"The Flash of Youth" (青春のカガヤキ Seishun no Kagayaki?) is the one hundred and fifty-third chapter of the Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign manga series, written by Takaya Kagami and illustrated by Yamato Yamamoto.
Synopsis[]
In her sphere, Mahiru speaks with Shinoa on what it means to live. Describing it as a brief flash of light, Mahiru tried her best to live. As Mahiru darkens, she feels Shinoa is just getting ready to shine. Speaking that Shinoa does not have to remember her, Mahiru is happy that she could help her sister, and love someone as she did. Shinoa cries as Mahiru disappears in her arms.
Before her squad, Shinoa thinks how they want to resurrect all of humanity. Betting Yu would sacrifice himself for that, Shinoa means to get him back. Forming her dream, Shinoa will not sacrifice anyone and just enjoy her life with surviving friends.
After Yoichi and Kimizuki ask Shinoa whether Guren is still alive, Mitsuba gathers that he is dead. For what they do now, Shinoa wonders if she should deceive her squad. As Shinoa thinks she should use them and do what her sister did, she then announces to the squad that she does not want to save their families.
Putting it to a vote, Shinoa finds Mitsuba join her in voting to live as a squad. Kimizuki is furious at feeling he is being asked to give up on his sister, and Yoichi appears to feel the same.
Characters[]
List of characters in order of appearance:
- Mahiru Hīragi
- Shinoa Hīragi
- Guren Ichinose (mentioned as well as envisioned)
- Shinya Hīragi (mentioned)
- Mitsuba Sangū
- Yoichi Saotome
- Shihō Kimizuki
- Yūichirō Hyakuya (mentioned)
- Mirai Kimizuki (referred to as "sister")
- Tomoe Saotome (referred to as "big sis")
- Sika Madu (not named but remembered)
Summary[]
As Mahiru stands silently within a sphere, Shinoa comes to greet her as big sister. Happy to see her, Mahiru addresses whether Shinoa watched her fight. After Shinoa confirms she was watching the whole time, Mahiru remarks how she really gave it her all. Upon it being noted that Mahiru still lost, her and Shinoa stand pensively.[1]
When Mahiru unexpectedly questions Shinoa what she thinks it means to live, she raises how she devoted her whole life to protect her. After responding that as the genius she should know, Shinoa returns the question on what did it mean to live in the end. Shinoa requests that Mahiru let her precious little sister in on the secret before she goes on ahead.[2]
Giving it some thought, Mahiru responds that it was kind of like a brief flash of light. Answering it certainly sounds cool, Shinoa then asks for Mahiru to break it down for her. Considering how, Mahiru details how she did everything she could and gave life her best. Mentioning how she fell in love, Mahiru speaks that this became her reason for living.[3]
Continuing, Mahiru shares with Shinoa how she worked hard and tried her best to live. In the end however, Mahiru found no matter how much effort she, or anyone makes, that they all get old and die. As curse marks begins to cover her hand, Mahiru continues to add to her thoughts with the question of what is really important. For what it's worth to each person, Mahiru sees how their lives are all this short. It is felt that people live and shine for barely an instant. Then stating that they lose it, Mahiru comments that their youth is behind them. Once Mahiru raises if they are only truly alive when they are living their hardest, Shinoa adds it is then like a flash.[4]
Judging that Shinoa is just getting ready to shine, Mahiru assumes she has decided to live for love. Beaming, Shinoa confirms she fell in love, just as Mahiru did. Once Shinoa adds she is 16 after all, Mahiru says for her to treasure that. That instant is all there is to life. When Mahiru says for Shinoa to focus on hers, and that she does not have to remember them, Shinoa's expression changes.[5]
Saying to live for the now, Mahiru reveals to Shinoa that she and Guren have no regrets, they gave it their all. Where Guren is remembered, Mahiru explains how they don't want any pity or sympathy since they lived to the fullest. When Shinoa questions what she is supposed to do though, Mahiru pats her on the back.[6]
Directing her to live how she wants, and love how she wants, Mahiru adds for Shinoa to enjoy life with everything she's got. As Shinoa interjects that Mahiru has protected her for all these years, it's added that she gave her power and opportunity even if it placed Mahiru at a disadvantage. Answering that it was because Shinoa always had greater potential than herself, Mahiru adds that is why she shared her power.[7]
When Shinoa feels that's a lie since Mahiru is the gifted one, Mahiru does not want to hear it. Reminding Shinoa that she lived her hardest, Mahiru is pleased that she helped her sister and loved her man with all that she had. Once Mahiru questions if she has a problem with that, Shinoa replies she does.[8]
Shinoa says to Mahiru that she wanted her to be around for a little longer. After Shinoa adds she wanted to spend time with her, Mahiru pulls her into a hug. As darkening curse marks spread across her face, Mahiru speaks that she is sorry for leaving this kind of world to her. Mahiru adds she wanted to do a little more too. Assuring Shinoa that it's okay, Mahiru knows she can handle it. Mahiru states that Shinoa is more amazing than she was. As Shinoa begins to weep, Mahiru's face is fully darkened as she says Shinoa can do it.[9]
Speaking that she's got to go, Mahiru adds that Guren and Shinya are waiting. Although Shinoa cries for her to not go, Mahiru wishes her good luck and says that she is rooting for her. Shinoa is left by herself as Mahiru disappears into light and begins crying loudly.[10]
In the physical world, Shinoa stands composed without a trace of emotion on her. Mahiru's words for her to try hard are remembered, yet Shinoa wonders for what, or who. She regards the others as Mitsuba along with Yoichi and Kimizuki discuss matters among themselves. Certain that they want to resurrect all of humanity, Shinoa also gives some thought to Yu who she recalls was going on about saving everyone.[11]
Betting that Yu will sacrifice himself as the price, Shinoa then considers that she is not particularly dissatisfied with her life. If she lives as hard as she can, Shinoa reasons she can be satisfied. First intending to get Yu back, Shinoa then decides that's it and she does not want anything else. Contemplating how that's her dream, Shinoa wants no one sacrificed and no one cursed. Living together with her surviving friends where they just enjoy themselves until the end is Shinoa's complete dream, yet she doubts anyone else shares it with her.[12]
Upon Yoichi suddenly questioning what's going on with Yu and the others, Shinoa realizes that she is being spoken to. There is also a question from Kimizuki concerning what happened about Guren since Shinoa said he lost. Kimizuki asks if Guren is still alive. Where Shinoa appears uneasy and unsure how to respond, Mitsuba wonders if she is okay.[13]
Not answering and changing the subject, Shinoa claims she was about to say how they need to move to a safe location and rethink their plan. In being distracted, once Shinoa trips over a rock, Mitsuba concludes that Guren is dead. From Shinoa's silence, Mitsuba also gathers that Mahiru is as well. Yoichi checks if Guren is dead as Kimizuki processes this to himself.[14]
Asking what is going on, Kimizuki questions Shinoa what are they fighting against, and who should they believe. Taking to staring at one another, it's Shinoa who has concluded in her mind that the interests of her squad and herself do not align anymore. Wondering what is the best thing to do now, Shinoa considers deceiving and lying to her squad.[15]
Perhaps noticing Shinoa's expression, Yoichi speaks to Kimizuki that now is not the time for this. Where Kimizuki can't fathom a guess why, Yoichi frames the matter as Shinoa has just watched Guren and Mahiru die, so it's not the time. Changing his tone, Kimizuki raises how he has a sister too so knows what Shinoa is going through.[16]
Thinking to herself no he doesn't, Shinoa thinks how she does not want to resurrect her sister like Kimizuki wants to resurrect his. Where Kimizuki continues to speak, he claims that is why he trusts Shinoa. Affirming that Shinoa is their leader, Kimizuki states for her to give the order and they will obey her. Kimizuki concludes by requesting for Shinoa to tell them what do they do now.[17]
Standing silently, Shinoa thinks she should just lie, trick and use her squad. Resolving to do what her sister did, Shinoa means to take all responsibility on herself. It is remembered how Shinoa stood with Mahiru as she said Shinoa was more amazing than she was.[18]
Having remembered that, Shinoa then announces to the others that she is sorry, but she does not want to save their families.[19]
Mitsuba is speechless, Kimizuki and Yoichi are also shocked. Explaining how in watching Guren and Mahiru die that it hit her, Shinoa feels that maybe bringing back the dead is a bad idea. Of the view that there is no inherent meaning to life, Shinoa feels they can't look back on the past. Shinoa affirms they need to live and be thankful for what they have now.[20]
As Mitsuba listens, Shinoa continues to elaborate that she may be wrong, but she is still only sixteen so maybe just hasn't found the meaning to life. Taken aback at what she is saying, Kimizuki hears Shinoa mention that resurrecting all of humanity only for one person to shoulder the punishment alone while everyone else enjoys all the benefits doesn't feel right.[21]
Abruptly ordering her to hold it, Kimizuki asks what about his sister. While Shinoa understands, she raises who will accept the punishment for bringing Mirai back. While Yu or herself are options presented, Kimizuki shouts that he will. Yoichi also says he will accept the punishment.[22]
The scenario of Sika Madu burning among the field of deceased angels is recalled. Snapping her fingers, Shinoa has relayed this vision to the squad. Informing them that occurrence was the previous punishment, Shinoa details the pain continues for literal eons, never ending. Kimizuki appears horrified, as does Yoichi and Mitsuba as they take this into account.[23]
If this is what they really want, then Shinoa states she will accept the punishment. Clear that she would be the only sacrifice, Shinoa says that will be for the best. Responding first, Mitsuba tells Shinoa she can't. Asserting that is what this discussion is about, Shinoa frames it as their generation is one that wants to negotiate with death.[24]
Noting that people die, Shinoa adds it can be sudden and there is no getting around it. The Lt. Colonel died, her sister died. Shinoa then suggests if the ability to die is not beautiful. There is a question of if their youth, and lives shine brighter because it ends. As Mitsuba and Yoichi ponder these ideas, Shinoa then directs them to take a vote. Claiming she will go with whatever the group decides, Shinoa clarifies her position that if possible she would want to live with all of them.[25]
Expanding on her idea, Shinoa speaks that herself, with Yu, then Mitsu plus Kimizuki and Yoichi, all of them together hanging out and talking, laughing about anything is what she likes. Being thankful for the now, and then dying peacefully when their times comes, Shinoa explains that is her vote. Her hand outstretched, Shinoa finds Mistuba agreeing with her position.[26]
As Kimizuki registers this, Mitsuba speaks how she is tired of watching people suffer. Mitsuba does not want to see anyone hurt anymore. As Yoichi considers his thoughts, Shinoa mentions that Yu said he's going to save everyone while taking the punishment himself. Shinoa says if they agree with Yu then take this hand.[27]
The hand offered is a clenched fist, and Shinoa speaks if they choose that option then they may leave. As of this moment they will be enemies.[28]
Absorbing this, Yoichi is in disbelief. Not knowing how to respond, Yoichi asks aloud for his big sis on who to pick. Having a more extreme view, Kimizuki says to screw this. He sees it as telling him to give up on his sister.[29]
Specifying that she is not telling him that, Shinoa clarifies she is telling Kimizuki to choose, Mirai, or them. Gritting his teeth in anger, Kimizuki yells if Shinoa is telling him he has to abandon his baby sister. Yoichi also appears determined as tensions flare.[30]
Quotes[]
| “ | Oh hey. Shinoa, you came. Did you watch me fight? | ” |
–Mahiru finds Shinoa appear in her sphere. Page 1-2 | ||
| “ | What did it mean to live, in the end? Let your precious little sister in on the secret before you go ahead. | ” |
–Shinoa speaking with Mahiru with an understanding of the situation. Page 4 | ||
| “ | Treasure that. That instant is all there is to life. Focus on yours. You don't have to remember us. | ” |
–Mahiru is happy to hear Shinoa has fallen in love. Page 7 | ||
| “ | Guren and I have no regrets. We gave it our all. We don't want any pity or sympathy. We lived to the fullest. | ” |
–Mahiru remembers walking contentedly with Guren. Page 8-9 | ||
| “ | Because you always had more potential than me. That's why I shared my power with you. | ” |
–Mahiru's claim for Shinoa, yet it's believed to be a lie. Page 10 | ||
| “ | I wanted you to be around for a little longer. To spend time with you... | ” |
–Shinoa's changed view on Mahiru. Page 11 | ||
| “ | Sorry for leaving this kind of world to you, Shinoa. I wanted to do a little more too. But it's okay. I know you can handle it. You're more amazing than I was. You can do it. | ” |
–Mahiru becomes covered in curse marks and blackens as she hugs Shinoa. Page 12 | ||
| “ | Good luck. Try hard. But try hard for what? For who? | ” |
–Shinoa remembers Mahiru's words but wonders what her path is to be now. Page 16 | ||
| “ | I'm not particularly dissatisfied with my life. If I live as hard as I can, I'll be satisfied. First, I get Yuichiro back. And then... ...That's it. I don't do anything else. That's my dream. Sacrificing no one. | ” |
–Shinoa considers her goals where she does not desire to resurrect others. Page 17-18 | ||
| “ | The Lt. Colonel's dead, isn't he? And your sister too. | ” |
–Mitsuba gathers from Shinoa's reaction what has happened to Guren and Mahiru. Page 20 | ||
| “ | Shinoa. What the hell is going on now? What are we fighting against? Who should we believe? | ” |
–Kimizuki's question for the squad leader now that Guren is gone. Page 20 | ||
| “ | Their interests and mine don't align anymore. What's the best thing to do now? Deceive and use them? | ” |
–Shinoa's thoughts for her own squad. Page 21 | ||
| “ | Kimizuki! Now isn't the time for this. Shinoa just watched the Lt. Colonel... Watched her sister die. It's not the time. | ” |
–Yoichi speaking to Kimizuki perhaps after noticing Shinoa's expression. Page 21 | ||
| “ | Everyone? I'm sorry. I don't want to save your families. | ” |
–Shinoa announces her thoughts to Mitsuba, along with Kimizuki and Yoichi. Page 24 | ||
| “ | Resurrecting all of humanity only for one person to shoulder the punishment alone... ...While everyone else smiles and laughs and enjoys all the benefits. That doesn't feel right. | ” |
–Shinoa shares part of her reasoning for being against resurrection. Page 27 | ||
| “ | Let's take a vote. I'll go with whatever the group decides. If possible, I want to live with all of you. | ” |
–Shinoa directs the group to vote a certain way. Page 30 | ||
| “ | I'm tired of watching people suffer. I don't want to see anyone hurt anymore. | ” |
–Mitsuba decides to join Shinoa in being against resurrection. Page 32 | ||
| “ | By the way, Yuichiro said he's going to save everyone while taking the punishment himself. If you agree with him, take this hand. And then you may leave. As of this moment, we will be enemies. | ” |
–Shinoa offers a fist when Kimizuki and Yoichi delay in answering. (Yu never said that, Shinoa is attempting to have them abandon their plans to resurrect their sisters and join her plan.) Page 32 | ||
| “ | W-what?! I... ...I don't know. Big sis... W-which do I pick? | ” |
–Yoichi thinks of Tomoe as he wonders whether to maintain his wish to resurrect her or choose Shinoa's plan for them to enjoy their lives and abandon the resurrection. Page 33 | ||
| “ | Oh, hell no! Screw this! You're telling me to give up on my sister?! | ” |
–Kimizuki angered at Shinoa's idea. Page 34 | ||
Chapter Notes[]
- After disappearing from the physical world in the previous chapter Chapter 152: "Guren Ichinose: Catastrophe at 16" Mahiru has been moved to a demon sphere in this chapter. It is a case of Mahiru vanishing further and away from a demon realm, the same occurred to Asuramaru in Chapter 118: "I Hear Voices". In this chapter however, Mahiru blackens into a complete demon before disappearing.
- Shinoa states that her age is 16 in this chapter, a same age mentioned in Chapter 66: "Shuttered Shinoa".
- Where she does not appear particularly bothered and is indeed fine with Mahiru going ahead, Shinoa's views change suddenly upon Mahiru speaking that she should focus on her own life and doesn't have to remember her or the others (Shinya and Guren). Shinoa was indifferent to Guren and Shinya perishing, it would be Mahiru who Shinoa was affected by.
- The scene of Guren and Mahiru walking together is a remembered scenario from Chapter 149: "They Were Once 16".
- Even though Shinoa cried over Mahiru's passing, she does not at all desire to resurrect her, neither the family members of her own squad. Living happily with them and Yu is a reason for this, as is avoiding the punishment for reincarnation that the First endured. She was also influenced by Mahiru describing life as a brief light which shines.
- While Shinoa does not tell her squad that Guren has died as she entertains thoughts of using them, they figure out what has happened. Rather than deceive them, Shinoa speaks upfront that she doesn't want to resurrect their families.
- In presenting herself or Yu as the one who is prepared to accept the punishment for restoring others back to life, it appears a means to an end that Shinoa utilizes to not have her squad proceed with that idea. It works on Mitsuba, but not Kimizuki or Yoichi who claim they will accept the punishment, where they still wish to restore Mirai and Tomoe respectively.
- Having viewed memories of the past, Shinoa can relay what occurred to others nearby.
- The scene of Sika Madu burning was first seen in Chapter 129: "The First Vampire".
- Yu is the only one of the squad who isn't present that Shinoa wants to enjoy her time with where Mika is not mentioned by her. She doesn't seem to have any notion that Yu would choose to be with Mika instead and indeed left the entire squad for his sake.
- Mitsuba is quite prompt in abandoning the idea of resurrecting others, which where family relations are concerned would leave her parents deceased.
- The story of Yu saying he's going to save everyone and take the punishment himself is a made up one by Shinoa, it was said to bring others to her side since only Mitsuba did initially. Shinoa is prepared to see her own squad members as enemies if they are okay with Yu accepting the punishment to resurrect their families.
- A schism appears in Shinoa Squad as Yoichi and especially Kimizuki are not readily accepting the idea of abandoning the plan to resurrect others.
Gallery[]
- Image gallery: The Flash of Youth
Manga panels provide a visual overview of the events of chapter 153 with depictions of the characters, Seraph of the End world and scenarios.
References[]
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Overall[]
To view the events of chapter 153 in the overall manga view Owari no Seraph Manga Story by Chapter: Chapter 153