Ch. 201Queen
Chapter Summary: “Queen”
- Yahiko’s despair: After Shao Nan explains how much the world has changed since Yahiko’s death, Yahiko falls into deep self-reproach. Shao Nan leaves him alone rather than dwelling on his emotional collapse.
- Preparing to leave Rōran: Shao Nan learns that Sara has entered the palace and decides to retrieve her so the group can leave. Outside, Tsunade and Sasuke infer that he has found a way out. Kushina eagerly looks forward to visiting the Land of Water and challenging the Mizukage, Mei, in a playful competition. The women make suggestive jokes that embarrass Sasuke, who complains about their habit of discussing their private “card” activities around him. Tsunade and Kushina also discuss Sasuke’s extreme sensitivity and Tsunade’s concern for her health, promising to monitor and treat her physical condition.
- The citizens’ mistaken worship: When Shao Nan enters the palace, the people of Rōran kneel and hail him as the “Heavenly God,” believing that only their deity could have revived the dead. Shao Nan corrects them, explaining that he is the Heavenly God’s older brother and that their true god remains within Rōran protecting the city. This reveals that the “Heavenly God” is actually Hamura Otsutsuki.
- Sara’s decision: Shao Nan finds Sara seated on the throne and is struck by her regal bearing. He orders her to accompany him back to the Ninja World. Although Sara hesitates because of her responsibilities to her people, she ultimately announces that Rōran will no longer have a queen, intending to give up her title and leave.
- The former queen’s challenge: Before Sara can depart, two silver phantoms emerge from the palace: Hamura Otsutsuki and the mysterious older woman with whom he has been spiritually involved. The woman appears in elaborate royal attire and reveals that she was Rōran’s first queen. She condemns Sara for being manipulated by slander and allowing Anrokuzan to plunge the city into chaos. However, acknowledging Sara’s devotion to the citizens, she formally strips Sara of her title and declares that she will resume the throne until a new queen is chosen.
- Ending revelation: Shao Nan is shocked to discover that Hamura’s beloved companion is not merely a powerful or influential woman, but Rōran’s original queen. This explains Hamura’s reluctance to leave the city and sets up a confrontation over Sara’s future and the rightful rule of Rōran.
Character Developments and Interactions
- Shao Nan remains confident and decisive, taking responsibility for escorting Sara away, while also becoming fascinated by her queenly authority.
- Sara demonstrates loyalty to her people by trying to relinquish power peacefully, but her position is challenged by Rōran’s first queen.
- Hamura is further characterized through his mysterious attachment to the former queen.
- Yahiko is emotionally shaken by the consequences of the years he missed after his death.
- Tsunade and Kushina continue their teasing, intimate camaraderie while showing concern for Sasuke’s health.
- Sasuke serves as the embarrassed, unwilling audience to their jokes and private conversations.
Major Themes
- The burden and legitimacy of leadership: The chapter contrasts Sara’s compassionate but flawed rule with the authority of Rōran’s founding queen.
- The consequences of the past: Yahiko and Rōran’s former queen both embody how past events continue to shape the present.
- Identity and mistaken worship: The citizens’ belief that Shao Nan is their god highlights the gap between public perception and reality.
- Loyalty versus personal freedom: Sara must choose between remaining queen and following Shao Nan, while Hamura’s attachment to the former queen keeps him tied to Rōran.