Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki meets Shiki Ryougi, Mena's mother, who is an Epic-grade Player.
• Shiki reveals that the Reincarnation Game has no end; it's a selection process for creating the strongest weapons.
• Yuki learns about the 'Lost Ones'—Players from other games—and understands the true purpose of the Reincarnation Game.
• Shiki shares information about the 'Great Cataclysm' and the isolation of Reincarnators in a higher dimension.

Character Developments

• Yuki becomes more determined to find a way out of the Reincarnation Game after learning its true nature.
• Shiki shows interest in Yuki's resolve and offers to share her findings about the 'Great Cataclysm.'

Significant Themes

• The endless nature of the Reincarnation Game and the struggle for survival and power.
• The isolation and desperation of Players, despite their strength.
• The search for a way out of the game, even in the face of despair.

Character Interactions

• Yuki and Shiki's conversation reveals their shared desire to escape the game and their mutual respect for each other's resolve.
• Mena's presence adds a layer of warmth and familiarity to their serious discussion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki learns about the path to Epic from Shiki Ryougi.
• Shiki Ryougi assigns Yuki a mission and asks Mona to accompany him.
• Yuki decides to focus on strengthening his core ability and cooperate with Shiki Ryougi.
• Yuki meets with Kaguya and Hiyori, discussing their plans and precautions against the Judge.
• Yuki arrives at the Demon Extermination Squad's office, where Kento Nanami awaits him.

Character Developments

• Yuki becomes more determined to strengthen his core ability and advance to Epic.
• Shiki Ryougi shows concern for her daughter's safety and wishes to return to the real world.
• Kaguya is eager to prove herself and compete with Yuki.
• Hiyori remains cautious and worried about Yuki's safety.
• Kento Nanami admires Yuki's decisiveness and acknowledges their growing friendship.

Significant Themes

• The importance of focusing on one's core ability for advancement.
• The risks and rewards of cooperation and trust between factions.
• The determination and resolve of characters to achieve their goals despite obstacles.

Character Interactions

• Yuki and Shiki Ryougi discuss the path to Epic and the mission she assigns him.
• Yuki, Kaguya, and Hiyori communicate about their plans and precautions against the Judge.
• Yuki and Kento Nanami express their understanding and appreciation for each other's actions, strengthening their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki meets Satoru Gojo, the strongest sorcerer and master of memes, who leads the Demon Extermination Squad.
• Satoru Gojo reveals his plan to eliminate the chief culprits among the evil demons, who are two epic-tier Players, including Sukuna.
• Yuki and Satoru Gojo sign a contract, agreeing to help each other out.
• Satoru Gojo plans to launch a surprise attack on the Outpost while Sukuna is away on a mission.
• Mona, a helper from Thorny Rose, follows Yuki and reveals that Shiki Ryougi has no intention of interfering in Night Parade of One Hundred Demons' internal conflict.

Character Developments

• Satoru Gojo is revealed to be a carefree, humorous, and powerful leader who resists the game's erosion by gathering like-minded people.
• Yuki understands that factions are divided based on various standards, such as a world's central conflict, type, or nature.
• Yuki realizes that the Outpost in Thorny Rose is an anomaly and that Taiyi is controlling everything to delay the Reincarnation Game's erosion.
• Mona shows her cunning side, following Yuki and revealing that Shiki Ryougi has sent her to observe him.

Significant Themes

• The erosion of the Reincarnation Game and how different factions resist it.
• The power dynamics and strategies involved in the conflict between the Demon Extermination Squad and the evil demons.
• The unique atmosphere and rules of the Outpost in Thorny Rose, and Taiyi's influence on it.

Character Interactions

• Yuki and Satoru Gojo bond over their shared experiences as transmigrators and discuss their plans to eliminate the chief culprits among the evil demons.
• Yuki is wary of Mona's intentions and questions her about her mission from Shiki Ryougi.
• Satoru Gojo and Yuki sign a contract, agreeing to help each other out, while Mona observes their interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki meets Mena Ryougi, Shiki Ryougi's daughter, who signs a contract with him.
• Yuki and Mena join the Demon Extermination Squad's plan to ambush the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons.
• Yuki learns about the "permission fragments" and the rules governing interactions between factions.

Character Developments

• Mena Ryougi: Shows her childish and lively side despite being a powerful Player. She signs a contract with Yuki, becoming his ally.
• Yuki: Maintains his cautious and rational approach, weighing the benefits and risks of joining the faction war. He also learns more about the rules governing factions and permissions.

Significant Themes

• Alliances and Factions: The importance of forming alliances and understanding the rules governing interactions between factions.
• Risk and Reward: Yuki's willingness to take risks for potential benefits, such as joining the faction war to gain a favor and clear his upperclassmen's suspicions.

Character Interactions

• Yuki and Mena Ryougi: They form an uneasy alliance, with Mena showing affection towards Yuki, calling him "Onii-chan." Yuki is initially wary of her but eventually accepts her as an ally.
• Yuki and Yomi Isayama: Yomi leads Yuki and Mena to the Demon Extermination Squad's hideout. She explains the plan and the rules governing the faction war to Yuki.
• Yuki and Zuo Qianhu: Zuo Qianhu leads Yuki and Mena through the Ghost Hunters' small world and expresses his respect for Yuki's willingness to risk himself for the sake of a favor.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Yuki and Mena join an intervention mission led by the Demon Extermination Squad against an Outpost controlled by evil ghosts.
+ Yuki meets several powerful Players from various factions, including 'Aether Particles,' 'Deep Sea Hunters,' 'Espers,' and 'Anthropomorphic Front.'
+ The Players gather in a hall to wait for the mission to begin, where they socialize, exchange information, and prepare for battle.
+ Yuki draws a new Mystic Code, 'Killer's Book,' which increases his strength for every Transcendental Grade or higher enemy killed.

Character Developments

+ Yuki maintains his disguise as Li Dan from the Head Hunters, aiming to establish ties with other factions and gain the Demon Extermination Squad's favor.
+ Mena Ryougi accompanies Yuki and helps him ward off unwanted advances from other Players, particularly Taihou.
+ Misaki Shokuhou from 'Espers' approaches Yuki, seeking to build a rapport with him before the battle, as she feels they are alike.

Significant Themes

+ The importance of alliances and partnerships in the Reincarnation Game, as seen through the gathering of Players from different factions.
+ The strategic use of items and favors to gain allies, as demonstrated by the Demon Extermination Squad's approach.
+ The dangers and rewards of intervention missions, which offer lower risk than Dungeons but can still result in intense battles.

Character Interactions

+ Yuki interacts with various powerful Players, including Saito Hiraga from 'Aether Particles,' Skadi and Exusiai from 'Deep Sea Hunters,' Misaki Shokuhou from 'Espers,' and Taihou from 'Anthropomorphic Front.'
+ Mena Ryougi helps Yuki maintain his disguise and ward off unwanted advances, demonstrating her loyalty and usefulness.
+ Misaki Shokuhou seeks to build a rapport with Yuki, feeling a kinship with him despite his aloof demeanor.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Yuki and his group join the Demon Extermination Squad's war against Night Parade of One Hundred Demons.
+ The war is a large-scale battle between Players, with each faction having their own strategies and objectives.
+ The Demon Extermination Squad aims to capture Mundus, the leader of Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, and eliminate the Twelve Evil Demons.

Character Developments

+ Yuki observes the war and learns about Player warfare, faction dynamics, and the importance of security in the Reincarnation Game.
+ Mena Ryougi provides information about the Outpost, media, and castles.
+ Satoru Gojo, the leader of the Demon Extermination Squad, strategizes and deploys his forces to capture the Tenshukaku and cut off Night Parade of One Hundred Demons' connection to the Borderlands.

Significant Themes

+ Security and survival in the Reincarnation Game.
+ The dynamics of Player factions and their motivations for war.
+ The role of epic-level Players and the risk of Judgment.

Character Interactions

+ Yuki interacts with Mena Ryougi, learning about the Outpost and its features.
+ Satoru Gojo discusses strategies with his subordinates, including Kisho Arima, Shinobu Kocho, and Zuo Qianhu.
+ Dante and Vergil's hatred for each other is mentioned, leading to Dante's absence from the battlefield.

Plot Points and Events

+ Satoru Gojo assembles a powerful team of reinforcements for the war against the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons.
+ Yuki Li decides to join the battle early to force the demons to reveal their trump cards, giving the Demon Extermination Squad more time to react.
+ Yuki fights his way through the battlefield, effortlessly defeating Transcendental Grade Players, and enters the castle keep.

Character Developments

+ Satoru Gojo: Shows confidence in his plan but is forced to acknowledge the risks involved when Yuki points out the possibility of a trap.
+ Yuki Li: Demonstrates his incredible strength and skill, cutting down enemies with ease. He also shows strategic thinking by joining the battle early to gain an advantage for the Demon Extermination Squad.
+ Mena Ryougi: Stays behind with the reinforcements, eager to help but ultimately held back by Yuki.

Significant Themes

+ The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in war.
+ The power of individual strength and its role in turning the tide of battle.
+ The risks and rewards of gambling in high-stakes situations.

Character Interactions

+ Satoru Gojo and Yuki Li: Their conversation highlights the tension and uncertainty surrounding the war, as well as their shared determination to win.
+ Yuki Li and Mena Ryougi: Their interaction shows Mena's eagerness to help and Yuki's protective instincts towards her.
+ The reinforcements: Their reactions to Yuki's display of strength showcase their admiration and respect for his abilities, as well as their own competitive spirits.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki's combat value exceeds expectations, leading Satoru Gojo to raise the stakes in the battle against the evil demons.
• Yuki leads a team to search for the public medium within Dreadfort, a castle tower with compressed space and numerous personal spaces.
• Yuki discovers that personal spaces created by authority holders are sturdy and can only be destroyed from within, leading to a realization about Thorny Rose's defenses.
• Yuki shatters a personal space to create a shortcut and exits the castle tower, drawing the attention of the enemy forces.

Character Developments

• Satoru Gojo recognizes Yuki's strength and decides to raise the stakes in the battle.
• Yuki demonstrates his strategic thinking and understanding of the rules governing personal spaces.
• Tanjiro Kamado and Nobara Kugisaki, along with other Demon Extermination Squad members, follow Yuki's commands and gain confidence in his abilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of authority and personal spaces in the Reincarnation Game.
• The importance of understanding and adapting to the rules of the game.
• The strategic value of terrain and the advantages of a strong defense.

Character Interactions

• Yuki interacts with Tanjiro Kamado and Nobara Kugisaki, demonstrating his leadership and strategic prowess.
• Satoru Gojo and Yuki have a silent exchange, with Gojo acknowledging Yuki's strength and potential.
• Yuki communicates with the Demon Extermination Squad members, giving orders and boosting their morale.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki, the black-haired young man, appears and single-handedly turns the tide of the battle, slaughtering numerous Evil Ghost Players.
• Sadako Yamamura, one of the Twelve Evil Ghosts, appears and attempts to use her curse-killing ability and clones against Yuki, but he suppresses it with his Witch God's Soul Crystal.
• Yuki predicts the Evil Ghosts' plan to use their reserves for a full assault and decides to help the Demon Extermination Squad this once.
• He discovers Sadako's true body hidden in a well and confronts her.

Character Developments

• Yuki demonstrates his formidable combat abilities, predicting and countering the Evil Ghosts' strategies.
• Sadako Yamamura shows her ability to clone herself and use various abilities, but her true body remains hidden.
• Yomi Isayama, a Demon Extermination Squad member, shows admiration and fear towards Yuki.

Significant Themes

• The power of prediction and preparation in combat.
• The importance of knowing one's enemy and oneself.
• The ruthlessness of both factions in their pursuit of victory.

Character Interactions

• Yuki interacts briefly with Yomi Isayama, who admires his strength and offers him a captain-level terminal.
• Yuki confronts Sadako Yamamura, predicting her abilities and finding her true body.
• Sadako attempts to manipulate Yuki's emotions, but he remains unmoved.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Yuki descends into the well and encounters Sadako Yamamura, whom he kills after finding her true body.
+ Muzan Kibutsuji, another of the Twelve Evil Ghosts, appears and challenges Yuki.
+ Yuki captures Muzan and takes her away using the Night Furnace.
+ Mundus, the Demon King, reveals his plan to divide the battlefield and engage Satoru Gojo in a king's duel.
+ The Demon Extermination Squad and Night Parade of One Hundred Demons converge on the middle level of the castle tower.

Character Developments

+ Yuki demonstrates his strength and cunning by defeating Sadako and capturing Muzan.
+ Mundus shows his strategic prowess and willingness to adapt his plans as needed.
+ Satoru Gojo displays confidence in his ability to lead the Demon Extermination Squad to victory.

Significant Themes

+ The importance of intelligence and adaptability in battle, as shown by both Yuki and Mundus.
+ The consequences of underestimating one's opponents, as seen with Sadako and Muzan.
+ The role of fate and chance in the Reincarnation Game, as discussed by Mundus.

Character Interactions

+ Yuki and Sadako's battle showcases Yuki's strength and Sadako's overconfidence.
+ Yuki and Muzan's conversation reveals their respective attitudes and goals.
+ Mundus and his subordinate discuss the plan and the reinforcements, demonstrating their coordination.

In Chapter 371, Muzan, the Monster IV Player, faces off against Yuki, who has activated his Night Furnace Domain. Muzan's blood manipulation abilities are formidable, and he uses his Authority to suppress Yuki by one level. Yuki, however, proves to be a versatile opponent, using various strategies and items to counter Muzan's attacks. Despite Muzan's immortality, Yuki manages to deal damage to him using Incendiary Bullets. The chapter ends with Yuki planning to use his Blood Spirit Illusions and Duplication Cube to break Muzan's thorn barrier, setting the stage for their next clash.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki faces and defeats Muzan Kibutsuji, a Monster IV Player, in the Furnace.
• Muzan's abilities include Soul Infection and a mysterious authority.
• Yuki gains a Chaos Item, Evil Blood Glove, from Muzan's remains.
• The demons set a trap using a powerful Chaos Item, Dreadfort, to suppress the Demon Extermination Squad.
• The battle becomes chaotic and disoriented due to the blizzard and scattered teams.

Character Developments

• Yuki's strength and versatility are further demonstrated as he defeats Muzan.
• Muzan's abilities and strategies are revealed, showing her as a formidable opponent.
• Satoru Gojo commits all his forces, knowing the demons' trap but having no choice.
• Taihou and her team face disorientation and confusion due to the trap.

Significant Themes

• The power of preparation and strategy in battle, as seen in the demons' trap.
• The importance of team coordination and communication in battle.
• The dangers of underestimating opponents, as seen in Yuki's initial encounter with Muzan.

Character Interactions

• Yuki and Muzan face off, showcasing their skills and strategies.
• Taihou and her team struggle to adapt to the changing battlefield and unfamiliar allies.
• Satoru Gojo leads his forces into the demons' trap, knowing the risks but seeing no other option.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki intervenes in the battle, causing chaos among the scattered Player teams.
• Mundus reveals his Epic metamorphosis, Demon Emperor, to Satoru Gojo.
• Yuki uses Reverse Pick-off to join a battlefield where Monster Front and Aether Particles Players are fighting against demons.
• Yuki decimates the undead army and Aura's subordinates, demonstrating his overwhelming power.

Character Developments

• Yuki shows concern for Mona's safety and uses his strategic thinking to locate her.
• Aura is revealed to have switched to a summoner-type Player, commanding an undead army.
• Misaki Shokuhou's psychic powers are mentioned, and she follows Yuki's orders.

Significant Themes

• The chasm between Monster IV and Epic Grade is highlighted, with Epic metamorphosis being a fundamental difference.
• The importance of coordination and teamwork among Player teams is emphasized, as scattered teams struggle against demons.

Character Interactions

• Yuki interacts with Misaki Shokuhou, giving her orders and showing no need for her protection.
• Yuki faces off against Aura, who commands her undead army against him.
• Yuki and Mundus are mentioned to be in a standoff, with Mundus revealing his Epic metamorphosis to Satoru Gojo.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki defeats Aura, a summoner-type Player, and her army of monsters, demonstrating his strength and instilling fear in the other Players.
• Yuki takes command of the scattered Players, using Misaki Shokuhou's psychic abilities to establish communication beacons and regain control of the battlefield.
• Yuki and his team clear multiple battlefields, rescuing and regrouping with other Players, while Satoru Gojo and Mundus continue their intense battle in the sky.
• Yuki leads a group of Monster-rank Players towards Tenshukaku, where the final battle with the demons and the return of Sukuna is imminent.

Character Developments

• Yuki proves himself to be a formidable commander, strategist, and fighter, earning the trust and respect of the other Players.
• Misaki Shokuhou shows her value as a support character, using her psychic abilities to aid Yuki and the team.
• Taihou and HK416 demonstrate loyalty and determination to fight alongside Yuki, while other Players like Saito Hiraga and Terry Bogard join him for their own reasons.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strength, confidence, and strategic planning in gaining trust and respect from others.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents and the dangers of hubris.
• The necessity of adaptability and contingency planning in the face of changing circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Yuki and Misaki Shokuhou work together, with Yuki relying on her psychic abilities and Misaki Shokuhou admiring Yuki's strength and charisma.
• Yuki rescues Taihou and HK416, earning their loyalty and trust.
• Yuki leads a group of Monster-rank Players, including Saito Hiraga, Terry Bogard, and others, towards the final battle, demonstrating his ability to rally and inspire allies.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kokushibo reveals the true plan: to use the remaining factions to fight each other while the Twelve Demon Moons and the Demon Extermination Squad battle separately.
• Yuki arrives at the rooftop battlefield with his allies, facing off against Kokushibo and other powerful Players.
• The battle begins, with both sides using powerful skills and items, creating a chaotic melee.
• Yuki and Kokushibo clash, while other pairs of powerful Players engage in one-on-one duels.

Character Developments

• Kokushibo demonstrates his strategic prowess and willingness to sacrifice pawns for victory.
• Yuki shows his adaptability and understanding of battle tactics, deciding to focus on taking down key opponents rather than engaging in a war of attrition.
• Mena Ryougi reveals her knowledge of enemy skills and tactics, aiding Yuki in making strategic decisions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategy and adaptability in battle.
• The power of teamwork and coordination among Players.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents and the dangers of overconfidence.

Character Interactions

• Yuki and Kokushibo face off, demonstrating their strength and determination.
• Mena and Yuki work together, with Mena providing valuable insights and advice.
• Other powerful Players, such as Shalltear, Shishio, and Genichiro, engage in intense duels with their respective opponents.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki battles Kokushibo and the Tree Sentinel, using Manas' abilities and his own skills to hold them off.
• The battle favors the enemy due to their numerical superiority and the presence of merged knights.
• Satoru Gojo's authority is activated, suppressing the Tree Sentinel and breaking its golden chains.
• Yuki uses Soul Infection to control the dying Tree Sentinel and ambushes Kokushibo, forcing him to retreat.

Character Developments

• Yuki demonstrates his strength and adaptability, facing powerful opponents and using his abilities strategically.
• Manas shows her usefulness and willingness to help, despite her initial reluctance.
• Kokushibo and the Tree Sentinel reveal their teamwork and powerful abilities, but are ultimately outmaneuvered by Yuki.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategy and adaptability in battle.
• The power of teamwork and coordination.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents.

Character Interactions

• Yuki and Manas work together, with Manas providing crucial support and information.
• Kokushibo and the Tree Sentinel display strong teamwork, but are ultimately separated and defeated.
• Yuki's interaction with the Tree Sentinel showcases his ruthlessness and cunning in battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki reveals his true power and authority, defeating numerous Players from other factions with ease.
• The authority's suppression causes chaos and confusion among the enemy, leading to their retreat.
• Kokushibo pursues Yuki, but he has already planned for this and retreats with his allies.
• Sukuna returns, but finds Night Parade of One Hundred Demons' situation dire, with most of their forces defeated.

Character Developments

• Yuki: Proves himself to be a top-tier schemer, outsmarting his enemies and using their own strengths against them.
• Kokushibo: Becomes increasingly desperate and enraged as his plans fail and his allies fall.
• Sukuna: Returns to find his faction on the brink of defeat, realizing that he cannot defeat Yuki in his current state.

Significant Themes

• The power of strategy and planning: Yuki's victory is largely due to his careful planning and manipulation of the battlefield.
• The consequences of underestimating an opponent: Many of the enemy Players underestimate Yuki and pay the price.
• The futility of rage and desperation: Kokushibo and Sukuna's overwhelming anger ultimately leads to their downfall.

Character Interactions

• Yuki vs. Kokushibo: Yuki outsmarts Kokushibo at every turn, leading to his frustration and eventual defeat.
• Yuki vs. Sukuna: Although they do not directly confront each other, Sukuna realizes that Yuki is not someone he can defeat in his current state.
• Yuki and his allies: Yuki works together with his allies, such as Misaki Shokuhou and Skadi, to turn the tide of the battle.

Plot Points and Events

• Yuki manipulates the battlefield, allowing the Demon Extermination Squad to emerge victorious against Mundus.
• The squad gains authority and resources, but Yuki keeps the Demon King's Heart for himself.
• Yuki chooses items from the spoils, including the Heart of the Frost Goddess and Moon Monster Essence.
• Yuki asks Satoru Gojo to exchange the Demon King's Heart for a Bloodline Object from an epic lifeform.

Character Developments

• Yuki demonstrates his strategic prowess and restraint in choosing spoils, further cementing his position as a respected figure.
• Satoru Gojo becomes more cooperative and confident in working with Yuki after witnessing his restraint and understanding his goals.

Significant Themes

• The value of strategic thinking and restraint in gaining respect and resources.
• The importance of qualitative changes in advancing to the epic rank.

Character Interactions

• Yuki and Satoru Gojo develop a more cooperative relationship, with Yuki showing respect and Satoru Gojo becoming more confident in their alliance.
• Yuki's interactions with the other Players show his growing respect and influence among them.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Yuki and his allies successfully defeat Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, with Taihou and Misaki Shokuhou joining the battle.
+ Yuki gains valuable insights about the Reincarnation Game, faction wars, and the role of the Judge.
+ Taihou reveals that her faction, Anthropomorphic Front, has troubles due to the Reincarnation Game.

Character Developments

+ Yuki learns more about the Reincarnation Game's mechanics and the mindset of its Players.
+ Taihou shows concern for her faction's troubles and expresses interest in Yuki.
+ Mena Ryougi becomes more attached to Yuki, showing confidence in his abilities.

Significant Themes

+ The harsh reality of the Reincarnation Game and the Players' desire for freedom.
+ The importance of alliances and networking among Players.
+ The role of the Judge in maintaining the game's rules and selecting reincarnators.

Character Interactions

+ Yuki interacts with Taihou, Misaki Shokuhou, and Satoru Gojo, gaining valuable information and forming potential alliances.
+ Mena Ryougi continues to show interest in Yuki, leading to a playful encounter in his room.
+ Diarmuid acknowledges Yuki's presence with a nod during morning exercises.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuki continues to manipulate his identity, now introducing himself as Raymond, the Hidden Sage of Aether Particles, to Mena.
• The Judge's investigation into Taiyi's whereabouts has been unsuccessful, and they are now focusing on finding Li Dan.
• Yuki plans to sell and then secretly buy back his items, hinting at a new strategy.

Character Developments

• Mena shows her intelligence and resourcefulness, assisting Yuki in various tasks.
• Yuki continues to maintain his mysterious and manipulative demeanor, keeping his true identity hidden.

Significant Themes

• The theme of identity and deception continues to be prominent, with Yuki using multiple aliases to protect himself.
• The power dynamics between the Judge and other Players are explored, showing that while the Judge is feared, they are not above the law of the Reincarnation Game.

Character Interactions

• Yuki and Mena's relationship evolves, with Mena becoming more accepting of Yuki's eccentricities and assisting him in his plans.
• Yuki continues to maintain a distance from other factions, using them as pawns in his larger strategy without fully committing to any one side.