WSR 1-20-14

Disclaimer: These aren’t official translations, merely scanlations. Buy localized or original manga to support the author if at all possible. Know the difference between piracy/theft and sharing without personal profit.

7 series for this week. World Trigger will be on break for a bit, since the artist broke his hand and is recovering. Before that, Toriko will come back, so eventually I’ll have a full load of 8 series, but I’ll adjust to 7 for the moment.

Magi 211

Muu explains to Morgiana why he’s here: the Reim Empire, now that their Magi is dead (though Titus could serve as the replacement in time), they aren’t nearly as strong as Sindria or Kou. Morgiana is confused, since she thought Reim and Sindria were allies. Muu says it’s not quite that: both Reim and Magnostadt are in a third party position, so if they ally with either Kou or Sindria, a war could break out to gain control.

He also says he should have told her sooner about what’s on the other side of the Great Rift. He did the same thing Morg did when he was around her age and he ignored Yunan’s warning, going past his house and seeing the scenery on the other side of the chasm (meaning Morgiana never did, technically, since it could’ve been implied). Morgiana asks what was on the other side and Muu, while he’s not sure he should tell her, thinks she deserves to know so she can make her decision.

When Muu was about to arrive on the other side, he was on the verge of death. But before he lost consciousness, he changed into a red skinned beast. It felt to him like his original form, overflowing with Magoi, as if shackles had been released. He saw the Fanalis homeland in a burst, many other Fanalis in their beastly forms. Yunan brings him back, saying he’s too young to make the decision whether to stay there or on the other side.

Muu concluded back then that they’re not truly humans on this side, that they are more like beasts. Morg says it’s okay, that she can stay on this side with her friends. She asks Muu what he intends to do, and he says he still has things to do as well, so he will delay a decision.

He remembers meeting Scheherazade and feeling like he had inherited her will, since he was descended from the first king she chose. He tells her this before she changes her body, restoring its vitality for a time, saying that what she does is not unsightly, but admirable.

Morgiana asks whether any of his men went to the other side, Muu saying none did. Morgiana says she has heroes on this side like him. Muu warns her of Sinbad’s kingdom, saying that he doesn’t make alliances that easily with people.

Meanwhile, Alibaba explains to Kougyoku about his deal with Kouen, but she suddenly is affected by Sinbad’s power from Zepar and the chapter ends as Sinbad begins to communicate to Alibaba through Kougyoku.

Seven Deadly Sins 62

Resuming where we left off last time, Meliodas, Ban and Gowther are flying from Diane’s toss towards Lyonesse Kingdom. Drefyus and Hendricksen drop their quarrel to focus on fighting the Seven Deadly Sins. They call out for the knights and Holy Knights, fortifying the area and sending a squad to confront the Sins as they land.

Meliodas emphasizes that their goal is to rescue Elizabeth and to keep the fighting to a minimum, Ban noting that they’ll still be fighting with full power. The Holy Knights unleash their powers and magic, Meliodas unleashing a single slash of Full Counter, reflecting their attacks back with double the power. They continue to push through the resistance easily, moving towards the castle. Meliodas stops, sensing a great power on the other side of the castle.

Hendricksen and Dreyfus sense this also, thinking the group is splitting up. Hendricksen, however, notes that the numbers are greater than would be implied by the Seven Deadly Sins. A grunt reports that a great army is at the Southern Gate, where the Sins sensed the great power before.

The leader of the army is revealed to be the king of Camelot, Arthur (hinted at much earlier in the series in a passing speech bubble) as the chapter ends.

World Trigger 46

Kazama’s squad moves to attack, Suwa’s squad members wanting to help. But Kazama says they’ll just get in the way and that they should fight the other Trion soldiers. They begrudgingly accept this and move away.

The main Operator reports on the status, the squads all working in different areas and the new Trion soldiers blocking them from facing the larger amount of lower ranked Neighbors invading outside the protected area of the city.

The administrators disagree about the methods, some focusing on concentrating numbers in one area, but the final conclusion is to maintain numbers overall by regrouping and making tactical retreats instead of sacrificing some to get an advantage over the new Neighbors.

Osamu and Yuma discuss the two options: protect the city and risk the Rabits attacking from behind or attack the Rabits and have the other Neighbors attack the city. The strategy is to use their overwhelming numbers to make Border waver and behave erratically. Yuma says they should focus on the Rabits so that they can better protect the city.

Shinoda’s strategy is to let the A Rank agents stop the Rabits, while the B rank agents defend the city one area at a time. This will result in some damage to the city, sadly, but it’s an acceptable loss to be efficient in protecting the overall safety of the city and citizens. The others are worried what will happen if the A rank agents can’t stop the Rabits, Shinoda responding that he’ll go to battle if that happens.

Kazama’s squad, with a decoy strategy, manages to cut at the Rabit. The Sniper, serving as the decoy, analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the Neighbor, noting that its weak points are the ears, legs and stomach. Attacking those will slowly disable it so that the armored portions on the head, back and arms won’t matter.

The chapter ends as we see a group of human Neighbors discussing how exceptional Earth, which they call Meeden, is in its military capacity and they decide to observe a bit more before invading themselves.

Bleach 565

We begin with a story of a baby born without any of its physical senses. It seems helpless, but the infant nonetheless knew it could survive. People treated it as a treasure, since it had the ability to heal by sending a portion of its soul into others to mend whatever ailment they had. And the part of its soul returned to it after the person died with a portion of their own power. This slowly enabled the child to move its limbs and regain its senses. It heard what it understood to be the name of the people’s god, and took it on itself: Juhabach.

We see Juhabach calling back Mask de Masculine’s soul, complimenting himself, since this means he’s gained even more power.

Uryuu is going to Juhabach’s room and is approached by Haschwalth, who explains that while Juhabach rests, he recovers his power and that no one is allowed to disturb him. He asks what’s bothering Uryuu. He said he had a question, but observes that Haschwalth looks different. He explains that he is the replacement for Juhabach when he is resting and further notes that Juhabach is connected to all Quincy.

Haschwalth explains that while all Quincy can manipulate reishi, Juhabach is the only one able to manipulate his soul and insert it into others. He eventually found a better way than physical contact with another: writing a script on the person’s soul to give them a more expanded portion of his soul: this is the origin of the Schrift. Uryuu consumed some of Juhabach’s blood, starting the ceremony.

Haschwalth speculates that Uryuu agreed to this arrangement to avenge his mother, but he says that now his soul, like the other Stern Ritter, is bound to Juhabach’s. He says that this whole battle is nothing more than a sacrifice to Juhabach, since even some of the Soul Reapers have a portion of Juhabach’s power after being attacked by the Stern Ritter, so their souls are infected in a way.

The reason Juhabach wages wars is clear now: it’s the only way for him to keep living without regressing to his impotent state he started in. And regardless of who wins, Juhabach will grow stronger (though I imagine if the Soul Reapers lose, he’ll gain much less power than if the Stern Ritter lost, which means them losing is just making it more difficult for Soul Society in the long run)

The chapter ends as Juhabach thanks those who have died, having kept him strong and aware.

Naruto 662

We see Naruto, carried by Gaara further away, while Madara still has Sasuke’s sword stabbed into its owner.

Black Zetsu (since he’s talking about what crapping feels like) has summoned an evil version of Hashirama’s Wood Release construct and is attacking the Ninja Alliance, the 5 Kage barely able to fight with their chakra depleted. The Wood Release summon attacks with all 5 elements, the 3rd Hokage summoning 5 clones to counter each attack with its corresponding element.

Kiba laughs, noting how powerful Hiruzen is, but Shikamaru thinks to himself that they’re barely surviving, only the Edo Tensei Hokage able to fight well enough, since their chakra levels are higher to start with. Once he’s gone, they have little to go on.

Sakura concludes that even the healing ninja should go on the offense and Oonoki says this fight has dragged on too long, implying he may use a finishing move of his own design.

Orochimaru’s group, Suigetsu in particular, thinks it’s time to strike, but Orochimaru stops them, observing Black Zetsu. Karin reacts to what is suggested to be Sasuke’s imminent death, Orochimaru suggesting they move to finish this quickly.

Gaara arrives where Sakura is, calling for Tsunade, who directs Sakura to go in her place, since she’s running out of chakra herself. Gaara says he has to move quickly, so he’ll explain later, pushing Sakura to get on the sand so they can get moving. Hinata uses her Byakugan, seeing that Naruto’s weakening, rushing to his side, but tripping. She said she has to fulfill Neji’s desire to protect Naruto.

White Zetsu appears next to Black Zetsu, saying that no matter what they do, Naruto will die (though they don’t know that Kurama was split in half)

Back with Sasuke and Madara, he comments on Sasuke’s eyes, implying his ambition is still there. But he says Sasuke will die by his hands. Sasuke remembers Hashirama’s words, that he could’ve changed history if he had been with Hashirama, Madara ann the others. Sasuke moves to get up, but falls, saying he can’t die here.

Sakura is trying to heal Naruto, encouraging him to continue living, Karin still worried about Sasuke’s imminent death. The chapter ends on this cliffhanger, both Sasuke and Naruto on the verge of perishing (though Naruto has a saving grace with his father possessing the other half of Kurama, and Sasuke technically could still use Hashirama’s jutsu, which could heal him, theoretically).

One Piece 735

It’s announced that the 4 executives will be participating (probably not if things go how they are), but Diamante will also be in the finals. Cavendish and the others are taken to the infirmary.

Rebecca sees Lucy, actually Sabo, and he explains things very briefly, reflecting how Dressrosa is like Gray Terminal was, much like what Luffy observed.

Violet says she has a pass to the elevator and she’ll let them in, but warns that if they’re caught, it’ll be all over. Wicca explains that Violet was pretending to work for Doflamingo and Violet explains how the Tontatta were like her older sister (Rebecca’s mother that died years ago) and she thanks them for raising Rebecca alongside the one legged soldier.

We have it confirmed that Violet isn’t Rebecca’s sister, but her aunt, since she was King RIku’s daughter, but not Rebecca’s mother, who was Violet’s sister.

Violet reveals a hidden passage which the location of is known only to the Riku Royal Family. She directs them to the stairs to reach the palace. The plan initially is for Luffy to take a rock, get to the top and then use it as a pulley to lift Zoro, Kinemon and Violet up and then drop the rock to get back up.

Franky is still fighting at the Toy House entrance to the factory, Senor Pink brushing his teeth with a shoe brush and struck with Franky’s attacks. He explains after getting up that he could swim through the floor and walls with his Sui Sui no Mi, but he only does it when he feels like it. Someone else points out that it’s because he was protecting Mach Vise, another of the executives. Mach Vise suddenly attacks Franky, narrowly missing.

The Marines appear, having surrounded the Toy House. It’s revealed that Fujitora allied himself with Doflamingo, wanting to prevent collateral damage to the citizens. But he also promises he’ll deal with Doflamingo in due time.

His goal overall is to abolish the Shichibukai system, even if it may cause imbalance in the 3 powers structure that’s been in place for so long. He even threatens Doflamingo that he’s just making it more beneficial to capture him as his bounty gets higher. He also says that since Reverie’s coming up, the threat may have more weight to it with all the royalty getting involved.

The chapter ends as the finals start and Sabo enters the ring.

Fairy Tail 368

Elfman explains what happened to Lisanna, Cana berating him for his failure as he leaves, seemingly normal (though his eyes have that odd shade to them, which suggests he could be manipulated at any time)

It’s explained in a flashback that Elfman was forced to take a dangerous explosive Lacryma back to the guild in exchange for Lisanna’s safety. It’s implied Sayla will even force Elfman to if he resists with her Macro Curse.

Natsu and Lisanna are trying to break the cuffs on them, but find they’re too strong. Silver appears and gives Lisanna something to cover herself up with out of chivalry. Natsu tries to ask who he is, Silver leaving him behind as he mulls over his resemblance to Gray and Silver seems to know who Natsu is.

Meanwhile, Crawford is searching for Jellal while Franmalth inquires about his progress. The Chairman’s magic, Super Archive, allows him to search through every mage on the continent and soon he’ll find out Jellal’s location.

Erza’s being tortured further by Kyouka and her subordinate Yakdoriga, who uses electricity. The torture continues as we move to another setting, where Jellal is fighting the Oracion Seis

Jellal says he’ll defeat all of them quickly, but Brain fires a blast at him, which pierces through the mage, seemingly killing him. Even Crawford reacts as such, Jellal being struck by Brain again with a punch, the chapter ending with Crawford saying he’s found more than just Jellal. The implication is that Jellal is dead and Brain’s involvement makes me think he was involved as well, though I can’t be certain of that.

WSR 1-13-14

Disclaimer: These aren’t official translations, merely scanlations. Buy localized or original manga to support the author if at all possible. Know the difference between piracy/theft and sharing without personal profit.

So even though this is technically the second Weekly Shounen Rundown for 2014, I’m going to add Seven Deadly Sins to the lineup, which admittedly is putting that much more work on me for the week, but it keeps me occupied and practiced. I hope everyone enjoys this new series and maybe even starts reading it, since it’s the next easiest series to catch up with besides World Trigger, at 61 chapters to World Trigger’s 45. Speaking of which, World Trigger doesn’t have a chapter this week because the official WSJ is on break this week. We’ll be in a consistent schedule by next week, I think. If you’ve forgotten (which I did for a bit), Toriko’s on break until at least late January/early February.

Magi 210

Kouen’s request to Alibaba is elaborated upon: he becomes Kouen’s general and will have full control over Balbadd. Alibaba refuses, saying he won’t betray Sinbad, Kouen inquiring whether Sindria is truly where his loyalties lie, since his goal was to free Balbadd. He pushes Alibaba to answer, swearing loyalty to him, but Alibaba says he can’t just do it. Kouen insists that the longer he delays this, the more he betrays the trust his people have in him.

Alibaba still resists and Kouen moves to leave, saying he should just stay under Sinbad and forget Balbadd. Alibaba says he almost has no choice, Koumei explaining that there are three conditions to become a general in the Kou Empire. First is to cut all ties to Sindria, second is to bring a proposal for Balbadd reform and third is to marry into the Ren family, so as to be loyal to the Kou Empire. Alibaba resists on the third condition especially, since he has feelings for Morgiana. Koumei explains he could have concubines, Alibaba strongly opposed to that. The only marriage candidate he seems to have is Kougyoku, since all the other princesses are married.

Kouen laughs raucously at Alibaba’s being a virgin, his household shocked to hear such a thing from their normally serious master. Kouen smirks, still looking down on Alibaba as Koumei moves him to leave and consider their offer. Alibaba feels divided on this and wants to ask Aladdin for advice, but he bumps into Kougyoku and they start to talk.

Kougyoku says that Balbadd is important to them both, since she was going to be forced to marry into the royal family had things not gone differently, and Alibaba is part of that royal heritage. She also thinks that the Kou Empire and Sindria are on better terms since fighting together at Magnostadt. She explains that she was called to the summit because she’s become a general as well. Kougyoku feels strongly that they can work out their differences and she says that Alibaba can trust her, since she sees him as a true friend and a confidante, since they’re both “illegitimate” in their heritage. Alibaba says he feels like it’s hard to reject her, since she’s a naturally good person, it seems

Meanwhile, Kouen and Koumei speak on Alibaba, both his good and bad points, especially how brave he is at facing those who have power, like when he confronted Kouen back at Magnostadt. They see him as the lynchpin to gaining the greatest control over Balbadd and from there, keeping Aladdin away from Sinbad as well, since they know the relationship between Alibaba and Aladdin is strong.

The chapter ends as Morgiana meets Muu, presumably here as a representative of Reim, who says he has to speak to Morg about something of Fanalis matters.

Seven Deadly Sins 61

Meliodias explains the backstory of his sword (more like a hilt with a bit of a broken blade): it’s a fragment from an ancient relic called the Coffin of Eternal Darkness, used for rituals. The four major races of the world:  Goddess, Giant, Fairy and Human, united and sealed the Demon Clan. Hawk wonders why the Holy Knights want the fragment, since that suggests they want to revive the Demon clan.

Hendricksen, meanwhile, reveals his plan to Dreyfus, his reason for trying to revive the Demon Clan, revealed somewhat before, is to start a new Holy War for the Holy Knights to fight. A prophecy speaks of a guiding hand of light, interpreted as the Holy Knights, and the bloodline of darkness, interpreted by Dreyfus as the Seven Deadly Sins group. Hendricksen disagrees. He doesn’t deny that they’re powerful, but the prophecy is more likely, in his opinion, speaking of an existence that fought equally with great clans of history, like the Goddess Clan. Dreyfus concludes he must mean the Demon Clan, wondering whether he really intends to revive them, but Hendricksen says their plan is nearly fulfilled. They just need one more fragment and they can unleash the Demon Clan.

Dreyfus is incensed, thinking Hendricksen is insane to think humans can fight them, but he responds that he’s been researching the Demon Clan. The new generation, Holy Knights such as Geera and Jericho, is a result of that. He says the Holy Knights are not people who would break the seal on an evil clan, but Hendricksen responds that he’s a hypocrite, since Dreyfus asked him to join in a plot to kill Zaratras, his brother, so he could be the next Great Holy Knight. He asks Dreyfus for his help, but also says that if he resists, he’ll have no choice but to kill him, like he did with Griamor (who, spoilers, isn’t dead, since Hendricksen only heard he was dead by others, not by his own experience)

Meanwhile, Diane asks Meliodas if the Demon Clan has been resurrected already, but he says the seal is strong, so they’d recognize if it’d been broken. Hawk runs away, having eaten too much and needing to relieve his stuffed bowels. But before that, he asks why they’ve been targeting Elizabeth and the sword simultaneously. Someone explains that she’s the last key to releasing the seal.

It’s another Holy Knight, the others moving to get Elizabeth back. The mysterious figure disappears, Meliodas running off in a rage to get her. Gowther notes it was a high level teleportation spell, King telling Meliodas that they’re 40 miles from the kingdom. Meliodas then asks Diane to help him, Ban interrupting to say he’s coming as well. Gowther also joins the group, King still not sure what’s going on.  Diane throws the trio, not sure if she’ll get the location exactly right, but at least is in the correct direction.

The chapter ends as Dreyfus and Hendricksen are about to fight, but a grunt tells them something’s coming towards the castle at great speed and with great power.

Bleach 564

James is shown to be (most likely) vaporized by Mask’s attack, though Mask says that the reason he was able to survive was because he was alive, since the two of them are almost like a single person, it seems.

Renji speaks about his new Bankai as if it’s not named Hihiou Zabimaru anymore. We flashback to his training with Hyousube, who says that he didn’t get the full name of his Zanpakutou, since it didn’t fully recognize him yet. Similar to Yumichika’s Zanpakutou, the full power isn’t unleashed without the true name.

Hyousube’s function and skill he contributed to Soul Society is being able to reveal the true identity of things. He knows the identity of everything in Soul Society, including Shikai, Bankai, even the very name Zanpakutou was coined by him. He says Renji has earned the right to know Zabimaru’s true name.

We return to the present, where the new Zabimaru Bankai is revealed, Souou Zabimaru. Mask de Masculine insists he can’t let Renji live, rushing forward to attack him. But Souou Zabimaru changes form to an attack called Hihiou, which manifests as an arm that throws Mask away after breaking his arm.

The Quincy is enraged now, threatening to kill Renji. He changes the form again, to Orochi Ou (Serpent King) and lunges forward, stabbing through Mask with the blade on his arm. He then uses a finishing move that manifests as a giant spiritual form of Zabimaru’s snake head, Zaga Teppou (Serpent Fang Cannon). This leaves Mask a burning carcass, defeated for good this time as the chapter ends.

Naruto 661

As Naruto falls to the ground after having Kurama ripped out of him, Gaara softens his fall with sand. As he does this, we see the Bijuu being sucked into the Gedou Mazou and as Kurama is finally drawn in, he leaves things in Gaara’s hands with the plan they made before. The Gedou Mazou reacts and begins to change.

Madara is satisfied with how fast he did it, though White Zetsu still taunts him, saying it took more than a few seconds. Madara responds that they’re just failed experiments and White Zetsu explains that they had nicknames that reflect their personalities, White Zetsu’s being “talkative” in Japanese. The fight with Obito is apparently going well, according to White Zetsu

Suddenly, Tobirama attacks Madara from behind, but he quickly counterattacks. It looks like Madara will defeat Tobirama, but he had a Flying Thunder God seal on the kunai that was knocked out of his hand, so he teleports above Madara and attacks again.

Gaara takes Naruto away as Tobirama distracts Madara, insisting that he’ll keep Naruto alive.

Madara, meanwhile, has defeated Tobirama and says he and Hashirama are below him in skill and power now, especially since he’s “nurturing” a new eye, though he’s not sure if he’ll be able to maintain it (implied afterwards to be Sasuke’s new eyes)

Sasuke is flying towards where Madara is and flashes back to meeting Hashirama, who offers him a new jutsu. It’s meant to stop Madara after he’s drained Hashirama of his sage chakra. Sasuke refuses, offering to take out the spikes in Hashirama, but he explains that they’re in his pressure points, so he can’t be expected to fight Madara. He says he’ll transfer all his remaining chakra to Sasuke in the hopes that he’ll stop his rival once and for all.

Sasuke asks him why he’s asking for his help, since he’s an Uchiha like Madara. Hashirama says it’s because he reminds him of Madara’s younger brother, Izuna. He thinks that if it’s Sasuke, they may be able to defeat Madara without violence

Madara is preparing to kill Tobirama, since he was the one who killed Izuna, but Tobirama says it’s a waste, since he’s just a corpse. He asks Madara why he sought resurrection, Madara explaining that he wants to fix the failure that Hashirama made in creating the country system that exists now.  The Infinite Tsukuyomi will fix it, since it’s otherwise a contradiction, desiring peace through war and focusing on loyalty to the village over loyalty to one’s family.

Tobirama sort of agrees, but uses a final attack, allowing Sasuke to attack. But Madara freezes Sasuke in the air and continues to explain that there must be a sacrifice to achieve the goal he has in mind. The chapter ends as he stabs Sasuke with his own blade.

One Piece 734

The results of the D Block are almost decided, only one person managing to stand after the 20 survivors suddenly collapsed. And it’s Rebecca, barely supporting herself on the hilt of her sword. Predictably, the crowd is enraged at her victory, saying she must have cheated or something to that effect, while the prisoner gladiators are delighted.

Elsewhere, Vice Admiral Bastille explains about an incident that happened in the kingdom of Rommel. A wind that cut people was investigated by the Marines and they managed to find the source, a man named Hakuba, who apparently appears in areas where a certain pirate resides.

Rebecca flashes back to her fighting Suleiman. Cavendish intervenes, seemingly falling asleep and then ambushing the fighters who try to attack him; it almost appears as if he was taken over by another personality. He barely hits Rebecca, which explains how she was able to get up after Cavendish took out everyone else with that mysterious attack.

Bastille explains that Hakuba is the alter ego of Cavendish when he sleepwalks. The connection to Cavendish occurred to Bastille after he was investigating an incident and he notes that the style of fighting is tough on Cavendish’s body.

The other finalists, Bartolomeo, Burgess and Sabo (hiding as Lucy), mull over her victory, accepting it as slight luck, but also her own skill.

Doflamingo is taunting King Riku, thinking he plotted with Rebecca to enter the tournament. He also thinks it’s odd that Violet suddenly betrayed them. Riku says Doflamingo’s deception about stepping down from the Shichibukai motivated him to keep fighting. Doflamingo thinks she’s betting on Law and Luffy’s alliance (though she doesn’t technically know about that, from what I remember, unless Sanji told her). We see Law on what is likely the Heart throne of Doflamingo’s four generals.

Doflamingo has also figured out the movements of most of Luffy’s crew, limiting it to Franky, Robin, Zoro, Usopp (Sogeking) and Kinemon. He thinks there’s no way they could get underground, not realizing about the Tontatta’s planning to get there through a tunnel not related to the Toy House or the Palace, the two places with entrances to the factory.

Kinemon, Luffy and Zoro are talking to Wicca, who explains the interconnected passages to the factory that exist under the Royal Palace.

The chapter ends as they go to the lift and meet Violet, who recognizes Luffy and says she’ll guide them into the palace.

Fairy Tail 367

Natsu is thrown into a jail naked and left. It’s revealed that Lisanna was brought here and is naked too. The two are embarrassed, but establish to each other what happened: Lisanna was knocked out and brought here (presumably after Elfman was defeated) Lisanna is despondent, thinking of the strength these new enemies pose, but Natsu’s confident he can beat them. Lisanna, sadly, is unable to use her magic, though I imagine Natsu is limited as well.

Meanwhile, Kyouka is approached by Sayla, who asks if they’ve discovered where the council members sealing Face are. Kyouka explains and says she’ll soon find where Jellal is. She suggests that Sayla’s Macro Curse could’ve found where Jellal is as well, though she doesn’t elaborate on it.

Jellal is still fighting the Oracion Seis and having some difficulties. Meredy wants to help, but Jellal insists he must do this on his own. The group starts to gang up on him, Midnight explaining that they are truly free, since they were connected to Zero before, but now they can fight as individuals, not related to a plot they aren’t aware of.

But Jellal says they’re still in bondage to darkness, activating his Meteor magic, while it’s shown that Zero is rising to the surface of Brain’s consciousness, as happened before.

Back at Fairy Tail, the others have gotten back together and realize that Natsu, Mira, Erza and Happy are all unable to be found. Their only lead would be Tartaros, but they don’t know where it is. Gajeel says he can’t track them, if Wendy couldn’t do it and the group also is concerned about Elfman and Lisanna not returning. Makarov is bothered by all this, but Happy bursts in and explains things. He says the Tartaros base moves around, a floating cube, but Levy is confident she can calculate its course based on Happy’s flight path relative to it. Happy feels guilty to have left Natsu behind, but Lucy comforts him, saying he did his best for everyone’s sake

Elfman returns, the others rejoicing. But the chapter ends as it’s revealed he’s still under Sayla’s control, wanting to destroy the Fairy Tail guild from the inside.

WSR 12-30-13 + 1-6-14

Disclaimer: These aren’t official translations, merely scanlations. Buy localized or original manga to support the author if at all possible. Know the difference between piracy/theft and sharing without personal profit.

Essentially only 3 series this week, but 5 chapters, 2 from Magi and Fairy Tail because of how Weekly Shounen Sunday’s raws get released online. Next week we should get WSJ, maybe WSS as well, not sure. Toriko’s on break until late January/early February. We’ll be back to a regular schedule eventually and I may finally incorporate Seven Deadly Sins, though the release schedule for that varies. Might be one this week, since it is in Weekly Shounen Sunday.

Magi 208-209

Alibaba enters Kouen’s throne room (of sorts) and people stare disapprovingly at him, saying he’s not showing proper respect. They say that his royal heritage is past and that he should bow before Kouen, but the person giving Alibaba advice a few chapters ago says that since Alibaba’s family no longer exists as royalty and he’s an ambassador of Sindria, he’s not obligated to follow the rules that apply to Balbadd citizens.

A quandary occurs, since if Alibaba refuses to prostrate himself, it suggests he’s no longer allied with Balbadd in trying to gain independence from the Kou Empire, but if he does, then it suggests he’s submitted to the Kou Empire, contradicting his resolve to help Balbadd’s citizens.

Alibaba moves to prostrate himself, saying that he doesn’t mind, but that the custom of bowing one’s head doesn’t have the same meaning as it does in the Kou Empire. In Balbadd, it is to pray for a safe delivery of a child. The higher ups realize that this would imply a great dishonor to Kouen, so they order everyone to stand up. Kouen laughs at all the formality, saying that he wants to be alone with Alibaba, along with both of their Households.

Kouen pushes Alibaba to say something, Alibaba asking whether it’s okay, but Kouen responds that his low birth doesn’t matter now. He explains that he got to his position by chance, since the previous emperor before his father could’ve had successors, but Gyokuen killed them (meaning Hakuryuu wasn’t considered legitimate?) and then his own father died, making him the next in line. His conclusion is that lineage doesn’t make a difference as to one’s worth, but Alibaba asks why he made everyone show respect to him before. He also is frustrated that Kouen didn’t follow his promise of acknowledging Balbadd as autonomous, but Kouen responds that there are things more important than understanding each other.

Alibaba is bewildered, so Kouen directs Koumei to talk with Alibaba while Kouen tends to other affairs. Alibaba thinks it’s useless to talk to Koumei, but Koumei reveals that he was the one to take away autonomy from Balbadd, not Kouen. His argument is that even if there is a governing system of Balbadd, the system of the Kou Empire holds sway over that, so Koumei, apparently in charge of these institutions and rules, enforced it, leading to the “demise” of Balbadd as everyone knew it.

Alibaba says that’s a lie and no one could believe it, but Koumei says with enough repetition, even a lie can become the truth. The goal in mind when claiming that the Kou Empire and its ruling family are the greatest above all others is to unify the world, Kouen’s overall goal that he explained a while ago. The chapter concludes as Koumei states that they believe Alibaba has the same goals as them

Alibaba tries to confirm what Kouen’s plan is: change all the countries under the Kou Empire in order to create a world that isn’t fragmented. Koumei asks Alibaba whether he thinks people are inclined to conflict or harmony. The theory Kou goes by is the former, which is why Koumei concludes that it is impossible for people to fully understand each other.

He elaborates this by explaining how different communities are formed as people increase numbers and ally themselves with likeminded individuals, creating ideologies that are pitted against others. There are examples in history, like the Kouga Empire or Parthevia, not to mention the Kou Empire itself. All of these conflicts were rooted in antagonism towards others and a desire for power above all else. Even Balbadd fits this argument’s model of conflict breeding hatred which breeds division and unrest.

Koumei brings up Mogamett’s ideology of magicians being superior to non magicians, but Koumei says it goes deeper than that in reality. Even people who share the same blood or are in the same ethnicity/tribe can disagree and continue to fight. Therefore, the only conclusion they can reach is to bring the whole world under one banner, one ideology. The goal is to erase any history that there were differences in this world at all and establish one king to rule them all.

Alibaba thinks it’s crazy to try to alter history when some of it is based on irrefutable fact, but Koumei says that since history is primarily, in his opinion, based on human society, it can be changed over time to be a different truth than what it may actually be. The goal is to eliminate all the unnecessary systems that create contradictions, including the slavery system thankfully, in order to bring a great peace to the world.

But Alibaba observes that the Kou Empire brought slavery to Balbadd. Koumei explains it’s humane, more like indentured servitude. They’ll be freed after 5 years and mistreatment is illegal. He also says it can maintain the public order by making people see that there are others even worse off than them, so they won’t try to revolt. This in turn eliminates the need for war and thus there won’t be prisoners of war used for slavery.

Alibaba insists this still won’t work, but Koumei says they’re trying something revolutionary in nature. He asks whether Alibaba has changed his mind, since their goal is to change the world at its foundation, though they have to sacrifice the diversity they admit makes it so beautiful. He pushes Alibaba for an answer, but Kouen comes in as he concludes, asking Alibaba whether Balbadd is worse off than it was before.

Alibaba accepts that it’s better and that Koumei’s ideas have made him think. But he says it’s not worth it to throw away those precious memories.  He thinks Kou and Al Thamen are both sowing seeds that will bloom into further chaos in the future. He also brings up the contradiction Koumei has in utilizing war and slavery when he himself said they were irrational. Alibaba can sense Koumei hates them, so he pleads with him to tell the people his true feelings instead of forcing this suffering on people for the greater good and the peaceful future he envisions.

Kouen compliments him for his courage, but brings up that Alibaba’s virtually alone here (even if he accounted for Alibaba’s household) and that the brunt of the Kou Empire against him would be a complete victory for their side. Alibaba is little more than a prisoner (technically an ambassador) to them. The major fighters: Kouen and his household as well as Koumei move to attack, but Kouen says this doesn’t have to be how it ends. He asks Alibaba to become his right hand man: sever ties with Sindria in exchange for getting full authority in Balbadd and cooperate with Koumei for further reform. The chapter ends on this offer

World Trigger 45

The squads start to notice the new Neighbors coming from the shells of the previously defeated enemies. One member tells the leader to go fight the others while they hold this one off, but he’s sent flying through countless buildings with a single strike from the new Trion soldier. Another member tries to fight it, but ends up getting pinned and their arms ripped off.

The Trion soldier’s chest opens a compartment and draws the Border agent into it. The leader fires his Ibis Sniper at it, but the Neighbor deflects it. The Sniper then kills their squad member so they Bail Out back to headquarters. He then speaks to Shinoda, describing the new Neighbor. Replica confirms that this is like the previous form, which captured normal citizens with high Trion levels, while this form is meant to combat Trigger users to capture them instead.

Another squad tries to fight it, but the Attack Trigger user is blasted away after trying to break the shell open and the Gunner is captured, the other 2 members retreating. The chapter ends as Kazama’s squad resolves to take out the new Trion soldier.

Fairy Tail 365-366

Natsu and Happy arrive at the former Magic Council chairman’s house, seeing the aftermath of Erza and Mira’s fight. They look for them in the house, but they’re nowhere to be found. Happy notices a scent and Natsu confirms that it’s sleeping pills: meaning Erza and Mira’s drinks were drugged, no magic involved. Natsu’s so frustrated that he punches the glass hard enough to break the house apart. He’s concluded that the ex chairman was allied with Tartaros and that they have to get Erza and Mira, who’ve been captured.

Meanwhile, back at Tartaros, Erza awakens to Kyouka, stunned to see that she’s naked before the demon. Revealing that they’re at Tartaros, Erza questions where Mira and Crawford are, Kyouka revealing that he was allied with them so that he can become the head again once their plan is complete. Erza is in disbelief, trying to resist, but Kyouka explaining that her restraints are made of seal stone, so she can’t use magic.

Kyouka then reveals that they’ve been modifying Mira’s body, similar to what they were doing with Minerva, most likely, to turn her into their servant. Erza yells at them to stop, Kyouka silencing her with the question of where Jellal is.

Back where Jellal and Meredy are confronting the Oracion Seis, Jellal tells Meredy to get back, that he’s enough for all of them. Cobra concludes Doranbolt sent Jellal. Midnight inquires whether he intends to capture them, Jellal implying that he’s been sent to eliminate them, the others prepared to fight him. Hoteye surrenders, since he’s become much more pacifistic after the Nirvana event and unleashing his true self, Midnight accepting this and revealing her true name is Macbeth. Racer appears behind Jellal to attack, Jellal taunting him by using his real name, Sawyer, dodging his attacks as well. Cobra attacks, noting that he can read Jellal’s movements by his thoughts. Jellal responds with Cobra’s true name, Eric, saying he can read his attacks just as well, throwing him into Racer.

Angel attacks with new magic, Jellal calling her by her original name, Solano (or Sorano, which would mean she’s Yukino’s long lost sister) and blasting her summons away. Midnight smirks, saying she’s eager to fight a stronger opponent.

Kyouka presses Erza, using her curse power to cause her pain by heightening the sense to its greatest sensitivity and slashing her. She reveals that they found out the names of the council members sealing Face through Crawford (who was lying about the information being secret, possibly) and that two of them are already dead, meaning Jellal is the third one.

Back at Jellal’s fight, he’s being pushed as the others are getting used to his style, it seems

Kyouka explains that once they kill Jellal, they can release the seal on Face. She offers Erza an exchange: if she tells them where Jellal is, they’ll release Mirajane. Erza insists she doesn’t know, Kyouka deciding she’ll torture Erza a bit more.

Crawford is walking with Franmalth, a bit peeved that his house had to be destroyed. Franmalth explains that he’ll get plenty more money after the plan is complete. Crawford says they should kill Mira and Erza, since they know of his involvement, but Franmalth calms him by saying no one can find this place. Someone appears on the horizon, flying towards the palace. It’s Natsu and he blasts in, punching Crawford out. The invasion by the solo Flame Dragonslayer starts as the chapter ends.

Natsu having burst in, demands to know where Erza and Mira are. Franmalth rages at Natsu, since he destroyed part of their building and the costs are fairly high by his reaction. Kyouka notices as well, summoning a subordinate to watch Erza while she goes to see what’s going on.

Franmalth and Natsu continue to go at it, Franmalth wondering how Natsu found them and still mulling over how much it will cost to repair the ramparts Natsu broke. Natsu, on the other hand, punches Franmalth away, not wanting to deal with his talking.

Gray and Juvia are seen riding back from their mission, Juvia feeling uneasy about what they saw: not just sadness, but closer to fear at the power their foe wields.

Franmalth recovers from Natsu’s punch, his outer armor shattered. Then he stretches out his arm to strike, Natsu dodging. But the arm then changes direction and starts to drain Natsu’s power away, Happy managing to stop him by biting the arm. Franmalth slaps Happy away, Natsu counterattacking with dodges this time and blasting Franmalth at point blank range. But he’s almost unscathed.

Suddenly, Silver appears, ordering Franmalth to take the chairman and leave this to him. The two confront each other, Silver thinking Natsu must’ve thawed the ice and Natsu deducing that Silver froze the village. Natsu also connects Silver to Gray by scent (meaning they’re probably related somehow) and Silver freezes Natsu, the chapter ending as he scolds Natsu for even mentioning that name, giving more confirmation to the theory.