There is a little something bothering me about shaolan's development. It's gonna be a messy rant (?) So bear with me. I wish his magical skills were more recognized by the other characters. If I remember well, it was stated somewhere that he is the most powerful in the Li clan currently (appart from his mother I guess), but he doesn't get enough praising in my opinion. (1/5?)
Only Sakura will always tell him how amazing he is everytime he captures a card or helps her (because Sakura is a humble cupcake who always encourages and praises everyone). I feel sad and frustrated when shaolan is powerless in a critical situation. We know Yue’s judgement was never going to be about Shaolan (because hitsuzen). But still, when he can’t do anything I suffer with him. Shaolan never questions Sakura becoming the most powerful magician. It’s a huge part of his personality, he respects magic and power, and he has zero problem with her being powerful (we love him for that). Now, I don’t want him to become a overpowered magician, not at all. Shaolan’s use of magic always comes from necessity. He uses magic only when in need and very efficiently (he is good with strategy and he reacts quickly). I just wish somehow he would get a little more recognition ? And not only “as expected from a member of the Li clan” Whatever he is doing in Clear Card with the Sakura cards, I bet it requires great skills. He potientially is maintaining alive a power that is not his. And I hope someone will notice it (someone who’s not Sakura, because we know she will be grateful and praise him)
I see your point there! You wish he was more recognized in the series.Hmmm, what can I say about this.In the character profiles I’ve seen, it’s almost always reported that he’s the bearer of strong magic. Not only “magic”, no, they emphasize it’s “strong”.I think here the issue is about a balance between characters. When people tell me that (you’re not the only one, it seems this is an heartfelt problematic), I usually reply that this, ultimately, is a shoujo manga and it’s called “Cardcaptor Sakura” 😅 so when CLAMP have to decide who give the most importance to, of course they’ll choose Sakura, the protagonist.But it’s not always like this. Syaoran’s importance and popularity skyrocketed since the old anime/manga.I was talking about this with a friend the other day, and I was pointing out how in the past, Syaoran rarely appeared in CCS merchandise and such. He was pretty much “ignored”, because otherwise they would spoil that he would become the protagonist’s love interest. :DBut now, in Clear Card? There isn’t a single merchandise item that haven’t got Syaoran on it or a Syaoran version of it XDD Syaoran is the second character appearing in the opening after Sakura. Sakura Tange and Motoko Kumai are giving interviews everywhere! They know Syaoran is a very loved character, but most importantly, all the attention he’s getting directly points at the crucial role he will have in this arc. It’s just a matter of time for us to see it unfolding completely.Also, in this moment he feels somehow powerless because he doesn’t sense the cards and he’s worried about not being able to protect Sakura properly. And yet, he showed to be able to use a mysterious effective power (which makes him feel guilty, but those are details), and the characters are indeed praising him for that (Kero is actually surprisingly cheering a lot on him lately!).So, although he will not reach Sakura’s level, I definitely can see him getting relevance in this sequel. :)
