I agree generally but numbers don't mean too much if a commander decides to duel another.
I'm really surprised that Enkan has seemingly survived tbh.
Something to consider: Hara gave us 3 fake-out deaths in ONE chapter with Den Yuu, Ryuu Sen and Chuu Tetsu. We're on fake-out #4 with Kaine. I'm not saying the guy is turning into Oda, but it'd be nice if some bigger names than En Kan and Shu Ma bought the farm this arc. Even Heki - no surprises - survived so far, and I wouldn't be surprised if General Fuu Han has as well.
Were it up to me, there'd be a more deaths this. At Gishi Plains, I would've had Riku Sen dying at the hands of Fuu On and Jyou Ka Ryuu slain by Shin, and during the Siege of Gian, Den Yuu would succumb to his injuries. During Kan Ki's ambush, I'd would have Fu Tei lose his hands and head to Kan Ki in an attempt to save Ri Boku, followed by Ba Nan Ji killing Zenou.
my end of arc deaths would look like
Code:
Kan Ki Army: 99% of forces + Shu Ma, Zenou and Kan Ki himself (possibly Koku'Ou instead or with him)
Gaku Ka Army: Riku Sen (Gishi Plains - possible motivation for the Son of Mou Bu to get stronger physically)
Ri Shin Army: Gaku Rai (Gishi Plains) and Den Yuu (Gian)
Kyou Ka Unit: BOTH lieutenants (so that Kyou Rei realises what a burden kyou Kai is under and takes a bigger role)
Seika Army: Jyou Ka Ryuu, Go Za Kou (LT) and Un Kei
Northern Zhao Army: En Kan and Fu Tei
I'd love your idea, but as a theory, i can't buy it until we see the commander in question build a relationship with Mouten beforehand. As of today, Ringyoku and Mouten have zero between them. Perhaps Mouten may swoop in, save the day and a bond can be forged that way.
If Hara was to show a (foreshadowing) meeting of Mou Ten and Rin Gyoku I would guess it would look happen at the end of his arc when the two are fighting alongside each other in the escape (maybe after Kan Ki dies?), and we'll get a flashback from Rin Gyoku some time after the fact, perhaps a very brief one of him just reaction to a sudden invitation to join the Gaku Ka around/shortly after the end of the Gian campaign and recalling his trepidation about joining a some rich young lord's service.
Maron joining SHK would be interesting but I don't see it. There's not really anything between them. Maron isn't even famous either, so it's not like SHK will look at his name and want him on board.
Alternatively, I can see Ma Ron working his way into Shou Bun Kun's retinue as an aid, that wouldn't surprise me even a little bit, but I think SHK's retinue is where he makes the most sense if he's staying a part of Qin. His background and experiences, particularly at the side of Kan Ki, are of significant value in terms of insight and perspective - i.e. valuable information to strategists.
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