Nakaba Suzuki's NANATSU NO TAIZAI has grown significantly in popularity and form over the last six years, and its fame is well deserved. The story, while following the titular characters, presents an interesting take on the Arthurian legends of old. Over the course of this tale, we see characters Elizabeth and Meliodas grow into their own as their past, and present are confronted. Needless to say, a wealth of mystery shrouds the series, and Suzuki has been very tight lipped with regards to any sort of explanation.
CH.256 - Piercing Sacred Sword sees a continuation of the battle between young Arthur and the elite members of the Demon Clan. Where Arthur had previously showcased a strong sense of superiority last chapter, readers are quickly reminded of the vast difference between humans and demons. With all four demon combatants unscathed, with the exception of Cusack's mustache, it doesn't take long for Cusack and Chandler to reveal their more sinister side to Arthur. Although Arthur continues his attempt to defeat the demons, it rapidly becomes clear that his lack of magic and untrained use of the Holy Sword are spectacular detriments to his combat skills. As Cusack makes clear Arthur's weaknesses he employs a new skill, "Resonant", on Arthur who is shortly there after rescued by Merlin. Despite Merlin's intervention, however, Cusack's ability persists, and allows him to control Arthur's body at great distance. Closing out this chapter, Arthur runs himself through with the Holy Sword through Cusack's ability, much to Merlin's distress. Across the eighteen pages of this most recent chapter, Suzuki presents us with a lot of new and binding concepts to NANATSU NO TAIZAI. In terms of character development, critical plot points, and dramatic scenes, I was happy to find Suzuki returning to true shonen manga form. CH.256 additionally explores the relationships and powers of the elite members of the Demon Clan, the Holy Sword, Arthur, Cath, and Merlin. Chandler has, in the recent past, revealed himself to be a formidable combatant despite his advanced appearance. In this chapter, both Cusack and Chandler overwhelm Arthur with their presence, depicted by grotesque demonic characters and dark shadows. These phantasmagorical forms created by Suzuki help to personify the demonic aspects of these two characters - both of whom have largely maintained a strongly human semblance up to this point. Given previous Indura transformations shown by Monspeet and Derieri, these monstrous forms may indicate Cusack and Chandler's own Indura forms. In showcasing their sinister and aggressive intentions towards Arthur, Cath then reveals a connection with Merlin allowing her to locate and rescue the incapacitated hero. Up to this point in the story, Cath has maintained yet another of Suzuki's literary mysteries. While it is still unclear what Cath's purpose and motivations are, he continues to act as Arthur's guardian deity despite having convinced him to draw the Holy Sword in the face of the demons occupation of Camelot. Given Nanashi's earlier sentiments about Cath, it can be presumed that although Arthur has stabbed himself, he will most definitely survive the presumed mortal blow. At this stage in the story what remains to be seen is whether Arthur will continue to be affected by Cusack's "Resonant", and if not, whether he will be able to continue the fight against the Demon Clan despite a near mortal wound. In light of these events, readers can expect Escanor and Merlin's relationship to see some further strain and development over the coming chapters. Suzuki's writing is full of mysteries, all of which have the habit of surfacing and then quickly fading into the background as newer problems arise. Given NANATSU NO TAIZAI has a strong focus on both plot and character development, one can expect still more mysteries and danger to crop up in the near future. With CH.257 titled "When Making a Sortie", Suzuki will likely see the beginning of the end to the Goddess and Demon Clan conflict. As far as I am concerned, the mysteries that have been piling up need explaining. One can only hope that these explanations come out sooner rather than later! Written By: ALAN "VIENNA" SINGH
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