#but I could go on Erlang and Wukong analysis but really those just so little dialogue

[the-monkey-ruler]

Hey could I ask something , I never watched anything related to jttw , but I would like to read and purchase the novels ,hmm my quistion is , is there any kind of bromance in it ? Hear warming stron friendship ?if yes between which caracters ? , I would be happy if i got the answers of thease quistions , thank you :)

@d-genie Wukong in the first seven chapters is pretty solo all his own as he starts a ruckus but once it finally hits the actual journey, you start to see all the different dynamics between the characters.

This is kinda a list of my favorite to my least favorite (but still favs) bromances, because I think you could find that kind of enjoyment from any of them.

In my opinion, the strongest Bromance is between all the pilgrims, I think that Wukong, Bajie, & Wujing trío is like the ultimate bromance as within the story anytime they get into some kind of shenanigans together that has both some of the sweetest moments to me, but also the greatest amount of humor. These guys play off each other so well especially when they’re just picking food or if they are pulling pranks and making bets on who can do what. It’s that just kind of camaraderie that builds up after dealing with someone for so long. And you can see like even later on how much Wujing starts to relax around the guys and Bajie builds up his own confidence because he knows he has a backup and Wukong grows in empathy for those around him. These three or without a doubt my favorite interactions.

My personal fav one-on-one relationships would def have to be Bajie and Wukong, I think they are both hilarious and interesting. Hilarious in that they are always bouncing off each other, they have this deadpanned kinda humor from talking about how they would eat each other from one moment to arguing about how to farm a field properly. The range of conversations that these two have is both fascinating and just such a great read to me. They argue over some of the stupidest things and take it as seriously as lectures. Also from all the pranks they pull on one another. Honestly, they see are the most entertaining, and dare I say I think they are the closest to how much they tease and banter as they don't hold back on one other. They are brutally honest and while at first, they try to annoy each other they really come to rely on one another and Bajie shows major respect when talking about Wukong... Bajie just rather die than show that respect to Wukong's face though. Refuses to brush Wukong's big ego by showing how much he looks up to him. But in all seriousness, I think they are probably my favorite just because they can handle each other the best when it comes to both ego and even strength on some level. I think these two get the most obvious growth and you could see how they play off each other.

The next best, Bromance, I can think is Wukong & Sanzang I know that some people don’t see that in the OG novel and I could be a bit biased and how I greatly see the 1986 and 1996 as better examples of that relationship, but I really think that there’s a lot of respect for one another even if they butt heads, you could definitely tell these two are the most dedicated to the mission and each other. At first, Wukong does leave Sanzang unguarded but later on, he becomes so good at making sure that he stays safe and even cries so much throughout the novel if anything happens to him. Also that Sanzang does have an uncanny knack for knowing when demons are close and get very worried but Wukong always says with confidence he can protect them and they continue on… only for him to get kidnapped later. And again that kind of was not listening to the other, and later on that is flipped again. He goes from making fun of Sanzang for crying so much to becoming the actual crybaby and honestly, I really enjoy that transition. And Sanzang isn’t so obvious in his favoritism, but honestly, he is always looking to Wukong for the most guidance, and no matter what he says he does know that Wukong has his back. And I honestly love that we even see in later chapters when he knows that demons or after him, and he does agree with Wukong that they could be going into a trap but he doesn’t want to compromise his own values and humanity just to protect himself if it means he could save someone else. It’s just these two have such different viewpoints, but I still feel like there’s a whole lot of respect and even care between them especially when you see how much they grow because of each other.

The next best relationship I can think is Wujing & Wukong as well. They don’t get a lot of things together they do get some of the best scenes like with Wujing cheering on Wukong or that Wujing is trying to hype up his brother. Honestly, most of their interactions are very sweet if not short-lived. Wukong trusts Wujing so much to protect Sanzang and even says so when he left for the first time. He always trying to look out for the other even if he does tease him every once an a while.

After that, honestly, Bajie & Wujing are hilarious together, especially later on when Wujing definitely gets more outspoken and absolutely demolishes Bajie with his one-liners. It’s like if there’s ever a time to bully Bajie, Wujing is always right there behind the group the show side comments that are absolutely hilarious and just leaves the whole group like “damn that was out of pocket” but honestly it wasn’t. Love these two together, especially when they have to work together, but more so when they just throw jabs at each other.

Next best relationship would be Bajie & Sanzang to me, as as much as I hate Bajie manipulating circumstances to get his way, I also do like how Sanzang really thinks that Bajie wouldn’t lie just because he’s not clever enough XD and like part of him he’s always worried about Bajie especially when he’s fighting other enemies because despite him showing that he can fight really well, he knows that Bajie is also easily trick. These two are both the kidnap duo as they are also both kidnapped at the most. I feel like they both connect in that way they both have a lot of fear and they have different ways of coping with it.

Wukong & BaiLong and Bajie & BaijLong I kind of a tie for me when it comes to the next Bromance because Wukong does have that whole allegorical relationship with BaiLong but also just how much BaiLong looks up to Wukong and clearly respects him and knows that they need him even when BaiLong was the only one left to save Sanzang he took it upon himself to beg Bajie to get him back. And also I just really like that whatever shit goes south Bajie suggests selling the horse, as if this isn’t a dragon that can make his own choices XD I can only imagine Bailongs inner monologue of how he’s going to kick Bajie in his sleep.

Sanzang & Wujing is also a dynamic that isn't explored a lot because despite how much they are together the most (because usually Bajie and Wukong are all fighting Demons) they don’t get to have a lot of dialogue together, which is a shame. I get it it’s like you know, for story purposes you follow the more interesting plot but I like to think these to have the quietest moments and definitely get along the most in that they are both level-headed in situations, though they both can have a temper. It doesn’t lead to a lot of comedy or action, or even philosophical moments but I like to think that these two can definitely get along the most in a quiet setting. Also, the connection I like between them is that Wujing most definitely likely ate Sanzangs past lives, and he feels very guilty for that XD

Sanzang & BaiLong or actually the two that spend the most time together, but definitely have no dialogue between them. And it’s only a level above the last kind of relationship because BaiLong does look at Sanzang as a Master, and actually takes his job very seriously about being a good steed. I like to think that he does try to run away from demons with Sanzang on him but also, he can only do so much pain in his horse form. Also, Bailong being an extension of Sanznag's will and shows how far he is willing to go to get the scriptures.

And definitely, the least developed relationship is Wujing & BaiLong with absolutely no dialogue, and very little time spent together. Make sure they had one conversation during the whole medicine arc but otherwise, it’s pretty low-key as they just acknowledge and respect one another funny enough. Wujing is the one to confront Bailongs cousin and one of the arcs. I think these two could get along very well being very straight men but they just never get a chance despite them being more prone to the water.