Warning: Spoilers for Berserk Chapter #376
It’s been a long five and a half months, but the latest chapter of Berserk has arrived. The latest developments along the greater Fantasia Arc and Guts’ spiral into despair have led readers to wonder whether the end is in sight. However, with a surprise intervention from unlikely allies and a former Band of the Hawk teammate, things may look up for the Black Swordsman Party.
Guts and his allies might get a second wind as the Kushan Empire’s remnants move against Falconia in the next massive conflict of Berserk. This might not be surprising, given Griffith’s imminent position as the biggest threat to their side of the Astral World in Berserk.
The Kushans famously clashed with Griffith’s forces in the past, and even their mightiest leader couldn’t handle the Falcon of Light. Not even Guts could approach handling him in their latest confrontation in Berserk, leading him to a despondent state, but they have one character in tow who may be their most instrumental asset.
The opening pages of Berserk tease a hopeful note as Schierke reaches across the realms to Guts as he awakens, shackled in captivity. The Kushans captured the Party, referring to them as refugees as the Seahorse fled Skellig into their territory, meaning that they must serve as their soldiers as is customary. Silat and Daiba know the Party is a valuable asset and want to unite their arms in the next conflict as they prepare for war against Falconia and Griffith in Berserk. This is despite the Kushans’ forces and the mighty emperor Ganishka suffering decisive defeats like in Chapter #304.
Guts most recently got his closest chance at fighting Griffith in Berserk Chapter #367, not even leaving a mark while striking him from behind with the Dragonslayer. It seems far-fetched that the Kushans, even with the Bakiraka, Silat, and the Black Swordsman Party, would do much more, especially as Falconia’s hold over the world grows. But this time, Guts’ reunion with Rickert provides some hope that multiple vital allies could come together to tip the scales in this next massive conflict of Berserk.
Whether or not the series is genuinely marching to the final battle remains to be confirmed, but with Silat claiming the fractured empire to be mustering its forces, Berserk may be in its endgame. Rickert is an essential character who could do what Guts could not, though, as he was able to inflict actual harm on the reincarnated member of the God Hand in Chapter #337. This could be due to Rickert not being “in Griffith’s Story,” given the enigmatic rules given by the Skull Knight in Chapter #237, as those are the only people who can confront him.
Rickert was never present for the Eclipse and could have been overlooked to the point of Griffith’s demise. This offers a glimmer of hope, along with the initial pages of Berserk Chapter #376, where Schierke reaches Guts, stirring the warrior awake. While it’s unlikely the series will end with a glorious Shonen-style clash between Guts and Griffith, a cathartic conclusion could be reached if he’s confronted by somebody he doesn’t consider significant. Rickert could be the key to winning the subsequent conflict in Berserk as long as the additional might of the Kushans is enough.