Chapter 338 of Black Clover introduced readers to Captain Yami Sukehiro’s younger sister as well as a new political structure. Asta learned a shocking fact about the Shogun of the Land of the Sun, and she was also introduced to a new group of people known as the Ryuzen Seven. Tabata Yuki, the mangaka of Black Clover, stated that she will be taking next week off from writing in chapter 338. Fans attribute this to the approaching fan vote and associated promotional materials.
In addition, the series informed its audience that it will be included at Shueisha’s Jump Festa 2023 as a super-stage event. Yojutsu and Yoryoku are described, while Asta and Ichika Yami are introduced, in chapter 338 of Black Clover. Having concluded that Asta was still alive in the last chapter, the Black Bulls set out to find him. After waking up in Hino, Asta was greeted by the Shogun Ryuya Ryudo, who was fully apprised of the events on Asta’s continent. In his introduction, the Shogun said that he had known Yami since they were children and gave Asta a chance to train in the Land of the Sun.
Review of Chapter 338
Asta became concerned about returning home after learning that he was in Yami’s country. He was reassured by Ryuya that Lucius would not act quickly. When the youngster inquired more, Ryuya informed him that a Shogun was analogous to a Wizard King. Asta, however, observed that the Shogun did not appear particularly powerful due to the absence of magical abilities in his Ki. Though unfazed, Ryuya’s guard Ichika was infuriated and admonished the young man to treat the Shogun with the proper deference.
Ryuya took Asta on a tour to a neighbouring village and described how the inhabitants of Hino do Yojutsu (Sorcery) use scrolls rather than grimoires. Yoryoku, which might be equated with Mana, is the name given to the magical energy. At the market, Asta and Yuno saw a brother and sister purchasing nomotatoes, and the sight brought back memories of their childhood spent with Sister Lily and her recent change at Lucius’s hands.
In the meantime, Ryuya led his younger siblings away from the main path. As the siblings watched, however, robbers stormed the market and levelled the area they were in. Asta concluded that the Shogun had anticipated this coming due to his omniscience. When Ryuya enabled Ichika to defend him, he admitted that he, like Asta, possessed zero Yoryoku. Asta saw that the girl’s Ki was extremely powerful and familiar, despite the fact that the bandits completely underestimated her. Ichika quickly slew all of the outlaws with the help of her Sorcery.
A large crowd of regular citizens praised and applauded her, calling her “Lady Yami” and “one of the Ryuzen Seven.” After asking around, Ryuya finally told Asta that Ichika is actually Sukehiro’s younger sister. He suggested that training with the Seven Dragons would be the best way for the youngster to gain strength, but Ichika made it clear that she had no need for men like Asta.
Conclusion
Black Clover 338 appears to have retained the Japanese terminology for the different political systems used in the Land of the Rising Sun in the official translation. Hino Country takes its design cues from Japan, so this seems like a natural fit. Yojutsu can be loosely translated as “Sorcery,” however it is not apparent how it differs from Magic beyond the usage of scrolls and grimoires. The Yojutsu that Ichika employs has aspects of martial arts. It’s safe to presume that the Yami family is in the business of teaching old-school combat techniques. It is unknown, however, what role Captain Yami plays in his family or how he presents himself in the Clover Kingdom.
Asta recognised Ichika’s Ki as being similar to Yami’s, therefore we can assume that his might is formidable. Asta will have his job cut out for him if the other members of Ryuzen Seven are as powerful as she. There has been less mention of the Ryuzen Seven outside of Black Clover 338, but they appear to be the equivalent of the Magic Knights Squad Captains in Hino Country. Both names contain the term “Dragon,” suggesting that the title was taken from Ryuya’s name. Ichika’s age is unknown, but the fact that she is a member of the Ryuzen Seven suggests that they are at least as powerful as the Captains of the Clover Kingdom.
As a Wizard King without access to Mana, Ryuya may fill the void left by Julius and act as a source of inspiration for Asta. He seems to be bereft of both Yoryoku and the ability to defend himself. This raises the question of where he gets his all-seeing sight and how he keeps it up. A good example of how much Sister Lily’s metamorphosis has affected Asta is seen in chapter 338 of Black Clover, where he gets a flashback about her. The most devastated person was Asta, even if Lucius may have picked Lily at random. To be reminded of this strengthens his resolve to complete his training and return to the Clover Kingdom.