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Writer's pictureRochelle

Xeno and Senku: Two Sides of the Same Coin




Dr. Xeno.

Initially introduced to us as an enemy, we later learn that he shares a deeper connection with Senku. He was Senku's Science mentor when he was younger, basically interacting with him regularly when Senku was searching for someone to help with completing his rocket.

His introduction in the story is a fascinating one. Up till we meet him in America, Senku is the only genuine scientist in the story. There are others like Chrome (A scientist in the making), and Tsukasa (Who displays a decent amount of scientific knowledge), but neither of these two are accomplished like Senku and Xeno.

However, he differs from Senku in that his brand of Science tends to be somewhat elitist. This is evident in the way he likes branding Science as 'elegant'


He believes that Science is a tool that should be used to rule over others.



And does not shy away from using weapons to rule over the human race.

Senku, on the other hand, believes that Science is something that can be practiced by anyone. He doesn't believe it should be patented by any one person.


He does not believing in using weapons to subdue others, as shown by his actions throughout Treasure Island. The gun they developed at the time was simply meant to wrestle away the Medusa from Ibara's group, not for ruling over the island.


Xeno will not shy away from killing an adversary, although he would still want it to be done in a scientific manner.



Even as a hostage currently, Xeno's views on Science have not changed. The Kingdom of Science is no stranger to holding hostages before (Hyoga and Homura come to mind). With those two however, they were detained in one area. As such, they did not exactly interact much with the main characters.



Xeno is different in that he is actively interacting with the group, even assisting them wherever he can.


In chapter 175, while they are making the motorcycles, Xeno tells Kohaku that he does not wish to dab in inferior science like the other members of the KOS. This was his declaration of saying that despite being a hostage, he would continue pursuing his own brand of Science.


A brand that Senku admitted, is even more advanced than his own.



In chapter 180, we see Xeno burning some plants to create a pseudo insect repellant. This idea seems to be what inspired Senku to use the army ant extract to repel the ants themselves.


Generally, I find this to be an interesting method of writing Xeno as a character. Makes me also wonder if we will run into other scientists in the series, all with their own takes on how Science is supposed to be handled. Time will tell, of course.


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