Interesting tidbit I found on twitter about the latest chapter. The mountain that Winter is on, Mount Ararat, is believed by some to be the "mountains of Ararat" that were the final resting place of Noah's Ark in the Bible. Apparently there is contention in real life about the validity of these claims, but this has to be 100% intentional on Tozuka's part.
Also interesting, the Russians, I forget which Tzar it was, supposedly found it and had it taken to Russia at some point, where it was supposedly destroyed by the USSR to hide its existence. There was also rumor about something important being found there related to history, but the ark was supposedly all but disintegrated anyway by that time. Interesting rumors. Begging the question, if true, it would surely explain why nobody has found it. Supposedly, before the Tzar obtained the ark, the locals were willing to guide people to see it. There was supposedly planks found at one point, too. But that was all. Perhaps remains of whatever was there.
Of course, there's question as to whether or not the so-called Middle East is even the Holy Land. A contention shrouded by censorship due to the implications. North America or Russia are often cited as possible alternative sites, but the topography and geography tend to disprove ANY location, anywhere, especially the Palastinian region, as being the actual place.
Tozuka has mentioned he believes many of the so-called conspiracy theories are real. And I would argue many are not so theoretical. Conspiracy charges in law are quite frequent and there is such a thing as sedition. But on a broader scale, there is a TON wrong with science and the world in general. With history, it's blatantly obvious something's amiss. Nothing more can be concretely proven, but at the same time, neither can the official stories past a certain point. In short, anything regarding chronology is a can of worms. One reason One Piece, for instance, is so popular, is because Oda CLEARLY knows a few things about our world's history issues, and that's why on a subconscious level, the first half of the story is so compelling. The time-skip seems to have drifted into more complex symbology, conveyed with less than genius writing... but that void century thing is there all the same.
I wonder what theories or conjectures and popular theories Tozuka might weave into the story. Stonehenge is not enough, unless he goes back and expounds on why exactly it is the chosen location for the Union. Aside from that the whole place is carefully guarded in our world, and there are weird stibulations, so I've been told, regarding walking around it clockwise. Those who practice magic or druidism know that going clockwise is very important, but that is stopped for some reason, as so tourists are made to go counter-clockwise. If it is all nonsense, why the forced touring requirements?
As for Winter, looks like it will go down fairly easy, probably. But that means we must deal with an eternal Spring... anybody got any theories on why that might be deadly? Summer honestly didn't look to harmful. The fireworks it set off never caused real harm or intense heating... unlike Winter's clearly destructive ice age blizzard. Makes me wonder if perhaps Spring will be like Autumn, and be themed on something more monstrous from Japanese folklore. The image of it seemed to indicate the monster is an Oni. Anybody know good Oni myths that pertain to Spring? Perhaps a monster invasion or deadly super-fauna overgrowth or something is in store.
Regarding this chapter specifically, it seems Billy may have known from the start that the seasons might go out of balance. But were there seasons prior to the Four UMAs being introduced? It seems strange there wouldn't be. Or was weather more random?
Tele's powers give me a headache. Are the devices attached to him technology or part of his ability? Seems like the soundwave things multiplied. Though mangaplus messed up the paneling order, as usual, so it was hard to keep up with the end of this chapter.
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. Has it ever been explained how Billy copies abilities? It looks like he doesn't need physical contact. I guess he needs to like the target as well? Would be weird though since he has Unmove.
