Heavenly War Chronicle Shurato Deva Chapter Episodes 1-25 HIGHLIGHT

Story & Scene

The Asura god-race chapters done before your eyes--story highlights that look back over the first half [of the series]. Memorable famous scenes plus attached commentary. With this, understanding the Deva chapter is a cinch.

Transl. by Doug Dlin from the Oct. '89 Animedia supplement, Heavenly Scriptures--a most edifying book for understanding all about Heavenly War Chronicle Shurato

Reincarnation 1

On Shura Sowaka! "Shibetei shibetei shindara vashini sowaka . . . "1--with a voice [reciting] this mysterious chant, this story began.

Tokyo, the Budokan.2 The finals of the All-Japan Junior Martial Arts Championship, Sanda3 Division, were about to reach their climax. The opponents, Shurato Hidaka and Gai Kuroki, were both sixteen years old. Two people who had learned kenpo together since childhood, they were also the best of friends.

[Their] relationship [was such that] each thoroughly knew the other's abilities. At that time, too, both their kicks were about to simultaneously catch the napes of [their] necks. And then, [at] that instant, a wonder occurred. A sudden light engulfed the two, and as many spectators stared on, the forms of the pair vanished all at once.

When he came to, Shurato was in an unknown world. What awoke Shurato, who had passed out, was a girl's kiss.4 The girl's name was Lakshu. Lakshu called this world the "Heavenly Plane." What had happened during that instant of confrontation with Gai? Before the confused Shurato appeared none other than the form of Gai. However, Gai was dressed in strange armor, and attacked Shurato mercilessly. The of cruel words and blood-red eyes was not those of the close friend Gai that Shurato knew. "That sweet5 Gai--what's happened to you!"

Even Shurato's cry was not understood by the current Gai. Then, there was a strange voice heard by Shurato's ears. "On shura sowaka."

Guided by the voice, he repeated the same words. Instantly, Shurato was also wearing armor, and unconsciously he cried, "Shurao Shurato!" Shurato was perplexed by Gai's transformation, and by the fact that he had been granted power without knowing it. The one who saved him was a man who introduced himself as Karurao Reiga.

[Caption] The first Heavenly Plane scenery he saw was Lakshu's face.

Rebellion

2 The Great Conspiracy! Atop a giant tree was the magnificent Heavenly Palace.6 Guided there by Reiga, Shurato had an audience with Vishnu,7 the goddess of harmony who governs the Heavenly Plane. It was Vishnu who had summoned Shurato and Gai from the human world. She was the possessor of mysterious powers. Vishnu furthermore told Shurato of [his] unexpected destiny. Formally, she said, Shurato was a member of the Heavenly Plane, Shurao Shurato of the Deva8 god-army's Hachibushu, and his destiny was to fight with the Asura9 god-army, an enemy expected to invade. Gai too, she said, was one of the Hachibushu, and was called Yashao Gai. However, not even Vishnu could comprehend Gai's fiendish behavior. That night, when Shurato was welcomed as a native of the Heavenly Plane for the first time, a great event took place that caused this world to be alarmed. Vishnu was turned to stone. Because they had witnessed this treason, secretly planned by aide-de- campe Indra,10 Shurato, Hyuga, who was one of the Hachibushu,11 and Lakshu had wound up becoming fugitives. Although transported by Vishnu's final power and rescued from the evil hand of Indra, they were blamed for the petrification.

3 Ryuo Ryoma's Challenge!

The trio of Shurato and friends had been transported12 to a distant, remote region of the Heavenly Plane. In contrast to Hyuga, who was about to go back to the Heavenly Palace in order to rescue Vishnu, Shurato had nothing but the matter of Gai on his mind. One of the pursuers, the Hachibushu's Ryuo Ryoma, confronted Shurato, who had begun to walk a path separate from Hyuga's. Ryoma cornered Shurato, who could not yet use his shakti efficiently. At that time, Hyuga, who had received the news from Lakshu, rushed in. Ryoma was his close friend.13 Although [they] told [him] of Indra's true character, Ryoma, who respected Indra, wasn't about to believe [them]. "I don't believe it--it seems it must come to fighting with you, my friend . . ." Hyuga also regretted the irony of fate. Pursuer and fugitive. The bloody fight to the death between close friends continued. Then, Shurato's heart-rending cry stopped the pair's confrontation. To Shurato, their two forms appeared to mirror himself and Gai. Due to the words of Shurato, who complained of the sadness of friends hurting each other, Ryoma regained his presence of mind. Then, apologizing for having doubted them, he vowed to overthrow Indra. At last Shurato began to realize the fact that no other path remained for him, either.

Hachibushu Break-up

4 Awaken, Soma! Ryoma's betrayal was reported to the punitive force. With the turning of as many as three people to the enemy, the other Hachibushu generals were certainly agitated. Meanwhile, only Narao Renge was single-mindedly persisting in bringing down Shurato. She loved and respected Indra so much that she was trying to succeed before anybody else. Renge, who commanded Shaktaka and Ramban, stayed up all night chasing Shurato and the others, and at length discovered the party in the mountains. Renge swooped down on Shurato. Shurato, who was strictly on the defensive, fell over a cliff and passed out. When he woke up, there was a woman's voice that enlightened Shurato. "Feel the rise of soma14 within!" Even though he was called Shurao, Shurato still had not become conscious of his own true power. Instructed by the woman, he felt the swelling of a mysterious force while meditating. Then, the light of soma burst forth from his body, and a "tantra"15 came out of his mouth. "Did you feel it--the rise of soma?" Urged on by the woman's voice, Shurato awoke his soma of his own free will for the first time. At the same time, he awakened to [his] sure-kill ability, the Shura Mahha Ken, and drove back Renge and her followers. [Caption] An aura rises from Shurato's body as he awakens to his soma for the first time.

5 Feathers! Make the Truth Known!

There was one man who, while taking part in the punitive force, harbored distrust toward Indra. It was Reiga. This was because the night before the punitive force took to the field, he saw Indra's hidden side by means of his unique ability, the Karura Reishiu [Garuda Soul-Sight Feather]. That day, Indra and Gai were in an underground arena. This was in order to see the way Kali the Manipulator16 fought with the rank and file. He killed the soldiers without hesitation, merely in order to display [his] ability. Then Indra, who was watching over this, chuckled to himself with satisfaction. Reiga saw cruelty, something previously unknown in Indra, a man of character. From then on, Reiga followed opportunity and continued to observe Indra. "Feathers, let me know the truth!" Then one day, what the feathers revealed was the form of Indra, personally reciting Vishnu's petrification.17 Reiga's illusions were dispelled. Knowing that Kali was stalking Shurato and the others, Reiga followed after and rescued them from Kali's sorcery. "With this, I too will be counted among the traitors' companions. Allow me to accompany you to the Heavenly Palace, and I will accept." They had gained a heartening teammate. On account of this, the Hachibushu was split exactly in two.18 [Caption] Through the Karura Reishiu, Reiga learned Indra's true character.

Karmic Confrontation

6 Battle of Love and Sadness! Since Vishnu's petrification, the harmony of the Heavenly Plane had begun to break down little by little. One of the phenomena of that was a disease called the Red Spot Sickness.19 In the Heavenly Plane, where illness by nature is impossible, this strange disease which results in death showed a sign of infiltration. The reunion with Hyuga's old friend,20 Marishiten21 Mariichi, was the time they suffered the second of Renge's attacks. It was Mariichi who saved Shurato, who had reached the point where it seemed he would be finished off by Renge. At one time, Mariichi separated from his close friend Hyuga without telling him, and his form vanished from the Heavenly Palace. Mariichi had loved Renge, but he knew that her lover was someone else, and backed out. He appeared once again before Hyuga and the others in order to bid his final farewell. Mariichi had been infected by the Red Spot Sickness. If he was going to die anyhow, then he wanted to be destroyed by the one he loved. Mariichi challenged Renge to a final battle, suffered the Nara Muso Ka [Kinnara Matchless Flower], and was killed. "I wanted to try it this way once . . ."22 Mariichi died in the arms of Renge, whom he had seen even in his dreams. Mariichi had not won Renge's love. And Renge, too, scorched [her] soul in unrequited love for Indra. [Caption] Her strong feelings for Indra caused her to reject Mariichi's love.

7 Defeat the Traps of Moonlight Cavern! The Moonlight Cavern Stronghold--it is said that its innermost room opens onto a short cut to the Heavenly Palace. However, traps are set inside, and the traps respond to soma. If [someone is] attacked by someone else and uses soma, he will have to deal with both the traps and the enemy. However, Shurato and the others, hurrying along their journey, dared to select this short cut. Sure enough, Dappao Kuuya and Hibao Dan were waiting readily for them. Shurato and the others, forced to use soma, dodged their way through the traps and held out against the attacks of the two.23 To make things worse, a grotesque monster appeared. When the four of them caused their soma to concentrate and killed the monster, they escaped their pursuers, Kuuya [and Dan], and at last arrived at the central room. From there, via a space-time warp, [they travelled] almost [all the way] to the Heavenly Tree in one shot. However, their celebration was short-lived, [for] what Shurato and the others saw there was the devastation of the Heavenly Tree, which had advanced more than they had imagined.

8 Hurry! The Road to the Heavenly Tree Although they had come as far as a place where they could see the Heavenly Tree, further difficulties awaited them. In order to reach the road of light that climbed up the Heavenly Tree, they had to pass through a gate called the Gate of Peace.24 The Gate of Peace would not appear if they did not light up the "Holy Lights" in all four of the shrines on an island in the middle of a lake. Powerful soma was necessary for this purpose. Having landed on the island, the party had to overcome one more ordeal. Rasetsuten Nirihari commanded many men, and was waiting to try to "induce" Shurato and the others to stay on the island. Taking Lakshu prisoner, Nirihari set up illusory traps and tormented Shurato and Reiga. Having barely defeated Nirihari, Shurato and company dispersed individually to the four shrines. However, within the time it cost them in the fight with Nirihari, the punitive force were about to arrive on this island as well.

To the Four Shrines

9 A Decisive Battle! Ignite the Holy Lights Having a head start, the Hachibushu punitive force was trying to impede Shurato and friends, who had started off towards the four shrines.25 Dan was waiting for Shurato and Lakshu at the Genbu Shrine. "If it's for Lady Vishnu, then I can be either ogre or demon." Dan lamented Vishnu's petrification more than anybody else. There was an unforgettable memory of Vishnu for Dan which he kept to himself. About the time he ascended to the Heavenly Palace, when the only thing he knew to rely on was brute strength, Vishnu taught Dan that you love a person and become truly strong. "If it looks like you are going to commit violence, remember what I have said." Dan treasured the pendant26 which Vishnu, having said that, hung around his neck. Believing without a doubt that Shurato was the perpetrator of Vishnu's petrification, Dan exposed his hatred towards Shurato. However, the instant he tried to give the decisive blow, the pendant, as if perhaps to suggest something, came off [from around] Dan's neck. Striking at the opportunity of that instant, Shurato's Mahha Ken scored a hit. Never again to see the lovely form of the Vishnu he continued to yearn for [or adore], Dan turned into light and disappeared while calling her name. [Caption] Vishnu personally hung the pendant [on him]. Dan's heart trembled.

10 Gai's Fierce Attack! A Truly Unavoidable Fight to the Death Ryoma was in the Seiryu Shrine. Confronting him was Gai. Ryoma, who was facing against Gai for the first time, noticed a strange thing. The soma rising from Gai's body differed from their own soma, and was hung with a strange, evil feeling. Although supposedly it had not been a long time [since] he had been reincarnated, it was surprisingly strong. Gai laughed off [or down on] Ryoma's surprise. "The energies of the Heavenly Plane's destruction27 call up the power within my body." Although not yet able to appreciate the meaning of [these] cryptic words, Ryoma sensed the threat in Gai's egnimatic eeriness. With his odd abilities, he was hardly a defeatable opponent. Ryoma engaged in a desperate strategy. "I will let you cut flesh; I will break . . . bones!"28 Taking Gai's sword into his own body and grabbing hold of Gai, he released the Ryuo Kaen Geki [Flaming Halberd] and aimed for a mutual kill. However, being unable to even inflict damage on Gai, he collapsed under the impact of the Kaen Geki, and was buried in a mountain of debris. About that time, in the Byakko Shrine, Hyuga was trying to make Renge understand the truth, and was becoming desperate. He wouldn't have wanted to kill her if he could. [This was] for Mariichi's sake too. Then a mysterious image that surfaced in the Byakko Shrine's crystal ball29 began to open the obstinate Renge's heart.

Farewell, Friends . . .

11 Renge, Tragic Warrior of Love All at once the Holy Light began to shine, and the Byakko Shrine's crystal ball began to project a certain image on the entire room. Within it, without a doubt, was Indra, turning Vishnu to stone. Indra's true character shown before her, Renge suffered a shock. She tried insisting that it was Hyuga's magic, but Renge, who had trained together with him, understood best the fact that he could not use that sort of magic. The Holy Lights are also known as the "Lights of Truth," and there is a legend that they impart the truth to those with delusions in their hearts. Renge had pursued her training under Indra's supervision, and recalled [those] former days. Indra even protected the life of a single butterfly to the point where he wounded his own body.30 Thinking of [this] Indra whose affection was deep, Renge cried. In those tears, Hyuga definitely saw her true feelings.31 However, even if Indra seemed changed, Renge's memory was the same. She was merely obeying orders. Already in a lost cause, Renge laid down her wounded body [in sacrifice]. "Lord Indra, [give your] power to Renge!" Attaining love, Renge was encased within Hyuga's Crystal Bond32 and died. Hyuga, full of anger toward Indra, ignited the Holy Light in the Byakko Shrine. [Caption] Dying for love, Renge meets her end within the Crystal Bond.

12 Hot Fight! I Saw a Friend Amid the Tears The confrontation in the Shujaku Shrine was an ironic pairing. [It was] Kuuya and Reiga. They were a pair that had come to be contrasted in various ways. One was seen as a model general, the other as a master at skipping out on training. However, until he was about to attain enlightenment,33 even Kuuya, an honor student who should have disciplined himself, could not help but recognize his mistakes. This is because he was shown Indra's true character by means of Reiga's feathers. But it was too late. By the time he learned the truth, Kuuya's body had already received crucial damage from the Karura Yoku Shiran [Wing Purple Storm]. Having sensed death, Kuuya attempted to make amends for his mistake through the act of igniting the Holy Light. Straining the last of [his] power, he aimed between the crystals34 and fired off his soma. "Did the Holy Light ignite?" Kuuya asked. Having exhausted his soma, his eyes could no longer see. Listening to the nodding Reiga's words, Kuuya died. He didn't even know that that was a lie Reiga [had told]. Reiga thought of Kuuya's regrets, and focusing all his power, ignited the Holy Light. As if pursuing that light, a Holy Light shone forth from the Seiryu Shrine as well. Ryoma was alive.35 Only one remained; only in Shurato's Genbu Shrine did the crystals not yet shine. [Caption] Kuuya in his last moments. His eyes could no longer see.

Holy Fire

13 Turnabout! Beast Lord Mandala Formation Surviving the mountain of debris and lighting the Seiryu Shrine, Ryoma rushed on to where Shurato was. Deeply wounded in the battle with Dan, and further confronted by Gai, Shurato was not yet able to light the Genbu Shrine. Having finished their respective battles, Reiga and Hyuga also rushed onto [the scene]. [It was] the four of them versus Gai. Shurato and the others outnumbered him, but Gai's power had become strong enough to overwhelm the four of them. He was not an opponent that they could defeat with one person at a time. There was no method left to the four, save the "Juo Mandala Jin [Beast Lord Mandala Formation]."36 If they used this great ability, they might be capable of knocking Gai down as he was. "Gai, forgive [me]!" Shurato's heart ached. The Mandala Formation was set in motion. However, Gai regained his true self37 through the shock, and made Shurato ecstatic. But even that was [only] momentary, for Gai was transported38 away from there by Indra. The Shrine battles were over. It was time to ignite the light in the final crystal ball. "Haven't we undergone hardships and come this far together?" Prompted by Shurato, Lakshu too raised ber hands over the crystal ball. Their five soma gushed forth powerfully, and at long last caused the Gate of Peace to appear. [Caption] Five people's soma ignite the Holy Light in the Genbu Shrine.

14 The Extremes of Love and Hate The doors of the Gate of Peace opened. The five of them passed through the otherspace39 and entered the Heavenly Tree. However, en route they fell into Indra's traps, and were thrown out into an unfamiliar mountain forest. Shurato lost sight of the other four, and was inside a small mountain cottage. The wounded Shurato had been saved by one woman. The woman was called Satei.40 Satei was Renge's elder sister. Proud of her little sister, she was still unaware of Renge's death. She still had no suspicions of who Shurato might be. The vicinity of the hut was thrown into an uproar. Indra's followers were searching for Shurato and the others, and had begun combing the hills. The search closed in on Satei's hut. Then Satei learned for the first time that her younger sister was dead, and was told that Shurao Shurato had killed Renge. Satei turned on Shurato with a knife in order to destroy her sister's enemy. However, when the search party's attack tried to involve Satei, Shurato shielded even her, who had gone after [his] life. "I won't let you die, even for Renge's sake." Satei's misconceptions were dispelled by Shurato's tenderness. The encounter with Satei made Shurato pledge all over again to overthrow Indra. [Caption] He did not want the innocent Satei to be involved. Shurato withstood the attack.

Miracle of Love

15 The Fearsome Beast Fang Trio Horaizan [Fairyland Mountain]41 came into view on their way. This was Lakshu's birthplace. Even this area of once-verdant soil had fallen into ruin. Then a gigantic evil soma arose from amid the devastation. A mysterious man wearing a grotesque shakti stood facing the five. The man introduced himself as Kundali Myoo Kundaliini. "The Heavenly Plane is fated to be destroyed." Who was this man, speaking [these] ominous words? Further, his awesome destructive power surprised Shurato and the others. The power of the Deva god-army generals encountered so far was nothing to that of Kundaliini. Shurato and the others sustained serious injuries due to just [this] one man. A single man and woman rescued them in that situation. They were Ususama Myoo Mayuri and Benzaiten [goddess of beauty and luck] Salas. They were guardians of the inner garden42 who had received Vishnu's secret orders and were performing covert activities. Thus, Salas was that woman's voice that had caused Shurato to awaken his soma. Temporarily they had escaped from their predicament, but Shurato and the others had lost their strength, and couldn't use their shakti either. Seeing that state of things, Lakshu remembered a legendary spring where a wish would be granted in exchange for a life. [Caption] Kundaliini's demonic power beats up Shurato.

16 Scream Out! Come Back, Lakshu When a girl born in the Red Month43 turns sixteen and devotes her prayer to the spring, she can make her sweetheart stronger. [That is,] provided [it is] in exchange for the girl's life--believing in the legend, Lakshu started off for the spring, despite Shurato's protests. Lakshu was born in the Red Month. She was exactly sixteen. "Lakshu. . . please live. . . my share [of life] too. . ." Lakshu prayed at the spring. When she did, a light was emitted from the spring, and it swallowed up Lakshu's form. Simultaneously, four spheres of light soared high into the sky and were absorbed into the veda of Shurato and the others. In that instant their wounds healed, and Shurato and the others sensed that they were filled even more than before with soma power.44 The spring had heard Lakshu's prayer. The four of them, who had continuously been made fools of by Kundaliini, regained their strength and at last killed him. "Two people far stronger [than I] will have revenge on my enemies for me." Leaving these words, Kundaliini melted away. Having lost Lakshu, Shurato was in great shock. However, a miracle occurred. Once again the spring began to shine, and in the middle of the light was Lakshu. Lakshu had been revived [and freed] from the legendary spell through some mysterious power. [Caption] In order to save Shurato, Lakshu ran off toward the spring.

Reverse Reincarnation

17 The Enchantress! Terrorof the Red Flower In Indra's room, two people were exchanging secret talk with him. The two people here were Fudo Myoo Akaranata and Kozanze Myoo Trilo,45 of whom Kundaliini had left word. They, who had learned of Kundaliini's defeat, decided that the next assassin would be Trilo. Shurato and the others, having come as far as the vicinity of Deiga, lost their field of vision in a sudden fog. The fog was magic. Trilo divided up the movements of the five, intending to aim only at Shurato. Then she used a clever plan which caused Shurato to reverse-reincarnate on Earth without killing him. Having fallen into the trap, when Shurato came to, it was at the time of the martial arts tournament. He had been reverse-reincarnated in midair, at the instant he was negotiating his ability. Shurato was dumbfounded by Gai's disappearance. This time Shurato had lost his memories of the Heavenly Plane. On Earth, unusual weather was occurring again and again. This was because the disasters of the Heavenly Plane were exerting influence even on the human world. However, Shurato was unable to remember about those disasters. Gai's elder sister, Mina,46 had spent the uneasy days thinking of her little brother. Although he sympathized with Mina and worried about Gai too, Shurato returned to his pre-reincarnation47 lifestyle as if nothing had happened.

18 Search for the Lost Time [Shurao] Shurato, who had returned to being Shurato [Hidaka], was tormented by strange dreams. There were dreams of himself wearing armor, and fighting an unknown man. There were also dreams of being attacked by Gai. The events of the Heavenly Plane were returning, little by little, to Shurato's memory. In the shadow of a tree in the garden, his veda48 was glimmering as if watching over Shurato in that situation. Meanwhile, on the Heavenly Plane, having been allowed to hear of Shurato's whereabouts, Reiga and the others were greatly surprised. However, they had to fight, even if he wasn't there. Reiga concentrated on the fight with Trilo. Lakshu prayed.49 For Lakshu, who didn't know the way to retrieve Shurato, all she could do was pray. Perhaps the prayer got through; the light of the veda shone on Shurato's forehead. At that point, Shurato regained all his memories of the Heavenly Plane. [Caption] Forgetting the bloody battles; a peaceful life for a little while.

19 A Tearful Resolution! Farewell, Earthly Plane "I am Shurao Shurato." Shurato had completely regained his memory. The natural disasters increased day by day, and an uneasy atmosphere hung about the Earth. If Vishnu was not restored to normal, the human world too would end up being destroyed. For that purpose, he had to return to the Heavenly Plane. But how was he to go back? Shurato found the method in a hint among the words of his grandfather, Yutaro. If he went back to the Heavenly Plane, he probably wouldn't be able to meet his family again. However, Shurato had transcended the framework of the family, and had realized a great and distant mission. Bidding farewell only to his little sister, Shurato returned to the Heavenly Plane from the Budokan, where he was first reincarnated, under the power of his own soma. Having come back once again to the Heavenly Plane, Shurato killed Trilo in an instant. The Shurato who had seen the human world and come back had become a step closer to manhood. He had begun to understand the weight of his given destiny.50

Memory of 10,000 Years

20 The Stolen Sure-Kill Powers! Only one of the Beast Fang Trio remained. However, this man, Akaranata, was hiding even stronger magic than the other two. Akaranata reproduced and showed the great war51 of 10,000 years ago between the Deva and Asura god-armies. Those images were also a suggestion that this tragic event would be repeated once again in the Heavenly Plane. The trio of Akaranata and the others had survived the previous great war. Indra had liberated [these three], who had been sealed away by Vishnu. Indra's secret relationship with the Asura god-army was gradually starting to be unveiled. Akaranata, who stood in the way of the five, facing them, was not an easily defeatable opponent. He was able to manipulate abilities identical to those of Shurato and the rest, such as the Shura Mahha Ken and the Teno Gomako, and did not begin to provide them with even a clue for a counterattack.

21 Terror! The Combination Shakti Akaranata's attack continued mercilessly. What surprised Shurato and the others was that Ryoma was unable to fight as he thought. The Ryuo of 10,000 years ago was defeated in battle with Akaranata. The memory of the agony of that time remained within the shakti, and it wasn't about to function. Shurato and the others were gradually driven into a corner. Salas delivered [them] from the crisis. Salas released Shikigami,52 and threw Akaranata into confusion. However, it stopped Akaranata's attack only for an instant. He summoned to him the shakti of the dead Kundaliini and Trilo, and when he combined with them, he became the "Myoo Gasshin [Unification],"53 and began to control mighty powers. Against such fearsome power, which could even be said to be the combined strength of the Beast Fang Trio, Shurato and the others could do nothing. The Myoo Gasshin was Akaranata's true power, and what's more it drove home the threat of the Asura god-army for Shurato and company.

22 Ryoma's Final Blow! Salas died shielding Shurato. The death of Salas, who had saved Shurato from crises any number of times, made him pit himself recklessly against Akaranata. At that point, Ryoma's shakti emitted a faint light, and images of the previous great war revived in his mind. 10,000 years ago, Ryuo had inflicted a blow on the right of Akaranata's chest. The shakti was trying to tell him that that old wound was Akaranata's sole weak point. Ryoma understood. The time had come to avenge his defeat of 10,000 years ago. Ryoma risked a special attack on Akaranata while releasing all of his soma. Reiga, Hyuga, and Shurato fired off covering soma. The soma of the four and Akaranata's soma collided violently with each other, and striking at the opening in that instant, Ryoma's spear pierced the right side of Akaranata's chest. The life-risking attack was at last the death of Akaranata.54 However, having taken the brunt of the mutual soma strike, Ryoma's body was trickling away. "If I can be reborn. . . I want to live with all of you. . . once again. . ." Ryuo Ryoma, a friend who had come along on [this] difficult journey to fight together [with them], was dead.

Storm Indra's Palace!

23 The Heavenly Palace Summons the Storm At Jinkumon, the entrance to the Heavenly Palace, Shurato and the others saw the skewered Mayuri. In order to open the way for Shurato's group, Mayuri had fought alone against Indra's garrison, and had met a heroic death in battle. The final decisive battle--but they didn't want Lakshu to be involved. Leaving Lakshu behind, Shurato and the others were advancing along the bridge reaching to Indra's Palace , where Indra was. Then three generals came up and confronted them. They were impostors of Dan, Kuuya, and Renge, brought to life by Indra's black magic. Reiga took on dealing with the three, and sent Shurato and Hyuga off to the confrontation with Indra. At long last, Indra appeared, before the two. Then, from his own mouth, he proclaimed his true character to Shurato [and Hyuga]. "I am one of the Twelve Ratei [Battle Emperors?],55 the Thunder Emperor Indra." 24 Farewell, Thunder Emperor Indra Indra threw Shurato out into space by means of his greatest ogi [secret skill],56 the Ratei Jiku Retsu [Thunder Emperor Dimensional Fury]. As he floated through the blackness of space, Shurato's consciousness began fading. However, Lakshu's cry awoke Shurato from that state. Moreover, Shurato began to hear many voices. They were the regretful voices of dead friends. Shurato could hear Ryoma, Dan, and Renge's voices entrust him with [their] final hopes. Inspired by his friends' voices, soma once again arose from Shurato's body. Its size and brilliance were countless times greater than before, and it brought Shurato back down before Indra once again. Now he was not the Shurato [he was] before. Shurato's magnified soma at last took out even Indra. The battle seemed to be over. But somehow Vishnu's petrification was not beginning to come undone.

25 Sorrowful Destiny! Shurato vs. Gai Gai's dark soma was what was holding off Vishnu's revival. Gai laid Hyuga to rest with his sword, and closed in on Shurato. Shurato felt that it would be all right if he died as well, if it was in order to kill Gai. That, and if it was in order to save both the Heavenly and Earthly Planes. "Let us die together, Gai." Shurato and Gai's magnificent battle continued, and with the swords they held in their hands, each pierced his opponent's body. It did not result in fatal injuries. However, that instant, lightning struck the sword which pierced Gai's body, and he disappeared, together with the dark soma. At the same time as Gai's destruction, golden soma arose from Vishnu's body. Vishnu came back to life. The golden soma spread throughout the entire Heavenly Plane, which was about to collapse. Then Vishnu made the dead Hachibushu come back to life, one after the other. However, Gai's form was not among them. Vishnu said she expected that Gai had been brought back to life entirely as a member of the Asura god-army.57 The Asura god-army was closing in soon. ____________________________________________________________

AND SO, TO THE ASURA GOD-ARMY CHAPTER...

The ultimate crisis, the attack of the Asura god-army,58 has begun closing in on the Heavenly Plane, which has escaped from destruction once. The Asura god-army is an army of destruction, with Shiva the Destroyer as its ruling deity. Their purpose is to crush the harmony of the Heavenly Plane into dust. Therefore, the Brahma59 shakti is essential for defeating them. This shakti, left behind by the legendary god, is said to be at the summit of the mountain called Shumisen [Buddha Image Mountain].60 The battle between the two sides will be developing into a struggle that centers around this mysterious shakti.

******

Notes:

1 The tantra Vishnu recited in order to reincarnate Shurato and Gai. Tantras from within esoteric Buddhist sutras were arranged [i.e., rearranged or altered] to suit this production. The extent of the meaning is, "Power that lurks within, come forth!" and Vishnu herself was awakening her own soma.

2 Its proper name is the Nippon Budokan [Japan Martial Arts Hall]. It was completed on September 15, 1964. Originally, its purposes were to encourage martial arts among the younger generation, and to contribute extensively to world peace, but it also offers a place for all sorts of concerts, and generally contributes to the excitement of young rock fans. A magnificent building with a regular octagonal roof, it has three stories above ground and two below. It seats 15,000 people. Address: Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda, Tokyo.

3 A category of martial arts [in which one] fights bare-handed.

4 [This] was Shurato's first kiss. It was the first time for Lakshu too, but the reason she took that comparatively bold action was explained only as, "Because I wanted to" .

5 The way he says this word is so effeminate that it has caused various speculations among fans. The most extreme speculations say, "Were the two of them lovers?" In the spiritual aspect, it's unknown, but physically speaking, that's going too far.

6 The diameter of its pedestal is two kilometres. the high palace in the center is Vishnu's palace. On either side are Indra's palace and the palace of the Hachireishi, the circle of priests who advise Vishnu.

7 In Indian mythology, a principle deity who divided power [or influence] in half with the god Shiva. A sun deity at one time, with the changes in the Indian pantheon since several centuries BC, along with Brahma and Shiva, Vishnu became [one of] the three great gods. Respectively, they govern the creation, destruction, and preservation of the universe.

8 The altered name for Devadhatta. It is used as a word which expresses righteousness, from Devadhatta's meaning of "God/Heaven."

9 The name of a race of demons in Indian mythology. It is a race that uses ingenious black arts.

10 God of valour and heroes in Indian mythology. Entering into Buddhism, he was called Teishakuten, and regarded as a virtuous god who upheld the law.

11 The original meaning is an abbreviation of Tenryuhachibushu, eight Buddhist spirits of protection. The eight gods were Ten, Ryu, Yasha, Kendatsuba, Ashura, Karura, Kinnara, and Maguraka. These names are somewhat altered for use in this production.

12 The act of shifting [one's] location [ten-i suru ]. "Transition" in English.

13 Refer to page 29, "On Kyara [Chara(cter)] Sowaka/Roy Ryoma," regarding the circumstances of how Ryoma and Hyuga became close friends.

14 Its meaning in Indian mythology was a sacred wine-offering [o-miki ]. It was also written {phonetically] as "soma". Originally, it meant a vine among Indian plants that produced milk. The drink made from this is a sake-like stimulant, and it was deified and used ceremonially.

15 The Chinese translation of the Sanskrit word "mantra," it translates as "incantation" or "secret phrase." In esoteric Buddhism, they were known as certain chapters and verses with the ability to protect Buddhist spiritual trainees.

16 The proper meaning of "manipulator" [kugusshi ] has its roots in China and Taiwan. It indicates a puppet or that puppet's operator. In the case of Kali, with his use of the magic of manipulating his own doubles, [we can] let it have a meaning close to "puppeteer."

17 If he had not continued to cast the spell every day, the petrification magic that Indra had worked would have weakened. Sitting before Vishnu was his daily routine, but on that occasion the monologue was overheard by Reiga.

18 It is said that Indra's goal was to cause the disruption of the Hachibushu, to say nothing of executing Shurato. To that extent, Vishnu's defensive powers had weakened and the Hachibushu had become just as Indra thought it would.

19 This disease name does not exist in the human world. It is a disease unique to the Heavenly Plane.

20 Regarding the relationship between Hyuga and Mariichi, refer to the page 28 item, "On Kyara Sowaka/Teno Hyuga."

21 The name of a god in both Buddhist and Indian mythology. Regarded as a god skilled in concealing [or disguising] himself, he was revered as the patron deity of the warrior class, especially in Japan.

22 This line is famous for expressing Mariichi's unexpected naive side.

23 In Moonlight Cavern, where one should not be able to use soma, Kuuya [and Dan]'s ability to wear their shakti was acquired through Kuuya's spiritual training, due to his ability to neutralize indications of soma.

24 Regarding the name of this gate, it was decided on from the time we entered the first year of Heisei [era name for the current reign of Emperor Akihito]. This is one of [our] "plays on words." [Caption] The Gate of [Accomplished] Peace [Heiseimon ]

25 [These] consist of Seiryu, Byakko, Shujaku, and Genbu. Originally these were the names of four animals (included in folklore) in ancient China. In China, there was a belief that these four animals protected the four cardinal directions. [Caption] The Genbu Shrine, one of the four shrines.

26 There are ornaments even in the Heavenly Plane. The pendant in this case was not an item possessing supernormal powers either; it was merely a decoration.

27 [All] things are doomed to destruction, and this is how the energy of disintegration derived at that time is called.

28 This is a saying used even in ancient Japan. Specifically, it is from a comparison of which is life-threatening in cases where wounds to flesh and bone are compared, and it means to shut one's eyes to small matters and to aim for a big advantage.

29 In the Heavenly Plane, crystal balls perform as light, warmth, image displays, and in various other roles.

30 This was not the type of thing where he cut himself on purpose with a knife. The fact is, shielding a butterfly that had found its way into the middle of a practice match with the Hachibushu, he left himself open and failed to parry the Hachibushu's soma.

31 While he had heard Renge's "Lord Indra," "Lord Indra" in both episode 6 and episode 10, Hyuga finally noticed it this time in Renge's thoughts. This is an episode that indicates Hyuga is a "green bumpkin" in the manner of Mariichi.

32 Not to be confused with the "Ice Coffin" of Saint Seiya's Hyuga. That one is "ice," this one is "crystal."

33 Originally, in Buddhism it was the understanding of Truth. As for enlightenment as established in this production, it can be thought that Kuuya was pondering universal truths, which include the Heavenly Plane and the human world.

34 The battle in Shujaku Shrine unfolded in a room next to [one in which] there were crystals; Kuuya turned toward the adjoining door and fired his soma, but was unable to do more than destroy the door.

35 In episode 10, convinced that Ryoma, who was buried in rubble, was dead, Gai transported to the Genbu Shrine. If taken from Gai's point of view, the ignition of the Seiryu Shrine was his mistake. This matter is a story that presents a lesson: "Confirm to the last."

36 Originally a "mandala" was a sphere of enlightenment, which is the substance of Buddhism, as well as something which depicted the blessings obtained through that. "Formation" means an arrangement of troops. As for "Beast Lord," this of course refers to Shurato and friends, and this is because their symbols are all birds and animals, as on their shakti. Putting these meanings together, "Beast Lord Mandala Formation" comes to mean the combination of powerful soma produced through a special arrangement of the four generals.

37 The "true self" here means the same as the memories of Gai Kuroki in the human world.

38 Gai disappears all at once from in front of Shurato and the others, and doesn't appear [again] until episode 19. In the meantime, he is in Indra's palace, and the rumour is that Indra was observing him without awakening his altered nature a second time.

39 Within the Heavenly Tree is an ascension device (something like an elevator) called the "road of light," and this otherspace too opens onto it. However, Shurato and the others could not finish going up the elevator because of Indra's traps, and were thrown out into a terrible place through a space-time warp.

40 Regarding the episode of the sisters Satei and Renge, refer to "On Kyara Sowaka/Narau Renge on page 30.

41 In "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter," the Princess Kaguya tells Prince Kuramochi to get this and she will marry him; "this" was "a jeweled branch made of gold, silver, and precious stones that is on Huraizan." It is the name of a mountain of Chinese legend, and it is said that fairies live there, that gold and silver are abundant, and that the medicine of perennial youth is there. It is a so-called "Paradise." The use of that name for Lakshu's birthplace indicates the hidden intentions of the staff who say that Lakshu is not an ordinary native of the Heavenly Plane. [Caption] Lakshu's birthplace, Huraizan

42 Also known as the "Genmushu [Dream/Vision Companions]," they are Vishnu's secret counterintelligence corps. To put it simply, they are ninjas.

43 Known as January in the human world (precisely January 1 to January 29 on the solar calendar).

44 It is said that this power acquired because of Lakshu did not just restore the wounds and shakti to normal, it caused Shurato and the others to power up more than before.

45 Kundali Myuu, as well as Fudu Myuu and Kuzanze Myuu, were originally the names of good deities in Buddhism. 'myuu'are gods who receive missions from Buddha and baffle demons.

46 It is said that Mina was Shurato's first love. Be love or whatever, his human-world self is tied in with Gai.

47 An idea seen in Buddhism, Indian philosophy, and such. Also called transmigration. It is an idea which states that even though living things die, they are born again, and repeat life. In this production, both the act of being reborn within the Heavenly Plane and the act of moving one's place of existence from the Earthly Plane to the Heavenly Plane are called 'reincarnation.'

48 Originally, this meant the oldest of Indian religious literature. Here, it has no direct connection to that meaning; it is being used as the name of an item of the generals.

49 At the same time Lakshu's prayer begins, the brilliance of the veda increases. This is proof that Lakshu's power has become great enough to connect two worlds.

50 If it were simply a destiny of having to become one of the Hachibushu, Shurato's growing up in the human world would have been unnecessary. It should have been all right for him to have been born and raised in the Heavenly Plane, like Hyuga and the rest. Well then, why was his life spent on Earth? It is necessary to know for later that the Heavenly Plane and the human world are two sides of the same coin. In short, this is proof that he has transcended the Hachibushu, and has acquired a greater destiny.

51 The previous Hachibushu, who are reincarnated as the current Hachibushu, were fighting in the battle 10,000 years ago. Vishnu was the same person as the current Vishnu. What comes into question here is Indra. It is said that for Indra too, the current one himself existed at that time as Vishnu's aide-de-camp. Only neither the image [of Indra] in the fight in episode 2, nor the image [of him] this time match Indra's character. What is Indra doing? This mystery, too, should be made clear as the Asura chapter progresses.

52 Read 'shi-ki-ga-mi.' Originally, it was a form of ancient Chinese sorcery, an art which employed demon familiars. Here, too, Salas releases a small monster and deceives Akaranata.

53 This is an ability permitted only to Akaranata; even Trilo, who survived to the end, was unable to use this power. [Caption] When he had made the shakti combine.

54 It is reported that, in time, Akaranata will come back to life.

55 Commanders of the Asura god-army, the bodyguard of Shiva. The Twelve Ratei is a name original to this work, and refers to the Twelve Generals of Buddhism.

56 The most important matter of art, science, or martial arts. A trump card. A secret/mystery.

57 From episode 27 on, Gai appears as on serving close to Shiva.

58 The people of the Heavenly Plane have been gathering at the Heavenly Palace , seeking salvation from the indiscriminate slaughter of the Asura god-army's attack. It is said that when Vishnu admits the people into the Heavenly Palace, it separates from the Heavenly Tree, which comes crashing down, and flies away, escaping the crisis.

59 The god of creation in Indian mythology. In Buddhism, he was called by the name Bonten. The Brahma shakti, which has taken this name, is the ultimate shakti recently offered to the television public.

60 The name of a fictional mountain, originally regarded in Buddhism as being in the center of the Earth. In this production, it has been established as the place within which the shakti of Brahma the Creator, necessary for defeating the Asura god-army, is kept. That place, said to be a floating continent in the shape of a statue of Buddha that appears suddenly in midair, is the stage that becomes a new battlefield for Shurato and the Hachibushu, who have their eyes on the ultimate shakti, and for Gai and the 12 Ratei, who are aiming for it as well.