not really the type to analyze every chapter of what I'm reading but seeing this review made me want to read from the beginning. What a great observation! 👏🏻
SxF · Chapter 56 · · · Family Vacation
I have been analyzing some chapters of the Spy x Family manga, because it seems to me that it has very interesting details to interpret. I clarified that these analyzes are made from my own point of view, so you are free to have a different opinion. I am based on the content of the manga, and much of what I say here are theories and reflections. And being a story that is in print, events can change and contradict each other. With that said, let's get started.
This is possibly one of the most beloved chapters by fans, for giving us the Forger family vacations.At the beginning of the chapter, we can see our dear Anya excited by the arrival on the tourist island.
Like the daughter, like the father!
The best thing about this is that we can appreciate the abilities of the Starlight agent Anya to observe, analyze and find the weak point of the Twilight agent, and apply a complex manipulation strategy. Apparently the telepath has learned very well from her own father. So the king of lies and manipulations has just been manipulated for his own 6 (4 year old) daughter.
Anya: Papa's so easy!
I love Twilight's blush of embarrassment!
Yor finally manages to reunite with her family, and enjoy her short vacation with her husband and daughter. Having fun and somewhat...dangerous moments
At the end of the chapter there are MANY to highlight
1 · Mutual purpose:
Something important in this arc is how Yoru's conflict is presented to us as she has to make an inevitable choice between her job and her fake family. Although the Forger family started as a cover to be an assassin. With the passing of time, Yoru has realized the happiness that being part of a family gives her. That is why now, having a Shopkeeper position with a higher level of demand and danger than she is used to makes her realize that sooner or later she will have to question what her true priority is. Leading Yor to question "what is his true purpose?"
Interestingly, when Yor has talked (subtly) about his work with Twilight. We notice how indirectly he is attracted by those words. It's as if Yor has the ability to express what Twilight can't admit in front of them for fear of revealing his identity and opening up emotionally. So it could be said that it is a scene where they share a special bond, despite the fact that they do not know it.
I don't know if you remember, but before, we have already seen a similar scene. In chapter 3, which in my opinion, makes a certain parallel with this chapter.
In both scenes Yor indirectly speaks of her own job perspective. And although she had to lie during the cruise so that Loid would not find out that she was in a battle between assassins. She can't hide his look of genuine satisfaction.
When we look at the initial Yoru, and do a retrospective of the arc in the cruise. We see the clear contrast between the motivations and the desires that being a murderer represents. Apparently, while Yuri was growing up and began to be economically independent from Yoru. She began to lose the sense of her work. But she doesn't seem to want to admit this. So she began to depend on her job to feel that she was good at something. Yor has always felt out of place with the world around her, and although she looks naive and somewhat clueless, she was aware of how unusual it can be, so the idea of aspiring to a normal life would be impossible. This obvious insurance gap is the reason she became exhausted from her job and even lost.
But after this battle against the rival group of assassins, Yor began to understand that she became an assassin because she has a valued value to protect- The peaceful life!
It's interesting how Yor's perspective on her work evolves as the story progresses, and while Yor still has a lot to learn, it's clear that something has changed. We know that the reason behind Yor's assassination job was to ensure Yuri's future. She doesn't really care about the political background or ideals that Garden (or other organizations have), she just wants Yuri and innocent people to have a quiet life. Even if it means she never has one
When Yor started to wonder about "being a murderer is more important than having a fake family" is when Yor loses her own center at times, not knowing what is really important to her.
It's great, to see how in the end she understands that both aspects are important, they are part of her, and one motivates the other. Yor understood that she fights to defend something "that she believes in" and wants to protect, even if she needs to dirty her own hands, and even if she must risk losing the Forger Family. But that sacrifice will be worth it as long as she can ensure that there is a peaceful world for Yuri, Loid, Anya and Bond. (Although she does not know his secrets). It will annihilate those people who want to get rich at the cost of causing another war that will take away the happiness of the most precious thing.
The family is more important than being a murderer, but she will continue to be a murderer to protect this family.
Yor's satisfaction in finding "balance" and "meaning" in her work is felt in this scene. Killing or making money is not his purpose, nor his motivation, it is the joy that comes from seeing Anya and Loid being happy, and seeing Yuri grow much more as a professional every day. And she wants to make the most of this even if the day comes when she has to part with them.
. . . .
On the other hand is Twilight....
It's funny how Twilight had this time the supporting role during a battle. Since generally this is Yoru's role in other arcs. Even so, there are very subtle but very relevant details in it:
In previous posts I talked about how Twilight's look was an indication of when her emotions are real.
They are those small, almost imperceptible spaces where he becomes sincere even if he doesn't realize it. Curiously, these moments occur frequently when he is with his family, in fact, many of these looks have been when Yor is together. Quite possibly, these events are due to the way in which both identify.
Yor and Twilight come from very opposite circumstances, developing different personalities. But, the way they come to find their own reflection in the other. And this is what allows that when one exposes an honest and authentic side, the other can understand it perfectly and share it.
Meanwhile, in mission 3, Yor talks about "seeing other people makes her think about how her work contributes to their lives", while Twilight absently watches a group of children. Which coincides perfectly with Twilight's purpose of "a world where children don't cry", the happiness of the most defenseless has been the first motivator for Twilight to continue in his purpose in the same way as Yor. For this spy and assassin, their only reward has been to see the indirect results of their work, accepting that no one can know the truth of what they do.
It's similar to this time Twilight looking at Yor, because he too wants this peaceful life to endure in time.
But being more personal:
The Strix mission has allowed the two of them to experience "this happiness". A simple, quiet life, but full of valuable moments, what is special is not what they "do" but the people you are with.
While Yor seems to accept her fake family as something real and special to her, becoming one of the reasons why she must continue fighting in order to give her family a better world. It shows that although both are lying, and using each other. The reasons why he does that is because of the genuine desire to give the other a better life.
And while Twilight tries to appear immune to these feelings, scenes like the one below prove otherwise.
Later, we see one of the scenes most adored by us fans and that is to see Yor fall asleep on the shoulder of her fake husband due to the exhaustion she carries from so many days of endless battle.
Your whole world is in your hands, Twilight!
I think it's important to point out how Twilight and Yor never downplay each other's work, despite having no idea of their true professions. Yor believes that Loid is a psychiatrist, but he always notices how tired it is for Loid to get home from work and still fulfill household duties, and the stress he shows in his whole body.
But in this arc, we appreciate how Twilight feels that Yor's work is difficult, exhausting, (and that she clearly misses her), respects her time, believing that she is just a city hall official. And the smile of pride and appreciation when seeing, that despite being close to giving up due to fatigue, she dedicated her whole day to sharing with Anya. This smile is not an obligation, he is not playing the role of "the good husband" in front of anyone. There is no reason to think about Yor at that moment. But he does it because he wants to
It is clear that when both disconnect from their work and allow themselves to enjoy the moment. They both feel happy, comfortable and connected to each other. Both recognize and respect each other, although they are unaware of the true sacrifices they make on a daily basis.
My reflections…
I think the most remarkable thing in these chapters is how Endo makes the aspector more aware of all the ties that unite the Forgers, and the authenticity of their feelings and their constant process of learning and exploration. Convincing us that they are a true family when they are united. But, in each Forger's individual perspective, they remain trapped within their own bubble of lies. Feeling alone, misunderstood, carrying their own weight. Although lies are the reason they are together, it is also what separates them. Because no one realizes that everything they need, they already found
Although I have seen people think that Yoru has not evolved at all despite this arc. I disagree with this idea: Yuro remains insecure about her role as mother and wife. In addition to the way it unfolds with the outside world. And although her nature is to be shy, nervous and sweet. She has clearly grown. This arc dealt with Yoru's "motivation" and the relationship that exists between her work and her family. Conflict that came to a teaching. Therefore, Yor is more motivated to continue with her aspirations. I think that her fear as a mother and wife is a topic that will be taken up again in the future.
I am glad that Yor understands the risks of being a murderer, and although she feels that in the future she can stop belonging to the Forgers, that does not limit her from making the most of her stay in the family and above all that this should not limit her own aspirations.
I think that Yor, step by step, must understand that she must not give her actions to others. Clearly, Garden (in antithesis to WISE) taught Yor to act without questioning anything, to only obey, and this would bring him benefit (money to raise her brother, and create a supposedly better world). She must understand that she must fight for her own desire and motivation, and not depend solely on Yuri, the Forgers and especially Garden. Each aspect is important and part of her life, she must create her own criteria and set her own limits, and with it, begin to trust herself. But this will surely be something he learns over time as future arcs go by. (Especially with the appearance of Melinda)
Also....
Twilight and Yor are not enemies, regardless of what their organizations think. They pursue the same goal, and are willing to make the same sacrifices. But also, they both yearn deep down for the love that was taken from them (the love of a family), a love that accepts you and motivates you to improve.
And if at some point in the story, they become openly on opposite sides: It's not because they're bad guys, villains or enemies. It will be due to prejudices, misunderstandings and fear that cause this conflict that may or may not occur (depending on the circumstances), caused by the truth that they do not know.
But it is evident that sooner or later, they will have to realize that in reality they both want the same thing: peace… a quiet life, and to see the smile on Anya's face.
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I liked to analyze this chapter, because after chapter 66 perhaps for many we feel that the Forger's relationship will go down the wrong path. But I feel that seeing these chapters, we see that this false family will have to face changes, new obstacles to get stronger.
And although the truth seems painful and difficult to cope with at first, it can also be the cause for the Forger Family to become real in the future.
Special thanks to @yuushin7 for suggesting this review. I loved making it, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing it.
Although, this chapter has a bit of a confusing scene for readers who depend on translations, as it is not very clear "who is really" speaking. (@tare-chan made a clarification confirming that Yor is the one monologuing)
I appreciate your comments and opinions, and if you have a chapter as a suggestion, I would also like it :D
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What do you think about it?
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I love how even silly short missions manage to have their share of wholesomeness and family connection. It's like family is important in a series called Spy x Family or something.
Anyway, Anya is a kid that gets very attached to certain things - and despite being bold enough to use the knowledge she has due to her telepathy in order to make Loid do what she wants, she's not exactly a spoiled kid. She still sticks to Mr. Chimera, the only toy she had while she was in the orphanage. She doesn't ask for new clothes, or toys, or gadgets, what she asks for is experiences (the castle rescue, adopting Bond in specific after she was emotionally invested in him)... and peanuts, too.
So to her, the penguin plush is not just one toy from her plethora of toys that got ruined. It's a toy that her dad got for her. It's a souvenir of their aquarium adventure, where she helped him locate the penguin he needed to find and even arrest the criminal who wanted to get the secret information about the weapon. It's a reminder of how she took part and helped him in his mission. Just a replacement stuffed penguin won't do. It's not the toy itself, it's the memories connected to it. I mean, of course she's sad a toy of her got destroyed - by the dog she asked to have, no less - but it hurts even more knowing what this toy means to her.
And the show takes Anya's feelings seriously with that. The soft "Little by Little" score plays while Loid fixes the penguin, with Yor looking with anticipation. Bond feels sad and regretful, understanding the consequences of his actions and wanting to make it up to Anya. They're all invested in things getting better.
And once the penguin is ready, though with visible "scars" now, Loid reassures Anya that his new appearance is nothing to be ashamed of.
And the interesting thing? Twilight, Best Spy of Westalis, Master of DisguiseTM... stutters. He does so in Japanese both in the manga and the anime.
Which makes me wonder, considering his background and profession, how big his experience with scars is (and if we're gonna learn more about that, come on give the whump fan some scraps here 👀👀) (pls don't spoil me about the manga if we do, I want the whump but on its own time!) and if reaching into his own personal feelings about scars in order to resonate with Anya hit him just a little more than he expected. Or if he was so serious about it that he didn't know whether he should tell her something so grim. He's here dedicating himself into a deadly dangerous job so that kids like Anya won't have to suffer like he did as a kid, and yet he has to pass on to her something he learned the hard way.
Yeah yeah I'm here putting too much thought and grimness into what was supposed to be a wholesome moment. Hi I'm Nette and you'll be getting a lot of those in the future :)
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Anime Watch
Season: Fall 2022
Anime: Reincarnated as a Sword
Plot: “A nameless sword wakes up to discover he has been reincarnated from his former life as a human. With his power of telekinesis, he moves around this new world, acquiring several skills and abilities. When the sword comes upon a forest filled with monsters, he meets a young girl fleeing from a beast. Grabbing the sword, the girl easily defeats the monster. After introducing herself as Fran, she names the sword “Shishou” and officially becomes his wielder …”
Overall Thoughts:
Rate: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ [5/5]
Anime: Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun
Plot: “Following their heroic efforts at Walter Park, the students of the misfit class return to Babyls Demon School after their summer vacation. What awaits them is not only adoration and admiration but also the shocking revelation that, in order to stay in the luxurious Royal One classroom, the entire class must be promoted to Dalet rank before entering the second year…”
Overall Thoughts:
Rate: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ [5/5]
Anime: I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss
Plot: “Aileen Lauren Dautriche’s life changes forever on the day her engagement with the crown prince Cedric Jeanne Elmir is nullified so he can be together with Lilia Rainworth. The event triggers Aileen’s memories from her past life—she has been reincarnated in an otome game as the villainess, who is destined to die in the final act. To prevent her predetermined demise, Aileen has only one option: to court the game’s last boss, Claude Jeanne Elmir—the proclaimed “Demon King” and Cedric’s half-brother—and marry him.”
Overall Thoughts:
Rate: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ [5/5]
Anime: Bibliophile Princess
Plot: “ For as long as she could read, Elianna Bernstein—more commonly known as the “Bibliophile Princess"—has preferred the company of books to that of people. However, as a noble, it is her duty to find a suitor. Fortunately for her, Crown Prince Christopher Selkirk Asherald proposes a deal: he will protect her free time, and, in exchange, Elianna will be his fiancée in name only…”
Overall Thoughts:
Rate: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ [5/5]
Anime: Beast Tamer / Yuusha Party wo Tsuihou sareta Beast Tamer, Saikyoushu no Nekomimi Shoujo to Deau
Plot: “… Rein is kicked out of the party and now lives freely as an adventurer. On his journey, he meets a girl from a cat tribe, the so-called strongest species. Elsewhere, the hero’s party remains unaware that their previous success was all thanks to Rein…”
Overall Thoughts:
Rate: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ [5/5]
Anime: Shinobi no Ittoki
Plot: “After Ittoki is escorted to safety, his mother reveals the truth: he is the 19th heir to a noble clan of ninjas known as the Iga, and the target of assassination by their rival clan, the Koga. In order to protect himself against this new threat, Ittoki must hone his skills at the only ninja academy remaining in Japan: the Kokuten Ninja Academy.”
Overall Thoughts: [tba]
Rate: [?/5]
Anime: The Eminence in Shadow
Plot: “… But instead of dying, Minoru reawakens as Cid, the second child of the noble Kagenou family, in another world—one where magic is commonplace. With the power he so desired finally within his grasp, he dons the moniker "Shadow” and establishes Shadow Garden: a group whose sole purpose is to combat the enigmatic Cult of Diablos, an organization born from Cid’s imagination. However, as Shadow Garden grows in both membership and influence, it becomes increasingly apparent that the Cult of Diablos is not as fictional as Cid had intended.”
Overall Thoughts: [tba]
Rate: [?/5]
Anime: I’ve Somehow Gotten Stronger When I Improved My Farm-Related Skills
Plot: “Al Wayne, a young man who aims to be a top-notch farmer, has refined his farming skills and finally reached the MAX level. However, once he achieved the pinnacle of farming skills, for some reason his life began to take a drastic direction.”
Overall Thoughts:
Rate: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡ [4/5]
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