After a short break, we return to Kaiba, as it makes a turning point in its storyline and finally advances. This episode, we took a look at the history behind Popo and the organization known as Issoudan, as well as their workings and certain other aspects.Dada-sama.Kaiba 08 - DisguiseEpisode SummaryFirst of all, the introductory part where we are usually asked whether memories are spirits or souls has been removed in its entirety it seems. This time round, we are shown Popo, Cheki and Neiro as when they were young, and their aspirations back then. A little peep into the history of the three, as it were.The episode also fully answered some questions. There is more than one Warp, with one ruling above the clouds, or "Heaven", and many copies lying around. Jackchew, the collector we saw in the first episode, returns, answering the question about why so many copies of Warp were made. It turns out that out of the many copies of Warp that can be perfectly duplicated in the technology available in the palace, there is only one in two thousand that will fully inherit Warp's abilities and powers, making it the "true" Warp. As we are also shown, the current one ruling is powerless in terms of such abilities, rendering him only human as opposed to the true Warp.We are also shown the workings of Issoudan, led by a mysterious Dada-sama, who seems to have the power to walk on air, and delete memories, holding sway over the organization and implanting ideas into Popo's mind, whom they see as a leader over the organization. They are later thwarted by Popo and Sate however, revealing that even all three of the Dada identity available are incomplete Warp copies.Sate also knows that Popo had a previous body change and altered Neiro's memories, which she still keeps secret. However she promises to help Popo instead, because she likes him. Neiro has no idea her memories are altered, and is still kept in the dark, while the other childhood friend of Popo, Cheki, seems appalled by the ongoings at this point in time.Popo's mother makes a slight appearance as a robot, that is later scrapped. Sate saves her memory chip and passes it over to Popo, affirming her loyalty.Kichi, the "degenerate merchant" mentioned in the first episode, is shown to actually be on Warp's and Neiro's side, rescuing the true body of Warp after Jackchew reveals it (obtained through unscrupulous means, no doubt) to the current ruling Warp. The episode ends with a look at the ancient technology the three incomplete Warps have at their disposal, and a look once again at Kaiba, the legendary plant born on Lolo that is now heading their way.Jackchew and the current Warp discussing the number of Warp's copies in Jackchew's collection.IssuesCloning and technology is all I could really find. Is cloning ethical? In this world of Kaiba, cloning is not considered as an ethical question, but more like the completeness of it. As Jackchew mentions, the only place able to do a perfect duplicate of a human is with the palace's technology, which is likely ancient. Technology therefore is a double-edged sword, and there is a reason why the palace keeps it a secret that they can do this.Is it the same with us I wonder? Could high corporations be keeping the real deal from us, and releasing technological advances slowly, whilst there could already be an enlightened and high technology somewhere, which is many leaps ahead of us? And what about cloning? In the case of Warp, it seems only one in two thousand inherit his abilities; is this a reference to someone being cloned and the chances of a clone having the exact same hereditary characteristics also one in two thousand? Intriguing.Kaiba, as viewed from the old ship's system.My ImpressionsThe move in the storyline is good. Now we know why Warp has copies of himself made, and who Issoudan really are. Not much else to say, except for Kichi's ending statements. He says he got Hyo-Hyo's boyfriend's body, and that he would put Hyo-Hyo back in its original body soon. Since the first episode I have suspected that Hyo-Hyo could carry the original memories of Neiro, and this seems to support that hypothesis now.Kaiba, the monster plant, itself seems to be an analogy of an approaching threat to all humanity. Yet this is far-fetched and vague, and no real evidence yet points to that, though I can certainly think of examples.
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