that fell on her shoulders were carried away; he was aware that Mahiru deep down hated living the lifestyle they were forced to carry on; both were aware they were unhappy but neither of them talked about it due to how the Hiragi clan behaved towards its own members.

In Mahiru’s case, she was aware Kureto always aimed to be the best, to prove Tenri that he was a worthy son, but, at the same time, Mahiru was aware that Kureto needed to know the truth; that he needed to take actions slowly even if it was by his own; which is why in the final volume of the Catastrophe, Mahiru asks Kureto some existential questions among ones about how and when exactly the Hiragi Clan started to adquire power, by who exactly; which made Kureto realize he’s been missing more than what he thought.

They’re half brothers due to the fact they were born through different mothers but, nevertheless, there was respect between these two.

Mahiru and Seishiro

About these two...well, it’s really hard to point out what kind of relationship they had; it is to say that Seishiro always tried to put a brave attitude in front of others but in fact, he’s a boy that has always wanted to earn respect, that despite carrying the Hiragi name, he wanted to be of use; but to avail, his father never saw him that way.

Seishiro built an inferiority complex due to all the expectations that ended up falling between Kureto and Mahiru; thus, these two siblings didn’t have a close up relationship.

Mahiru and Shinya

Shinya was Mahiru’s fiance; though, it is to say that Mahiru was brutally honest and straightforward about her feelings towards the only man she ever loved in her life; which was Guren Ichinose.

Mahiru and Shinya had rather a complex relationship due to the fact that Shinya fought in order to gain Mahiru’s hand, he fought in order to get her attention and despite that, the answer was clear as water; he wasn’t what she needed in her eyes; despite that, Mahiru was aware Shinya trusted Guren, she was aware he’d support Guren if she was gone.

And yes, I don’t justify her actions, she ended up killing Guren’s friends before the catastrophe took place but we’ll talk about Shinya’s case later on.

Before talking about the main sisters, the relationships between Shinoa and her elder brothers weren’t exactly perfect; therefore, let’s proceed:

Shinoa and Kureto

Their relationship is complex, with a lack of fraternity and respect; Kureto saw Shinoa as a useful person in order to track down Mahiru during the catastrophe, and with the current story and with the events of Shikama Doji; it’s clear that Shinoa has no love towards Kureto, she had to speak about the monster possessing the family only when Yuichiro was in problem.

It is to say that Kureto never had real interactions with Shinoa due to the fact that Tenri kept Shinoa shunned down to a certain condition which I’ll later talk about; but if things happened different, the relationship between these two would have been different.

Shinoa and Seishiro

This is literally an enigma, it is really hard to state if they’ve ever interacted or not.

Shinoa and Shinya

Shinoa and Shinya are like two drops of water; they’re quite alike in terms of personality; they’ve kept their emotions hidden within a mask but; the small difference is that Shinoa was empty; while Shinya had to adapt to his new lifestyle, he had to accept that his parents literally sold him to a stronger family; and thus, they bonded a little.

It is clear to state that with time, Shinoa developed trust towards Shinya; which can be said with Shinya as well; both care about each other but of course, they mind their respective business.

Mahiru and Shinoa

As for last, let’s talk about the sisters, the only ones that held a deeper interaction among the brothers within the Hiragi family; but, why is it important to talk about their relationship as sisters?

To begin with, Mahiru and Shinoa were born in the same method, through experimentation; but, there was something different between these two sisters, but what could it be?

To begin with, Mahiru was born thanks to a demon possessed woman; which is supposely the same for Shinoa but, Mahiru managed to meet her mother before the Hiragi family ordered to kill her.

In Shinoa’s case, she never got to meet her mother, she never had human interaction and was shunned down at a young age, it can be said that she was kept in secret after she turned 2 years old, but, how can I state this?

In the catastrophe manga, in chapter 16 and 18, there are some panels that show the interactions between Shinoa and Mahiru; at that time, Shinoa was around 4 years old and would often receive visits from Mahiru.

But despite the sisters interactions, there’s something amiss within Shinoa; and that’s the fact that Shinoa is not entirely human, what do I mean?

If many recall that black matter from chapter 78, we saw how it was absorbing Yu with it in order to create more clones; among this, it is possible that Shinoa was created by the same process adding Tenri’s DNA for that. Now, what exactly gives me such idea?

In chapter 85, after Shinoa was saved by Guren thanks to the Sinful Keys, we saw how Mahiru ended up catching her and allowing her to stand up in a safe spot; at the same time, Shinoa referred to Mahiru as elder sister, and you might wonder what it’s wrong with this since they’re sisters. 

The issue here is that Noya questioned about how Shinoa addressed Mahiru; he suggested that they should kill Shinoa and be done with all the problems.

Now, many might guess that the answer is due to the fact Noya is a demon but, Noya was aware of Mahiru’s intentions; along that, he was restrained inside Mahiru while being in one sole cursed gear; therefore, it is possible that Noya was able to learn even more about Mahiru and how exactly her life was like as a human and this is due to the fact that Mahiru wasn’t able to close her heart as Shinoa.

Likewise, even if Shinoa and Mahiru aren’t related by blood, their bond was genuine, they both cared for each other; Mahiru really loved Shinoa the most and it’s possible that she was aware that Shinoa wasn’t entirely human, but, how is that possible? How can I state that?

To start off with this, Mahiru was aware that Tenri was up to no good with the experiments that were performed long ago with children being born from demon possessed women; along that, it is clear that Mahiru was aware that her destiny was set on stone, that she really had no chance to change it; along the fact that Tenri made Shinoa a hostage for Mahiru.

During the time Shinoa and Mahiru spent together as kids until certain point Mahiru started to spend less time with Shinoa; Mahiru made sure to teach Shinoa something valuable; what could Mahiru teach Shinoa?

Having a human heart. Shinoa grew up like any other Hiragi, she received training, to be merciless,to learn the value of strength and weakness in what the Hiragi Family concidered as a fact. It is clear that Tenri had knowledge of what was behind Shinoa and Mahiru thanks to the First Progenitor pulling the strings; though, it is clear that the First Progenitor was aware that his vessel was still young and thus he waited.

Among this,  Mahiru ended up taking care of Shinoa and with this, she was able to smile and laugh before the nightmares manifested; within the process, it is likely that Mahiru checked on Shinoa most of the times and questioned her if she had nightmares of the sorts due to the experiments that were held with them

Once those nightmares manifested in Shinoa at a young age around 4-5; Mahiru was aware that Shinoa carried a more dangerous being than herself; which is why Mahiru found a way to extract Shinoa’s demon and by default, once the demon was removed from her, she lost all her memories about it.

After that event, Mahiru made sure to teach Shinoa how to close up her heart, how to fake smiles, how to put up a mask but within the process, after Mahiru removed Shikama Doji from Shinoa; Shinoa became something more as an empty vessel, someone who lost a part of its soul; someone who lost a part of what made her complete, which is why in further chapters within the catastrophe, it is evident the lack of interest from Shinoa; how she got used to the loneliness without being bothered by it.

Despite that, Shinoa retained human emotions and this is shown specially when Kureto held her as hostage and Mahiru ended up telling him to do as he pleased.

Mahiru was aware that’d hurt Shinoa deeply which actually managed to create within Shinoa, total distrust towards others, which is something that can be seen when she didn’t believe Guren and Shinya mouring for her if she died.

But like most of the characters in the story, eventually that sadness and emptyness was fulfilled by her new family who taught her how to value life and friendship.

What do you think guys? Do you believe that Shinoa’s behavior might have to do with something else?

Let me know!!

[tang-wei]

The last chapter had me crying T T but I'm confused as what Mahiru was trying to accomplish? Was she trying to lure Guren to the ceremonial site so he could stop the experiment? I just don't really get why she had to kill all of Guren's friends only to kill herself after....

I think this is how it was supposed to go? (Like Mahiru and the Hiiragi’s plan) 

When Mahiru was conceived, her goal was to play a part in theexperiments. Mahiru wanted to rebel at a young age (ie she wanted nothing to do with the experiment), however, to control her and make her do what she wanted, they blackmailed her with Shinoa’s safety. So, she became a pawn of the Hiiragi. However, she is still unwilling to give up her original goal of being a normal girl. On the surface, she acts in accordance with the Hiiragi’s plans, but unknown to them, she is also setting things up herself. 

The Hiiragi have directed her to betray them and join the Hyakuya Sect, making her a double agent for them. Along the way, she got turned into a vampire, something that (I think) was what the Hiiragi told her to do. She became the progenitor as their directions, and somehow on the side, managed to make a deal with Krul Tepes. That part is something of her own plan. She also managed to convince the Hiiragi that the last step of their plan must be kept in utter secret so that the vampires do not find out about it and destroy it, as they had done with the rest of the Hyakuya Sect research facilities, so there were no external monitoring devices. The only people there would be the researchers and other Hiiragi-sent guards to make sure the things go as planned. When Mahiru arrived there (before Guren and co came), she killed all of the people allied to the Hiiragi. They did not know about this, because they cannot see inside that place. 

Mahiru’s plan, was to foil the Hiiragi’s plan. She does not want the Seraph of the End to be weaponised under the control of the Hiiragi. However, at the end, she realised that she had no way to contact Guren and tell him to come and disrupt the Hiiragi plan. That was why she was crying in the last phone call to Guren. However, Guren managed to locate Mahiru with Kureto’s help (because Kureto decided that he was no longer going to move as a Hiiragi pawn). Guren comes, and so, Mahiru is glad for Guren’s presence, because he will save her, and the set up for experiment is missing an important component. But, she realises that while she may have killed all the people inside the lab, if the end of the world does not come at the agreed time, the Hiiragi will send people to the lab to check things out. They will kill Guren and his friends, and then continue with the experiment. That is a totally no-win scenario.  

So, Mahiru forms a new plan. Make Guren the one to activate the Seraph of the End, and somehow be able to weaponise it. For this to happen, Mahiru needs Guren to kill her with Noya. So she decides to kill all his friends, because that would fuel him to kill her; to make sure his friends do not persuade him not to do the experiment, and to make sure that Guren’s Noya is the one that kills her, not Shinya’s Byakkkomaru or anybody else’s spells/weapons. By giving Guren the power of the Seraph, Mahiru is essentially giving Guren the edge over the Hiiragi. She has probably realised by this point that her death is certain, so at least, she can make sure the one she trusts most would have the Seraph.  

However, Guren rejects the idea of weaponising the Seraph as Mahiru is dying out. To force Guren to act, she tells him that the Hiiragi will come and search the place if things do not happened at the agreed time. Guren will be killed and the experiment will still continue. Guren realises that since the world and the punishment was going to happen no matter what, he wants it to end on his own terms, not the Hiiragis. Also, this gives him the opportunity to revive his dead friends. He sees that this is the best option and hence he activates the Seraph of the End.