Mirage Quickie #11

[quaint_twilight]

Since quite a number of fans have PMed me about this issue, I figured it'd be helpful if I just post it here for others who might be curious about the depiction of Minako's rape in the anime. I've been asked if there's any difference in the anime and novels for that scene in episode 11, Naoe's behavior in particular

Comments

[quaint_twilight]

I can't remember what Naoe said in Japanese (actually I can't even remember what was in the sub since I haven't watched the anime for so long) but apparently in the fansub it's 'I love him'. But thanks for pointing that out, I'll edit my post to make it a bit more specific.

[prismangel]

It's really creepy to imagine him smiling at her before raping her. I don't think that Naoe can be easily forgiven for that. It really makes me wonder if Minako's character has been skewed because of the way they said she reacted. Being all forgiveness after being raped seems just a little off...you would think she would probably just be real afraid.

Thanks for clearing that up about the discrepancy between the anime and manga!!

[quaint_twilight]

I think the only way we can have any insight into Minako's POV is for sensei to write a prequel on that particular situation. For now, all we fans can do is speculate.

[quaint_twilight]

at the “Kagetora” which the unhinged Naoe was preparing to ravish in the person of Minako?
At that point, Minako was still Minako, Naoe didn't rape Minako after transferring Kagetora's soul into her body, unless I've misunderstood your meaning.

In the novels, it's "I love you, Minako." Personally speaking, I find those words empty. Naoe might as well have said "I hate you, Minako" and it wouldn't have made any difference, considering what was going through his mind during the rape.

[dbzdoll]

I actually watched the MOB anime in English and Japanese and the English Naoe says "I love you" while the Japanese subtitles say "I love him", so I am totally confused about what Naoe actually says in the anime! I could never figure out why he said different things in both versions, but now I see the "I love you" is actually the original. So what does that mean? Is he being honest? Does he just feel lust and, like too many men, is calling it love?

Thank you for sharing this information because otherwise I'd have no idea about this fascinating confusion. Just another reason to find this series intriguing!

[quaint_twilight]

Well, I think it was anything but lust/love, considering how he was thinking that this woman needed to disappear for snatching Kagetora away from him.

[fantasygirl49]

in my opinion, what naoe did to minako was inexcusable, rape is rape and i also doubt minako would easily forgive him for doing that to her since even if she could forgive him, it would take time...we don't know what exactly happen since there's no minako's pov to compare...but i also feel pity for naoe because he regretted his action and hated himself, for what he has done can never be undone, since he causes kagetora to feel responsible for what happen to minako, but also to cause a break in their relationship

[quaint_twilight]

I think there was always tension in their relationship right from the very first time they met, eventually that hate twisted itself into love ^_^; My impression is that their relationship was at its worst 30 years ago (I guess Vol 10-11 would come in as a close second).