Magi 280
Well. There it is.
I'll have more thoughts about this once the last 2 chapters before the timeskip are out, but I think the Kou Empire arc had been pretty good. In particular to where Hakuryuu ended up now, and where the major players end up after all had been said and done.
Even if there were something's I don't like how Shinbou decided to end up doing, I still appreciate the reasoning behind it. And the goal is still something I agree with.
Also, what was his brother up to going belly up like that? He should have been able to kill Hakuryu or whatever easily...Also, Aladdin has his beliefs but is somewhat of a hypocrite when it comes to his 'friends'...I mean Hakuryu has gone past the point of being particularly sympathetic...
It's really simple.
1)Kouen never wanted to be king/emperor, and only went with the flow cause he was terrified over Gyokuen killing him
2) Kouen had always been a push over deep down. He likes to put on airs about being the man in charge, but it's always been an act. When push comes to shove, he'll be the first one on the run.
Hakuryuu's plan had resulted in many deaths, but sadly it was the only way to save Kou at that point after Kouen decided sucking his thumb and following Empress Gyokuen's orders for world domination were a "good idea". As for Aladdin becoming his Magi, it's more to try and figure out a different path from the one Sinbad is now driving the world towards. And the potential of Hakuryuu becoming a good ruler (which he certainly has the aptitude for).
The guy has basically zero vision beyond getting his revenge, I am not sure why his brother, who seemed to have some sort of plan at least would ever have though Hakuryu was suitable for the position of emperor.
"Seemed to have some sort of plan" is exactly what Kouen had. The
impression he had an inclination about what he was going to do about Gyokuen and Al Thamen in the far, distant future.
i.e. Kouen had no plans. Hakuryuu is a better candidate than Kouen simply because he tried to do something to solve his country's most pressing problem.
Magi 280
The seven Sea alliance smiling like children for a execution.... twisted people
As much as we like to pretend otherwise, when war criminals are put on to be publicly executed, people are going to be happy. Especially in this setting of older cultures.
And it's fitting, given the man on the stand is twisted enough.