Gojun


I Still Can't Respect Him

Kojun: Oi - shouldn't you greet your superiors when you see them?

Kenren: ... Ah, sorry.

At the beginning of Saiyuki Gaiden, it seems that neither Kenren nor Gojun are too fond of each other - and that's quite the understatement.

In their first scene, Kenren is seen strolling casually through the corridor with a cigarette hanging from his lips...and walks right past Gojun without uttering a single word of acknowledgement. Being higher in rank than Kenren and much less lenient compared to Tenpou, Gojun stops him abruptly and pointedly asks him to reconsider his conduct towards his superiors. Unfazed, Kenren apologizes in a rather off-handed manner.

Kenren: Good afternoon. Goodbye.

Gojun: ... Kenren Taishou.

Kenren: What do you want? It's so bothersome. I'm not that free, you know?

Then, Kenren proceeds to greet Gojun "properly", bowing quickly and turning his back to Gojun just as briskly. Unimpressed that Kenren was obviously mocking the whole process, Gojun calls out warningly to his retreating back once again. Kenren turns around for the second time, expresses his annoyance with the conversation rather irritably, and demands to know why he is being held up.

Gojun: What is the bottle of wine doing dangling there on your back?

Kenren: That's my fuel.

Gojun: Ugh...

Gojun goes on to question the sake jug hanging from Kenren's waist and grimaces when Kenren gives yet another careless response. Although Gojun's face barely shows any hint of emotion, it is clear that Kenren's irresponsible attitude was getting on his nerves. However, it was also equally obviously that Kenren does not have the slightest intention of treating Gojun with the rightful subordinate-superior courtesy that is expected of him.

Gojun: If it wasn't for Tenpou Gensui, you would have already been fired from your job. You should thank your helpful deputy.

Kenren: Haha...you too. Be careful not to be bitten by the talented dog.

Gojun: What?

Kenren: Well, bye~

Since their exchange of words was going nowhere fast, Gojun changes the angle of the conversation, openly telling Kenren that the only reason he had not been removed from his position as general is because of Tenpou's influence. He adds that Kenren should be grateful to Tenpou and straighten up so as to not cause Tenpou any inconvenience. However, Kenren remains largely unaffected by the news and actually laughs, reminding Gojun to take heed of his own advice before turning around and strolling away nonchalantly.

Kenren: West Dragon King, Gojun, one of the elite soldiers of the fighting god family. That strict personality, the pale skin, and those red eyes. Even though he's my senior, I still can't respect him.

As Gojun stares hard at Kenren's retreating back, Kenren indicates that he does not have a high opinino of his superior. He mentions Gojun's army status, his "strictness", and how despite all that Gojun stands for, the respect is just not there. And it is no secret that Gojun does not have any respect for Kenren either!