So, I have this theory after having re-read Kingdom once again. Before I lay it out I'll just say this: I know close to nothing about the true story and history of the unification of China. So my theory may be waaaays of, someone might even call it out right away. But it was still a long time since I did my own theory and Kingdom is certainly a manga worthy of more theories. So here we goooo~
Kingdom is without a doubt the best and most amazing manga I've ever read. Reason being that the story is so well planned out, the art is on another level and the characters are life-like and relatable. I believe that there's been small hints hidden in the story during the manga's progress as to how the next battles will unfold and what Shin's part plays into it.
Let's begin with Shin. His ultimate goal is to together with Sei unite China and in turn be recognized as a greater general than Ouki and the other ones from that era. To do this he has to go through several ordeals. The first one being the rebellion of Seikyou, whereas he met Sei. The second one being; meeting and training/fighting under/for General Ouki, who became his "mentor". Then witnessing his death. The third one has yet to come. However it has been hinted for a long time now. It's to attain the title "General". I will go further into the theory about this later on. The fourth would be to ascend to the top of Qin and lead the armies as one of the "Qin 6" or simply as one of the top Great Generals. The final ordeal would be to finally unify China, aka defeating the final "enemy".
Kingdom is without a doubt the best and most amazing manga I've ever read. Reason being that the story is so well planned out, the art is on another level and the characters are life-like and relatable. I believe that there's been small hints hidden in the story during the manga's progress as to how the next battles will unfold and what Shin's part plays into it.
Let's begin with Shin. His ultimate goal is to together with Sei unite China and in turn be recognized as a greater general than Ouki and the other ones from that era. To do this he has to go through several ordeals. The first one being the rebellion of Seikyou, whereas he met Sei. The second one being; meeting and training/fighting under/for General Ouki, who became his "mentor". Then witnessing his death. The third one has yet to come. However it has been hinted for a long time now. It's to attain the title "General". I will go further into the theory about this later on. The fourth would be to ascend to the top of Qin and lead the armies as one of the "Qin 6" or simply as one of the top Great Generals. The final ordeal would be to finally unify China, aka defeating the final "enemy".
How will he then become general? I believe that he is destined to become general by receiving the biggest reward for the current war with Zhao, in other words I believe he will be the one to take on Riboku. Why am I so certain that it will be Shin to take on Riboku? Because it's been hinted in the manga sooo many times that Shin will. Even though it was technically Houken who killed Ouki, Shin think of Riboku as the one responsible for the death of Ouki, Shin's mentor. During that war is also when Shin was first noticed by Riboku. Soon after the war Shin even states outright to the face of Riboku that he will be the one to take him down. We proceed a few years forward and remember that Shin and Riboku actually clashed. In chapter 260 we find out what most people probably already speculated, that Riboku is strong. Not just a standard tactician but also a strong warrior, stronger than Shin. But it continues after this, of all the different states in the coalition war, who faces Shin? Zhao of course. Not just under Duke Hyou but also at the city of Sai. Shin and Riboku clash again army vs army this time. I believe that the only reason Riboku has been made out to be strong physically as well as a great strategist, is to make him a, maybe the most important, character for Shin to beat. And it's been clear that Riboku's starting to fear Shin and his Unit, the last battle he even informed his generals that the two targets were to heads of Kanki and Shin. He even went as far as to tell the generals to keep an eye at him, because he would be dangerous. Shin's military accomplishments have mostly been against Zhao as well. His first one was defeating the strategic general as Oukis "arrow", then he killed Rindou in the Wei war, who technically been Zhao his entire life and served under one of the three great heavens of Zhao. We proceed to Shin killing Mangoku of Zhao, and finally Keisha, deputy of Riboku.
Since the beginning of this series the focus has been on Zhao almost completely with a few attacks towards Wei. Making out Riboku to be the antagonist. Which is why I was surprised when Zhao was the first target of Qin. However after re-reading the manga I think I am closer to understanding the entire story. I predict that the final state left will be Chu. After defeating Zhao, Qin will probably one way or another defeat Wei and Han. Perhaps even leave Yan to Yotanwa. And then of course accept Qi's surrender. Then the final arc would begin. Chu versus Qin. The 1000 man commanders early on introduced before the coalition war, and developed through the coalition arc, versus Ouhon, Mouten and Shin as full fledged Great Generals. But probably the main event will be Shin against Renpa, The old age vs The new age.
Why do I have this firm believe though? Because this is how good stories in manga work. They set up a target for the protagonist to focus his strength on, Riboku in this case. Then they slowly set up the final target for the story, not just for Shin, but the entire manga cast. Which would be the final battle with Chu. Like I mentioned hints towards this have been clear, beginning with the run in between Shin and the 1000 man commanders taunting each other at the Qin/Chu border. Following with the coalition army and spending a lot of time with focus on the Chu army introducing Karin and the growth of the 1000 man commanders. And finally the change of court in Chu, to Karin as prime minister, Renpa as Great General and a bunch of name drops of characters yet to be introduced.
This is the theory I have. TL![:D]( ":D")
R: Shin will battle Riboku, Shin will defeat Riboku and become general (probably together with Ouhon and Mouten). THe story then progresses for a while until Shin becomes a Great General and one of the Qin 6, whereas the final arc begins Qin vs Chu, SHin vs Renpa, New vs Old. It's not really the most complicated theory.
Since the beginning of this series the focus has been on Zhao almost completely with a few attacks towards Wei. Making out Riboku to be the antagonist. Which is why I was surprised when Zhao was the first target of Qin. However after re-reading the manga I think I am closer to understanding the entire story. I predict that the final state left will be Chu. After defeating Zhao, Qin will probably one way or another defeat Wei and Han. Perhaps even leave Yan to Yotanwa. And then of course accept Qi's surrender. Then the final arc would begin. Chu versus Qin. The 1000 man commanders early on introduced before the coalition war, and developed through the coalition arc, versus Ouhon, Mouten and Shin as full fledged Great Generals. But probably the main event will be Shin against Renpa, The old age vs The new age.
Why do I have this firm believe though? Because this is how good stories in manga work. They set up a target for the protagonist to focus his strength on, Riboku in this case. Then they slowly set up the final target for the story, not just for Shin, but the entire manga cast. Which would be the final battle with Chu. Like I mentioned hints towards this have been clear, beginning with the run in between Shin and the 1000 man commanders taunting each other at the Qin/Chu border. Following with the coalition army and spending a lot of time with focus on the Chu army introducing Karin and the growth of the 1000 man commanders. And finally the change of court in Chu, to Karin as prime minister, Renpa as Great General and a bunch of name drops of characters yet to be introduced.
This is the theory I have. TL
R: Shin will battle Riboku, Shin will defeat Riboku and become general (probably together with Ouhon and Mouten). THe story then progresses for a while until Shin becomes a Great General and one of the Qin 6, whereas the final arc begins Qin vs Chu, SHin vs Renpa, New vs Old. It's not really the most complicated theory.Share my opinion? Don't? Donate a comment!