Hey guys! Ever wondered about Subaru Natsuki's crazy ability in Re:Zero? Let's dive deep into the mystery of his "Return by Death" and other associated powers, breaking it down in a way that's easy to understand. No confusing jargon, just straight-up explanations.

What is Return by Death?

Return by Death is Subaru's main ability, granted to him by the Witch of Envy, Satella. Simply put, whenever Subaru dies, he gets sent back in time to a specific "save point." These save points aren't chosen by him but seem to be determined by Satella based on unknown criteria. It's like the ultimate do-over button, but with a massive downside: Subaru remembers everything that happened in the previous timelines, and he's the only one who does. This leads to a ton of emotional and psychological trauma, as he has to relive horrific events over and over again.

The mechanics behind Return by Death are pretty intricate. When Subaru dies, his soul essentially travels back in time, overwriting his previous self. This isn't just a simple reset; Subaru retains all the memories, experiences, and knowledge he gained in the timelines that were erased. Imagine dying a gruesome death, then waking up to relive the days leading up to it, knowing exactly what's coming. It’s a mental and emotional rollercoaster from hell!

Moreover, Return by Death isn't a clean slate. The world around Subaru continues as it was before his death, meaning that if he made enemies or alliances in the previous timeline, those relationships persist. He can't just undo his mistakes without consequences; he has to navigate the existing web of relationships and events, which can be incredibly complex and challenging. The ability forces Subaru to learn from his failures and adapt to ever-changing circumstances, making him a surprisingly resourceful protagonist despite his initial ineptitude.

However, Return by Death isn't without its limitations. Subaru can't just die and expect everything to be perfect. There's a cost involved, both emotionally and physically. Each death chips away at his sanity, and the weight of his accumulated experiences can be crushing. He has to live with the knowledge of countless timelines, each filled with pain, loss, and regret. This makes Return by Death as much a curse as it is a blessing, forcing Subaru to confront his own mortality and the consequences of his actions in every timeline.

The Witch's Scent

One of the lesser-known aspects tied to Return by Death is the Witch's Scent. Because Subaru is so heavily involved with the Witch of Envy, he emits a unique scent that only certain individuals can detect. This scent acts like a beacon, attracting both allies and enemies who are connected to the Witch's cult. It's not something Subaru can control, and it often puts him in dangerous situations.

Think of it as having a neon sign above your head that says, "I'm associated with something incredibly dangerous and powerful!" Not exactly ideal, right? This scent plays a crucial role in the plot, guiding characters like Emilia and other Witch Cult members to Subaru. It's a constant reminder of his connection to the Witch of Envy and the dangerous path he's treading.

The Witch's Scent also has some intriguing effects on those who can perceive it. Some characters, like Roswaal, are drawn to Subaru because of the scent, seeing him as a key piece in their own machinations. Others, like certain members of the Witch Cult, view him as a heretic or an obstacle to their goals. This creates a complex web of alliances and rivalries, all stemming from Subaru's involuntary connection to the Witch of Envy.

Moreover, the scent isn't static; it can fluctuate in intensity depending on Subaru's emotional state and his proximity to other Witch factors. This means that the more stressed or involved he is with Witch-related events, the stronger the scent becomes, making him an even bigger target. It's a constant reminder of the supernatural forces at play in his life and the dangers that lurk around every corner.

The scent also complicates Subaru's relationships with the other characters. While some are drawn to him because of it, others are repelled or suspicious, creating tension and mistrust. He has to carefully manage his interactions with others, knowing that his connection to the Witch of Envy is a closely guarded secret that could have devastating consequences if revealed.

Authority of Greed (Potential)

It's heavily implied that Subaru has the potential to wield the Authority of Greed, typically associated with the Witch Factor of Greed. While he hasn't fully manifested this ability (yet!), there are hints throughout the series that suggest he's on that path. The Authority of Greed grants its user the power to manipulate information and desires, making it an incredibly potent ability.

So, what does this mean for Subaru? If he were to gain the Authority of Greed, he could potentially use it to better navigate the treacherous situations he finds himself in. Imagine being able to manipulate the desires of your enemies or gain access to hidden information that could help you avoid a deadly outcome. It would be a game-changer for Subaru, giving him a significant advantage in his fight against fate.

However, wielding the Authority of Greed comes with its own set of risks. The Witch Factors are known to corrupt their users, twisting their personalities and desires. If Subaru were to succumb to the influence of the Witch Factor of Greed, he could become a manipulative and ruthless individual, willing to do anything to achieve his goals. This would put him at odds with his friends and allies, and could ultimately lead him down a dark path.

Moreover, the Authority of Greed is a highly coveted power, and there are likely to be many individuals who would seek to take it from Subaru. This would make him an even bigger target than he already is, and could draw him into conflicts with powerful enemies. He would have to be extremely careful about how he uses his powers, lest he attract unwanted attention or provoke a confrontation.

Invisible Providence

Another significant ability connected to Subaru is Invisible Providence. This is essentially the unseen hand of Satella, the Witch of Envy, protecting and sometimes hindering Subaru. It manifests as an invisible force that can interfere with events, often saving Subaru from certain death or preventing him from revealing crucial information about Return by Death.

Think of it as an invisible guardian angel, except this angel has its own agenda. Invisible Providence can be a lifesaver, but it also comes with a catch. Satella doesn't want Subaru to reveal the nature of Return by Death to others, and Invisible Providence will actively prevent him from doing so. This can lead to frustrating situations where Subaru is unable to explain his actions or warn others about impending danger.

This ability highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of Subaru's relationship with Satella. On one hand, she grants him the power to Return by Death, giving him countless chances to save those he cares about. On the other hand, she restricts his ability to communicate and connect with others, isolating him in his suffering. It's a twisted form of love and protection, one that leaves Subaru feeling both grateful and resentful.

Moreover, Invisible Providence raises questions about Satella's true motives. Is she genuinely trying to help Subaru, or is she simply using him as a pawn in her own game? The answer is likely somewhere in between, adding to the mystery and intrigue surrounding her character. Her actions are often ambiguous, leaving Subaru and the audience to wonder what her ultimate goals are.

The Price Subaru Pays

Let's not forget the emotional and psychological toll all these powers take on Subaru. Return by Death isn't a game; it's a horrific cycle of death and rebirth that leaves Subaru scarred and traumatized. He carries the weight of countless failed timelines, each filled with pain, loss, and regret. This constant exposure to death and suffering can lead to severe mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Subaru's mental state is constantly teetering on the brink of collapse, and it's only through his determination and the support of his friends that he manages to keep going. He has to confront his own mortality and the consequences of his actions in every timeline, forcing him to grow and adapt in ways that no one should ever have to. It's a testament to his resilience and his unwavering commitment to saving those he cares about.

Moreover, the isolation that comes with Return by Death can be incredibly damaging. Subaru is unable to share his experiences with others, knowing that they wouldn't understand or believe him. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and alienation, making it difficult for him to form meaningful connections with others. He has to bear the burden of his knowledge alone, knowing that he can never truly share his pain with those around him.

The psychological toll of Return by Death is a recurring theme throughout the series, highlighting the human cost of supernatural abilities. It serves as a reminder that even the most powerful abilities come with a price, and that true strength lies not in power, but in the ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

Final Thoughts

Subaru's powers in Re:Zero are a complex and fascinating aspect of the series. Return by Death, the Witch's Scent, the potential Authority of Greed, and Invisible Providence all contribute to his unique situation, making him a compelling and tragic character. It's not just about having cool abilities; it's about the consequences and the price one pays for wielding such power.

So, the next time you watch Re:Zero, take a moment to appreciate the depth and complexity of Subaru's powers. They're not just plot devices; they're integral to his character and the themes of the series. And remember, even with all those powers, it's Subaru's determination and love for others that truly make him a hero.