History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi Hangout

[Dasbones]

Well if I ever doubted Ma Kensei's strength before this chapter kind threw that out the window for me, I do agree they are winning far to easily, since these guys were supposed to be some of the best weapon user's in Yami, but at least Ma had a two handicaps in this fight.

If the Weapons division wants to seem threatening in the least, the author should do the following.

1. Bring back the guy who managed to escape the elder

2. Make Sasaki's fight worth reading

3. Actually have some damned organization, so far there has been no structure in leadership or power, when a new weapons user is introduced, we really have no idea of their level, so automaticlly we assume they are OSNF level; which they are clearly not.

4. Give a good reason as to why the Unarmed division of Yami is even considering joining forces with what seems to be a very mediocre and weak group of fighters.

[Bowser]

Sakaki....goooo!!!
[hr]
And what is OSNF level o_o

[CaptFamous]

I actually thought this chapter was very interesting. It reminded me of the flashbacks to when Kensei and his brother were younger, and they talked about his ability to reach and inspire hundreds of martial artists.

[Maledicente]

If I ever become bald, I would like to be as cool as Ma.

[fizban]

Sakaki....goooo!!!
<hr noshade size="1">
And what is OSNF level o_o

One Shadow Nine Fists, I assume.

[Dasbones]

Yes, I don't like typing the whole thing out, it's tedious.

[Wolf D. Arius]

Hello ;)

Kenichi is one of the few mangas / animes i have seen so far and i must say: its not bad at all. Its a very cool storyline and the way the masters train the poor poor Kenichi is just awesome, especially Apa -lol- i love this guy ^^ and i cant wait to see the fight between him and the other underground muay thai master in this military base.

the anime was not bad, but its sad this is only such a short part of the story. I hope there will be more in the future < or is it sure there will be no more episodes of Kenichi?

GreeTz, Wolf D. Arius

[raptor02_2001]

Hello ;)

Kenichi is one of the few mangas / animes i have seen so far and i must say: its not bad at all. Its a very cool storyline and the way the masters train the poor poor Kenichi is just awesome, especially Apa -lol- i love this guy ^^ and i cant wait to see the fight between him and the other underground muay thai master in this military base.

the anime was not bad, but its sad this is only such a short part of the story. I hope there will be more in the future < or is it sure there will be no more episodes of Kenichi?

GreeTz, Wolf D. Arius



it was 50 esp that all but upcoming is not sure .. it still no news about new season ....

[KaitoKief]

I don't like the current fights.
1 chapter = 1 fight.
It would be better if Matsuena would make the fight 2-3 chapters long. >,>

[LoS]

That's how it went with the Shigure fight, the fight least anticipated by the way. I would not have minded seeing any of the others last more chapters so long as her's was a single chapter.

But it makes sense having them finish up their Yami opponents in only a single chapter. That is if the Apa fight will last 5 or so chapters itself. Which I would not mind at all!

[Moogle Mango]

I think Apa's fight will last 5- 7 chapters. As it will probably mix in Kenichi's fight. When Apa's fight ends, Kenichi's will follow.

[DrunkDragon]

I think it'll be more like they fight at the same time and the scenes will switch from Apachi to Kenichi and so forth. Oh and dont forget the flashbacks, I hope they aren't boring.

[elitefox]

Wow there are now many flying skirts and blouse

made my nose bleed :D


I loved the chapters, ero

[jmcc]

391 Spoilers:

He said "no," spear guy...with his fist.

Clearly this US air base used the lowest bidder when they contracted the construction.

[daman246]

chapter out at crazymanga.be
in my opinion sakaki is probably the 2nd weakest master after the girl witht he huge boobs

[DrunkDragon]

Even if the the fight was short it was a good fight.

[LoS]

chapter out at crazymanga.be
in my opinion sakaki is probably the 2nd weakest master after the girl witht he huge boobs

Shigure, Apachai, Sakaki, Ma, Akisame, Gramps. Well at least that is my own order.

[tehgrim]

actually i think, Sakaki, Ma and Apachi is about the same strength. Akisame is only a little bit stronger than the 3, and shigure is only a little bit weaker then the 3 but only due to her age/experience.

[bittman]

Well I'd put them all in the same tier really. Sakaki, Akisame and Ma could probably fight each other every day of the week, and the victor would never remain the same. They are all Super Master tier.

Apachi and Shigure are probably "close" to the Super Master tier, but lack the age/experience in combat to reach it despite obviously being prodigies of their style.

Superman is lawl Legendary tier. Only two other people I would rate in Legendary tier would be grandma big boobs and fruit-eater demon god.

OSNF are everything from High Master tier to Legendary tier.
(I'll put up my HSDK "tiers" list a bit later)

[shaheer]

erm...well i think even though the grand ma is powerful she is not as powerful as the Goku of HSD the super grand pa...the only one i think will be as powerfull as he is is the One shadow..his son...
any thought on weather we will see kenichi becoming a master?

[tehgrim]

erm...well i think even though the grand ma is powerful she is not as powerful as the Goku of HSD the super grand pa...the only one i think will be as powerfull as he is is the One shadow..his son...
any thought on weather we will see kenichi becoming a master?

not for a long time is im hoping, my guess is that he will level up slowly and then towards becoming a master he'll become strong very quickly.

[bittman]

OSNF are everything from High Master tier to Legendary tier.
(I'll put up my HSDK "tiers" list a bit later)

So it would go something like this imo:

Legendary Tier:
Hayato Furinji - The Invincible Superman
Silcardo Jenazad - Demon Fist God (OSNF)
Mikumo Kushinada - The bewitching fist (OSNF)

Super Master Tier:
Shio Sakaki
Kensei Ma
Akisame Koetsuji
Saiga Furinji - One Shadow (OSNF)
Akira Hongo - God Hand (OSNF)
Sougetsu Ma - Fierce Fist God (OSNF)

High Master Tier:
Apachi Hopachi
Shigure Kosaka
Isshinsai Ogata - Kensei (OSNF)
Alexander Gaidar - Fist of Destruction (OSNF)
Diego Carlo - Laughing Steel Fist (OSNF)
Agaard Jum Sai (OSNF)
Sehrul Rahman - Fists of Brahman (OSNF)
Sai Kagerou

Average Master Tier:
Christopher Eclair
Li Tenmon
Ro Jisei
James Shiba

Low Master Tier:
Fortuna

High Expert Tier:
Tsutomu Tanaka

Average Expert Tier:
Miu Furinji
Kajima Satomi (Yomi)

Low Expert Tier:
Kenichi Shirihama
Hibiki Kugenin - Siegfried
Sho Kano (Yomi)
Tirawit Kokin (Yomi)
Rachel Stanley (Yomi)
Ethan Stanley (Yomi)
Chikage Kushinada (Yomi)
Renka Ma


High Disciple Tier:
Ryuto Asamiya - Odin (pre-Yomi)
Natsu Tanimoto - Hermit
Ikki Takeda
Kisara Nanjo - Valkyrie
Boris Ivanov (Yomi)


Average Disciple Tier:
Beserker (pre-Yomi)
Kaname Kugatachi - Freya
Thor
Radin Tidat Jihan (Yomi)
Li Rachi (sort-of Yomi)

Low Disciple Tier:
Loki
Kozo Ukita

Something like that. I have an explanation for all of them really, but I wouldn't want to take up 10 pages of your eye space =P

There's some character evolution which left me undecided on some people. Berserker and Odin in particular given the likelihood Berserker was picked up by Kensei and how Odin, though in a wheelchair, seems to be able to contain Miu (a huge feat really).

Also very hard to rate most of the alliance since, though they've grown, they still aren't comparable to Kenichi or most of of Yomi. Wonder what a decent fight between someonenotnamedKenichi and Yomi looks like?

[Dasbones]

To be fair, Sasaki's opponent was the strongest out of the weapon users so far, I mean; his little show of prowess seemed to have impressed Agaard, and he was the only one with any personality, which doesn't make him fodder like the other three.

[shaheer]

agreed sakaki had the toughest one of all and shigure had the weakest...oir did ma get the lousy one?

[kataomoi]

I think you forgot Saiga, Miu's father aka Ichiei.

As far as Mikumo and Jenazad being up there with the elder, I think that may be a bit much. I think at this point the only person who would even be close to being on par with the elder is Saiga.

[JustMax]

So it would go something like this imo:

Legendary Tier:
Hayato Furinji - The Invincible Superman
Silcardo Jenazad - Demon Fist God (OSNF)
Mikumo Kushinada - The bewitching fist (OSNF)

Super Master Tier:
Shio Sakaki
Kensei Ma
Akisame Koetsuji
Saiga Furinji - One Shadow (OSNF)
Akira Hongo - God Hand (OSNF)
Sougetsu Ma - Fierce Fist God (OSNF)


What do you base these two tiers on? Age?
Since for Saiga to be the leader of Yami he has to be the strongest. Why? These tiers work a lot like power levels in DBZ, in that it's almost impossible for a lower tier to take down a higher one. Hence I say that Kenichi should be removed from the list since he has plot hax going for him :D
Furthermore what's keeping Demon and Big boobs from killing one another if they're the two strongest people? The master of Yami have shown time and time again how they're eager to test out who's the strongest, hence there has to be an even greater power holding them at bay and that power is Saiga.

[Majin Trunks]

I'd say the demon fist god is on Sakaki's level since that helicopter incident it looked that way to me. Sakaki didn't wanna get into a fight with him there because he would have lost between the two masters against him alone but one on one he could definitely take the one he was fighting but the demon fist would have made an interesting fight. He probably put Kushinada on Hayato Furinji's level because they had a history together and something was mentioned that they fought before. I don't think Saiga is quite as strong as Hayato as Hayato probably did not show him every single thing before they became estranged. However what Saiga missed in terms of that he probably made up for mostly in personal training in the do (or whatever bad martial arts). Kenichi has been stated to be right above disciple level he is now the beginning stage of expert, whereas his sparring partner that time Tanaka or whoever with the glasses was nearing the end of the expert stage and close to becoming a master. That chapter also stated that is the largest gap in training (which means the whole disciple tier was smaller than the expert tier). Most likely this is by plot to extend the series where it might end when Kenichi becomes a master himself. which makes sense that the rest of the series he now grows as an expert. just my opinion on things anyway but aside from that I think bittman did a pretty good job of this. Also I think Apachi and Shigure might be underestimated, Shigure I say because she definitely has skill, using a wooden spoon as a sword would take tremendous skill to do that if at all physically possible. Apachai I think is underrated because we never really got a good chance to see his skills in action, sure he had a fight or two but not like the other masters, not enough to really judge what he can do. Hopefully this fight should show that as he was probably forgotten for a while when it came to focusing on the masters compared to the rest of them. Shigure too came late but she had some fights under her belt, now it's Apachai's turn, instead of just talk about his skills we'll get to see them. You seen what his opponent's training consists of with the knots in the ropes (also physically impossible mind you) and it's inferred that Apachai can keep up with him (as we all know he's gonna win this fight.... or die in it but I doubt that) and there was quite a bit of buildup here and there for a while for this fight. So I think this is the fight (Kenichi's too now) that we are really going to see progress with those two.

[Zatono]

Chapter is out. http://www.1000manga.com/Historys_Strongest_Disciple_Kenichi/391/01/

[bittman]

I think you forgot Saiga, Miu's father aka Ichiei.

As far as Mikumo and Jenazad being up there with the elder, I think that may be a bit much. I think at this point the only person who would even be close to being on par with the elder is Saiga.
1) Saiga is there: check Super Master tier.

2) Even though Mikumo showed a clear skill advantage over Sakaki, Shigure and Ma Kensei? I also based Jenazad off the constant "oh he had a hard fight with the elder" line. More on this later.


What do you base these two tiers on? Age?
Since for Saiga to be the leader of Yami he has to be the strongest. Why? These tiers work a lot like power levels in DBZ, in that it's almost impossible for a lower tier to take down a higher one. Hence I say that Kenichi should be removed from the list since he has plot hax going for him :D
Furthermore what's keeping Demon and Big boobs from killing one another if they're the two strongest people? The master of Yami have shown time and time again how they're eager to test out who's the strongest, hence there has to be an even greater power holding them at bay and that power is Saiga.

Legendary Tier was for those who have surpassed classification and their actions are almost beyond believability. Generally, if you live long enough in a world such that HSDK shows, it means you must be a living legend. Making the Master level alive is hard enough as we're seeing with Kenichi.

On Saiga: I'm basing Saiga's rating heavily on prediction, but then again so is everyone else. To lead does not mean to be the strongest. Sure, Hayato somewhat "leads" the good guys (I can never spell that dojo) but who do you think Shinpaku's leader is? The weak guy. Mentally strong and charismatic, but physically weak. Leadership is not just about punching through walls.

Also, if we look at evidence on Saiga we know he must have learned greatly from the Elder (being the son and all), but most likely like Kensei he has fallen from the greatest teachings.

And, if I had to pick a "death-match" opponent for Saiga it would be Akisame given the early line about their close friendship. And though Akisame is a Super Master of Super Masters, he's not quite legendary imo. Of course, I could have read the endgame totally wrong and the Superman himself will actually fight seriously....but I can't imagine the Elder doing anything seriously...


I'd say the demon fist god is on Sakaki's level since that helicopter incident it looked that way to me. Sakaki didn't wanna get into a fight with him there because he would have lost between the two masters against him alone but one on one he could definitely take the one he was fighting but the demon fist would have made an interesting fight. He probably put Kushinada on Hayato Furinji's level because they had a history together and something was mentioned that they fought before.

Kushinada first: history, sure. But as mentioned previously, she showed a clear skill level difference between all the Super Masters she's come against. 100% skill or not, I've seen nothing to indicate she's on even field with anyone less than the Elder.

Demon Fist God: Sure, Sakaki didnt want to fight two masters and Jenazad did nothing much in the helicopter. Heck, from his history all we've seen him do is eat fruit, wear a mask, sit on a statue in a flashback and cause one avalanche with the power of his voice.

What I'm basing Jenazad's level on is his build up. It's rare we get much insight into the Elder's history, let alone what he actually finds "difficult". If you go through mentions of Jenazad, every second time they mention him someone goes "Oh even the Elder had a hard fight with him". This is a constant build up which is meant to stick in the back of the reader's minds for when we do get the full show on display.

End of the day though: these are just my readings of HSDK. I put Tanimoto and Ikki in High Disciple tier, but on the right day of the week they could probably defeat a lot of the Low Experts. As was said by Miu quite some time ago, in the right conditions even the Elder could lose to the masters.

[Drakno]

Kushinada first: history, sure. But as mentioned previously, she showed a clear skill level difference between all the Super Masters she's come against. 100% skill or not, I've seen nothing to indicate she's on even field with anyone less than the Elder.

No, she showed a lot of skill but by the end of the Shigure-Mikumo fight shigure had already found a way to counter her technique which was half the deal really, Alexander also fell to Akisame's yanagi ayurashi the first time he saw it but then he even managed to mimic it, don't use that clone technique as a justification to her level since byt the interuption of the Shigure-Mikumo Shigure could counter it, sure Mikumo could have tons of other techniques that she hadn't shown but it's not on Hayato's 108 ougis level if you ask me, in all probability she is at a Ryouzanpaku master level.


Demon Fist God: Sure, Sakaki didnt want to fight two masters and Jenazad did nothing much in the helicopter. Heck, from his history all we've seen him do is eat fruit, wear a mask, sit on a statue in a flashback and cause one avalanche with the power of his voice.

Honestly, I believe you shouldn't even mind Hayato's quote, it was probably a mismatch or something and I really don't think that given Jenahad's personality from what we have seen so far he wouldn't join yami unless he had to which means that the other 8 shadow fists where a threat to him and if he was on the legendary tier there's no reason he would accept for anything other the one fist position given his superiority complex, he definitely recognise the strength of the othe masters in yami.

[JustMax]

1)
Legendary Tier was for those who have surpassed classification and their actions are almost beyond believability. Generally, if you live long enough in a world such that HSDK shows, it means you must be a living legend. Making the Master level alive is hard enough as we're seeing with Kenichi.

On Saiga: I'm basing Saiga's rating heavily on prediction, but then again so is everyone else. To lead does not mean to be the strongest. Sure, Hayato somewhat "leads" the good guys (I can never spell that dojo) but who do you think Shinpaku's leader is? The weak guy. Mentally strong and charismatic, but physically weak. Leadership is not just about punching through walls.

Also, if we look at evidence on Saiga we know he must have learned greatly from the Elder (being the son and all), but most likely like Kensei he has fallen from the greatest teachings.

And, if I had to pick a "death-match" opponent for Saiga it would be Akisame given the early line about their close friendship. And though Akisame is a Super Master of Super Masters, he's not quite legendary imo. Of course, I could have read the endgame totally wrong and the Superman himself will actually fight seriously....but I can't imagine the Elder doing anything seriously...


Well comparing a group with GOOD intents to a group with world domination and chaos in mind isn't really doing anything for your point. You have seen how the masters in Yami want to fight eachother, have you not? Who was it that made them stop? Saiga. Not Big boobs, not Demon, but Saiga.
Both BB and D show great respect and humility towards Saiga, does the Shinpaku show these towards Nijima? No, they do not. Why? The clear difference in power. Nijima is the one leading because no one else really gives a damn. Not the same for Yami and hence you can not compare the two.
Saiga is going to be the one to give the Elder a run for his money, no one else. Saiga is meant to be the last secret boss who's basically unbeatable, otherwise he never would have been able to lead Yami; he's Kenichi's final opponent, making Kenichi transcend the masters and history for all time.

Either we're going to see a time skip OR this series will go on for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time.

[bittman]

No, she showed a lot of skill but by the end of the Shigure-Mikumo fight shigure had already found a way to counter her technique which was half the deal really, Alexander also fell to Akisame's yanagi ayurashi the first time he saw it but then he even managed to mimic it, don't use that clone technique as a justification to her level since byt the interuption of the Shigure-Mikumo Shigure could counter it, sure Mikumo could have tons of other techniques that she hadn't shown but it's not on Hayato's 108 ougis level if you ask me, in all probability she is at a Ryouzanpaku master level.

Slicing some beads is not a counter. It would be like saying that Kenichi broke Garyuu X's mask and thus can counter those techniques. Counters refer to a full break, or reversal, upon a technique. Shigure got one slice on some clothes through smell and somehow that meant Mikumo was going to be unable to continue her ridiculously high speed movement?

As much as I believe Hayato is the strongest being in this manga, there must exist beings who have reached the same, if not similar, level. Don't instantly rule out others being on his level just because we haven't seen them pull out a scroll with 108 techniques.


Well comparing a group with GOOD intents to a group with world domination and chaos in mind isn't really doing anything for your point. You have seen how the masters in Yami want to fight eachother, have you not? Who was it that made them stop? Saiga. Not Big boobs, not Demon, but Saiga.
Both BB and D show great respect and humility towards Saiga, does the Shinpaku show these towards Nijima? No, they do not. Why? The clear difference in power. Nijima is the one leading because no one else really gives a damn. Not the same for Yami and hence you can not compare the two.
Saiga is going to be the one to give the Elder a run for his money, no one else. Saiga is meant to be the last secret boss who's basically unbeatable, otherwise he never would have been able to lead Yami; he's Kenichi's final opponent, making Kenichi transcend the masters and history for all time.

Either we're going to see a time skip OR this series will go on for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time.

Wait, you think Saiga is a super master...and then that Kenichi will defeat him before the manga is complete?

This is History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi. Not History's Strongest SuperMasterstrongerthantheInvincibleSuperman Kenichi.

In a football team, is the coach the best player? No, yet he is still able to garner a level of respect from his players. Saiga did not have the people shaking in their boots, he just reminded them why they were all there.

As Miu said ages ago, when Honoka comedically asked "Who was the Strongest?" and they almost fell into an all out battle, the Elder did not stop the fight because they were scared of him, but rather reminded them why they were there.

My point is: the leader does not always need to be the most powerful one, though in Shonen's it's a common practice, there are many reasons you might make a leader weaker to bring them closer to an acheivable level for others.

But regardless: Saiga is not Kenichi's final boss, though I do expect it might indeed be a Master level fighter. I think Kensei/Isshin Ogata has a very real chance of being Kenichi's final boss given the connection with Ryuuto and the dojo as a whole. Kajima might be a final boss, as may Berserker, but I expect Kenichi stepping into the world of masters to be the final battle of HSDK. I'm not interested in a timeskip to a 30 year old Kenichi or this manga running too far beyond 500 chapters.

HSDK is closing in on the end game as it stands. Of the Yomi members still undefeated, only really 2-3 will still see a battle against Kenichi with Rachel and Chikage getting all un-evil and what not. Add in Kensei's new students and a couple of mini random arcs, and we're very possibly looking at the last 100-200 chapters of HSDK.

Then again, all these armed opponent's could easily draw out the manga further. I'll be very disappointed if suddenly an armed disciples division turns up under the name Yemi or something.

[Drakno]

Slicing some beads is not a counter. It would be like saying that Kenichi broke Garyuu X's mask and thus can counter those techniques. Counters refer to a full break, or reversal, upon a technique. Shigure got one slice on some clothes through smell and somehow that meant Mikumo was going to be unable to continue her ridiculously high speed movement?

Producing those "clones" doesn't mean she was moving at some imposible speeds, it was an illusion technique like yanagi ayurashi and being able to find the location of the real through such a technique is not much different than defeating the technique, we have seen nothing to support that Mikumo's speed is superior to the other masters, all we have been seeing is the masters attacking the clones before they had a way to tell who was the real, at the boat when she took back Rachel it was even exposed that in reality they where ki feints (like Koejutsi's air throw)


As much as I believe Hayato is the strongest being in this manga, there must exist beings who have reached the same, if not similar, level. Don't instantly rule out others being on his level just because we haven't seen them pull out a scroll with 108 techniques.

I didn't consider Hayato the strongest cause of the number of his techniques but cause of the sheer power of each one, Korui Nuki and Ryusui Seikuken both got Kenichi at a ridiculous new height just by teaching one technique each time.

[k-dom]

Bittman, You could use Nijima to illustrate your leader point. I wonder if he will be Kenichi weakness during his fight. Tirawit could use him as a sort of hostage. Plus if the muay thai enemies are defeated in the next chapters what was the point in bringing all the Shinpaku alliance to Okinawa ?

[JustMax]

Wait, you think Saiga is a super master...and then that Kenichi will defeat him before the manga is complete?

This is History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi. Not History's Strongest SuperMasterstrongerthantheInvincibleSuperman Kenichi.
Well if you want to nitpick everything, then by all means. But what I meant was the -series- not just the manga. But hey, whatever enforces your point ^^



In a football team, is the coach the best player? No, yet he is still able to garner a level of respect from his players. Saiga did not have the people shaking in their boots, he just reminded them why they were all there.
And again these are two completely different groups. Do you really need an analogy as to why our world is different from the world of HSDK? I think you can spot the differences.



As Miu said ages ago, when Honoka comedically asked "Who was the Strongest?" and they almost fell into an all out battle, the Elder did not stop the fight because they were scared of him, but rather reminded them why they were there.
You did see that they were all lovey dovey with eachother, right?
They wouldn't have fought in the first place.



My point is: the leader does not always need to be the most powerful one, though in Shonen's it's a common practice, there are many reasons you might make a leader weaker to bring them closer to an acheivable level for others.
That just doesn't make sense from the perspective of the story. I'm sorry if you find it so hard to believe that people might not agree with you, but if you actually look at it from a logical perspective and take into consideration that all Shonen has the final boss as someone who is incredibly strong, rather the strongest that only the main character can beat you will see why he HAS to be the strongest.



But regardless: Saiga is not Kenichi's final boss, though I do expect it might indeed be a Master level fighter.
Could or could not be. Idk, I just have that vibe because I don't see the Elder killing his own son. Besides Saiga is needed for Miu drama(character progress) and for Kenichi to come to the rescue. I'm thinking Saiga might kill Elder.

[Unholy]

I agree that Saiga is likely to be the final boss and kenichi is gonna be the one to defeat him but i could be wrong.I dont know it just fells that everything kenichi and his friends are doing is pointless, just see it this way: if kenichi defeats all the yami disciples but his masters lose he cant do shit against the yami masters and the world is destroyed.In a similar scenario if kenichi loses but his masters win the world is saved so in a way whatever he does looks meanless. It would make more sense to me if Saiga was strongers/same lvl or whatever other reason that made it impossible for the Elder to win against him and kenichi had to do it, that would actually put him on the spot light but if that were to happen we would either need a time skip or the manga would last forever.I see the story taking 3 possible ways, a) kenichi defeats all disciples his masters defeat the yami masters and the story ends, b)we get some sort of time skip and kenichi defeats the "final boss" or c)the manga HSDK ends with kenichi defeating all disciples or some similar ending and we get a new manga that continues the series following kenichis steps to become the strongest master.

[Franckie]

Wait, you think Saiga is a super master...and then that Kenichi will defeat him before the manga is complete?

This is History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi. Not History's Strongest SuperMasterstrongerthantheInvincibleSuperman Kenichi.

Powerscaling and plot importance place Saiga in the super master league.

Not even two years have passed in the manga and Kenichi is already an Expert-class fighter, which is a tier below Master-class. Within this past arc, he is now tanking attacks from master-class fighters. You should expect Kenichi to become a Master-class fighter during his third and final year of highschool, especially considering his rate of improvement is somewhat consistant.

[bittman]

Firstly: I said something wrong there. I meant to say "You think Saiga is a legendary master" rather than Super Master. To clarify, I do think Saiga is Super Master rank.

I've already mentioned I expect Kenichi to end on beating a Master Class and rising to the rank of Master (even though Expert is meant to be the longest class....meaning he should technically be there for ages), but Super Master classes are all experts, and the Legendary tier are typically those who have gone well beyond simply mastering a style and become living legends.

If HSDK ends with Kenichi even close to the level of any of his masters, I'll be disappointed, let alone close to Hayato. What's the point of the manga near the end if Kenichi no longer needs to learn from masters because he stands alongside, or above, them?

And I still don't necessarily see Saiga as the final boss, though the story won't go beyond Yami/Yomi. The Big Bad of the current arc, for example, is Asgaard whilst Kenichi v Tirawit seems like a distraction on the entire scale of things. Saiga might be a final boss for his masters, whilst Kenichi toe-to-toes with Kajima.

Point is: I just can't see Kenichi rising to the level of Saiga just so he can get in some beloved Miu flashback. I can see Kenichi attacking Saiga, sure, but unless Saiga loses both arms and a leg to Akisame or Hayato, Kenichi should never reach that Super Master level.

But again, this is just me. I hold no interest in Kenichi going beyond the Disciple/Expert level because it would lose a lot of what makes his character have great chemistry with his masters, rivals, friends and foes.

[Lectro Volpi]

Chapter is out

http://www.1000manga.com/Historys_Strongest_Disciple_Kenichi/392/

Simply love Nijima´s antics.

Is the blackout the work of a third party or maybe the Elder?


It is stated on this chapter or on the last one that the blackout is due to kenichis master trieng to hack into yamis computer, sort of like a defense meckanism against intruders or something thats why he asked nijima to help him hack into the computer.

Haha... I wasn´t paying attention there. It´s good that that thing was tied up but it must mean that Akisame fought the spear guy quite quickly and then to the control room (the blackout happened with kensei´s fight)

[k-dom]

Yeah Nijima deserve his commander title. I won't say he is weak anymore. His psychokenesis powers made my day

[Unholy]

Chapter is out

http://www.1000manga.com/Historys_Strongest_Disciple_Kenichi/392/

Simply love Nijima´s antics.

Is the blackout the work of a third party or maybe the Elder?

It is stated on this chapter or on the last one that the blackout is due to kenichis master trieng to hack into yamis computer, sort of like a defense meckanism against intruders or something thats why he asked nijima to help him hack into the computer.

[KenCS]

Welp, unless a new disciple or master shows up on the way from kenichi and apachai's battleground to where akisame is chilling out, there's no real opportunity for Miu fanservice (I of course say this in regards to the level that HSDK goes, in most mangas her outfit itself is fanservice). That's some good news, hopefully it stays that way while we watch a battle that's been... what, years?... in the making unfold.

[shaheer]

finally the battle starts ...ve been waiting for like eternity .. still dun get the comparison Kenichi blasted the ex leader of yami and now according to nejima he cant win against a member of yami ..

[Deadbear]

There has been a particular focus on the master's fights lately, almost as if the manga-ka has become bored with showing Kenichi's growth.

I agree. I think - or hope really - that maybe Syun-sensei is setting the manga up for Kenichi to do some real personal growth. Yeah the battles are really cool; the ecchi is...[insert your description of choice]; and the martial arts themselves are fantastic. But i think Kenichi himself needs some character development beyond just: new opponent...panics..."Masters!"...training from hell...fight...struggle...victory for Katsujin-ken...he's stronger and finds something new to panic about (plus a healthy sprinkling of comedy and ecchi all throughout). Don't get me wrong that formula has kept me coming back to this manga for almost 400 chapters now.

But am I the only one to think that he needs some emotional turmoil like "I want to save this person but that means killing this person"? Or how about new head of Yomi Satomi Kajima decides: "We must recruit Kenichi Shirahama to our side". Or even the masters saying to Kenichi: "There is no longer anything we can teach you, you must learn the rest on your own."

Not to mention that Miu needs some emotional development, some Daddy time, and a resolution to that thing about the ninja village she seems familiar with (mentioned way back during the DofD), with finally maybe a clear description of what her level is and her intentions towards Kenichi. And the Shinpaku Alliance needs some development too. We got some with Takeda (his sparring match with Kenichi), but what about the whole Kisara-Freya-Ukita thing? Is Ukita gonna stay as the groups weakest fighter? The stuff with Natsu? The Miu-Renka-Kenichi thing? We see none of those.

I know that this History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi but maybe using one or two or a combination of the the ideas for Kenichi I said earlier (or even something completely off my radar) Syun can advance the group as a whole.
Thats some of the things I want to see. Kenich as he is now can only carry this story so far before it could get boring. As much as I love this manga I would hate to see that happening.

[edit: ill add my own thoughts on character level and series ending at a later time. Don't wanto to double post, especially long ones. Some one might use the internets to kill me.]

[Teh_Devilz]

Chapter 393 is out on Keishou.
http://keishou.net/index.php?topic=817.0

[Lectro Volpi]

Nijima never fails to amuse me, the way he crouches (?) like a cockroach, is Nijima Style master class?

I also liked Akisame´s part, it´s been years since my last floppy disk hahaha...

But I disliked that the entire chapter went to just that, there will be kenichi next week?

[Askia32]

I finally caught myself up in the manga, and I must say I love it. Although, I find it better to read this series by the arcs instead of chapter to chapter. I'm thinking about waiting till December to continue reading, but I'm afraid I might not be able to find past issues because of the new license thing going on. Ugh, I don't know what to do.

[Deadbear]

I'm thinking about waiting till December to continue reading, but I'm afraid I might not be able to find past issues because of the new license thing going on. Ugh, I don't know what to do.

go out every week and save new releases to your archives and when you're ready to read an entire arc its all there.

the licensing issues seem to be targeting large free manga hosting sites...not individual scanlator homepages or private ownership/viewership of free scanlantions. at least I think.

but if you don't have a large hard drive then i guess you're S.O.L.

[Askia32]

go out every week and save new releases to your archives and when you're ready to read an entire arc its all there.

the licensing issues seem to be targeting large free manga hosting sites...not individual scanlator homepages or private ownership/viewership of free scanlantions. at least I think.

but if you don't have a large hard drive then i guess you're S.O.L.

Thanks for the input.
My HDD is big enough, but I usually just read online. What site do I go to to actually download?

[Josl]

Thanks for the input.
My HDD is big enough, but I usually just read online. What site do I go to to actually download?

Best way is to go to:
http://www.mangaupdates.com/releases.html
There you can see which chapter from which manga was scanlated. You can also see and this is the most important part which group did the scanlation.
In case of Kenichi Keishou Scans does the scanlation.
You click on the group:
http://www.mangaupdates.com/groups.html?id=3002
and then on the link to the homepage of them:
http://keishou.net/
and than you download your manga or in case of keishou they also offer an onlinereader

[Askia32]

Wow, thanks big time.

[saladesu]

Nijima never fails to amuse me, the way he crouches (?) like a cockroach, is Nijima Style master class?

I also liked Akisame´s part, it´s been years since my last floppy disk hahaha...

But I disliked that the entire chapter went to just that, there will be kenichi next week?

Agreed, 100%. At the end of the chapter, I just went, "huh, that's it?" :/

And nope there'll be no Kenichi (or any other manga for that matter) next week as all of Japan goes to a standstill for the O-Bon Matsuri.

[Deadbear]

And nope there'll be no Kenichi (or any other manga for that matter) next week as all of Japan goes to a standstill for the O-Bon Matsuri.

and I just died a little inside.

[Wowzers]

and I just died a little inside.
How convenient! Obon is a festival to honour the spirits of the deceased. I'll light a candle for you.


I also liked Akisame´s part, it´s been years since my last floppy disk hahaha...
I think a dust bunny ate my last floppy disk. :D


We've seen that after Akisame's fight he is trying to get info out of the base computer.
Kenichi and Apachai are occupied with their fights.

What about the others?
The Invincible Superman.. err Garyuu X is probably still playing with the soldiers.
Ma is probably either bandaging up his hand or taking ecchi photos of his defeated foe. Or maybe both at the same time.

What about Shigure & Sakaki?

[Deadbear]

I thought this was an interesting topic so I decided to restart it by introducing my own views. So here is my ideas on the current power rankings of HSDK:

Epic Master Class
Hayato Furinji

Legendary Master Class
Saiga Furinji
Mikumo Kushinada
Danki Kugatachi
Ma Hakubi

Super Master Class
Koetsuji Akisame = Ma Kensei
Ma Sougetsu
Silcardo Jenazad = Akira Hongo
Isshinsai Ogata
Agaard Jum Sai = Apachai Hopachai = Sakaki Shio
Kousaka Shigure
James Shiba

High Master Class
Sehrul Rahman
Diego Carlo
Sai Kagerou
Alexander Gaidar
Li Tenmon
Ro Jisei (Yami-substitute)

Standard Master Class
Christopher Éclair
Shirahama Honoka (in Othello)
Shirahama Mototsugu (in rifles)
Shirahama Saori (in milf-ness)

Low Master Class
Jennifer Grey
Fortuna Tomorrow

High Expert Class
Kajima Satomi
Tsutomu Tanaka

Standard Expert Class
Sho Kano
Tirawit Koukin
Furinji Miu
Kushinada Chikage
Ma Renka

Low Expert Class
Kenichi Shirahama
Tanimoto Natsu
Ethan Stanley
Rachel Stanley
Chou Enshin (Yomi-substitute)
Meatman

High Disciple Class
Ryuto Asamiya (Ragnarok/Pre-Yomi)
Takeda Ikki
Kaname Kugatachi “Freya”
Hibiki Kugenin “Siegfried”
Nanjo Kisara
Yuma Chiaki
Radin Tidat Jihan (Yomi)
Boris Ivanov
Yamato Naoki
Three Headed Dragon (Kaku Shin Ten, Chou Yin Lin, Yo Tekai)
Berserker (pre-Yomi)
Li Raichi
Shinnosuke Tsuji

Standard Disciple Class
Kozo Ukita
Loki
Mizunuma
Taichi Koga “The kicker”

Low Disciple Class
Tsukuba
Daimonji

Average Person
Izumi Yuka
Shiratori
Number 20
Matsui
Kamioka

Beyond Comprehension
Haruo Niijima

[Remember: strength does not equal power does not equal victory. When someone mentions in a flashback about a difficult fight we have no idea about the specific circumstances behind that fight.]

I have ranked the Elder by himself because just about every other character acknowledges that Hayato is the single most powerful being on the planet. So no one can be ranked with him.
As for the others its a desending list. If two names are under the same class but one is higher than the other that means I rank his/her power as slightly higher. If they are on the same line separated by an "=" then I judge their overall power to be basically equal, until new evidence proves otherwise.
I am sure I will have to defend at least some of my power rankings (like my Legendary and Super master classes) so I'll leave the justification for later when someone asks for it.

[Bowser]

If in order...Silcardo and Akira might be a little underrated there. Is Danki really that high?

[Deadbear]

Silcardo and Akira might be a little underrated there.
I dont think so. I haven't seen anything that rates them than higher than Super master class. Now the running for top spot in that particular class might be close with Silcardo and Akira equals. But just because the elder had a "tough fight" doesn't mean that he is in the same league. until i have read the specific circumstances and until Sakaki-shishou fights him I stick by my ranking.


Is Danki really that high?
yes simply because with little to no effort on his part he is able to overcome other master class fighters, keep his true skills hidden, accomplish some dungeon Yami-base annihilation reminiscent of the elder, and with a single glance evaluate any pupil and improve their abilities. With this last skill he is similar to Koetsuji-shishou and his amount of experience (he is 90 years old after all) place him a little higher than the Super Master class.
Plus don't forget, he by himself without any supporters feels a rivalry towards Ryozanpaku. He's got to be backing some major skills to do this. Thus he gets the legendary master class title. Not superhuman epic class but close.

[En Yang Ji]

- Who's Ma Hakubi? Kensei's uncle?

- I don't believe Danki belongs in legendary class. Sakaki and Ma Sougetsu were also able to take on several masters.

- Silcardo probably belongs in the legendary master class. Look at this: http://mangavolume.com/index.php?serie=historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi&chapter=historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-350&page_nr=12

From what Ma said it seems Silcardo is either on a higher level or at least he's a very tough opponent for anyone in the Super Master Class.

- Saiga belongs at another level from everyone else. Even if he's not on Hayato's level, he's above everyone in the one shadow nine fist. When he said shut up everyone there shut up immediately. Besides, he's the leader and Hayato's son. From what it seems Saiga is just like Hayato; they both believe having heart is the most important thing. Also they can easily silence the members of their respective groups.

[Deadbear]

- I don't believe Danki belongs in legendary class. Sakaki and Ma Sougetsu were also able to take on several masters.
Were they also able to do it while pretending to be senile and feeble? Are they able to raise multiple disciples, including those in styles they don't teach? NO they weren't. So he gets an extra bump.


- Silcardo probably belongs in the legendary master class.

-From what Ma said it seems Silcardo is either on a higher level or at least he's a very tough opponent for anyone in the Super Master Class.
No, its probably becuase challenging two elite masters is a risky thing and that of all people Silcardo is not the type to obey the "one-on-one" fight rule.


- Saiga belongs at another level from everyone else. Even if he's not on Hayato's level, he's above everyone in the one shadow nine fist. When he said shut up everyone there shut up immediately.
Hence his placement at the top of the "legendary master class" ranking. But he doesn't yet deserve to be in a class of his own. Maybe when or if he kills his father.


- Who's Ma Hakubi? Kensei's uncle?
Yes, and even Ma-sifu shows him deference and respect. Plus i remember someone saying he completely annihilated some chinese mafia when he started missing Renka-chan. He also gets the Legendary Master Class ranking.

[En Yang Ji]

@DeadBear: Do you think Ryuuto will ever be able to walk again? If he could and the damage to his body can somehow be negated, where would you rank Ryuuto?

[Deadbear]

@ki0: no i don't think Ryuuto will ever walk again. Plot-wise speaking it makes sense that he stays in a wheelchair then Kenichi has a reason to fight Ogata's trio of new recruits. But if Syun pulls some strange plot twist out of his a** and repairs the damaged Ryuuto then I'd rank him as Kenichi's equal.

[En Yang Ji]

- It looks like, even though he has no talent, Kenichi has the potential to become the strongest disciple because he has a very strong heart, that's constantly growing and his body has the potential to become the strongest because of his training regime:


1. katsujinken users strength is their heart: http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-262-page-13.html

2. Having heart and compassion allows Katsujinken users to reach a level Satsujinken users can't reach: http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-262-page-13.html, http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-262-page-14.html, http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-262-page-15.html

3. Hayato said "there are many people who can learn faster, but not many can reach the top level": http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-170-page-4.html

4. Kajima said "What tells life from death isn't power or technique, but the heart !! "My master one shadow said this very often", "The most important thing in a match of any kind is strength of your heart": http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-267-page-8.html, http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-267-page-9.html, http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-384-page-7.html

5. Kenichi was only able complete his hellish training regime, because he
had a strong heart and his teachers were kind to him: http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-260-page-16.html

6. Hermit said "In the world martial arts, hardwork overcomes talent." Kenichi training so hard all the time makes up for the fact that he has no talent: http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-135-page-20.html, http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-135-page-22.html, http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-135-page-23.html, http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-135-page-24.html

7. Kenichi body has the potential to be one of the strongest: http://manga.bleachexile.com/historys-strongest-disciple-kenichi-chapter-122-page-10.html

[saladesu]

Of course Kenichi will be the strongest disciple - that's the manga's title after all ^^ And one of the best things about HSDK to me is Kenichi's lack of talent which is what makes him your atypical shounen hero. Unlike say, Luffy who has the Gomu Gomu no Mi, Naruto who innately has tons of chakra from the Kyuubi at his disposal (well, kinda), Ichigo who's spewing spiritual energy from the get go, Edward who's a genius at alchemy and so on, Kenichi has none of these. I mean all these shounen heroes work hard and get better, but it's always great to see the underdog with zero talent whatsoever striving to be better and achieving just that and becoming the strongest. The title may be "strongest disciple", but I guess deep down we (or at least I am) are rooting for Kenichi to be even greater than that XD (oops did I just contradict my first line :/)

[Epic_Rider]

Actualy, sometimes i seriously wonder about that lack of talent thing. I mean, in a about a year of training he can beat people that have been training all their lives... which is the same thing that talented shounen heroes do in roughly the same time frame, lol

[saladesu]

Lol, true, but look at the amount of training he does. Definitely more than your average shounen hero. It's like he doesn't have any homework to do and the minute he gets home he gets trained/tortured by Akisame, Ma, Sakaki and Apachai XD I imagine Akisame/Ma would probably even make him do mabu while studying or otherwise maximise the time he spends doing homework/studying XD

Plus, sometimes to defeat some of his opponent he needs special training that hones a particular skill that specifically target the weaknesses of whatever martial art his opponent is using, which would generally give anyone an upper hand to some degree regardless of their overall level of mastery.

[daman246]

well we cant say kenichi doesnt have any talent maybe his master just say that so hes ego doest get over his head and make him lose his guard is fights because he thinkgs hes superior/genius
kenichi been studying martial arts for about 1year or less and hes beaten the crap of ppl that been fighting there whole fkc life like they say no person thats doesnt have any talent cannot beat someone that has bben practicing something for over 6years in 1 thats just absurb

[Deadbear]

actually I think y'all are missing the point. Talent or no talent Kenichi can only ever express his full abilities when defending someone or enforcing his ideals and never against a woman. In those matches talent isn't the deciding factor, skill isn't the deciding factor, courage isn't the deciding factor. The deciding factor is conviction which drives him to defeat his enemies, no matter the cost to him personally.
Also, he has never beaten the crap out of anyone (except accidentally to small fries). He has only ever won by the smallest of margins, usually (but not always) with a final burst of energy at the end, and sometimes with a single, devastatingly powerful hit at just the right spot at just the right time.

[LoS]

New raw is out everyone, get some action but a ton of flashback backstory.

[saladesu]

Interesting backstory on Agard and Apachai! The last few pages were wow and set the stage for a truly epic battle between the two ^^ I'm looking forward to it.

[Zatono]

The new chapter is out! Get it here: http://keishou.net/manga/History%27s_Strongest_Deciple_Kenichi/394/

[Deadbear]

Here's a random question: why doesn't this manga have its own sub-forum like the Big 3 or any of the small fry shounen? I mean with 105 pages of responses, random sub-topics and almost 200 thousand views I'd think it would have earned one by now. Especially considering newer and less popular manga have one already? Who exactly does Miu, Shigure, Renka, and Rachel have to show their tits to get their own sub-forum?

[Lectro Volpi]

Man, I can forgive anything after this chapter. Totally touched me, Agaard seems like a guy that can respect a fellow (has to be Muay Thai of course) martial artist; he was the closest thing to a friend to Apachai and humored a lot of his antics... sniff...

Ah yes, Agaard is what? 8 years or more older than Apachai?


Here's a random question: why doesn't this manga have its own sub-forum like the Big 3 or any of the small fry shounen? I mean with 105 pages of responses, random sub-topics and almost 200 thousand views I'd think it would have earned one by now. Especially considering newer and less popular manga have one already? Who exactly does Miu, Shigure, Renka, and Rachel have to show their tits to get their own sub-forum?

You know... I actually like things as they are. As long as is about Kenichi you can post as much as you want without the: Please let us get back on topic, otherwise posts will be deleted. Thank you. Yes? let things just be like this for now.

[Bowser]

Man thats so sadistic of Agaard. Great backstory.

[ChikoSuave21]

Agaard did call himself a beast. A beast knows when something is a threat to themselves. So it'll be interesting to see how the fight is concluded. And yes, he's gotta be that much older than Apachai. I love the pacing and story of this invasion.

[WickedNeko]

Of course Kenichi will be the strongest disciple - that's the manga's title after all ^^ A

I'm afraid that there's a little misunderstand there (caused by mistranslation of the title).

The title is a joke based on Japanese language (which is referred several times in the manga itself). Strongest, as used in the title, usually acts as an adjective but may be used as noun. In case of this manga, it's the latter. He's not the strongest disciple. He's the disciple to the strongest.

As for Kenichi actually being talented.... that would defeat the entire premises of the manga. The fact that he has become so powerful is a testament to teaching skills of his masters, not Kenichi's ability to learn.

Anyways...

...what I find particularly interesting about this manga is that, despite the large number of major characters, they each get actual personality and lives beyond simple stereotype and fight scene... especially since the Ragnorak arc ended and author began taking more time to allow various subplots to develop.

[saladesu]

I'm afraid that there's a little misunderstand there (caused by mistranslation of the title).

The title is a joke based on Japanese language (which is referred several times in the manga itself). Strongest, as used in the title, usually acts as an adjective but may be used as noun. In case of this manga, it's the latter. He's not the strongest disciple. He's the disciple to the strongest.

No, but the thing is the ambiguity of the title. "Saikyou no deshi" can be both "strongest disciple" and "disciple of the strongest", because as you say it can be both an adjective and a noun. I think the whole reason Matsuena-sensei used it was to be a pun - to show that literally he would be the "strongest disciple of the strongest" :tem I know there's that running line about "The strongest in history, but he is the disciple" but I still think Matsuena-sensei is foreshadowing (?) that Kenichi will eventually become the strongest of the disciples. After all, that's where he's heading towards now as he fights Yomi isn't he? Eventually he will defeat them all (because this is a shounen manga XD) and gain the title of of "strongest disciple", though perhaps right now he is still merely "disciple of the strongest" :D

[darkband]

Yes, I agree. After all he is on the cliff method to becoming a master, plus his own creeds (don't kill, and don't hurt women). Yami/Yomi already has its sights squarely on him, so he will have to keep going until he becomes the strongest, and stay the strongest or he will be killed by them. I seem to recall the elder saying something to a similar effect though I don't remember when.

[LoS]

Raw is out, more back story.

[Zatono]

Ladies and Gentlemen, the new chapter is up! Get it here. http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/c395/

[LoS]

I don't want to jinx it, but it seems like next chapter could "potentially" be the end of the flashback. We will see them go their separate ways, paths, and end up to the present.

[Lectro Volpi]

Even with the "Killing-Fist" philosophy Agaard does not look to harbor ill will towards his opponents... could be a good thing or a siniester sadism, not feeling really anything personal.

This was supposed to be Agaard's first bloodlust? first kill? first headshot... no, that was his second...

I just love this arc now; Agaard is on a different level, not like Diego or Alexander, those two were not on the same level that of their opponents (Akisame and Kensei). Agaard, on the other hand, is equal or even stronger than Apachai!

[Drakno]

I didn't feel Diego or Alexander where weak, the fact that they fought with the ryouzanpaku masters early doesn't mean they are weaker than the opponents they would fight later, they both managed to fight equally with Akisame and Kensei and unlike their disciple the masters don't really improve much at their level.

[Zatono]

I kind of wished that the flashback would explain what the hell is going on with Agaard's eyes. Seriously, it's kind of strange, and if it's left unexplained that'd be even worse.

[Drakno]

nothing is going on with his eyes. that's just the way they are drawn

[saladesu]

The raw is out! As predicted by some, the backstory was wrapped up within this chapter, and we return to the Apachai vs Aagard fight.

It was an interesting chapter, though nothing unexpected happened. Apachai's so cute and KY/oblivious sometimes XD Next week's going to be great, I'll bet ^^

[Franckie]

I didn't feel Diego or Alexander where weak, the fact that they fought with the ryouzanpaku masters early doesn't mean they are weaker than the opponents they would fight later, they both managed to fight equally with Akisame and Kensei and unlike their disciple the masters don't really improve much at their level.

The bigger problem is that Yami doesn't feel like an immense threat. Sure, Yami's strongest fighters can hold their own against anyone from Ryozanpaku, but none of the Masters have been defeated. Yet. Yami's sense of threat could change with this fight, though I doubt it.

[WickedNeko]

The bigger problem is that Yami doesn't feel like an immense threat. Sure, Yami's strongest fighters can hold their own against anyone from Ryozanpaku, but none of the Masters have been defeated. Yet. Yami's sense of threat could change with this fight, though I doubt it.

While that's somewhat true, remember that, if one is defeated by Yami, one is usually killed. Unless the author is planning to permanently kill off Ryoznapku's masters... I just don't see this happening.

On a side note, while not a definite "loss", Kushinada (aka "Miku-chin") has managed to pretty much run circles around Ryozanpaku's masters whenever they happen to meet her.

[sapherosth]

Agaard taking on 3 of the leaders of underground muay thai is quite epic.
the lists needs to be re-arrange.... hahahahaahaaa

[Franckie]

While that's somewhat true, remember that, if one is defeated by Yami, one is usually killed. Unless the author is planning to permanently kill off Ryoznapku's masters... I just don't see this happening.
Hayato is guaranteed to be killed off. Not sure about the other Masters though.


On a side note, while not a definite "loss", Kushinada (aka "Miku-chin") has managed to pretty much run circles around Ryozanpaku's masters whenever they happen to meet her.

Shigure and Sakaki were able to hold their own against Kushinada. Sure, she could run circles around them, but she was not unable to do any actual harm to either one of them. Kensei doesn't count since his skirmish with Kushinada was directly after his fight with Diego.

[Zatono]

Chapter is out, courtesy of Keishou scanlations. If I must say, Apachai has a pretty cool backstory all in all.

[saladesu]

Now that we know quite a bit of backstory of Apachai, Ma and Shigure, I'm hoping for some Akisame and Sakaki backstory next ^^

In other news, Kenichi's getting the cover for next week's issue, along with colour pages for that issue as well as the subsequent 2 issues! 3 weeks of colour! I wonder why it's suddenly getting this many colour pages in a row... Not that I'm complaining of course ^^ This also means a few pages at least of Apachai vs Agaard in colour! :D

[sapherosth]

this manga needs more discussion!!!.

[Lectro Volpi]

Was Agaard corrupted by the Satsujinken? he looked like a true good guy in the past.

I expect a lot from Agaard, please do your best!

[k-dom]

Well the guy who goes on the dark side to be able to be stronger is a bit cliche, isn't it ? But this flashback was a nice introduction for the fight up to come. I wonder how the 2 fights will be displayed.

[masgrande]

I think he went to the "dark side" to find strong opponents, not to become stronger.

[En Yang Ji]

I think it's both. He told Apa to come to the dark side because he thought it was necessary for advancement.

[CaptFamous]

It's a chicken-or-the-egg argument. He wanted to find strong opponents, because that's the best way to get stronger. It's pretty much the same thing Appachai did, plus a lot of killing, apparently.

Also, now we know why Appachai was practicing those Muay Boran techniques. It looks like he's the only one left who knows them.

[WickedNeko]

Agaard didn't become "corrupt". He just came at a conclusion that majority of master class characters did... that ultimate purpose of martial arts is to destroy opponents as effectively as possible. When you look at all the characters that has appeared, "masters that believes against killing opponents" are by far the minority.

On the topic of storyline... after this fight, I think we're due for some plot twist / new arc.

Kenichi has encountered 9 of 10 disciples (including Natsu) and defeated half of 10 disciples (technically over half if we, once again, include Natsu). I can't believe that storyline will continue along with "Kenichi meets yet another disciple and fight".

[Drakno]

I think Agaard always was a satsujinken, you don't have to be psycho to believe that death is a natural part of life, in some cases I don't even believe it would be entirely bad, sure since the good guys need to always make the moral choices since it's not seinen and there are kids reading it you might think that everything can be miraculously somehow made right even without killing with things that are less than reasonable like big lock and the fact no corrupted people in the goverment that could leak info about big lock or about people who know about it while we know that yami is supposed to have serious support in goverments and politics....

The way I see it some specific people dying would be far more reasonable and if I was a Ryouzanpaku master there are some people I would kill or at the very least mutilate (though non of the yami masters, them being alive means yami can't replenish their seats since if other master class fighters wanted to join they would now they would have to fight the original shadow seats eventually and there's a good chance they would die), Agaard sees things the same way and probably always has, that fighter that blackmailed him with taking away Apachai for the win could have the belt and an empty title for all he cared but to stand before him with no respect to the art in a fight means that after he has kept his end of the bargain he would have to realize his true power, he was a low caliber man anyway that would never achieve masterhood or be important, to Agaard his opponent's life was no more important than all he could ever have been which was nothig great anyway. Agaard is trying to become stronger in an art for war, isn't it natural not to hold back your strength when your opponent is trying to kill you?

If you ask me I think Agaard is more of a beast than Apachai, if anything he understands that killing is part of life and how absurd the hypocritics of society can be. Both katsujinken and satsujinken have points to consider, though I disagree with the absolute distinction of the two like we see at the manga where they are extremes we see many sides and points for each side, while we are seeing chars too deep in their role always we are also seeing them being presented and acting exactly like the part.

[sapherosth]

***********SPOILER*************

http://www.rapidspread.com/file.jsp?id=bvdsevtmzt
this is the raw of the next chapter

[The Don Master T]

***********SPOILER*************

http://www.rapidspread.com/file.jsp?id=bvdsevtmzt
this is the raw of the next chapter

what where? just had a bunch of advertisements on there

[sapherosth]

what where? just had a bunch of advertisements on there

here's the link directly to the download page.
http://www5.zippyshare.com/v/75251631/file.html
:tem

[ChikoSuave21]

Chapter 397 is out on Keishou.net! (http://keishou.net/manga/History's_Strongest_Deciple_Kenichi/397)

I love the fighting.
I love the character insight.
I love the character insight while master and disciple are fighting each other to the death. haha.

[Wowzers]

Wow! Aagard is a really great guy actually! Now if he only wasn't trying to kill Apachai and Kenichi. :sweat

I especially like how he spent so much of the chapter genuinely complementing Kenichi and Kenichi was so totally shocked how easily Aagard read his motivations and how he was fighting.

[Lectro Volpi]

I... Am... Moved! snif*

Agaard is the man. He appeared really cocky with the "Muay Thai is the strongest and absolute!" when he first talked (shade), but he truly ackowledges that power can come in different ways, not the "Satsujinken is the way or else you are a pussy!" we have seen lately!

[LoS]

All of this makes me wonder how he feels about his peers in the one shadow 9 fist organization. Surely there are some who are strong enough to provide him with a challenge, but I guess none are worth his praise morally.

[sapherosth]

damn this is getting more interesting by the week!!! agaard looks really powerful.. more so than the previous fist members

[WickedNeko]

Wow! Aagard is a really great guy actually! Now if he only wasn't trying to kill Apachai and Kenichi. :sweat

I especially like how he spent so much of the chapter genuinely complementing Kenichi and Kenichi was so totally shocked how easily Aagard read his motivations and how he was fighting.

Aagard is a charismatic guy, not necessary a great guy. I mean, we're talking about a guy who has massacred countless number of people, participated in kidnapping, training a child to become a skilled murderer, etc etc.

[Bludvein]

Aagard is a charismatic guy, not necessary a great guy. I mean, we're talking about a guy who has massacred countless number of people, participated in kidnapping, training a child to become a skilled murderer, etc etc.

Misguided, absolutely. Evil, no.

Thats not to say he shouldn't join his fellow YAMI in Big Lock, but his character is easy to empathize with. Hes not truly a bad person at all.

By his logic, a martial artist can't fight at their best if they are holding themselves back in order to not kill the opponent. Also, a fight between between martial artists like themselves is preceeded by an unspoken agreement to fight to the death. A contest with a serious consequence, if you will. Its the same logic with which people go to war and kill each other with. So I wouldn't call it a murder, though I suppose it pends on your point of view.


This makes sense from a logical point of view, if not from a moral one.

[elitefox]

"Its a little better if dead" punch lol

Anybody think apachai would lose? since all ryonpa master does is win win win? lol

They are the strongest in history and suffered no loss until now :D


Kokin is trying a one hit KO always, I wonder why?

[LoS]

Surprised no one bothered to talk about the new chapter. Kokin looks freaking badass/alien looking on the color magazine cover. Blond hair, didn't see that coming, but with red pupils and red tattoos. Looks intimidating as heck.

We also get 3 colored pages, all have Miu on them as well. She got a hole in her outfit, well many holes, but one of em is right on her butt crack. Made me LOL.

Anyway, we get to see Kenichi finally find his determination, and we even get the HSDK serious eyes from the two apprentices(the lazer beam eyes).

That last double spread is freaking awesome.

[Astral_Shive]

RAW pictures - HSDK 398

http://mangahead.com/Manga-Raw-Scan/History-Strongest-Disciple-Kenichi/Historys-Strongest-Disciple-Kenichi-398-Raw-Scan

[Stevenh1990]

Is the anime coming back !?

[The Don Master T]

Is the anime coming back !?

wish it would!

would love to see more of the fight animated

also the recent chapter was awesome the it's the fisrt time the disciples and master have history together (though the master have a deeper history together)

I also love that one of my favorite master apaichi (apapapapa) lol get's to fight someone from his past

it's sad it going to end in the next chapter though :(

[LoS]

Pretty cool that they get 3 straight covers and color pages, to celebrate the 400th chapter!

[masgrande]

I kinda wish Asggard joins the good guys after this arc, unlike the others nine shadows he doesn't seem really evil.
edit: Kensai's brother doesn't look evil but neutral.

[Zatono]

Chapter 399 is out thanks to MangaStream! http://mangastream.com/read/hsdk/96767834/1

This chapter was definitely epic. I suppose we'll see the conclusion to the Master fight in the next chapter.

[Dasbones]

I'm wondering who that guy with the scythe is, do you guys think it could be the leader of the weapons division of YAMI? As seen here (http://mangastream.com/read/hsdk/96767834/11)

And I think it's safe to say the figure next to him is One Shadow himself.

Edit: on second glance, it seems like there is a total of three silhouettes next to Elder, one seems to be in front of the silhouette that's bearing his teeth.

or maybe I'm just crazy

[LoS]

What do you think the odds are that the Scythe wielder's name is Shinigami/Death-God or something like that?

[The Don Master T]

well chapter 399 was awesome apaichi was just a super beast in this chapter and the scary part is agaard matched him

[Wowzers]

I think it is a pretty safe bet that Apachai survives this battle as he will have to reveal who the 3 shadowed individuals are... and yes, I do see 3 shadows. I haven't seen a raw, but I don't think it is just an artifact.

Now we have to patiently wait another week. :)

[saladesu]

I see 3 shadows too! XD But Matsuena-sensei already did a pretty long flashback for Apachai/Agaard so I hope he doesn't spend too long revealing who those 3 are...

And wow, 400th chapter come next week. I too hope there'll be another season of the anime. The animators have more than enough material to work with now, and there have been so many fights that I am sure will look great animated :)

[Lectro Volpi]

Is Agaard getting trashed? He was doing just fine some chapters ago!

[Zatono]

He's not getting trashed (yet). I'm sure we're gonna see some epic fighting back next chapter. Eventually though, Apachai is just going to unleash, and we'll see some of this again.

http://img16.tx.us.mangafox.com/store/manga/107/34-312.0/compressed/017.jpg

[daman246]

a 2nd season to the anime will greatly earn them so much cash lol but it will really be great if they are to release anime version as long as bleach,naruto,and hitman reborn

[WickedNeko]

I'm not counting on the identities of the "shadowed figures" being revealed anytime soon. After all, remember the "master that's currently away"? He's been mentioned since first volume and, yet, hasn't made an appearance or identity revealed after over 8 years of syndication (unless it turns out to be StarWars-esque Saiga twist or Miu's mother being secretly alive... although imagined picture of it showed a male figure).

[darkband]

@WickedNeko I don't recall the exact phrasing, i think that it wasn't a master but they were referring to Isshinsai Ogata(aka Kensei of OSNF), who they were going to have as a disciple but, ended up not doing so. I think the phrasing of the line was something like "Come to think of it there was another guy at Ryouzanpaku." Anyway that's what I believe was meant by that comment.

[WickedNeko]

No, it was definitely another master.
There was a mini-arc about someone claiming to be a master of Ryouzanpaku, and Kenichi thinking "so that's the missing master".

[Drakno]

No, it was definitely another master.
There was a mini-arc about someone claiming to be a master of Ryouzanpaku, and Kenichi thinking "so that's the missing master".

It's been explained during the ragnarok arc that the ex- ryuzampaku master is Ogata

[WickedNeko]

No, Ogata was never a master at Ryouzanpaku.

He was considered as a disciple.... and ultimately rejected... because his uncontrollable violent tendency / spirit was detected by Master Furinji.

On a somewhat related note, in prototype of Strongest Disciple Kenichi, there were two "missing masters," one of them being Shigure.

[LoS]

Miu's father aka one shadow himself is most likely the master who left.

[The Don Master T]

Miu's father aka one shadow himself is most likely the master who left.

that is a good theory

[jm]

i thought that because Asgard is talking about the katsujin fist then those are masters in shadow are not part of yami. am i wrong?

[LoS]

Next chapter is the 400th issue. I am expecting big things!!! Hopefully mangastream releases today.

[sapherosth]

agaard is quite tough taking apachai's blows like it was nothing.

[jm]

i would really like to know something about the one shadow (like why they all follow him) besides the fact that he is miu's father.

[Zatono]

The latest chapter is out on MangaStream. Get it here. http://mangastream.com/read/hsdk/68424454/1

All I have to say is...Oh Shit.

[Moogle Mango]

The latest chapter is out on MangaStream. Get it here. http://mangastream.com/read/hsdk/68424454/1

All I have to say is...Oh Shit.

Definitely ... oh shit!!!

APACHAI!!!! :o

[diavolo]

Come on now not dying...
If someone were to die I would choose Elder...............

[Chaos Shadow]

WOWWW
this is really something neww... all the previous Ryzan´s masters´s fights were easly won but this... woww even if i wanted him to lose I dont want him to die :darn:darn:darn

[yellowblue]

I hope Apachai will live. Looks like Kenichi will go breaker :)

[nouvomx]

looks like he's dead, his Ki probably went out when he died, thus the master noticed

[LoS]

all the previous Ryzan´s masters´s fights were easly won but this

That's because of the 9 fists' fights that have occurred till now Aagard is the only one the story has stressed as respectable/a powerhouse. You could just tell that Alexander and Diego were not among the elite of that group. Kushinada is the only other 9 fist member who has been involved in a decent fight against the Ryoz masters, and we saw just how elite she is.

Like I said earlier, the plot has continually built up not only Aagard, but Kokin as well. They are supposed to be incredibly formidable for their respective levels. So Ryoz walking all over them would be incredibly surprising, and poor writing since so much time was spent building up Aagard and Kokin.

[Monocle21]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... I was almost in tears when I saw it, but he's not gonna die... but they are setting it up for that, this was an epic chapter.

[TheMoa]

holly crap... i really didn't expect something so brutal!!! :o
Don't die on us, Apa!

[DEATHBOTT]

holy crap!!!!:eek noooooooo!!!! if he dies i think agaard will somehow still be incapacitated by him and taken to big lock. i hope kenichi unlocks some kind of dou fighting technique. please survive apa!!!

[Rowel]

Wow, I didn't expect that outcome. Apachi's current state is bound to rile up Kenichi.

[stephen80]

if appachai dies I don't think i'll continue watching this series :(

[CaptFamous]

This is a tough one. The reactions are ominous, and there was a lot of blood.

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuut...

Apachai's wound is in the conspicuous "chest, but not the heart" area, which for some reason in manga is rarely fatal. Also, we haven't seen Agaard move yet, so the possibility of the "hero falls, but wins" duel scenario is still there.

Darkhorse prediction: Apachai, though more seriously wounded, is alive, and Agaard declares him the winner, because the battle convinced him not to go for a kill shot, just an almost kill shot.

[tobeulp]

That is an awesome chapter!!

[Franckie]

This is certainly one of the best chapters and fights we've had in a long time. Is HSDK beginning to suffer from Cerberus Syndrome (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CerebusSyndrome)? Stay tuned next week to find out.

[jm]

holy damn thats strong.

i want to see what the other masters do but i think Asgard got hurt in that exchange too and can no longer keep fighting.

kenichi is going to explode all over the other disciple

[Lectro Volpi]

I thought that Agaard was getting trashed, looks like he is not.

Should I be happy? I wanted Agaard to kick ass but not this hard!

I think I will wait till next chapter and see the conclusion, maybe it is just a teasing.

Ah yes, Mr. CaptFamous theory FTW.

[arthin]

This is a tough one. The reactions are ominous, and there was a lot of blood.

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuut...

Apachai's wound is in the conspicuous "chest, but not the heart" area, which for some reason in manga is rarely fatal. Also, we haven't seen Agaard move yet, so the possibility of the "hero falls, but wins" duel scenario is still there.

Darkhorse prediction: Apachai, though more seriously wounded, is alive, and Agaard declares him the winner, because the battle convinced him not to go for a kill shot, just an almost kill shot.

yep - same prediction went through my head as well, since no one ever died in the story so far (if I'm not mistaken)

[daman246]

if apachai dies they story plot can fanally move to make kenichi stronger

[ChikoSuave21]

I'm leaning towards CaptFamous' prediction. Agaard decides to not go for the lethal blow, which goes against his whole killing fist. The sight of seeing his master go down, brings Kenichi to a different level. And the disciple battle concludes. But what a freakin' way to end the chapter. Don't want to wait for 401.

[bittman]

I'd prefer Kenichi fights worse because of his rage, and then Apachi wakes up to scold Kenichi for being dramatic. If it took death to make Kenichi serious he'd just be like every other Super Saiyan-inducing Shonen manga hero. Oh wait, he already is.

I expect golden hair next chapter. See you soon SSJ Kenichi.

And @arthin: two of Yomi have died, though not at Kenichi's hands (Shou and the Prince-guy). Outside of flashbacks though, those are the only deaths.

[saladesu]

Oh my god :O

TT___TT

Apachai's my favourite character and I really hope he isn't dead, but like some have already said, it may be necessary for the plot and Kenichi's character development. The reactions of the other characters seem to really suggest that he is dead though ;___; I know Matsuena-sensei hasn't killed off anyone really important yet, but chapter 400 wouldn't be too late to do so for the first time... Look at One Piece.

What a way to end a landmark chapter >< Or rather, it may well become a landmark chapter in more ways than one...

Oh and am I the only one who can't see page 11 on Mangastream? I get a 404 error... :S

[elitefox]

Oh my god :O

TT___TT

Apachai's my favourite character and I really hope he isn't dead, but like some have already said, it may be necessary for the plot and Kenichi's character development. The reactions of the other characters seem to really suggest that he is dead though ;___; I know Matsuena-sensei hasn't killed off anyone really important yet, but chapter 400 wouldn't be too late to do so for the first time... Look at One Piece.

What a way to end a landmark chapter >< Or rather, it may well become a landmark chapter in more ways than one...

Oh and am I the only one who can't see page 11 on Mangastream? I get a 404 error... :S


Anybody thinking...

Kenichi's first kill? :darn


ARG, I hope this would be animize(whatever you call that name)
[hr]

That is an awesome chapter!!


Apachai might not die, but I think he won't be able to fight anymore at least until that wound heals completely which is about how many years XD

And for aagard, he must escape or else... all ryopan is there.

[saladesu]

Anybody thinking...

Kenichi's first kill? :darn


ARG, I hope this would be animize(whatever you call that name)
<hr noshade size="1">



Apachai might not die, but I think he won't be able to fight anymore at least until that wound heals completely which is about how many years XD

And for aagard, he must escape or else... all ryopan is there.

I don't think Kenichi will ever kill. After all, there's that whole thing about katsujinken and satsujinken. I think he might fly into such a rage that he is about to kill Koukin and/or Agaard, but eventually he will be stopped by one of the other masters or some apparition/ghost/something of Apachai before he can, and be brought back to his senses. It just wouldn't fit into the story for Kenichi to go the way of satsujinken now imo. Revenge doesn't bring back the dead, nor does it ease the heart of the living any more than transiently, and I honestly hope Kenichi doesn't actually kill to find this out for himself.

If he really does end up killing anyone in the course of this manga, let's just say Matsuena-sensei would essentially be killing Kenichi's entire character for me, too :darn

[DBC]

I don't think Kenichi will ever kill. After all, there's that whole thing about katsujinken and satsujinken. I think he might fly into such a rage that he is about to kill Koukin and/or Agaard, but eventually he will be stopped by one of the other masters or some apparition/ghost/something of Apachai before he can, and be brought back to his senses. It just wouldn't fit into the story for Kenichi to go the way of satsujinken now imo. Revenge doesn't bring back the dead, nor does it ease the heart of the living any more than transiently, and I honestly hope Kenichi doesn't actually kill to find this out for himself.

If he really does end up killing anyone in the course of this manga, let's just say Matsuena-sensei would essentially be killing Kenichi's entire character for me, too :darn

You don't have to take somebody's life to kill them as a fighter, I could easily see ken beating possibly both of them sooo bad they can never fight at this level again.

[Gourab]

He might beat Koukin..... but to be even able to touch agaard will take some years.

[nouvomx]

@captfamous

but then again, Aagard being a super master of his level, who trains with his killing fist and has the conviction to kill Apachai, suddenly missed the heart?

That's a bigger kick in the butt for Aagard. Its like flushing Aagard's awesomeness down the toilet

The only thing I'm seeing Apachai will survive this is that Sasaki somehow taught Apachai to hide or move his organs.

Remember when Kensei was fighting with his brother, and his brother was surprised of his incredible growth. Kensei replied, because he was training with friends, that's why he became stronger.

I think the same analogy can be applied to Apachai, where he learned some secret techniques of other Masters as well.

Hope I'm right :)

[Lord.Strife]

it would be awesome if he started own koukin like when he was unconcious and still fighting. Kenichi rage might actually be better since he can nolonger think about his move and this is where his training comes in + a little bit if INSTINCT

[jm]

again i think Asgard can no longer fight either because apachi's hit landed. apachi wasn't aiming for a killing blow so Asgard will not be able to to move or use his arms or even be unconscious. now the disciples decide the winner of the battle.

[zen_warrrior]

Decided to register as I was following the manga/anime since it started and this chapter was quite unexpected........

It is quite obvious that Agaard's punch went through and looks like a kidney punch. It looks like a kill shot and Apachai is down. However after looking at the manga again, as seeing Apachai's apparent loss was a shock.. I wonder if anyone has noticed the shot Agaard got?

The way I see it, Apachai was aiming for the collar bone/ above theheart area. If you look at page 17, it is definately the back of the heart where the 'shockwave' is exiting compared to Agaard's kidney punch.

So perhaps, Agaard will say that Apachai won because of the ''non'' kill shot to his heart compared to his kidney obliterating attack.(Something like Akisame's knockout to Alexander).

It does appear to be around Agaard's upper spine area, perhaps the end result is paralysis instead of a kill shot?

I wonder what you all think about this.

[Deadbear]

whatever predictions you want to make about Agaard's health I think a couple of other things are abundantly clear.
First, Apachai is dead. Either dead-dead or dead as a martial artist because of massive trauma.
Second, Koukin is going to attempt to use Kenichi's momentary clouded thinking to do some massive damage of his own to our greiving hero. I think a reason why Koukin says "You can never beat me" is that he has always maintained a certain degree of seperation from everyone including his master. Kenichi doesn't and the death of one of his beloved masters is going to cloud his judgement and porivde Koukin with an opening
and finally, In the end I think Kenichi will prevail in a victory every bit as climactic as his fight with Kano Shou. Why? because he is part of the Katsujin-ken. His fist is to save life and he is desperate to save the life of his master.
that said, I'm hoping it will come down to some sort of choice. the choice is: either die by Koukin's hand and don't save Apachai or kill Koukin to save Apachai. When does the attempt to save life actually begin to threaten it?
This will preserve Kenichi's character but also leave him open to all kinds of soul searching, self recrimination, and attempts by yomi and yami to turn him to the dark side. I have been saying it all along that eventually kenichi will have to be faced with this...of course i wasn't expecting it in quite this manner.

[Zatono]

Is it possible that Kenichi will accidentally combine the Dou and Sei style's, resulting in Seidou Goui? He looked pretty damn mad at the end of the chapter, and perhaps Apachai's last words before he dies/is knocked unconscious will be about staying true to the Katsujinken.

[bittman]

Definitely concur with Zatono, because this prediction would be the very Shonen thing to do. A master's last, and most important, lesson before he passes on. Coming from Apachi, who is deeply in-tune with pure beings such as animals and children, a peaceful last lesson would have great impact.

Of course, Apachi could live. We are talking about the same manga where the main character has been technically dead for something along the lines of at least a minute. The same manga that also, only just chapters ago, had Sakaki "dodge" a fatal stab by moving his own organs up.

Until I get Akisame + Ma shaking their heads, the person isn't dead. As martial artists they seem to be the best doctors in the history of medicine. I'm sure a hole in the chest is nothing.

[Caster Pheonix]

Ironic death.

Agaard killed that guy in the underground arena, who btw suffered the coolest death of all.....the standing death! The same happened to Agaard me thinks.

In these final one shot face off's, the person who wins always drops first from a non fatal wound. Not particularly new in anime, manga or mainstream films and this scene needed was a cinematic effect liked the Hanzo/predator fight in Predators to make it great.

[1337Shinigami]

Shini believes Apchai died but Agaard will admit defeat. Shini sees Agraad replacing Apchai and betting he will say something to help Kenichi with his emotions like "don't kill him Aphachi wouldn't want that" or something about quelling his anger. Apchai was great this feels like a good step story wise to shake things up.

[elitefox]

Shini believes Apchai died but Agaard will admit defeat. Shini sees Agraad replacing Apchai and betting he will say something to help Kenichi with his emotions like "don't kill him Aphachi wouldn't want that" or something about quelling his anger. Apchai was great this feels like a good step story wise to shake things up.


A yami conversion? might be a good twist from killing to non killing master :D

[jm]

i agree that just he is dead or dieing does not mean he is going too stay dead or die.

second yeah kenichi has got to calm down.

third i think Asgard cannot longer fight either. dead no. that not the way of the hero in this comic. but unable to fight broken bones and etc...

[maxikki]

the only thing we can do is wait for the chapter to come out, but if apachai dies then that would be a twist on the plot. i think that would make kenichi mature enough to see how the war between Yami and Ryozanpaku is not something to ingnore. if apachia doesnt die, then he might be unable to fight for a while until he recovers from his wounds. i see kenichi defeating tirawit and attacking agaard.

[DEATHBOTT]

agaard is incapacitated either way imo. i think kenichi might unlock some hidden potential for dou style now.

[sapherosth]

There willl definately be a time skip imo. a time-skip where apachai whilst in recovery mode teaches kenichi about ancient muay thai. since apachai has proven that ancient muay thai can be used without killing the opponent, kenichi will definately want to learn it.
and also, everyone is underestimating those two. apachai and agaard.
so far no fight has ever been this badass before, a fist through a super master class fighter is just.....Badass.
agaard = the most badass in yami along with the three monsters. 1 shadow,big boobies,friut eater.
koukin isnt getting own by kenichi easily,

[Zatono]

agaard = the most badass in yami along with the three monsters. 1 shadow,big boobies,friut eater.

What about God Hand? He's got the most badass nickname outta all of em.

[jm]

his nickname is not really god hand but the closet thing to the direct translation that sounds stupid in English. but yeah badass nickname.

i wonder who of the master pissed him off so much?

they keep bring up how its impossible to master both styles makes me wonder if that kenichi achievement that sets him apart.

[Riyuki]

ommmggg a time skip would be EPIC!! I would love to see Kenichi like 5 years in the future... that would be so badass. I would also like to see Miu in 5 years XD!!

[Deadbear]

am I the only one who DOESN'T want a time skip?
Jeeezuus, that seems to be the thing for shounen manga recently. Its like saying: "Okay the character is gonna grow but we don't feel like showing you the method of how he does this and we'll take X number of chapters to tell how much they did change. Oh and by the way this will be accompanied by a month long break in which all readers will feel pain and withdrawal symptoms."
How about actually watching the character grow? how about actually presenting them with problems that force him to grow and change. Time? Time is something we've got but get impatient with. Development is something we crave and agonize with how long it takes to happen. But its better than the alternative: the death of our heroes.

(By the way if you can't tell - I'm a little sore with the break in OP and finally happy to have it back, even if there are the problems I mentioned above.)

[Bludvein]

am I the only one who DOESN'T want a time skip?
Jeeezuus, that seems to be the thing for shounen manga recently. Its like saying: "Okay the character is gonna grow but we don't feel like showing you the method of how he does this and we'll take X number of chapters to tell how much they did change. Oh and by the way this will be accompanied by a month long break in which all readers will feel pain and withdrawal symptoms."
How about actually watching the character grow? how about actually presenting them with problems that force him to grow and change. Time? Time is something we've got but get impatient with. Development is something we crave and agonize with how long it takes to happen. But its better than the alternative: the death of our heroes.

(By the way if you can't tell - I'm a little sore with the break in OP and finally happy to have it back, even if their are the problems I mentioned above.)

I am definately against the idea of a timskip in this manga, atleast anywhere in the near future. There has to be closure with Yami/Yomi first. Afterwards, maybe, but probably not.

Oh, and the timeskip was pulled off great in OP. It was necessary at that point, because Luffy had pretty much painted a giant target on himself with his actions in the war. He needed to get stronger, without making his later victories seem like a plot armor.

Its a tricky thing to pull off properly though, and it has been handled poorly in quite a few manga.

[Sawako-Chan]

in this manga time skip would suck!
For 3 reason:
1- In a time skip X number of time would make a lot of diference for Kenichi, remember that Kenichi is training for about a year and something and is already this strong IF there's a time skip Kenichi will probably in Master Level what would suck since he's a disciple and what's funny about this manga is see his grow.
2- This manga isn't based in only fights, we got Kenichi and Miu as well and their love, since Miu loves Kenichi, but don't understand really well that feeling and Kenichi thinks that he isn't good enough for her and if there have a time skip we lose all the development in thier character.
3- In OP the time skip worked for various reason, but here it would suck since Kenichi training is told every time, his grow, his thoughts, etc... in OP we never got to see Luffy's training and Oda made sure that he wouldn't waste time showing that and in OP the time skip just was made to make we go crazy and make the transition to a new arc and the end one. ~wich will take more or less 10 years to finish~

[Drakno]

am I the only one who DOESN'T want a time skip?
Jeeezuus, that seems to be the thing for shounen manga recently. Its like saying: "Okay the character is gonna grow but we don't feel like showing you the method of how he does this and we'll take X number of chapters to tell how much they did change. Oh and by the way this will be accompanied by a month long break in which all readers will feel pain and withdrawal symptoms."
How about actually watching the character grow? how about actually presenting them with problems that force him to grow and change. Time? Time is something we've got but get impatient with. Development is something we crave and agonize with how long it takes to happen. But its better than the alternative: the death of our heroes.

(By the way if you can't tell - I'm a little sore with the break in OP and finally happy to have it back, even if there are the problems I mentioned above.)


You ain't the only one that would be disappointed with a time skip, besides HSDK is all about showing the steps of Kenichi's growth from the ultimate wimp to a martial artist, HSDK should only be allowed a timeskip at the last chap showing us the future of the chars, even if the timeskip didn't have a month hiatus like OP or even a week hiatus I wouldn't approve, it's just isn't the thing for HSDK...

[Ace4]

Chapter out early imo:
http://mangastream.com/read/hsdk/22710282/1

Like many people suspected Apachai did hit Agaard really good as well. Death still "unconfirmed" but highly likely. Let's see which disciple gets his cool back first and wins.

[Drakno]

Kenichi getting to seidou gui looks more and more likely regarding this chap, he certainly seems to be unlocking the Dou at this fight.... I was certain that he would remain a Sei type till the end but now I dunno

[Zatono]

Well, at least the match was a draw. I'd be kind of happy if I get my prediction right and Kenichi uses Seidou Gui accidently. I guess since Miu is heading over it won't be Apachai that stops Kenichi, but her =/

[WickedNeko]

Time skip would defeat the purpose of this manga.

Unlike most other shounen fighting / battle manga, 50 ~ 75% of the action in this manga isn't combat against other opponents. It's about Kenichi training. We're reading how Kenichi grows into a powerful fighter, not how Kenichi defeats other powerful fighters (although that also happen).

That's the reason why author chose Kenichi to join the horticulture club at school. That was the theme... "growth". You don't plant a seed in panel 1, have a blank panel 2 for time skip, and end with a fully grown flower in panel 3 and say "wow, that was interesting story of how plants grow".

[Rowel]

Well both are out of the game. Agaard is defeated and like the other Yami masters will be put into custody, I'm guessing. Even if not, he probably won't be fighting Ryozanpaku again.
I'm guessing next chapter Kenichi will be close to killing Koukin and thus stepping into satsujin ken, but Miu will stop him.
I just hope he won't have his arse kicked again, not while he's in super sayian mode.

If a timeskip happens it won't be until the end of the manga, I don't see the manga going on after this conflict with Yami is resolved

[elitefox]

Wow a draw, like I was expecting but still cool

I wonder if Kenichi will get out of hand, "killing the oppoenent" perhaps
Well there is miu, and wth are the masters doing standing there, they can get there in a second or two.. are they any fighters left? Apachai like someone said my have thrown his kidney... Is there a superhuman that will die from that, I hope not. Will god hand ever fight since his disciple isn't there anymore.

[jm]

i could see kenichi going on on secret training with his masters. then focusing on the others of the group but no i cannot see a time skip with this manga unless its at the end showing kenichi as a master.

[Deadbear]

I'm guessing next chapter Kenichi will be close to killing Koukin and thus stepping into satsujin ken, but Miu will stop him.
Agreed.
Kinda like I was hoping and an interesting twist from the time when Miu went crazy and almost fell to the satsujin-ken.
I wonder if Miu will have to flash Kenichi in order to stop him.

On a side note: I wonder why my hopes for HSDK have been running to a darker plot line? I've been predicting and predicting Kenichi faced with a life or death choice and some bad happenings but I sometimes forget (like a lot of people) that this is a lighter-hearted manga. Syun-sensei could probably pull of similar ideas with something more hopeful and uplifting. And with plenty of ecchi, besides.

[tobeulp]

I agree with the time skip will ruin this Manga.. I hope Apachai still lives after this.

[lostrmntic]

I predict Kenichi will actually hit Miu next chapter after almost killing Koukin. It will stop his rage and send him into such turmoil he'll have to be carried out side by side with Apachai.

This manga can have time skips, but small ones. I predict a couple months skip to either mourn Apachai, or to see him getting out of the hospital.

[nassass]

A bigger time jump is more suit for change the world than the characters. HSDKenichi don't have any reason change the world, rather don't really have a special world. :)
The character changes has been managed well since the beginning, i hope it will be as well again.

Katsujin-ken vs. Satsujin-ken can't stay light hearted forever. :)

[Lectro Volpi]

Well, finally Yami shows promise!

Agaard can wipe the floor with those useless Diego and Alexander; he fought equally against Apachai til the very end, not with just the final move and losing.

I guess we can say that Silcardo, Mikumo, Akira, Sougetsu, Saiga and maybe Sehrul means business!

Time skip? I hope not.

[Zatono]

I don't think Agaard is going to end up being arrested, since it was a draw. The masters fight by principle, so the loser has to obey the winner, but I'm not sure what the case is in a draw like this.

I personally think Agaard will simply leave Yami, and come back later or something. If Apachai isn't dead, then perhaps he'll come back later to help out Apachai in some kind of situation?

[Ace4]

I don't think Agaard is going to end up being arrested, since it was a draw. The masters fight by principle, so the loser has to obey the winner, but I'm not sure what the case is in a draw like this.

I personally think Agaard will simply leave Yami, and come back later or something. If Apachai isn't dead, then perhaps he'll come back later to help out Apachai in some kind of situation?

I'd rather say that draw means that both lost. apachai lost his life and agaard his belief in the superiority of the satsujinken. and since i don't see I don't see which master would fight him if he came back again. The next master to die is Imo sakaki or shigure. Ma and koetsuji should survive since they have opponents meant to be fighted by them. Possible Opponents for Sakakis death match would be the Karate guy, the kala user and the uncut fruit eater ;)

[jm]

how many times has kenichi been dead? like 3 or 4. who says apachi doesn't get saved?? it not like this series follows reality.

[Drakno]

The fact that Apachai died doesn't mean that all Ryozampaku masters will start dropping dead, I seriously doubt another Ryozampku master will die for the rest of the series.
As for Apachai's death all I have to say is it's not over as long as Nijima is with them :P (obviously kidding, it's already established he is dead, but seriously compared to the things I have seen in sakigake otokojuku it's not even a flesh wound)

[LoS]

I seriously doubt another Ryozampku master will die for the rest of the series.

That is probably not a wise choice. As with typically old previous generations masters, they pass away and the burden falls on their disciples. I could see Hayato die, there is his son One Shadow, and Kenichi/Miu who have inherited from him.

Also, Akisame was best friends with One Shadow until he left the Ryoz and the entire thing with his wife/Miu's mother went down. There could be some retribution or such between the two of them.

[Zatono]

Is it 100% established that Apachai is dead? Sure, he was knocked out from that, but normal humans have survived worse then even a large impaling like that. Sure, they weren't walking too well after, but this is a super-human we're talking about. As long as that blow didn't take out Apachai's heart, I don't see him being dead =/

The thing that makes me 99% sure he's dead though is just the flashbacks that Kenichi had. The 1% that makes me not sure is just that I can't see any of the master's dying. I suppose Yami had to win(draw I guess) one eventually, but still...

[elitefox]

Is it 100% established that Apachai is dead? Sure, he was knocked out from that, but normal humans have survived worse then even a large impaling like that. Sure, they weren't walking too well after, but this is a super-human we're talking about. As long as that blow didn't take out Apachai's heart, I don't see him being dead =/

The thing that makes me 99% sure he's dead though is just the flashbacks that Kenichi had. The 1% that makes me not sure is just that I can't see any of the master's dying. I suppose Yami had to win(draw I guess) one eventually, but still...

but still... why apachai :p

I wonder if kenichi will win this one? He has a good base foundation, probably the best foundation of a disciple.

It may end up draw since kenichi is trying to kill him XD

just a thought

[menino]

apachai is not dead.
kenichi has not learned much about MuayThai. Using the death of one of its masters for the mature of the diciple is pretty dummy.
akisame is save him for sure.

[Ace4]

apachai is not dead.
kenichi has not learned much about MuayThai. Using the death of one of its masters for the mature of the diciple is pretty dummy.
akisame is save him for sure.

They couldn't save Shou Kanou who was hit by some bullets. Apachai has a hole where his kidney was. No way he can be saved. I hope he can still say some last words to Ken-chan.

[Deadbear]

Apachai has a hole where his kidney was. No way he can be saved.
THANK YOU! finally somebody other than me points out the obvious! Even just a surface shot to the kidneys is enough to debilitate a fully grown man and highly trained and muscled fighter. As the toxic waste remover of the human body its one of the most highly blood rich organs in the body. Remove one with a fist the size of Agaard's? If Apachai didn't die almost instantly he would bleed to death fairly quickly.
Except for the most ludicrous of their abilities, these masters tend to follow the mechanics of the human body. Even those times they brought Kenichi back to life they used standard methods to do so - heart message, CPR, surgery, acupuncture, chiropracty - all of which are accepted medical practices or techniques. There is simply no way to regrow an organ even in ancient Chinese medicine.

Rest in Peace, Apachai. We will remember you always.

Apapapapa!

[menino]

okey, i can agree if ace4 and deadbear, but stil i hope his is not dead.
kenichi is about to become an avenger? like tanaka?

[Zatono]

okey, i can agree if ace4 and deadbear, but stil i hope his is not dead.
kenichi is about to become an avenger? like tanaka?

If he does, which he most certainly won't since he's not going to become a killer, then Kenichi is really pushing his luck. Agaard's no slouch, and he's pretty good at raising a disciple too.

[Unholy]

THANK YOU! finally somebody other than me points out the obvious! Even just a surface shot to the kidneys is enough to debilitate a fully grown man and highly trained and muscled fighter. As the toxic waste remover of the human body its one of the most highly blood rich organs in the body. Remove one with a fist the size of Agaard's? If Apachai didn't die almost instantly he would bleed to death fairly quickly.
Except for the most ludicrous of their abilities, these masters tend to follow the mechanics of the human body. Even those times they brought Kenichi back to life they used standard methods to do so - heart message, CPR, surgery, acupuncture, chiropracty - all of which are accepted medical practices or techniques. There is simply no way to regrow an organ even in ancient Chinese medicine.

Rest in Peace, Apachai. We will remember you always.

Apapapapa!
Keep in mind this is a manga and almost anything is possible, u can survive a wound like that even in real life u if u get treatment fast.People can live with only 1 kidney and it is common in real life for relatives to donate 1 of their kidneys to someone who is sick and needs a transplant, so thats not really a problem the issue here is the blood lost due to the injury that can kill someone whoever if u stop the bleeding and give the guy some blood transfusions it would be possible to save their life.Just saying u shouldnt go rulling something like apachai being alive so easily, this manga as far as it goes is very light, i would say cliche in the sense that so far not a single one of the good guys have ever died, is it possible for apachai to be dead? Yes. Is it possible for him to be alive? Also yes.Until we see apachai being examinated by akisame and he states he is dead or we see apachai in his coffing anything is possible.

[Drakno]

No, there is no one that would survive a 15cm diameter diameter hole in their stomach (aproximation given by comparison with miu's height which is known 156cm), I also wanted Apachai to survive but he ain't getting back through science, unless nijima or the elder have some sort of miracle art (which I doubt) that's it for him, if it wasn't for last chap I still would believe he could be saved somehow but flashbacks and everyone suddenly remembering him pretty much seas the deal

[Franckie]

apachai is not dead.
kenichi has not learned much about MuayThai. Using the death of one of its masters for the mature of the diciple is pretty dummy.
akisame is save him for sure.

There is nothing surprising about one of the Masters being killed. There was foreshadowing done by the author that led up to this event.

- Ogata warns the Elder and others that Ryozanpaku will not retain the title of "strongest" forever
- Apachai tells Hayato that he's willing to sacrifice himself for Kenichi
- The Tsutomu Tanaka subplot
- Miu and the others are worried right now about Kenichi's mindset

Of course, it remains to be seen whether or not Apachi will be killed off for real.

[jm]

i am not saying he cannot be dead its just look at the world of manga how many time has something like this happened only for it not to kill in manga.

[menino]

nobody died so far in the manga, even the maestro has survived after all the beating.

[jm]

except that one guy who loved miu. people have died.

[menino]

o yeah. i forget about sho
and in the end his has a good guy.
when the kenichi 402 raw is come out? tomorrow?

[PB|Ichigo]

I really like the fight atm, especially since we got a bit of Mu's fighting potential, so she ain't really stronger than Kenichi just faster, but damn she was really faster than that master dude there...

[Ace4]

This shows that koukin is no longer a disciple since he was able to react to the special move. aagard is still conscious is a little bit suprising. Hope the fight will be decided in the next chapter.

[menino]

Where are the other masters? their fighters are over and nobody arrive.

[elitefox]

They couldn't save Shou Kanou who was hit by some bullets. Apachai has a hole where his kidney was. No way he can be saved. I hope he can still say some last words to Ken-chan.

Well there are two medical masters very near the vicinity

and I think apachai can survive with one kidney if only the kidney is destroyed but if it is multiple organ, I doubt.
[hr]
But I think with one kidney, even a master, his power will be cut in half or more.

Or a time limited fight only unlike with kidney.

[kataomoi]

I'm wondering if the masters of Ryuzan wrote down their style's secret in case they die in battle one day. All of Kenichi's masters have resolved to lay their life down for Kenichi if the time comes. So I'm sure Akisame or the elder probably told them to write down each of their style's tech and secrets.

Would this mean that Kenichi would be taught all of Muay Thai if thats the case? (Probably taught by Akisame or elder since they mimic other styles so well)

[Lectro Volpi]

Now I want Apachai's survival just for kicks! common sense usually fails hard in manga.

Yami proved their worth and I am happy with that.

Koukin lost his temper, yet he is able to retaliate the "Control your heart" kenichi, maybe... MAYBE it is going to be a draw.

[tobeulp]

I think Agard will not be jailed but will have a slight change of heart then will not be Yami then someone from Yami will kill Agard

[menino]

two draw in a row? is just silly, i thing kenichi is gonna win this fight.
i wonder if apachai die agaard would be the only master with enough talent to continue teaching muaythai to kenichi, but that's something quite improbable.

[jm]

when do you think we will finally meet the one shadow?????

[menino]

this is gonna take some more time. until now he is really in the shadows.
after all it seems he is the great villain of the manga,miu father and the elder son.
he must be insanely strong

[Zatono]

He's definitely insanely strong, and the fact that he's Yami's leader is more then enough proof of that.

[menino]

im really want to see is a fight between the two masters of jiu jitsu, akisame is strong but his is strong enough to fight that monster?
beginning to think that the last masters are the strongest.

[LoS]

Outside of One Shadow himself, Mikumo Kushinada, and Silcardo Jenazad are reputed as the two top Yami members; meanwhile, Akisame and Ma are reputed as the two top Ryouz members.

I'd probably say Akisame versus Kushinada in a jiujitsu battle the advantage would go to Kushinada.

[revennge]

Akisame is more strength and weight balance figther but Kushinada more on te chnique. Thats what i think

[Drakno]

The ryouzanpaku masters are all equal end of story, we all have our favorites that we believe to be stronger but the manga hasn't given us any reason to think one of the masters is stronger than the others.

[Gourab]

But one thing for sure, Old man is the strongest in Ryozanpaku.
All the other masters respect each other immensely, so its not clear who is the strongest. May be what would differentiate would be their experience.

[jm]

its also one of those things were a beat b and b beat c but doesn't mean a beats c.

[Zatono]

It depends on environment, mental state, etc. There are tons of factors that could effect a battle. For example, maybe if Kenichi didn't say Apachai was invincible, he wouldn't of invoked the Shounen law that made him lose.

[WickedNeko]

He's definitely insanely strong, and the fact that he's Yami's leader is more then enough proof of that.

...and yet he doesn't have the balls to send a child support check for Miu

On a side note, I'm hoping that, after this fight, we'll get to see some "secret" characters (perhaps become new masters for Kenichi) that's been implied to exist, like Sakaki's older sister.

[Zatono]

On a side note, I'm hoping that, after this fight, we'll get to see some "secret" characters (perhaps become new masters for Kenichi) that's been implied to exist, like Sakaki's older sister.


Does Sakaki have a sister? I remembering him saying that, but I thought he was making things up...I think. Anyway, if she is a master, I get the feeling that she probably just beats on Sakaki all the time.

[Gourab]

Where did he mention abt. his sister?

[LoS]

So apparently I missed the notice that HSDK is on a break, is it just for this week(that has already passed)?

[WickedNeko]

Where did he mention abt. his sister?

IIRC, it was mentioned during D fight, when Rachel was beating down on Ethan for winning the match too quickly. Sakaki said something to the effects of "yeah, older sisters are scary".

[Ace4]

Chapter out on mangastream. though a little bit short despite the ling waiting.

[Smit]

chapter 403 is out: http://mangastream.com/read/hsdk/24835427/1

Its a pretty good chapter. Im liking Agaard and Koukin more and more. They are strong both mentally and physically and that earns them my respect. Cant wait till next week.

[Gourab]

Kenichi really has a nack of making friends through fights

[Rowel]

Intestinal fortitude personified


http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/3779/0809j.png

And I knew Kenichi would use Muay Thai to finish the match, this fight was just begging for such a outcome. I can't wait to see how things ultimately shape out at the end.

[menino]

WTF miu is not there yet?
i know.. she is arrive when the fight is over for sure.

[WickedNeko]

Well, this chapter was only around 2 ~ 3 minutes long, "real time".

[elitefox]

what kind of muay thai kenichi will use?

the safest muay thai? since koukin is using the most deadliest type of muay thai right?


P.S. epic chapter :D, I hope it is not a draw. Koukin will realize that he did take damage more than he seems to comprehend.

[Zatono]

Personally, I do think it'll be a draw. Both Agaard and Koukin are probably going to leave Yami and Yomi, respectively. Koukin even acknowledged that he can't bring himself to hate Kenichi, therefore they're probably going to end up being friends/helping each other out sometime in the future.

[Ace4]

Personally, I do think it'll be a draw. Both Agaard and Koukin are probably going to leave Yami and Yomi, respectively. Koukin even acknowledged that he can't bring himself to hate Kenichi, therefore they're probably going to end up being friends/helping each other out sometime in the future.

I hadn't thought of that possibility. Since Koukin has also been trained to have heart that might happen in the end. Still i somehow doubt that, maybe they will leave and he will go on training like all other losers. And I think that Natsu is already enough as a strong yomi character who is friends with Ken-chan. Maybe in the end they will all acknowledge him after losing to him and they will all end up beeing friends lol^^.

[The Unborne]

The battles have not been about who wins or loses for awhile now. It's all about who keeps to their respected moralistic fighting style; a tie would end up the same as Apachai and Aagard. I doubt anyone of us want to see Kenichi die this early, so I wager he'll win either by defeating Koukin or Koukin failing to kill Kenichi.

[k-dom]

I guess making Kouking laugh can be considered as a victory...

[Franckie]

One of the things I love about this fight is that fighting against a Muay Thai specialist such as Koukin gives a good assessment of Kenichi's own skill in that particular martial art. Because Kenichi was able to hold his own against Koukin strictly using Muay Thai and promising to end this match with it, Kenichi could pass himself off as a Muay Thai (or any other martial art he has trained in) specialist if he wanted to.

[WickedNeko]

Not really.
Kenichi isn't an expert / specialist of muay thai. He's just very good with extremely limited amount of techniques he knows of muay thai.