Saiyuki Reload 3 thoughts

[louiselux]

Just a few quick thoughts on Reload 3, specifically the last chapters of Against the Stream and the Sanzo ikkou-as-team:

I've been rereading these two scenes over and over in the past few days, where the ikkou are fighting Kougaiji. desdenova's post about structure chimed in with something I noticed: the scene on page 24-25 : Gojyo, Sanzo and Hakkai move completely instinctively as a fighting team, without even discussing what they're going to do: Hakkai defends and Gojyo and Sanzo flank with a double attack, setting up Gojyo's further attack. Goku and Gojyo attack together later on, too.

It's a very clear development for them, from vol 9 when Hakkai first suggests they attack as a team and Goku has to ask what 'teamwork' means. I'm pretty sure Sanzo would never think to utter the word.

There are other things I like about that scene: Gojyo stepping forward to fight Kougaiji-- but it's Doku he tells that he won't hold back. Is this the first time Gojyo has fought Kougaiji one to one?

Gojyo must be more than a little resentful and jealous of how Kougaiji has replaced Gojyo in Doku's loyalties and this is only highlighted by Doku watching them fight and making those comparisons between the two. Gojyo taunts Kougaiji, which the others don't do (Prince Stupid). In fact, their fight turns into fisticuffs and wrestling, which I like because I can imagine Gojyo just itching to pop him one on the nose. Also, some of Yaone's thoughts about Kougaiji in that scene: 'kinder than anyone' could easily mean Gojyo too.

Also, I love how Yaone and Doku quite openly adore their leader, and Sanzo's annoyance when Gojyo points this out: 'No one asked you!"

Comments

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

I have always imagined youkai weapons to be more like extensions of the body than extensions of will-- maybe they're automatically a weapon you're easy and skilled and comfortable with, but you still have to train.

Hakkai certainly seems to get much better with qi as time goes on, and that seems to be his youkai weapon.

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

Oh, good point! And the image of Gojyo attempting to practise with his new weapon is very compelling. *g*

[mistressrenet.livejournal.com]

I actually think qi is something anyone can use if they train-- Hakkai says as much to Goku in Vol. 1. I think his youkai weapon is the Recently Revealed Thing In Zero-Sum.

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I had forgotten about the Recently Revealed Thing, but I suspect that you're right.

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

Ohhhh. I hadn't thought of that before, but yes, it makes a lot of sense.