Saint Seiya: Was Aries Shion the Weakest in the LC Era? Think Again—He Overpowered Secondary Gods Later
In the world of Saint Seiya, Hades has always been Athena’s most formidable foe. Each time he descends, he brings along an army of allies, including secondary gods and 108 Specters. The anime Saint Seiya: The Hades Chapter vividly depicted the great war during the SS (Sanctuary) era. However, thanks to the five nearly invincible Bronze Saints—Seiya, Shiryu, Ikki, Hyoga, and Shun—the Sanctuary managed to fight its way from the underworld straight to the divine realm, ultimately challenging even Hades himself.
Yet, it’s the Gold Saints who truly represent the pinnacle of the Sanctuary’s power. Warriors like Saga, Shaka, Deathmask, and Shion possessed extraordinary abilities and should have been the core force in these epic battles. Unfortunately, the Gemini Saga’s rebellion left the Sanctuary in disarray, with many Gold Saints perishing prematurely.
The LC Era and Shion’s Humble Beginnings
Long before the SS era, during the Lost Canvas (LC) timeline, Shion and his contemporary Dohko were just 18-year-old newcomers to the ranks of the Gold Saints. At that time, veterans like Asmita, El Cid, Shijima, and Manigoldo carried the weight of the war against the gods, demonstrating power that rivaled divinity itself.
In the Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas anime, which spans only 26 episodes, Shion’s portrayal is notably underwhelming. As a newly anointed Aries Gold Saint, he was still refining his skills and far from his peak. This limited screen time unfortunately overshadowed his immense potential and future growth.
Shion’s Meteoric Rise and Confrontation with a God
As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Shion’s journey is one of perseverance and evolution. Fourteen years after Athena’s victory over Hades in the LC era, Shion ascends to the role of Pope, tasked with rebuilding the Sanctuary. With most Gold Saints lost in the war and only Dohko remaining as a guardian, Shion’s leadership becomes crucial.
It is during this period that he faces one of his greatest challenges: the cunning Secondary God Kagami, also known as the Time Deity. Kagami, anticipating Shion’s pivotal role in the Sanctuary’s resurgence, attempts to assassinate him on multiple occasions. Initially, Shion struggles, but with the aid of allies like Tenma and Aspros, he narrowly escapes these threats.
The Climactic Battle: Shion vs. Kagami
In a later encounter, Kagami launches another assault, aiming to eliminate Shion and steal the Pegasus Cloth for future wars. This time, however, Shion—now as Pope—demonstrates a staggering increase in power. He not only holds his own against Kagami but dominates their battle, showcasing abilities that far surpass his earlier capabilities.
Though Shion couldn’t deliver the final blow to the resilient deity, the intervention of Athena and Tenma ensured Kagami’s defeat. This victory solidified Shion’s status as a force to be reckoned with, capable of challenging gods.
Legacy and Impact on the Sanctuary
Over the next two centuries, Shion’s influence shaped the future of the Sanctuary. He mentored the next generation of Gold Saints, including Mu of Aries, and oversaw the rise of legends like Shaka, Saga, and Aiolos. Had it not been for his untimely death at Saga’s hands in the SS era, Shion could have played a strategic role akin to Sage, guiding the Saints against Hades and the Twin Gods.
His story is a testament to the Aries traits of resilience, leadership, and relentless growth. From a rookie Gold Saint to a god-challenging Pope, Shion’s journey embodies the spirit of perseverance that defines the very best of the Zodiac warriors.
