The "What's the deal with Kanda's tattoo/'that person'/lotus ?" discussion thread

[Captain Jack Sparrow]

Yes, yet another topic in my "The ".....??" discussion thread" series. I dare you to stop me.

Now, for the topic!

~ Is Kanda's healing abilities and the hourglass that keeps the countdown to his death in fact a curse? What could be its origin? How is 'that person' related to it? ~

This is just about the same case as with Lavi's right eye: technically, we know a lot, and yet there's a lot of room for suspense and theories left.


Here are the facts:

Kanda's tatoo helps him recover much faster than ordinary humans. Not only that, he's also immune to the Akuma blood virus because of it. He has made it an oaf to find an unrevealed "that person" before he dies, and seems that's his most important goal.

Also - though at first it seemed to be a filler, but it was in fact a spoiler from "Reverse" - Kanda has a lotus flower sealed in a hourglass in his room. The flower is connected to his life span.

from "Reverse"

[full translation of the Kanda chapter]

In the early hours before dawn at the Black Order's HQ, Kanda lay awake on his bed watching a peculiar object. It is described as a lotus flower suspended in clear amniotic fluid contained within a large hour glass. Inside, two of the flower petals had fallen and rested on the brass base of the hour glass, but apart from that, the lotus was in full bloom.

<...>

He raised Mugen again, but suddenly, the world seemed to fall away, and his surroundings turned completely white. What was this place? Was this Angela's ability? Just as suddenly, the whiteness cleared up, and Kanda found himself back in the Black Order HQ, in his own room.
Am I hallucinating?
Yet, everything felt real, and it really did look like he was back in his room. Maybe, Angela's ability was teleportation? Kanda examined the room carefully, but nothing was out of the ordinary. On the table, the hour glass with his lotus flower still looked the same as always, in full bloom. The two petals on the base were also right.
Thank god.
But, as if that was a sign, the amniotic fluid in the glass started to bubble, like it was boiling. The lotus flower within seemed to shiver in great anguish, and the petals began to turn black.
It's withering.
Kanda held his breath, eyes fixed on the dying lotus flower as the petals fell one by one and the flower shrivelled.
That's… impossible.
His insides seem to freeze with dread and hopelessness sank in.
“Kanda…”
It was Goz's voice.
Goz? That's right. I'm supposed to be in Dankelm village. I see. So, that's it.
He gripped Mugen tightly, and slashed through the space in front of him.
“Gyaaaaaa!” Angela screamed in pain.
The world around him fell away, and Kanda found himself standing back on the street in front of the general store. It was an illusion, after all.

<...>

Flesh cut open, and pain exploded in his mind. Blood sprayed over the ground with his next breath.
“Uwaaah! Kanda!!” Goz cried out in despair. He ran up to Kanda, but the Exorcist held up a hand and stopped him.
“Stay back!”
“B-but! All that blood…! And, and, you'll be infected by the AKUMA's virus!”
Kanda shook his head. “The AKUMA's virus cannot affect me! Just get out of here!”
Goz looked uncertain, and chewed on his lip, but finally, he nodded. In this battlefield, he would only be a burden. Even Goz had to realise that, and accept the humble fact that there was nothing else he could do.

<...>

The doctor who examined Kanda remarked on the severity of the wound on his chest. The cut made by the axe still looked fresh, but it was already starting to close, and the bleeding had stopped. In a few more days, it wouldn't even leave a scar.
Kanda looked at the Sanskrit character inscribed on his left chest, and thought to himself, “Looks like my body can still endure.” But, up till when, he didn't know. The wound was bandaged up anyway.
I have to find that person fast...


<...>


This lotus flower, and my wish, represents all hope. I must find that person as soon as possible, while the flower is still in bloom.

He also can power-up his attacks by drawing from his life force, as we saw in his fight with Skin Boric. However, that also leads to his life span being drained away faster and his regeneration rate slowly dropping.

What we also saw in that fight, was that his tattoo became encircled by another mark that wasn't there before. However, we weren't informed of the lotus losing another petal.

Recent chapters' spoilers: New facts.

We now know that Kanda was a part of "Artificial Disciple Project" that was creating Second Exorcists. It is not yet known whether he was completely artificially created, or if he was human and was put into the pool only afterwards for modification. Either way, he seems to have no memory of anything prior to sleeping in the hole.

His regeneration completely nullifies countless vital hits without much strain. In the beginning, it took him 580 seconds to wake up from death; now the rate has probably dropped. However, despite of vital injuries having no apparent effect on him, using the Innocence to full extent (Third Illusion and up) apparently causes damage and makes his tattoo change.

At the moment, his synchronization seems to have been forced during the experiments.

He is known to have killed another text subject and the first person that could have been called his friend, Alma Karma. The reasons are to be revealed soon.

It was implied that 'that woman who made you kill Alma' is in fact 'that person'.

Little Kanda occasionally sees a ghostly woman in the hall with the pools of Second Exorcists. She apparently talked to him at least once, but nobody else saw her. Alma assumes it could have been Fou, however he is not right.

Kanda sees illusions of lotus flowers that keep multiplying everywhere, however when did he start seeing it, nor the reasons have yet to be uncovered.

~

Now, we can only guess from here, and that's what I'm doing.

First, I'd say that the encircling is sort of a smaller 'count down' device. My guess is, once the mark closes around the syllable, a petal falls from Kanda's lotus, and then the mark disappears again.

Even though the healing ability is truly inhuman, it seems that the price for it is wasting his whole life sooner than a 'normal' human would, possibly because of his forced synchronization with the Innocence. It also might have a nasty side effect in the end, despite of the Innocence killing him.

I also think that 'that person' doesn't actually exist and is just Kanda's way of coping.


~

Please share your thoughts and/or theories on the matter here.

Remember to use spoiler tags for things that didn't yet happen in the anime. Also, please do not theorize further on things that are already known (read the 'Facts' paragraph).

[Emily]

Great thread my friend!

Right now, Kanda is the only main character that we have not seen as a child (in form of a flash-back I mean. We haven't even seen him as a teenager!). Isn't that suspicious?

Thanks to the fanbook we know that Kanda was brought to the order when he was 10. *makes a face* is that considered to be a spoiler?

I do not know what that tells us about his "curse" though: did he receive it in this completely mysterious time before he was brought to the order, or did he receive it during a mission?
I would place my bet on before he joined the order, because Mugen seems to be connected to his life, exactly like the Lotus flower is... (This would somehow mess up my fanfiction canon that Kanda does not age thanks to the "curse" but oh well *lol*)

About the one who Kanda is looking for:
I agree with you Dementia. It seems logical that that person is connected to the Lotus flower and his lifespan - either as the one inflicting the spell on him or the one who could "cure" Kanda. But I would say that Kanda is not that concerned with his life after all - why would he want to be cured? I always thought that he wanted this spell on him, because it would be useful, but if he really had been only ten back then, then the "I want this because I will be strong and immortal" doesn't really make sense...

Then, the revenge pattern is... a bit boring - even though I am sure that Hoshino will make it brilliant. I would like something which gives Kanda some more depth...
And another thing which I would be very afraid of: That person is a love interest. I would not like that. That's too... Gah. *lol* Then again; we don't know how long he has had the Lotus, if you're too young you won't really be that concerned with love. XD

Ach... Rambling again.

Just some P.S.
I always have the second volume cover in mind when I think about that person - but I use to over-analyze the covers... ^^;
And I would just like to point out the fact that Kanda doesn't seem to consider himself as a human anymore. Remember what he said in the fight against Skinn? Everyone is immortal, as long as they stay human *insert dramatical close-up of his tattoo* (Volume 10, Chapter 9)

[Captain Pimp]

The idea of "that person" being a love interest sorta reminds me of Munso (Shin Angyo Onshi) and his loved one who he inherited her illness in order to save her. But that's a different story Anyways...

I can agree with the idea that the Lotus is Kanda's tool of showing his lifespan, but I don't think that Mugen has anything to do with his curse. Just a way to use his own life force to strengthen his attacks (correct me if I'm wrong )

And about "that person": He/she might be someone close to Kanda and had died. And Kanda was probably too late to save "that person" and could have brought him/her back to life by the Earl's method. Even though his friend is an akuma, Kanda might have been hesitant to kill him/her. As a result, he gets cursed (like the same way as Allen did with Mana) and now he has to find "that person" in order to get rid of the curse.

And...my theory is so lame that I doubt anything I've mentioned is related to Kanda's curse

I hope Hoshino reveals more of Kanda's past/curse soon since Lavi had some nice development during the Ark arc

[Thebes]

Originally Posted by Emily

And another thing which I would be very afraid of: That person is a love interest. I would not like that. That's too... Gah. *lol* Then again; we don't know how long he has had the Lotus, if you're too young you won't really be that concerned with love. XD

My theory is full of LAMENESS and trite:
For some reason, the first time I saw the lotus flower I thought of Beauty and the Beast. XD And I immediately had a really gay storyline come to mind of what the deal is with his tatoo. My lame-ass theory conflicts with information found in the fanbook, though, so it can't be valid anyway.

So once upon a time Kanda had a Sensei that he wanted to overtake in power and ability. He wanted these skills because the akuma were rampant in Japan (I am amazed Hoshino hasn't touched this yet--what type of monster childhood did Kanda go through, anyway?) and he wanted to fight against them. However, he wasn't exactly nice to the old man, and because of some unforgivable behavior on Kanda's part, Sensei gave him a curse. Like the Beast in the fairytale, Kanda will have to take care of a flower that will countdown the time he has left to live in exchange for the tatoo giving him superhuman abilities. But the more he uses the tatoo, the more quickly the flower will wither. The only way to free himself of the curse would be to find true love /true strength/true friendship (most probably it). XD The catch to this, however, is that Sensei never told him any of this, he just disappeared. So Kanda will try and find him, only to discover his time is almost up, and to realize last minute he does have friends/true strength/true love? and live. The end!

I completely didn't even realize his phrase "that person" could mean "the one to lift the curse" and someone he's supposed to meet. Honestly, I highly doubt his curse has to do with revenge, and I'll be very sad if that happens. I would love for Hoshino as cheesy as it sounds to take the Beauty and the Beast approach and make this about Kanda himself....although it would be much appreciated if it wasn't about him learning about the value of nakama. >_>

[Captain Pimp]

Originally Posted by Thebes

My theory is full of LAMENESS and trite:
For some reason, the first time I saw the lotus flower I thought of Beauty and the Beast. XD

You're not the only one that thought of that as well

Lol, I hope it's not about him trying to find value in nakama..that wouldn't be kanda-like in the 1st place

[Meowchow]

Originally Posted by Captain Pimp

Lol, I hope it's not about him trying to find value in nakama..that wouldn't be kanda-like in the 1st place

Yeah, that wouldnt fit his character at all, but in my opinion i think Kanda does value his nakama.....except he's just too cool to show it

[Goddess Akuma]

Ahh nice thread, and I agree with several of you (and sorry for not quoting ^^;;; me=lazy, you should know who you are)

I agree with the curse theory, that his tattoo is some kind of 'curse' placed upon him. The best evidence is the fact that he didn't like 'cursed' people when he first met Allen. Maybe his own resentment. The lotus flower, I think simply serves as a timer for his life and how much life force he has. I believe 3 petals have dropped by now.

Now who 'that person' is I'm not too concerned about right now but I think Kanda was looking for this person even before he got his tattoo. I think whoever gave him this tattoo is giving him a chance to find this person at all cost even if it costs his life. Why I think it's still a curse is for the fact that Kanda needs to find 'that person' in order for the curse to be lifted (which is a very beauty and the beast thing xD)

The nature of the curse allows him to live even under impossible odds like massive blood loss and akuma poisoning. The sacrifice is the curse itself eats up his life force everytime he has to use it xP

Since he is japanese it's highly lightly he lived in japan, and we all know that the Earl controls japan. Who ever 'that person' is may have been taken away by the Earl's forces which is why Kanda is part of the black order since that is the best chance for him to encounter there person he's looking for. I'm actually surprised Kanda didn't make any notion for being in japan during Edo/Ark arc. Which is why I'm skeptical that kanda grew up in japan. Then again it could be his nature to kind his feelings. I don't think he's looking for revenge for the fact that during the lala arc he said "don't you have anything important to you" which makes me believe that the person he's looking for is someone important to him.

I think Kanda is purposely distancing himself from people so he doesn't get blind sighted from his goal and duty. I don't know if he really cares for his friends/nakama per say but he does care for people despite his cold nature. I don't think he sees Allen and co as friends but as humans and people worth saving. He's also very sacrificial and believes sacrifices are needed to save others, so I think Kanda in away is sacrificing himself for 'that person'. As sad as this may seem, but I wouldn't be surprised if he died at the end since as long as he finds that person he's ready to die. that tattoo might be the only thing keeping him alive and he should have already died. If he does get it removed he could end up dying either way. Of course lets hope this isn't the case.

[Kanda Yu]

Wow, all very interesting theories! I don't really have a theory but more a question. On volume two's cover, there's this white haired character with tattoos on their face and a headband in the upper right hand corner. Who is that person? Could it be the person Kanda is looking for? And I noticed that Hoshino-san drew red ribbons/threads (of perhaps fate?) around Kanda and perhaps tying him to the other character on the cover. What do you think?

Volume 2 Cover

[Goddess Akuma]

I totally forgot about that cover I guess this gives evidence that the person he's looking for could be his soulmate.
idk why but when I see that other person on the cover I keep thinking it's his grandma XD
so thus I conclude that his soulmate is his grandma

or it could just be a metaphor that it's his fate to do whatever he's doing xP

[Kanda Yu]

So as you said Miss Akuma, the person Kanda is looking for could be his soulmate and maybe the only person who could remove or release him from the curse (ala Beauty and the Beast). Oh I'm just dying for more of Kanda's back story! *whimpers*

[Emily]

*rofl*

Before I started writing stupid fanfiction about Kanda I ALWAYS claimed that that person would be his grandmother because of the cover. Miss Akuma, we share thoughts. *lol*

Well, I always found the cover very intriguing. The bands could cleary suggests that their fates are intervoven or that Kanda is deeply connected (maybe even chained) to that person. I guess such threads of fate are mostly red, but it could also hint at a blood relation because of its red colour (be it grandmother, father, mother, brother, sister.......). The design of the person on the cover (I guess it can safely be assumed that it is meant to be the person Kanda is looking for) is very Japanese; it looks like a dancer in a theater, especially with the mask. Don't know if the dark grey blue skin colour is a hint at a Noah? *lol* And the white hair... Allen? XD XD XD (the fangirl strikes)

The Beauty and Beast parallel also came to my mind... But I'm not too sure on it yet - I clearly would like this notion better than "I want revenge. Grr"

The whole Matel town incident was very strong in my opinion - that's where we saw some raw Kanda emotion, which was really impressive if you ask me. Even though he thinks that sacrifices have to be made, he does not approve of Allen's self-sacrifice; even to Kanda there is something in his life that he cherished, something which keeps him going despite everything: That person? (Which doesn't mean that Kanda would not resort to give up some of his life to protect others if it's for his duty...)

I could go on and on about it, but I somehow lost my point while rambling. *lol*

[Captain Jack Sparrow]

Sheesh guys, you all throw such interesting points at me! I can't believe I've read all of your long posts!! xD

Alright, some tl;dr posts coming up!!

Originally Posted by Emily

Great thread my friend!

Right now, Kanda is the only main character that we have not seen as a child (in form of a flash-back I mean. We haven't even seen him as a teenager!). Isn't that suspicious?
Thanks to the fanbook we know that Kanda was brought to the order when he was 10. *makes a face* is that considered to be a spoiler?

I do not know what that tells us about his "curse" though: did he receive it in this completely mysterious time before he was brought to the order, or did he receive it during a mission?

About the one who Kanda is looking for:
I agree with you Dementia. It seems logical that that person is connected to the Lotus flower and his lifespan - either as the one inflicting the spell on him or the one who could "cure" Kanda. But I would say that Kanda is not that concerned with his life after all - why would he want to be cured? I always thought that he wanted this spell on him, because it would be useful, but if he really had been only ten back then, then the "I want this because I will be strong and immortal" doesn't really make sense...

Then, the revenge pattern is... a bit boring - even though I am sure that Hoshino will make it brilliant. I would like something which gives Kanda some more depth...
And another thing which I would be very afraid of: That person is a love interest. I would not like that. That's too... Gah. *lol* Then again; we don't know how long he has had the Lotus, if you're too young you won't really be that concerned with love. XD

And I would just like to point out the fact that Kanda doesn't seem to consider himself as a human anymore. Remember what he said in the fight against Skinn? Everyone is immortal, as long as they stay human *insert dramatical close-up of his tattoo* (Volume 10, Chapter 9)

Thank you! ^^ My pleasure to make them. *plots an analysis on Lavi/Dark Lavi relationship*

That is true; and what could be the reason for that? Maybe the main plot twist concerning Kanda is explained in his childhood? So they don't want to spoil us until it's time.
According to my theory, Tiedoll found Kanda in the ruins of his home town, his family killed, and already with his curse. Then again, I might be wrong on that. ^^ So I think he received it before joining the Order, but it was Akuma/Noah connected - probably.

No, he seems to be concerned about his life as long as he didn't find 'that person'. When he does, then he doesn't mind dying.
I kinda like the revenge pattern - unlike in other plots, it's a walking deadman getting it, it's a revenge for the future, not past. (sorry Kanda. ;__; )
Nooo, not love interest xD That would be so totally out of it. Besides, that would clash with the fact he only needs to find them. If it was love, wouldn't he want to stay any longer? In this case, I'd say he needs 'that person' either for some information or to kill them.

Um, he said that "Everyone is mortal as long as they stay human", and he does accept the fact that he will die from the curse eventually. So I don't think he considers himself non-human, he just acts like that.

Originally Posted by Captain Pimp

The idea of "that person" being a love interest sorta reminds me of Munso (Shin Angyo Onshi) and his loved one who he inherited her illness in order to save her. But that's a different story. Anyways...

I can agree with the idea that the Lotus is Kanda's tool of showing his lifespan, but I don't think that Mugen has anything to do with his curse. Just a way to use his own life force to strengthen his attacks (correct me if I'm wrong)

And about "that person": He/she might be someone close to Kanda and had died. And Kanda was probably too late to save "that person" and could have brought him/her back to life by the Earl's method. Even though his friend is an akuma, Kanda might have been hesitant to kill him/her. As a result, he gets cursed (like the same way as Allen did with Mana) and now he has to find "that person" in order to get rid of the curse.

I hope Hoshino reveals more of Kanda's past/curse soon since Lavi had some nice development during the Ark arc

I agree with you here. Mugen doesn't really have a connection to Kanda's life span. Kanda simply increases his strength by draining from his life.
In more RPG words, it's like changing life points for a power-up. xD

Interesting theory. So if he created an Akuma and wasn't able to destroy it, it means it might be still somewhere wandering around, most likely in Japan. And if he got to destroy it, he'd lift the curse. Possible.

Yes indeed, now only Kanda's left without a decent development. ;__;

Originally Posted by Thebes

My theory is full of LAMENESS and trite:
For some reason, the first time I saw the lotus flower I thought of Beauty and the Beast. XD And I immediately had a really gay storyline come to mind of what the deal is with his tatoo. My lame-ass theory conflicts with information found in the fanbook, though, so it can't be valid anyway.

So once upon a time Kanda had a Sensei that he wanted to overtake in power and ability. He wanted these skills because the akuma were rampant in Japan (I am amazed Hoshino hasn't touched this yet--what type of monster childhood did Kanda go through, anyway?) and he wanted to fight against them. However, he wasn't exactly nice to the old man, and because of some unforgivable behavior on Kanda's part, Sensei gave him a curse. Like the Beast in the fairytale, Kanda will have to take care of a flower that will countdown the time he has left to live in exchange for the tatoo giving him superhuman abilities. But the more he uses the tatoo, the more quickly the flower will wither. The only way to free himself of the curse would be to find true love /true strength/true friendship (most probably it). XD The catch to this, however, is that Sensei never told him any of this, he just disappeared. So Kanda will try and find him, only to discover his time is almost up, and to realize last minute he does have friends/true strength/true love? and live. The end!

I completely didn't even realize his phrase "that person" could mean "the one to lift the curse" and someone he's supposed to meet. Honestly, I highly doubt his curse has to do with revenge, and I'll be very sad if that happens.

Hm, that's a bit too poetic for my taste, but then again, not really worse than a life-measuring flower. XD

It would be interesting if it was like this, and most importantly, the thing I like the most in your theory is that Kanda survives

So in this case, it would mean Kanda wants to find out himself what's the deal with the flower and what is his countdown to death supposed to mean. Hm, actually sounds rather possible as well.

And your right, the true love/friendship/strength thing sounds rather cheesy...then again, I can't say I'd be disappointed if it happened.

Originally Posted by Meowchow

Originally Posted by Captain Pimp

Lol, I hope it's not about him trying to find value in nakama..that wouldn't be kanda-like in the 1st place

Yeah, that wouldnt fit his character at all, but in my opinion i think Kanda does value his nakama.....except he's just too cool to show it

I have to agree. From what can be seen, Kanda does value his closest bonds. Not to mention that sometimes he 'forgets' to be mean to them.

To me, he kind of reminds me of Tao Ren from Shaman King; the kind of guy who claims that 'companions are for the weak' and then sacrifices himself for them. Most likely last words: "Stay back, you blithering idiots!" Then everyone learns he was in fact good guy and starts crying instead of defeating the enemy. -_-'

[Captain Jack Sparrow]

Originally Posted by Miss Akuma

Ahh nice thread, and I agree with several of you (and sorry for not quoting ^^;;; me=lazy, you should know who you are)

I agree with the curse theory, that his tattoo is some kind of 'curse' placed upon him. The best evidence is the fact that he didn't like 'cursed' people when he first met Allen. Maybe his own resentment. The lotus flower, I think simply serves as a timer for his life and how much life force he has. I believe 3 petals have dropped by now.

Now who 'that person' is I'm not too concerned about right now but I think Kanda was looking for this person even before he got his tattoo. I think whoever gave him this tattoo is giving him a chance to find this person at all cost even if it costs his life. Why I think it's still a curse is for the fact that Kanda needs to find 'that person' in order for the curse to be lifted (which is a very beauty and the beast thing xD)

The nature of the curse allows him to live even under impossible odds like massive blood loss and akuma poisoning. The sacrifice is the curse itself eats up his life force everytime he has to use it xP

Since he is japanese it's highly lightly he lived in japan, and we all know that the Earl controls japan. Who ever 'that person' is may have been taken away by the Earl's forces which is why Kanda is part of the black order since that is the best chance for him to encounter there person he's looking for. I'm actually surprised Kanda didn't make any notion for being in japan during Edo/Ark arc. Which is why I'm skeptical that kanda grew up in japan. Then again it could be his nature to kind his feelings. I don't think he's looking for revenge for the fact that during the lala arc he said "don't you have anything important to you" which makes me believe that the person he's looking for is someone important to him.

I think Kanda is purposely distancing himself from people so he doesn't get blind sighted from his goal and duty. I don't know if he really cares for his friends/nakama per say but he does care for people despite his cold nature. I don't think he sees Allen and co as friends but as humans and people worth saving. He's also very sacrificial and believes sacrifices are needed to save others, so I think Kanda in away is sacrificing himself for 'that person'. As sad as this may seem, but I wouldn't be surprised if he died at the end since as long as he finds that person he's ready to die. that tattoo might be the only thing keeping him alive and he should have already died. If he does get it removed he could end up dying either way. Of course lets hope this isn't the case.

Thanks ^^

That's exactly what I saw. Maybe he tries to deny the fact that he is cursed too this way. I'd do the same in such a position actually. Maybe he finds it dishonorable to be under a curse, or maybe it's the cause of it (look Captain Pimp's theory.)

Hm, but why would he look for someone to lift the curse if he hasn't been cursed yet? Something tells me that the lotus and the tattoo appeared in his life at the very same time. Of course, I could be wrong.

That's a sad true; the more damage he gets, the more his regeneration rate drops, and the less time is left. Maybe that's too much to ask, but I really hope Kanda doesn't die in these series... T_T

That could be true; that must've been an almost impossible childhood considering that Edo is in fact Earl's lair. However, some people don't feel sentimental about their birth places - especially if all it brings to them is suffering.
I think his "important" was reffering not to the person but to the fact of finding them. Hence he said "anything", not "anyone". I think he was talking about a goal or ideal there. Then again, I might be wrong here too ^^

Yes, it's probably both on purpose and his nature isn't the one who would let him get too close to people. It might as well be a catch of the curse though; that would be interesting. However, he does seem to treat his both teams slightly better than any other 'humans', so I think he kind of has the idea of them as 'friends', he would just never admit to it.
You're truly making me too sad here, though it's possible too. Characters like that often die in the end - I pray it wouldn't be so in this case - but we don't have any idea if 'that person' is going to be revealed or not.

It doesn't answer the main question though; is 'that person' connected to Kanda's past, or to his future. I think many things depend on that.

Originally Posted by Kanda Yu

Wow, all very interesting theories! I don't really have a theory but more a question. On volume two's cover, there's this white haired character with tattoos on their face and a headband in the upper right hand corner. Who is that person? Could it be the person Kanda is looking for? And I noticed that Hoshino-san drew red ribbons/threads (of perhaps fate?) around Kanda and perhaps tying him to the other character on the cover. What do you think?

Volume 2 Cover

Originally Posted by Miss Akuma

I totally forgot about that cover I guess this gives evidence that the person he's looking for could be his soulmate.
idk why but when I see that other person on the cover I keep thinking it's his grandma XD
so thus I conclude that his soulmate is his grandma

or it could just be a metaphor that it's his fate to do whatever he's doing xP

Hm, that doesn't prove that the face is of the one's who he's seeking. But if it's true, then you all might be right.

However, looking at that face, I remember Captain's theory about the Akuma Kanda might have created. It doesn't look very human to me.

That would also explain why he's so desperate to kill the Akuma; maybe he feels guilty and tries to repent this way, fixing other people's like himself mistakes, until he finds the one he is supposed to destroy.

Originally Posted by Kanda Yu

So as you said Miss Akuma, the person Kanda is looking for could be his soulmate and maybe the only person who could remove or release him from the curse (ala Beauty and the Beast). Oh I'm just dying for more of Kanda's back story! *whimpers*

See, and you still agree that it must be the curse-reliever. *laughes evilly*

Everyone wants to find out that...T_T Let's hope we will, soon!



Gods...I can believe I just posted this..@_@

Originally Posted by Emily

*rofl*

Before I started writing stupid fanfiction about Kanda I ALWAYS claimed that that person would be his grandmother because of the cover. Miss Akuma, we share thoughts. *lol*

Well, I always found the cover very intriguing. The bands could cleary suggests that their fates are intervoven or that Kanda is deeply connected (maybe even chained) to that person. I guess such threads of fate are mostly red, but it could also hint at a blood relation because of its red colour (be it grandmother, father, mother, brother, sister.......). The design of the person on the cover (I guess it can safely be assumed that it is meant to be the person Kanda is looking for) is very Japanese; it looks like a dancer in a theater, especially with the mask. Don't know if the dark grey blue skin colour is a hint at a Noah? *lol* And the white hair... Allen? XD XD XD (the fangirl strikes)

The Beauty and Beast parallel also came to my mind... But I'm not too sure on it yet - I clearly would like this notion better than "I want revenge. Grr"

The whole Matel town incident was very strong in my opinion - that's where we saw some raw Kanda emotion, which was really impressive if you ask me. Even though he thinks that sacrifices have to be made, he does not approve of Allen's self-sacrifice; even to Kanda there is something in his life that he cherished, something which keeps him going despite everything: That person? (Which doesn't mean that Kanda would not resort to give up some of his life to protect others if it's for his duty...)

I could go on and on about it, but I somehow lost my point while rambling. *lol*

Actually, I have a CRAZY fanfiction on Kanda coming up too XD But I kinda explained it in the first post already.

I actually never thought of the ribbons as 'fate', now that several of you has pointed this out, this is indeed an interesting parallel. However, I've already stated my views on the person on the cover.

That just supports my mind that Kanda in fact does care for his closest companions, even if he tries to hide it by faking it as a 'honor thing' and such.

Seems that he would sacrifice himself if needed even at the sake of his goals; though most often he must know he wouldn't die yet even when he exposes himself to danger, some scenes, like after the fight with Skin Boric, shows that it can be cast aside. He sees the crumbling room and knows that it's all over, but reacts completely calmly, and addresses his companions "Those guys will be so pissed at me.." So I guess 'that person' could also be his personal whim or something - or, as said before, one to deal with his curse one way or another.

[Captain Pimp]

Originally Posted by Dementia

I agree with you here. Mugen doesn't really have a connection to Kanda's life span. Kanda simply increases his strength by draining from his life.
In more RPG words, it's like changing life points for a power-up. xD

Interesting theory. So if he created an Akuma and wasn't able to destroy it, it means it might be still somewhere wandering around, most likely in Japan. And if he got to destroy it, he'd lift the curse. Possible.

Well, my theory can only be true if Kanda received his curse before becoming an exorcist. Since, as an exorcist, he's more likely to not hesitate to kill people close to him if they were akuma

Yes indeed, now only Kanda's left without a decent development. ;__;

Yea, I mean...even Chaoji (which most of us hates ) gets a bit more development than Kanda.

[Sora]

I've wondered about this for long!
I don't know if it will be proper to call it a 'curse' but it may be a real curse. Because Kanda said (to Allen) he hates cursed people ... being cursed himself, and because of his character we know he hates a lot of things, mostly -we can guess- because he is afraid of them or because these things cause him pain, like being called Yuu (I've created several reasons for him not wanting anyone call him Yuu).
Let's guess...
We know he got into the order at age 10 (which made me scream in rage!! because we don't know more!) another fact I though its important is the fact he never ate Soba before he got into the order. =S it just seems weird to me since he is japanese (?) and all (at least because I consider Soba a popular/regular meal, I eat soba!)
This may be because:
1 - he actually had a very very hard childhood, we don't know if he became tekigosha (I forgot the word!) at the age of ten or before. After all his profile only says 'he became Tiedoll's apprentice' this might be interpreted in two ways. Tiedoll found him and he already had the innocence or Kanda resonated with the innocence Tiedoll was carrying
2 -a bit more dramatic here- he lost all his memories... after all he traveled with Tiedoll for a year, it might be similar to Allen's situation who had to learn to use his arm, Kanda had to learn everything else.
For both scenarios this 'curse' theory applies:
"Ano Hito" ... Who is this person? we haven't heard more than that, what we know for sure is that this person is someone important to Kanda, someone he was seen. (probably lived with or related to)
"Ano hito" might be the one who cast the curse and the one who can remove it. Or it might me a totally diferent person.
I believe "Ano hito" is the person that can remove the curse, or at the time he meets with that person the curse will be lifted, lifted for him to live a normal life spam or lifted for him to finally die (I do not want believe this! Kanda is too stuborn to just die! and because of that I believe firmly that he need to find Ano hito to protected to simply protected).
He wants to find this person because is part of his past, whatever this past may be, he want to find this person for revenge or because he was sent to find it?.

I believe the 'curse' was placed on Kanda -he wasn't born with it- as protection. his family, seeing he had the innocence knew how valuable and how dangerous his journey may be; if we assume this and the fact Tiedoll pick him up (XD) in Japan then we may assume the family entrust Kanda to Tiedoll or at worst Kanda was rescued by Tiedoll as the only surviver of a village. And this person he has to find holds the key to his past and was very important for him in the past. We can assume Ano Hito is someone Kanda Has to protect, perhaps all this... his life, his tatoo is all intended to protect that person, to find it and protect it.
And thats why I think (this last part for me is a bit unlikely) , Ano hito, might be related to Heart or might Be the heart.
(is this considered a spoiler??)
The heart is conscious we know that so far, the heart creates fake hearts, if it does that it can create a security system... after all Kanda is the ultimate bodyguard.

たぶん　ね。。。

[Kanda Yu]

Originally Posted by Sora

<snip>
And thats why I think (this last part for me is a bit unlikely) , Ano hito, might be related to Heart or might Be the heart.
(is this considered a spoiler??)
The heart is conscious we know that so far, the heart creates fake hearts, if it does that it can create a security system... after all Kanda is the ultimate bodyguard.

たぶん　ね。。。

OMG, I was just musing on this last night as a sort of fantasy. Even if farfetched, it would be very interesting. After all, most everyone first assumed Allen or Lenalee had the heart because of their Innocence evolving and saving them but what if those are red herrings?

[Captain Jack Sparrow]

That's a very interesting point there. It would be a great plot twist if the Heart already has a chosen guardian or something.

Although, I wouldn't call Kanda's curse 'protection', as if he didn't have it, he wouldn't need the protection as well. -_-'

Also, Sora's first option about Kanda's childhood is probably right. Remember, he's from Edo, and Japan was overtaken by Akuma for hundreds of years. Poor kid was probably on the run to survive every minute of his life.

[Lenalee Lee]

Would this tatoo be all the time on his body, I would say that he made it just to remember, that he has to find this person, which he's looking for.
But also i suggest, that it may be his innosence. Just like by Lenalee. Think how Lenalles innosence was activating, her body was cowered with something...when she finally got to a limit. The same thing here. But in Kandas place, I think, he can control it, unlike Lenalee.

[Sora]

o..o that may be possible
but if he can control it did he made an 'agreement' with the innocence?
u..u He has so much will.

[Kanda Yu]

I was re-watching episodes 34 & 35 and am wondering about the significance (if any) of Kanda's words to Sophia about the lotus seed sleeping for 1000 years and then blooming and how he went on to say that the lotus doesn't die but blooms again.

Super Cracky Idea

A crack idea took up residence in my head...wouldn't it be cool if after the last petal falls, Kanda "dies" but really sleeps for 1000 years and in the next millenium *er* wakes up ready to fight again (if there's anyone left to fight). *is shot*