Gemini vs. Sagittarius in The Lost Canvas: Who Was the Stronger Pope Candidate?
In the rich tapestry of The Lost Canvas, a critical moment unfolds two years before the Holy War erupts. Pope Sage, seeking a worthy successor to safeguard Sanctuary, initiates a search for a new leader. The position of Pope is one of immense power and responsibility, second only to the Goddess Athena herself. The two prime candidates emerging from this selection are Aspros of Gemini and Sisyphus of Sagittarius.
The Tragic Divergence of Paths
Sisyphus, known for his noble and generous heart, made the conscious choice to withdraw from the contention. His desire to preserve his friendship with Aspros outweighed his ambition for the title. Aspros, however, fell victim to a single drop of wickedness planted in his heart by the manipulative Kagaho. Consumed by a false rumor that Sisyphus had already been chosen, Aspros’s resolve shattered. He launched a premature rebellion, which was ultimately suppressed through the combined efforts of Pope Sage, Asmita of Virgo, and the heartbreaking “betrayal” of his own brother, Defteros. This confrontation led to Aspros’s tragic demise.
This pivotal event raises a fascinating “what if” scenario. Had Aspros resisted the whispers of doubt and remained true to his purpose, the papacy would have been his rightful destiny. His leadership would have undoubtedly differed from Sisyphus’s self-sacrificing devotion to Athena. An unapologetically assertive and strategic leader, Aspros would have likely propelled Sanctuary’s military strength and tactical prowess to unprecedented heights. His entire life was a meticulous preparation for this role, honing his mind, technique, and body to a level that surpassed his fellow Gold Saints. While Sisyphus’s power undoubtedly places him in the top tier of Gold Saints, his true strength lay in his unparalleled charisma and strategic foresight.
A Detailed Power Analysis: Gemini vs. Sagittarius
1. Early Years and Foundation
Their origins, as depicted in the side stories, show both Aspros and Sisyphus, alongside Hakurei of Taurus, as candidates for the Gold Cloths. They started from a similar baseline, required to pass rigorous trials to claim their destined armor. Aspros was perpetually hailed as a “lucky star” and a prodigy, a title that fueled his drive to excel in every conceivable area. Sisyphus, less overtly competitive, possessed a unique advantage: mentorship from the legendary Ilias, the strongest Gold Saint of Leo and his half-brother. Under Ilias’s guidance, Sisyphus’s potential was meticulously cultivated. He was, in fact, the first of the three to pass his trial and don the Sagittarius Gold Cloth. At this early stage, Sisyphus could hold his own against Aspros, though such victories would have been hard-fought.
2. The Tipping Point: The Rebellion Era
This period marks the critical juncture where their power dynamic shifted. Driven by a profound desire to legitimize his brother Defteros’s existence by becoming Pope, Aspros pursued absolute power relentlessly. He even secretly mastered the forbidden technique, Galaxian Illusion, on the Star Hill. By this time, Aspros had evolved into a multifaceted warrior, seamlessly blending physical, spiritual, and spatial attacks into a devastating arsenal. This comprehensive power was the very foundation of his confidence to launch the coup. Sisyphus, meanwhile, was deeply engrossed in macro-level preparations for the impending Holy War—guiding the young Regulus, investigating the Twin Gods with El Cid, and searching for the reincarnated Athena. This divergence in focus inevitably created a gap in their personal combat development. Tellingly, during his rebellion, Aspros had specifically prepared counters for Sisyphus, identifying him as a key ally of the Pope. This strategic preparation indicates that Aspros, at this specific point in time, held the edge in power.
3. A Litmus Test: Their Ultimate Battles
Their final confrontations serve as the ultimate measure of their capabilities. Sisyphus faced Aiakos of Garuda, one of Hades’s three top judges, in the battle for the Ship of Hope. This fight highlighted a potential vulnerability—his noble character could be exploited as a weakness. He ultimately achieved victory by awakening his Eighth Sense, vanquishing his foe in a direct and monumental clash of pure power.
Aspros’s final battle, after being redeemed by his brother’s sacrifice, was on another scale entirely. He confronted the demi-god and master manipulator, Kagaho (Kairos), an entity far surpassing the might of any Specter. To achieve victory, Aspros employed a breathtaking symphony of tactics: spatial manipulation, overwhelming physical assaults, psychic attacks, sealing techniques, and the vast knowledge he accrued aiming for the papacy. His performance was so masterful that even his godly opponent praised him as “elite material fit for a Pope.” In a final, transcendent act, Aspros, with human power alone, forced open a “Divine Channel” to obliterate Kagaho. While not explicitly stated, the fact that his brother could teach Pegasus Tenma to momentarily grasp the Seventh Sense strongly implies that both Gemini twins had already awakened the Eighth Sense. This battle demonstrates a broader, more versatile, and tactically superior arsenal than Sisyphus displayed.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Strength
In a direct confrontation, their raw power would be remarkably close. However, the decisive factor would be Aspros’s ruthless versatility and lack of restraint. His comprehensive skill set, particularly his mastery of psychic warfare, would pose an immense threat to Sisyphus, whose strength is tempered by his compassion and strategic oversight. Battle is not solely about destructive power; it encompasses psychology, tactical analysis, and unpredictability. In these domains, Aspros’s calculated and formidable approach would likely grant him the victory.
It is crucial to remember that this is a comparison between two titans. Both Aspros of Gemini and Sisyphus of Sagittarius stand at the absolute pinnacle of the Gold Saints, each a warrior whose very name struck fear into the heart of the Underworld. Their legacies, though different, are forever etched in the history of Sanctuary as paragons of immense power.
