do you ever think about how Kaisei witnessed Maikeru's Shin'uchi exam and was filled with dread because even with praise from Issho, even when passing the Shin'uchi test, it wasn't enough to meet Issho's insane standards. So what would that mean for him, the one bred to carry Issho Arakawa's legacy?
And then literally all of Kaisei's fears came true, except he didn't even get praise from Issho. Just utter humiliation. That was crazy.
Issho understood Kaisei's art more than anyone at that point. He not only sabotaged him during his exam, he purposely let Kaisei spend months practicing, preparing, performing, all while 100% intending to make sure he fails. The entire time, Issho intended to stab him in the back. For the plot. Most normal mentor ever. Totally well-adjusted old man behavior.
In the end, students of the guy his Master hates more than anyone get more respect from Issho than Kaisei ever has in his LIFE because Issho knows he's entitled to Kaisei's loyalty in a way no one else is, not even Ikken. He takes full advantage of the fact Kaisei is HIS child, HIS student, purely for his own benefit/artistic vision/lingering guilt.
"Kaisei" could have been any unfortunate kid, but for Kaisei, he only has Issho. That's the real tragedy of it all.
Imagine the audacity for Issho to approach him in the middle of his despair and confusion, standing in the rain much like Shinta Arakawa was after his expulsion, clasp his shoulder in a mockery of comfort, and smile as he says, "You understand now, don't you?"
As if Kaisei did not understand from the first day he was left out in the cold in front of Issho's house, waiting for his mother's savior to finally let him in. He was reliant on Issho then, and BECAUSE of how Issho trained him, ISOLATED him, even, with "only listening to the art," he still is now. It was all by design and it pisses me off so bad!!!
He's not a good parent, and he's not a good teacher. He's a manipulative piece of shit. He invites Kaisei out to a fancy dinner under the pretense of celebrating Akane's achievements, but uses it as an excuse to subtly chide Kaisei for feeling disappointed or upset about what happened. To indirectly tell him, "yes, I know you're hurting, and I made it so, but you have to grin and bear it, or else maybe you don't really deserve to be my protege" Yah man my eyes would be going blood shot red too.
LOOK AT ISSHO'S SMILE HERE. I WOULD START GOING VIOLENT.
And when Akane rightfully gets mad at Issho for his typical bullshit, he leaves the room and has KAISEI convinces Akane to participate at the Isshokai. Why not? After all, he had just finished GOADING KAISEI WITH THIS DINNER. He KNOWS Kaisei will be desperate for an opportunity to prove himself. Of course he gets to immediately leave the room when Akane starts asking questions when he has the luxury of his perfectly trained dog to do all the emotional work for him!!! And Issho gets to pat himself on the back afterwards when they both do a phenomenal job!! OHHH my god he makes me so mad.
Maybe Kaisei didn't expect Akane to grow as much as she did, but in the end, it doesn't change anything. As long as he's still seeking that man's approval, he'll never be free.
TL;DR Kaisei is built like an Eldest Daughter AND a Shojo Male Lead. Kaisei you have to break out. Kaisei can you hear me.
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