Could the Gemini Rebellion in ‘The Lost Canvas’ Have Been Suppressed Without Shaka?

In the expansive universe of Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas, the rebellion of Gemini Aspros stands as one of the most compelling arcs, weaving together themes of ambition, brotherhood, and the delicate balance between light and shadow. At the heart of this conflict lies a critical question: could the rebellion have been quelled without the intervention of Virgo Shaka, the man closest to god? Let’s delve into the intricacies of this pivotal moment.

The Rise and Fall of Gemini Aspros

Born under the constellation of Gemini, Aspros was destined for greatness. Prophecies foretold that a Gemini saint would ascend to the pinnacle of power as Pope, and Aspros, embodying the ‘light’ of the twins, was revered throughout Sanctuary. Alongside Sagittarius Sisyphus, he was a prime candidate for the papal throne—a testament to his exceptional skill and character.

Aspros’ Arsenal of Power

Aspros’ combat prowess was unmatched, backed by a repertoire of devastating techniques:

• Another Dimension: The ability to open portals to alternate realities, trapping foes in inescapable voids.
• Galaxian Explosion: Gemini’s ultimate technique, unleashing a cataclysmic burst of cosmic energy akin to a supernova.
• Genma Ken: A psychological assault that manipulates the minds of unsuspecting opponents, bending them to the user’s will.
• Great Magnetic Storm: A powerful magnetic field that crushes adversaries with irresistible force.

His victories over formidable foes like the Specters of Hades and even his own brother, Deuteros, underscored his dominance. Yet, it was his ambition that ultimately became his undoing.

The Rebellion Unfolds

Driven by the false belief that Sisyphus would usurp the papal throne, Aspros orchestrated a coup against Pope Sage. Using Genma Ken, he manipulated Deuteros into assassinating Sage, only for Virgo Shaka to emerge as an unforeseen countermeasure. Shaka’s profound spiritual insight allowed him to break the mental chains binding Deuteros, leading to Aspros’ downfall. In his final moments, Aspros learned the tragic truth: the throne was his all along, had he not succumbed to doubt and ambition.

Pope Sage’s Strategic Genius

Pope Sage, the ‘Wise Man of Sanctuary,’ anticipated Aspros’ fall from grace years in advance. His contingency plan was a masterstroke of foresight and tactical brilliance. Recognizing Aspros’ unparalleled strength, Sage knew that conventional means of suppression—such as deploying Sisyphus or his disciple Manigoldo—would risk significant collateral damage and demoralize the Saints ahead of the Holy War.

Instead, Sage turned to Shaka, whose unique abilities posed a perfect counter to Aspros’ techniques. Shaka’s immunity to mental attacks and capacity to traverse spiritual realms neutralized Aspros’ greatest advantages. More importantly, Shaka offered a path to redemption rather than annihilation, preserving the strength of the Gold Saints for the looming conflict against Hades.

The Hypothetical Scenario: Hakurei vs. Aspros

What if Sage had chosen his brother, Hakurei of Altar, to confront Aspros? Hakurei, a veteran of the previous Holy War, was a force of nature in his own right. His mastery of techniques like Sekishiki Meikai Ha (Underworld Wave) and Sekishiki Tenkyo Ha (Heavenly Wave) showcased his immense cosmic energy and combat expertise. Having spent centuries honing his power to seal the Twin Gods of the Underworld, Hakurei possessed raw strength that rivaled even the mightiest Gold Saints.

However, a confrontation between Hakurei and Aspros would have been a protracted and devastating battle. Without Shaka’s ability to swiftly neutralize Aspros’ mental attacks, Hakurei would have been forced to rely on sheer force, potentially escalating the conflict into a full-scale war within Sanctuary. The resulting chaos could have weakened the Saints irreparably, jeopardizing their chances in the Holy War.

While Hakurei might have eventually prevailed—especially if he unleashed his ultimate technique, Sekishiki Zanko Ha (Soul Wave)—the cost would have been staggering. Casualties among the Gold Saints, structural damage to Sanctuary, and a fractured morale would have left the forces of Athena vulnerable to Hades’ onslaught.

Conclusion: The Indispensable Role of Shaka

In the end, Shaka’s involvement was not just advantageous but essential. His unique blend of spiritual insight, mental fortitude, and combat prowess made him the ideal candidate to suppress the rebellion with minimal collateral damage. By resolving the conflict through enlightenment rather than annihilation, Shaka preserved the integrity and strength of the Gold Saints, ensuring their readiness for the greater battle ahead.

Without Shaka, the rebellion might have been suppressed, but at a grave cost. Sage’s wisdom in choosing Shaka underscores a deeper truth: sometimes, the greatest strength lies not in overpowering an opponent, but in understanding and redeeming them.

What are your thoughts? Could Hakurei have succeeded where Shaka excelled? Share your insights and join the discussion below!