Is it just me, or I'm more open-minded to the idea of Hiruhiko and Yukisada having a redemption arc
First, we have Hiruhiko, who, at three years old, was sexually assaulted, and the only way to save himself was to kill his abuser. At that moment, Yura came in and took care of Hiruhiko as somewhat of a guardian.
But we know Yura is a calculative person so when he saw a three year old killing an grown adult, he probably thought, "That's terrible... I'll have him working tommorow."
Still, even if Yura was a better guardian, he still is using Hiruhiko for his own benefits. During those 18 years, Hiruhiko never learned basic social skills and was probably secluded from the outside world. Which is why he was so excited about the mission to kill Uruha, and why he longed for a friend. He was denied the opportunity to have a childhood.
It kinda goes back to Yura's motivation for wanting to change the system that failed to protect him and his fiancée. In his pursuit of revenge, he doesn't try to stop the system's corruption; he only uses it to his advantage. One of his failures is Hiruhiko. A boy who doesn't feel anything towards death and killing and feels lonely because of it.
If we look into Hiruhiko's role as a member of the Hishaku, it seems he's kinda an outlier in the group. His self-proclamation of being a "Student of freedom" which means he doesn't seek advice from the older members when it comes to sorcery or swordsmanship. He claims that he doesn't have any friends despite his relationship with Toto. (Though I do see them having an older sister and younger brother dynamic) Then there's Yukisada being a year younger than him. This is probably because the two have opposite personalities.
Then there's Yukisada's potential redemption arc. While we don't know much about Yukisada from what we seen of him in the Kamunabi Raid Arc, he's extremely loyal to Yura. Stating "If Yura says it's black even though it's white, it's black". He's the most devoted member in the Hishaku. Besides this devotion, we saw him get nervous about the raid; the person he confided to was Yura. Yura admits that he gets nervous, too, and claims that Yukisada is the strongest member of the group. Whether this is true or not, Yukisada blindly believes in Yura's words and is willing to be in fights where he lacks the numerical advantage.
Yura knows how loyal Yukisada is, making him go through a painful procedure for 2 months so he can be a vessel to disrupt the Kamunabi's barrier. Yukisada doesn't mind his body being harmed as long as Yura can fulfill his goal. Contrary to how Yura treats Hiruhiko, he doesn't get in the way of Hiruhiko's ambition, knowing that it will slow him down.
Yura denies Yukisada of his anatomy, yet he allows Hiruhiko of his anatomy. Which is why I think Yura's treatment of Hiruhiko will eventually lead to Hiruhiko leaving the Hishaku. Hiruhiko is a "student of freedom," which means he's going to follow his own pursuit of his desires. On the other hand, I believe if Yukisada sees how unhealthy his view on Yura is, then he will leave as well.
I feel like these possible redemption arcs will happen due to their Rivals, Chihiro and Hakuri. Chihiro was the one who ignited Hiruhiko's desire to have a friend. As for Hakuri, it's a bit of a stretch to say, but I feel like Hakuri and Yukisada will have an interesting dynamic. Yukisada's character reminds me of Hakuri's younger brother, Tenri. We saw Tenri back in the Rakuzaichi arc, the most talented fighter in the Tou, wishing to make his father proud. He died protecting a door that was broken, a fact that his father hid so he could make his death beneficial.
I think Hakuri will see a bit of Tenri in Yukisada and will feel empathy towards him. In the Kamunabi Raid arc, we have seen Hakrui think of a different solution, opposed to killing. Hakuri transporting the original vessel of the Kamunabi barrier to his storehouse was an example. Yukisada is practically immortal, so if he gets in the way, killing him is not an option. I'm open to the storyline where Hakuri does convince Yukisada to quit the Hishaku.
How exactly? Yeah I'm stilling thinking about that as well.
But I do want to see a redemption arc in Kagurabachi, especially when some of the themes are atonement, and that there isn't exactly a "good" side.
Can't believe the closest we got to a redemption arc is bomb guy, and he was killed by Sojo before he could even redeem himself
