December 22nd, 2011 
AstroNerdBoy 魔法先生 ネギま！Volume 38 Chapter 347 (manga)
Mahou Sensei Negima! Manga Chapter 347
SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:
Ku, all nervous about taking a shot against the very powerful Negi, powers up, not realizing that Negi is without magical power at the moment. Negi realizes that he’s in a bad way, but then remembers how Eva handled herself without any magical powers during the Mahora Budokai. So, using the training that Ku Fei had given him, Negi is able to avoid Ku’s attack and turn it against her. It is then that she realizes that he’s without magical powers and how bad it could have been had she hit him. She promises to defeat him one day when he’s in top form and then tries to walk back her confession as she’s still not confident but didn’t want to be the indecisive one after Yue and Nodoka were so courageous.
After Negi leaves Ku, his powers are restored just in time as Al Iskandariyah fires on him. He wonders if Chachamaru did this, but Chisame revealing herself confesses that she hacked into the artifact. Chisame wants to punch Negi and Negi is surprised and not that pleased that Chisame can hack into artifact cards. Chisame approaches to hit him since Asuna has “gone to the other side” and thus won’t hit him any more. Her punch is intercepted by Chachamaru, who does not think that Negi deserves to be hit and regains control over her artifact.
Chisame explains that back before the Magic World adventure, everyone agreed to help Negi because they wanted to see him return to Mahora to a “normal” life of hanging out with friends, confessing to a girl, or other “pointless” things that happen to normal people. Since Asuna and Negi have “gone to the other side” (following the path Nagi set out), Chisame believes it is up to her to remind Negi of where he belongs since if he does forget, he’s no different from the enemies he fights.
Chachamaru decides that it is time for Chisame to confess her feelings for Negi. Chisame is not amused by this, nor of Chachamaru having surveillance records on her, revealing Chisame’s feelings. Chachamaru points out that Chisame acting as Negi’s adviser is really an act of cowardice on her part. Chisame slaps Chachamaru and the two activate their artifacts and battle costumes. They fight and argue, leading Chisame to point out Chachamaru’s own move of becoming Negi’s secretary and her lack of a confession. Chachamaru downplays this, so Chisame ups the ante by pointing out that as Negi’s secretary, Chachamaru would have more opportunities to be wound up.
Asuna slips in and spirits Negi away as Chachamaru and Chisame continue to wail on each other, which leads to the accidental firing of Chachamaru’s orbiting satellite. Chisame’s mice manage to shift the firing beam to a strip beam so that the only damage is to Chachamaru’s and Chisame’s clothing, now gone, thus ending the fight.
Asuna remarks on the friendship between Chisame and Chachamaru, but at the same time is frustrated by how this event has turned into the class’s personal event. As such, Asuna decides to be Negi’s bodyguard. However, Negi is still thinking about Chisame’s words and apologizes to Asuna for having dragged her into the bigger problems he’s decided to deal with. She punches him for apologizing, but then switches to her battle gear and escorts Negi around.
Makie, using some sort of magic to observe what Negi is doing, reports to Yuuna and Paru that Asuna has joined him, making things more difficult for them. Makie wonders if Negi really likes Asuna, but Paru thinks that Negi is still a kid and so is only interested in following Nagi. Asakura’s camera artifact arrives and reports that others are dropping out after learning that Negi actually does have someone he likes.
Thoughts/Review:
I know I said this before, but I do think that Negi needs to learn how to be able to defend himself should he find himself in a situation where he is unable to use magic. I know Eva would approve that and since Yuuna has the ability to shut him down (Negi does as well), it would make for interesting training to be done.
Ku Fei’s confession stuff and trying to walk it back didn’t really have anything much I found worth discussing, but I did like how things went.
Chisame being able to hack into another person’s artifact is a very interesting development. Considering Akamatsu-sensei’s record for introducing things during lighthearted, comedic stories, I feel that we will see Chisame tapping into the pactio network during a serious storyline and gaining control to help Negi and Ala Alba.
The fight between Chachamaru and Chisame was amusing, but also provided a means of both strengthening their friendship, and also showing their friendly rivalry in terms of their feelings for Negi and their skills in the computer realm, even if it did come to blows. Ever since the Mahora Festival, the two have made an odd friendship that I’ve always liked.
Still, I think that Akamatsu-sensei is using their argument AND Chisame’s own words to Negi to remind critics of the current story arc that things are still going as planned and that in order for Negi to not lose his humanity completely, despite now being immortal, these kinds of events help keep him grounded, and there are people around him who care enough to help keep him grounded. Otherwise, Negi could become no different than the Mage of the Beginning and do whatever just because he has the power to do so.
Asuna tagging along to defend Negi probably means that Akamatsu-sensei will be winding this down, though I suppose there could be some final confrontation in store, just to make things go out with a bang. It would be funny if Anya suddenly showed up since she just disappeared along with Luna-Shiori after the Magic World arc abruptly came to an end.
I seem to recall someone using their hand to form a small circle to peer through as a telescope in Negima!, but at the moment, I’ve no clue of where, if I’m remembering correctly at all. Do any of you guys recall seeing this used before? Regardless, it is interesting that Makie had this ability. Considering her own artifact powers, I’m not sure she’s doing it on her own. Maybe Asakura is allowing her to tap into one of Asakura’s camera golems.
Well, with Makie, Yuuna, and Paru learning that Negi likes someone, it will be interesting seeing what their next move will be. Also, it could prove quite amusing for Kaede and others to try to sneak in on Asuna and snatch Negi. ^_^ I guess we’ll find out next year.
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Some off-topic (with Hatsune Miku):
One add: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaA2liN9LKM&feature=related (the beginning and the end are cool, but the middle sucks a little bit)
A new version of “World is Mine”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkGZ65gyLYc&feature=related
Here’s the original one with eng subs to refresh your mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrN4vMRDZGM&feature=related
And two short Mythbusters videos:
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOwH18YdN7s&feature=relmfu (the end is cool where the Tesla coil is)
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8_N-xjytcU&feature=relmfu (I still can’t believe the cockroaches can do that)
You forgot to mention how absolutely HILARIOUS this chapter was.
I seem to recall someone using their hand to form a small circle to peer through as a telescope in Negima!, but at the moment, I’ve no clue of where, if I’m remembering correctly at all. Do any of you guys recall seeing this used before? Regardless, it is interesting that Makie had this ability. Considering her own artifact powers, I’m not sure she’s doing it on her own. Maybe Asakura is allowing her to tap into one of Asakura’s camera golems.
The spyglass thing was used back before the Ostian Festival, when Aisha (I think it was Aisha) used it to spy the bounty hunters after Nodoka. You know, before Negi’s First Demonstration of Erebea.
The hand telescope thing did seem a little familiar but I can’t remember any specific instances either.
Two things that I love about this chapter.
1. http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu207/Ultimaniac/Chacha.jpg ^_^
2. Chachamaru and Chisame are now a more violent version of Nodoka and Yue. “You confess to him!” “No, You confess to him!” XD
“I seem to recall someone using their hand to form a small circle to peer through as a telescope in Negima!, but at the moment, I’ve no clue of where, if I’m remembering correctly at all.”
I believe it’s Aisha’s (one of Nodoka’s comrade on the Magic World) skill.
Actually, I’d say forgetting what he’s been trying to protect, and becoming like those he’s fought against is exactly what he’s been doing during this arc. He’s been becoming more distant from his ministra, both as a function of him being busy, and as a function of deliberate action on his part to keep them out of his plan to save the magic world. And he’s been entirely too comfortable with using Asuna like CE was – a tool/sacrifice for his plan. Only showing slight signs of guilt, and only when something happens to jam a reminder in his face that there are people who care for Asuna, that he’ll be permanently taking her away from them; as opposed to being adamantly opposed to the idea and constantly searching for another way.
Which is why while the Chisame/Chachamaru cat fight was enjoyable, I find it a pity that Chachamaru derailed things, as Chisame, even without knowing everything, was basically in the middle of forcibly making Negi aware the things he’s been doing recently were wrong.
Some off-topic (with Hatsune Miku):
Saw that one. ^_^
A new version of “World is Mine”:
*LOL* Why Miku-mama looks so annoyed is a bit of a mystery though. I laughed at the comments about the “P” guy.
Here’s the original one with eng subs to refresh your mind:
You know, I love the concert version of the song. The original version just sounds so…ugh. Makes me wonder how it became so popular.
And two short Mythbusters videos:
Thanks. ^_^
You forgot to mention how absolutely HILARIOUS this chapter was.
Yeah, I did. ^_^;
The spyglass thing was used back before the Ostian Festival, when Aisha (I think it was Aisha) used it to spy the bounty hunters after Nodoka.
I believe it’s Aisha’s (one of Nodoka’s comrade on the Magic World) skill.
Yeah, Aisha is the one. So, that begs the question of how Makie learned it.
Two things that I love about this chapter.
1. http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu207/Ultimaniac/Chacha.jpg ^_^
*lol* Yeah, that is pretty awesome. ^_^
2. Chachamaru and Chisame are now a more violent version of Nodoka and Yue.
Heh! I hadn’t thought about it like that, but you have a point. ^_^
Which is why while the Chisame/Chachamaru cat fight was enjoyable, I find it a pity that Chachamaru derailed things, as Chisame, even without knowing everything, was basically in the middle of forcibly making Negi aware the things he’s been doing recently were wrong.
I bet Asuna is the one to really remind him.
I don’t know, but, I’m sure Negi thought about consequences and searched (or he’s still searching) for a way to avoid a sacrifice.
After all, we still have to consider Asuna’s position, because, with her full princess powers/memories back, is not like she didn’t know she have many options. By all we know, Negi or Arika (yeah, I have this feeling she can pop up to sacrifice herself, instead Asuna) could take her place by their own will.
Actually, it’s funny how Negi and Arika are look alike in different situations: Arika dismissed the Ala Rubra to stand all the things by herself, and Negi (unconsciously, I’m sure) did the same thing with 3-A. God, I wish for a mother/son conversation just for these two learn how they are look alike. ^^
Anyway, I concurr Negi needs some non magic trainning. This one was played for laughts, but, in a serious situation, he’s pretty doomed…
And 348 spoiler: the chapter ends up with a cliffhanger to Akira’s pactio (I don’t know how she fled, but, YAY).
“I bet Asuna is the one to really remind him.”
Unlikely, as Chisame was saying, Asuna “went over to the otherside”.
Asuna herself is doing most of the same wrong things as Negi is, along with repeating Arika’s mistake of trying to sacrifice herself for the greater good thinking everything would be just fine and dandy even if she was gone forever.
Hence why Chisame wanted to hit Negi. Asuna wasn’t pointing out his mistakes/smacking some sense into him, so she felt she needed to do so.
Which is really something both Negi and Asuna need seeing as seeing Setsuna’s grieved response to their “prices” didn’t sway them, and Setsuna herself doesn’t have a forceful enough personality to argue against their true plan in a manner that’d make them rethink and consider alternatives.
So… I had a thought the other day. We know that Negi’s paid a price for learning Magia Erebia; namely, he’s stopped aging (or will stop aging within a few years). And yet, we’ve already met one of his descendents. That’d be a bit difficult for someone his age…
I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that at some point in the future we’re going to see at least a partial rollback on some of the stuff that’s happened to Negi, particularly involving Magea Erebea.
I don’t know, but, I’m sure Negi thought about consequences and searched (or he’s still searching) for a way to avoid a sacrifice.
I do think that’s correct. Even if Negi agreed to whatever Asuna proposed, he’d secretly be looking for a way to either make it so she doesn’t have to go “into the machine” (as it were) or to get her out faster than planned.
Unlikely, as Chisame was saying, Asuna “went over to the otherside”.
Well, she still will remind him, even if she’s “gone” (as it were). She did in the next chapter. ^_^
Asuna herself is doing most of the same wrong things as Negi is, along with repeating Arika’s mistake of trying to sacrifice herself for the greater good thinking everything would be just fine and dandy even if she was gone forever.
I kinda disagree here. When Asuna had her memories restored, she clearly came to terms with what and whom she is. She was immediately able to access whatever system is in place to restore all of the illusionary beings on the Magic World. Her ease of handling this tells me that she has intimate knowledge of the system and its workings and that her powers of nullification (or being an empty vessel) are what’s needed to buy Negi the time he needs to make Mars a new, habitable planet.
So, unlike Negi, Nagi, Arika, or anyone else who are making plans based on educated guesses, I see Asuna as having solid facts to base her decision on as a child of the system.
So… I had a thought the other day. We know that Negi’s paid a price for learning Magia Erebia; namely, he’s stopped aging (or will stop aging within a few years). And yet, we’ve already met one of his descendents. That’d be a bit difficult for someone his age…
Unless he were somehow older than he appears. ^_~ (Yeah, yeah, I still have me theory. ^_^)
I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that at some point in the future we’re going to see at least a partial rollback on some of the stuff that’s happened to Negi, particularly involving Magea Erebea.
I’m not sure about a “rollback,” but possibly a cure. Possibly for himself and for Eva.