"And at this point, I have to conclude that Ukoku/Nii means to destroy Sanzo - not kill him, that's too easy and not satisfying enough. He wants to break him. I find myself thinking of Chin Yisou's attacks on Hakkai, actually. And this isn't even driven by something as understandable as revenge - it's just part of Ukoku's contest with Koumyo."
Very astue - I have to admit, I hadn't realized how personal this is for Nii until you mentioned it. I always had the idea that he was just yanking strings to prove that he's in control. I hadn't twigged to the fact that he's still trying to 'beat' Koumyo. And I don't think Nii's realized that no matter what he does, he's always going to lose that fight.
"Gojyo - the only other member of the party left standing - just can't bring himself to forgive their human ally for leaving them - for leaving Goku, who worships Sanzo - in this time of need."
Have I mentioned that I love that line beyond belief? "Sorry I can't beat you senseless - I've got my hands full." Just... WORD, Gojyo.
re: Hazel (I haven't read past this volume, so if you know stuff about later manga, please don't tell.) While I have to say that I found Hazel's 'Mr. Spectacles' line really cute, I think it's still significant that it's still a nick-name - he's not really humanizing Hakkai, you know?
Also, I hated Hazel beyond measure until this volume, when he's torturing Sanzo. And since Sanzo so richly deserves it....
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branchandroot
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Date: 2007-11-19 02:12 pm (UTC)Very astue - I have to admit, I hadn't realized how personal this is for Nii until you mentioned it. I always had the idea that he was just yanking strings to prove that he's in control. I hadn't twigged to the fact that he's still trying to 'beat' Koumyo. And I don't think Nii's realized that no matter what he does, he's always going to lose that fight.
"Gojyo - the only other member of the party left standing - just can't bring himself to forgive their human ally for leaving them - for leaving Goku, who worships Sanzo - in this time of need."
Have I mentioned that I love that line beyond belief? "Sorry I can't beat you senseless - I've got my hands full." Just... WORD, Gojyo.
re: Hazel (I haven't read past this volume, so if you know stuff about later manga, please don't tell.) While I have to say that I found Hazel's 'Mr. Spectacles' line really cute, I think it's still significant that it's still a nick-name - he's not really humanizing Hakkai, you know?
Also, I hated Hazel beyond measure until this volume, when he's torturing Sanzo. And since Sanzo so richly deserves it....