Tokyo Babylon Volume 4 Drops More Hints About Seishirou

In the early volumes of the Tokyo Babylon manga, CLAMP is pretty tactful about Seishirou Sakurazuka. We get hints that there is more to him than there appears. These grow more obvious, until there are substantial actions like the one in the third volume. With the newly rereleased volume four of Tokyo Babylon, it’s much more clear what Seishirou is capable of and what this means for Subaru Sumeragi.

Editor’s Note: There will be spoilers for volume 4 of the Tokyo Babylon manga and Seishirou below.

Throughout much of the Tokyo Babylon manga up to this point, Seishirou largely seemed a potential force for good. Yes, he’s hiding something. We definitely are aware of his own powers and strengths. But he’s still maintaining his identity as a veterinarian, is being kind toward both Subaru and Hokuto, and seems to adore Subaru. When he’s acted in past volumes, it’s been to assist in some way. With this latest entry, we’re getting more insights into what we should really expect from him. Plus, it’s handled in such a way that we’re forced to compare his still considerate actions with more ominous ones.

Things begin with the “Crime” case. After seeing a shrine torn down, we begin with Subaru ruminating about it with Hokuto and Seishirou about what it means when a seal like that is removed. It’s honestly a sweet sort of moment, even though repercussions are being considered. Because we have Seishirou providing food and offering to make a meal later for the young onmyoji. And it keeps seeming like a positive series of interaction when Subaru shows up at Seishirou’s door after a very rough day. The one encourages the other. Has food for him. Reassures him. 

But it’s at the end of this first chapter of volume 4 of the Tokyo Babylon manga that we start to get real, substantial proof that things are not good. After Seishirou puts an exhausted and depressed Subaru to bed, he promises to protect him and stay by his side. Subaru thanks him. When Seishirou leaves, he looks in a mirror that cracks and ominously suggests he’ll win the “bet” the two made. While the early parts of the next case, called “Save,” begin with Hokuto seemingly encouraging Subaru’s relationship with Seishirou while also questioning if the older man is as kind as he seems. 

This foreshadowing continues with a meeting between Subaru and his grandmother. In addition to tasking him with investigating the Ms Institute, she shares with him a warning about being swept away by the cherry blossoms. Seishirou’s name and the mysterious Sakurazukamori assassin’s aside, it seems further uncertain. CLAMP leaves us in the dark a little yet again, even though there’s more further movement on Hokuto’s part. 

It’s the end of volume 4 of the Tokyo Babylon manga that shows how well that Seishirou pacing paid off. Everything leading up to the end of the “Save” storyline is preparing us for what we learn as it draws to a close. The future for everyone is still uncertain, of course. But there is so much new insight into Seishirou here and pay off that it feels quite satisfying.

Volume 4 of the Tokyo Babylon manga is available now, and Yen Press will release volume 5 on November 19, 2024.