Ch. 781Reincarnation, Wine Pools and Flesh Rin
Chapter Summary: “Reincarnation, Wine Pools and Flesh Rin”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Yu reflects on Tobirama’s discovery that Karma and Cursed Seals share a fundamental function: both can preserve a caster’s existence and enable reincarnation through a host.
- Their differences are examined:
- Karma forces reincarnation more completely and cannot easily be removed.
- Cursed Seals can sometimes be resisted or removed, but multiple seals can create independent personalities.
- Orochimaru and Kabuto’s survival techniques are cited as examples of the Cursed Seal’s regenerative and reincarnation-related potential.
- Yu realizes that the similarities between the two systems could help Amado overcome a research bottleneck, since Orochimaru’s Cursed Seal technology is already highly advanced.
- During a drinking session, Yu introduces Tobirama to Heavenly Wine, an inexhaustible but unstable alcohol obtained from Mengshiki. Tobirama declines the wine gourd, prioritizing his responsibilities and self-control.
- Yu asks Tobirama about marriage and discovers that his lifelong loneliness stems from the death of Senju Ling’er, his cousin and former childhood sweetheart.
- Yu offers to reunite Tobirama with Ling’er after the century-long mission. Tobirama refuses to interfere with the laws of life and death, noting that Ling’er has likely already reincarnated.
- Yu confirms that Ling’er has indeed reincarnated somewhere outside Mitsuki Country. Although Tobirama accepts that she has a new life, Yu privately resolves to help them meet someday.
- As the drinking continues, Tobirama becomes intoxicated and falls asleep. Rin also becomes drunk, flirts openly with Yu, and is eventually carried toward the house after making provocative remarks.
Character Developments
- Yu demonstrates growing insight into the mysteries of Karma, Cursed Seals, and reincarnation. He also shows loyalty and affection toward Tobirama by wanting to repay his sacrifices and restore his lost happiness.
- Tobirama is revealed to be deeply shaped by grief. His devotion to Konoha and the Shinobi World has replaced the family life he might have had with Ling’er. Despite his stern nature, his reaction to her reincarnation exposes lingering tenderness and sorrow.
- Rin becomes uninhibited and playful under the influence of alcohol, openly expressing her attraction to Yu.
- Hanabi is shown as a younger observer who becomes embarrassed by Rin’s drunken behavior.
- Ling’er, though absent, becomes emotionally significant as the lost love who still influences Tobirama’s choices.
Significant Themes
- Reincarnation and identity: The chapter compares Karma and Cursed Seals as different methods of preserving consciousness, while also exploring whether reincarnation preserves or erases a person’s original identity.
- The ethics of resurrection: Tobirama questions whether bringing Ling’er back would violate the natural laws of the Netherworld or deprive her of her current life.
- Duty versus personal happiness: Tobirama sacrificed love and family for the future of the Shinobi World, while Yu believes that sacrifice should eventually be rewarded.
- The persistence of emotional bonds: Ling’er’s memory continues to affect Tobirama long after death, suggesting that powerful relationships can endure across reincarnation.
- Relaxation and intimacy: The drinking scene contrasts the chapter’s serious metaphysical ideas with humor, affection, and increasingly suggestive interactions among the characters.
Character Interactions
- Yu and Tobirama share a reflective drinking conversation about Karma, Cursed Seals, immortality, and the Netherworld.
- Yu gently probes Tobirama about his lack of a family, prompting Tobirama to reveal his history with Ling’er.
- Tobirama rejects the idea of forcibly resurrecting Ling’er, while Yu silently decides to help them reunite without violating her autonomy.
- Yu teases Rin about her drunkenness, while Rin responds with flirtatious and provocative affection.
- Hanabi witnesses Rin’s behavior, adding an embarrassed comedic element to the closing scene.