Saint Seiya: The Official Strongest? Why Aries Shion is Sanctuary’s Only Perfect Warrior

In the exhilarating world of Saint Seiya, the twelve Gold Saints stand as the ultimate symbols of Sanctuary’s power and remain a constant source of fascination for fans. While names like Gemini Saga, Virgo Shaka, and Libra Dohko often dominate conversations about the strongest Gold Saint, one formidable figure is frequently overlooked: the former Pope, Aries Shion. Both official data and his stellar performances across multiple series cement his status as a true elite among the Gold Saints, making him a character worthy of deep exploration.

The Officially Certified All-Round King

According to the official Shueisha data book, Saint Seiya Taizen, a Saint’s combat prowess is measured across five core abilities: Fist, Kick, Tools, Mind, and Throw. Each is rated out of 5, for a perfect total of 25. Among all the Gold Saints, Aries Shion stands alone as the only “Pentagon Warrior”, achieving a perfect score in every single category. This places him in stark contrast to Dohko’s 24 and the 19 points held by both Saga and Shaka, a statistical fact that reveals he possesses virtually no weakness in battle.

His physical offensive capabilities are exceptional. His ultimate technique, Stardust Revolution, harnesses the power of cosmic stardust to obliterate opponents with overwhelming force. In terms of psychic and defensive prowess, his Crystal Wall is renowned as one of Sanctuary’s ultimate defenses. As an heir to the Jamir lineage, his mental powers are profound and mysterious. A glimpse of his strength can be seen through his pupil, Mu, who used the Crystal Wall to successfully block two Gold Saints—Cancer Deathmask and Pisces Aphrodite—simultaneously at the Aries Temple. In the Hades Chapter, the resurrected Shion’s mere spiritual pressure was enough to render Mu and other Gold Saints helpless.

The “Tools” category represents mastery over weapons and equipment. Shion’s heritage grants him the secret technique of Cloth repair, giving him an understanding of Cloths and their inherent weapons that far surpasses the ordinary, rightfully earning him a perfect score here. In “Throw,” which encompasses close-quarters combat and spatial manipulation, Shion also excels. In the Lost Canvas sidestory, he repeatedly used teleportation to evade danger and, alongside Aspros, shattered the temporal prison of the Time God, Kairos. Both official stats and solidly affirm his title as the Pentagon Warrior.

Lost Canvas: From Gifted Youth to God-Slaying Hero

The Lost Canvas series portrays Shion’s complete and thrilling growth arc. In his youth, he possessed a unique constitution that allowed him to inherit the memories of a Gold Saint’s predecessor simply by touching their Cloth—a rare gift that nearly cost him his chance to become a Saint. Fortunately, with the help of the older Cancer Manigoldo, Shion resonated with the Aries Gold Cloth. He comprehended the profound will inherited through the generations, embraced the legacy of the first Aries, Afnil, and ultimately mastered the Stardust Revolution.

During the final battle in the Star Hill Temple, Shion showcased his true power. He employed spatial jumps to dismantle the mystical space of the Time God, Kairos, and finally, with the aid of Athena’s Shield, succeeded in sealing the deity away. This act completed his magnificent transformation from a green apprentice to a god-slayer, achieving a feat of mortal defiance against divinity.

Next Dimension & Hades Chapter: The Pope’s Aura and Wisdom

In Next Dimension, Shion is still a rookie, a young man standing before the previous generation of legendary Gold Saints. By the time of the classic Sanctuary arc, his direct appearances were limited due to Saga’s corruption, but his role was no less critical. In the wake of the previous Holy War’s devastation, which created a generational gap among the Gold Saints, it was Shion who acted as a father figure, nurturing the next generation—including Aiolos and Saga himself. To them, he was a figure of immense respect and authority.

In the Hades Chapter, the resurrected Shion appears as a specter. Though he engages in few direct fights, his presence is overwhelmingly powerful. Leading the Specter Gold Saints in an assault on Sanctuary, he freezes Mu in place with a mere frown and shatters his Crystal Wall with effortless ease, leaving no doubt about his superior strength. More admirable than his power, however, is his sacrifice. He feigns betrayal to infiltrate the enemy’s ranks and secure crucial intelligence about Athena’s Cloth, then entrusts the final mission to the younger generation of Pegasus Seiya. This grand, cross-generational strategy, spanning life and death, highlights the strategic mind and profound sense of duty that truly defines a Pentagon Warrior.

The Deeper Meaning of the Pentagon Warrior

Shion’s title is more than just a perfect stat line; it carries significant narrative weight. His journey connects the entire timeline of the Saint Seiya universe, from his days as an apprentice in Next Dimension, to his tenure as Pope, and finally to his role as a Specter in the Hades Chapter. He faced gods with fearless resistance and nurtured the next generation with meticulous care. A master of both physical and psychic combat, he also embodied the wisdom of a strategist and the compassion of a mentor, truly exemplifying what it means to be “complete.”

Through Shion, creator Masami Kurumada presents a definition of the perfect warrior: true strength is not raw power alone, but a fusion of wisdom, courage, and responsibility. Evolving from a passionate youth to a dignified Pope and a tragic hero, Shion consistently stood at the pinnacle of the Gold Saints, leaving an indelible mark across the fabric of time itself.

This underestimated legend, with his comprehensive power and profound character depth, deserves far greater recognition and appreciation. Have you, too, been captivated by the charisma of Aries Shion? Do you believe he is worthy of the title of the strongest Gold Saint? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to like, follow, and share to continue the discussion with fellow Saints fans!