WHAT. THE. FU.... There is no way Kou could do that. NONE. How can they build a motherf* army when they are heavily restricted and watched by the International Alliance? (ch. 290 page 9.) This is a bunch of bulls*. I am so upset right now, and the fact that Sinbad and Arba might be behind the rumors pisses me off some more. I honestly can't stand Sinbad right now. I wish his parents rukh could slap that stupid smirk off his face. ARGH Ja'far needs to just leave him. Sinbad doesn't deserve his loyalty.
It seems this is probably a really unpopular opinion at the moment, but I just thought I’d share my views on the current events in Magi regarding Sinbad’s latest shenanigans and defend my son until he actually goes full David. So if you don’t like Sinbad, Maybe this post isn’t for you… ^^;
When Magi 302 and the spoilers for 303 came out, I couldn’t help but notice there was a lot of hate geared towards Sinbad for what he did to Alibaba. But after reading 302 and especially after reading the spoilers for 303, I just couldn’t see where all this hate was coming from. I thought he had literally stabbed Alibaba in the back by the way some people were reacting… O__o; But actually, all he did was “supposedly” spread a rumor. Although it’s pretty obvious that he did do it, we do not 100% know that he did. But regardless, the fact is, that this rumor would not have affected the Kou Trading company at all, had it not been somewhat of a legitimate concern already. In fact, had Sinbad not spread this rumor, Kou’s dark past probably would have eventually crept up on them anyway and the public most likely would have developed the same fears given some time. I think Kou may have been able to sell a good amount of their products before the people realized exactly how they were transporting their crops, and just how dangerous such magic could be in the wrong hands. Upon realizing this, the people might have abruptly driven them out, and then they would have been left in a panic with crops expiring and having to start trading the old fashioned way with no time to prepare (that might have actually been worse). Even Koumei was aware that the Kou Empire’s past baggage, could cause this exact reaction. So for Sinbad to just call it for what it was, might have been a little “mean” of him or maybe he was just saving them from a potential pitfall by having them address this issue now. But like he said, they are rivals now. So it makes sense that he would talk trash about his rivals, especially with them preparing to burst into the market, potentially threatening his own company.
I don’t want to sit here and say he is 100% justified in his actions, because it was still mean of him to bully a brand new company by bringing up their dark past. But this whole time I had been thinking that he was just scared of the potential of the Kou Empire trading company and that he really just wanted to challenge Alibaba. My thoughts were somewhat confirmed with the spoilers and it seem as though he really does want to challenge Alibaba as his rival. I think he is in part excited for the competition that Alibaba will no doubt bring and in part envious of Alibaba.
I mean, if I were Sinbad, I would be a bit annoyed too if this kid who is so pure and righteous was able to go through some hardships and still shine so brightly, and is now going to start up a potentially mega successful company (using resources and infrastructure already present within Kou), with seemingly no real obstacles in his way. While Sinbad himself, has had to go through a lot of hardships in order to build up his company out of nothing. He specifically brings up becoming a slave and if you think about it, Sinbad’s company almost went under thanks to a sneaky merchant (Madaura), as well. In comparison, Sinbad was not nearly as harsh with Alibaba as Madaura was with him, so I think he really might have just be trying to give Alibaba a taste of the real world, just as he experienced it.
Also the “calling Alibaba his son"part was just…. words can not describe… I love these two so much!!! T^T Of course, this being Sinbad, we can assume he might just be calling Alibaba that so that he can manipulate his feelings later on, but I like to think of those ulterior motives being part of his dark David infested side, while his good side (yes! I still believe he has an honest and good side somewhere deeeeeep inside him), probably really does think of Alibaba as his son and really does want to help him and teach him. And God bless Alibaba! Yeah he was a little shocked after what happened, but even still it seems like he was able to easily distinguish between Sinbad and David while talking with Sinbad. I think it may have to do with his power, but through him I think maybe we too can see when Sinbad is talking, and when David starts to take control (With the ominous shadows, the creepy black text and scary faces). So I think that is why sweetheart Alibaba never fully turns against Sinbad, but instead finds a way around the problem and keeps moving forward. I can only imagine what sort of "friendly" battles these two will continue to fight in the future as they truly become rivals!
Woah the Chinese translation is out quite early O_O
Manga image sources are from http://www.dm5.com/manhua-modi-magi/
I used the Chinese translation (from the source) to translate to English.
Please message me if you’re going to use this translation ^^
Title: Opponent 「對手」
As a “representative” of each other’s equivalent
Page 1:
People: This is... The reply from Parthevia’s Emperor...?
Box: 『The building of company is not permitted』
Koubun: ... Didn’t you say that the negotiation with Parthevia is very successful?
Alibaba: Ah ah, even though I did not get a reliable promise, but I didn’t think that it will be brushed off......
Alibaba: Kougyoku, can I use the 「Seven Sea Alliance」 communication network?
Kougyoku: I got it!
Page 2:
Kougyoku: ...... It’s totally... Not connected
Soldier: Why is it?
Koubun: Oh well, it’s only Parthevia that rejected it! We still have lots of trading partners, don’t we?
Spartos: I am so sorry. Our country will not support Kou Empire Trading Company’s establishment
Alibaba: Why?
Spartos: This-......
Kougyoku: W-What’s happening...!?
Box: Artemyra Kingdom
Pisti: I’m sorry Alibaba-kun, I can’t do it here......
People #1: Artemyra too!?
People #2: Why is it so!?
Page 4:
Box: Metropolis state, Magdostadt
Yamraiha: I can’t do anything about it! (Note: In the sense that Yamraiha is kind of powerless to help Alibaba)
Alibaba: Even Yamraiha-san also......
People: Why each of them fail to keep their promise.........!?
Box: Heliohapt Kingdom
Spintus: Sorry, Alibaba
Alibaba: Even master too...? Can you tell me why?
Spintus: Ah ah. It’s because the people’s anxiety are rising
Spintus: Everyone is discussing............
Page 5:
Spintus: “Didn’t the Kou Empire want to reform their army by sending the transfer magic to invade Heliohapt?”
People: What...!
People #1: Kou’s invading by reforming the army? That’s absurd!
Spintus: It’s not impossible
Page 6:
Spintus: The transfer magic can send an enormous things at once. We are unable to determine if what is being sent are items or the army
Alibaba: ... Do you think that I will lie to the master, and do that kind of thing to master’s homeland? I will not do that... for sure!!
Spintus: I know... I know, Alibaba...!! But, I cannot ignore the fear of the people and and push for this matter to advance! So...
Spinntus: Regarding the trading, can we wait? Please give me some time...!
People: Why did it became like this.........!?
Page 7:
Alibaba: Seems like rumours have started to spread. It’s the same reply from all the countries...
Alibaba: Seems like the reason for the failure of negotiation is due to propagation around the world... The common people’s unease towards the Kou Empire!
Box: Republic of Balbadd
Olba: We hurriedly came on site to investigate
Olba(?): Indeed, there’s chaos, just like what Alibaba has heard of!
People #1: It seems like Kou Empire want to reform their army
People #2: Eeh eeh!?
People #3: It’s just like what I said before. How can that kind of aggressive country want to wholeheartedly transform into doing business
Page 8:
People #1: Have you forgotten? Forgot of what Kou Empire did in the past?
People #2: They are aggressive! (Note: Roughly translated)
People #3: That’s right! Didn’t Balbadd get occupied some time ago!!
People: We will not allow the construction of Kou Empire Trading Company here!!!
Page 9:
Box: Republic of Balbadd
Barkak: Young master...... I am so sorry... Even though I know that you will never do that kind of thing, but...!!
Box: Reim Empire
Titus: We have met with an unexpected situation. But it’s strange, how did the rumour suddenly started?
People #1: We can’t do it with Balbadd and Reim......?
People #2: It’s finished............ This time, we don’t have anymore trading partner
People #3: The food production is still ongoing...... What do we do...?
Page 10:
People #1: By the time spring comes, it’ll produce a huge amount of food that even the whole of Kou Empire will not be able to consume
Kougyoku: For the sake of selling off the goods, the whole country unite together to work on a common goal. However...
Koubun: Your majesty............
Kougyoku: Because when we owe a debt and there’s no way out
Kougyoku: Alibaba-chan came and he formulated a plan... This led everyone to climb back up and plow the fields. The Kou Empire that had fallen apart became unified
Koubun, people: Your majesty...............
Page 11:
Kougyoku: O-Originally I thought...... We just need one more step and Kou Empire will be able to make a comeback!
Alibaba: ......!
Alibaba: It’s not finished... It’s not the end!
Alibaba: Sinbad-san!
Box: Parthevia Empire
Page 12:
Alibaba: The rumours that is being spread around the world at the moment...
Sinbad: Ah ah, that one is well known in Parthevia too. It is said that Kou want to reform their army, isn’t that right?
Alibaba: This is a misunderstanding. Can you take the trouble to clear up the misunderstanding?
Sinbad: Clear up the misunderstanding... How do I do that?
Alibaba: I would like to have Sinbad-san to step up and explain that
Alibaba: the Kou Empire did not even think of reforming the army, let alone the invasion!!
Sinbad: .........
Alibaba: If Sinbad-san say to resume trading, the others will listen to you, isn’t it?
Sinbad: Alibaba-kun, in this case, it’s strange
Alibaba: Eeh?
Sinbad: If I have to say why, isn’t this what you said before?
Page 13:
Sinbad: That I cannot interrupt with the way of doing of the other country...
Alibaba: ...... ......!?
Alibaba: ...Ah!!
Side text: Why does Sinbad-san want to interrupt with other country’s criminal trial !?
Side text: Isn’t it strange that a representative of a trading company is deciding on the world’s law!?
Sinbad: As you said, I’m just a representative who introduces the trading company. I cannot decide everything by myself
Side text: Sinbad-san, you told me that!
Page 14:
Alibaba: T-This time, it’s me who got fooled!
Sinbad: And what’s with a trading company that requests help with another trading company?
Alibaba: ...!?
Page 15:
Sinbad: Isn’t this what you said before, Alibaba-kun?
Flash back text: The transfer magic tool, how did you make it?
Flash back text: Hehe... In this world of trading, Sindria trading company is our competitors...!
Flash back text: I cannot speak of the details!
Alibaba: Uh!
Page 16:
Sinbad: With regard to Kou Empire as a Country, if the Kou Empire is facing a crisis, I will do my best to help as the director of the International Alliance
Sinbad: But, as for Kou Empire Trading Company, I will not be able to help (Note: I’m not sure if is it “I” or “We, as the International Alliance” as Chinese doesn’t really have a subject, it’s more of topic driven, and most of the times we don’t speak of the subject. So in this case, I don’t know which one is it. Possibly in this case, I = We, as the International Alliance, since Sinbad controls the IA anyway.)
Page 17:
Sinbad: Me and you, as the representative of our own trading company respectively, we are of equal status as competitors
Alibaba (thinking): Equal status as competitors? Me and Sinbad-san!?
Caption: The highest wall has appeared!? A declaration from the champion of the new world...! Next time!!
Finally it’s done! The Chinese translation is sure out early for chapter 302 O_O
I really like the part where the whole page is turned upside down, and Alibaba is thinking “T-This time, it’s me who got fooled!”, with the “lightning effect” as the background. It really leaves an enormous impact on me.
PS #1: Please forgive me if my translation is not up to standard, as it’s difficult for me to read in traditional Chinese (I usually read in simplified Chinese, and hence need to use dictionary to translate), and it’s even more difficult to do Chinese to English translation.
PS #2: As I translated this from Chinese to English (which the Chinese group most likely translated it from Japanese to Chinese), this translation might not be as accurate as compared to directly translating from Japanese to English.
PS #3: Since my translation is not so good, there might be a lot of errors.
Wait, are you talking about Hakuryuu in that post? So you think Ohtaka means to compare Hakuryuu to Hitler?
post being referred to: (x)
OOC: To clarify, my initial thought was actually Nerva. XD But Hakuryuu did arise as another option that made way more sense. And no, I don’t mean that any character in Magi is meant to be compared to Hitler. I mean that similar situations to what happened in our own history can be recreated in this world, the Magi world, seeing as it has the proper set up for it.
But because of this setup, I believe we’re meant to realize these sorts of things and compare it to our own history and question the fate of the world of Magi. I doubt that Ohtaka would make a copy of our world’s history. I believe that Ohtaka is meaning to make us think we know what could be coming. I think that she wants us to think about what could be coming for Kou’s future, and worry about what is going to happen to Kou as a whole and think about who and what could fix their situation.
Realistically, Hakuryuu is the likely candidate to try to revive Kou from its current state, seeing as we haven’t seen much development from him after he came out of depravity. Not to mention, the situation is undoubtedly meant to spur similarities from what happened in Balbadd and Alibaba’s feelings towards the situation before.
I’ve always viewed Alibaba as being a character foil for Hakuryuu, even though Alibaba shares very similar experiences to Sinbad and has a lot of parallels. I always felt that Hakuryuu was meant to be Alibaba’s juxtaposition. Even more so now that Hakuryuu had to leave Kou to deteriorate over time. Before, Hakuryuu didn’t quite understand Alibaba’s position with Balbadd, and I feel that now, the two of them could make amends once they meet again.
Hakuryuu has a drive and a cause to want to restore Kou, and even more of a reason to eventually make amends with Alibaba. I feel that Hakuryuu may not come back to become emperor once more, and might even feel like a failure or feel like the role of emperor isn’t suited for him. Hakuryuu’s future involvement with Kou at this point definitely means some huge character development.
TL;DR: I don’t think Ohtaka is trying to recreate a Hilter-esque figure in Magi because Hitler is awful and doesn’t deserve to be recreated in such a wonderful series.
