Review of Vol.21
Usogui's bleeding Eye
Suteguma has proven to be a rival distinct from those Usogui has faced before. It is not just that he is someone Usogui cannot read, but rather that, at first glance, he does not seem to be "lying" in the sense of cheating. It is almost moving how the absence of this common element from past arcs—the image of the crumbling rival whose trickery is revealed—is simply nonexistent here. We see Usogui in a predicament unlike any previous one; the entire narrative conditions us to believe he no longer possesses the resources to overcome the situation: in a game he did not choose, against a rival he cannot see through, and in an element where he cannot compete (physical strength). This combination produces an atmosphere sealed by his bloodied eye and his now-frequent visits to the world of the unconscious.
Furthermore, I believe the chosen game is also very particular. It is purely a game of luck where, as it progresses, you need less luck to condemn the other with your "Karma". I suspect this arc has a special relationship with "Karma," an idea I plan to develop with further evidence later. Regarding the rest of the rules, however, they only cause Madarame Baku to lose ground as events unfold—or at least, that is what they are making us believe. We do not know if his new tactic—represented as a sculptor and an impassive statue, moving his rival with rhetoric and an improvised tale of a life that is likely just a fiction invented by Usogui—enjoys the essence of Madarame Baku's demonic certainty. I believe this volume, above all others so far, highlights how the foundations of a gambler can be destroyed by a plot twist, the kind this manga is famous for.
The Role of Yakou and Marco
The sections regarding Yakou and Marco also have much to tell in reference to the idea of "Karma". Yakou begins a conversation with Referee No. 0, where he appears considerably dismayed by the personality in front of him (or around him, given Referee 0's skates). What keeps me glued to this conversation between referees are the constant questions asked of Yakou about Usogui. This reinforces the significance of the limousine and grenade scene. This cryptic relationship between Yakou and Usogui is a prelude to what I believe will be an unprecedented harvest in future arcs. Yakou must finally consolidate his stance regarding Usogui and decide whether or not to trust him to lead them to the top of the organization.
Yakou’s dismay is evident when he sees Baku bleeding from an eye for the first time. I know this impression on Yakou’s part could mean many things: Is it possible for Usogui to lose to this man? It is likely that Yakou intended to express simple amazement at such a sight. However, I am more inclined to think about the potential of a powerful alliance between them deepening into a more complex relationship.
Marco is definitely another story. His conflict with the "Fangs of Ranko" (as we’ll call them) is gaining greater nuance: it is revealed that Suteguma’s companion knew Marco when he was still a child, in a chapter that helps us understand the philosophy of the "Instrumental Force" possessed by characters with such brute strength. The chapter ends with "Keep your weapon always close to your brain". I believe the meaning is evident; given Marco's material context, he needs to mature mentally and develop his intellect, or he will not survive the environment set before him. Marco's "struggling" begins when he moves his weapon away from his brain. This manga elevates plots about strength and barbaric combat to a high level, almost treating fights where strength is the only resource with the same gravity as the gambles. Marco needs to face this challenge just as Kaji did in past arcs, now that he must face his "Uncle Leo" while protecting Usogui to ensure his victory.
This volume ends with a strange twist regarding Marco. Usogui has made a mistake: 12 is not the answer. Despite Yakou’s belief, Suteguma is also wrong, and now the only way to avoid a third round is by climbing to the top of the Tower of Karma. But what happens at the summit? Why is Leo surprised to see Marco? Does a graveyard truly await Suteguma?
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