Could Lelouch Use Geass to Make Someone Obey His Orders Forever?

In the anime series Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Lelouch Lamperouge's Geass is a mysterious and powerful ability that grants him the ability to make someone obey his orders. But could he, in theory, make someone obey him forever through a Geass command?

Theoretical Possibility of Unending Compliance

Lelouch's Geass, or 'Geass Oukenyo', can be used to manipulate the human mind, overriding free will temporarily. While it is not a programmable tool that can instill an unending order, it can indeed make someone obey commands for an indefinite period.

For instance, a command like "Be my servant" would theoretically make someone obedient to Lelouch until that person dies. This is supported by the case of Suzaku Kururugi, where Lelouch explicitly stated that Suzaku was not allowed to die. As a result, Suzaku's Geass command is still in effect, as demonstrated in later episodes.

Similarly, in the series, Lelouch experiments with the permanence of Geass commands. He once commanded a girl to scratch a mark on a wall daily, and the girl continued to do so even after Lelouch's death. This suggests that Geass commands can last indefinitely. However, the series does not cover a long-term follow-up in the same continuity to confirm this hypothesis, leaving room for speculation.

Strategic Usage and Limitations

While Lelouch could potentially give an unending command, he typically does not. In practice, Lelouch strategically uses Geass for specific goals, such as making someone 'obey Zero.' This approach allows him to avoid the potential complications that come with an unending order.

One key limitation is the psychological and emotional impact on the obeying party. Even though Geass affects free will, it does not eliminate free will entirely. The recipient of the command might rebel due to the nature of the command, the emotional toll, or a change in circumstances. Additionally, Lelouch's sense of morality and his concern for his sister Nunnally often prevent him from giving such a command.

Manipulation in Action

Lelouch employs the concept of indefinitely obeying commands multiple times in the show. He makes a number of characters obey his orders repeatedly, such as Jeremiah Cornelia, Cornelia Cornelius, Suzaku, and the girl from the beginning. In these instances, Lelouch's sense of morality and his relationship with Nunnally play a crucial role in whether he uses his Geass for such commands.

The Geass command "You will obey Zero" is a particularly versatile tool. It makes the target follow any order from someone they recognize as Zero, effectively extending the range and scope of Lelouch's control. For example, in season 2, Lelouch commands Schneizel to obey Zero, and this command remains in effect even after Lelouch pretends to die. This shows Lelouch's ability to leverage his Geass for long-term benefits.

Schneizel and the soldiers in the capital who served Lelouch until death further demonstrate the potential for Geass to maintain obedience over time. These examples highlight how Lelouch's strategic use of Geass can lead to long-term control, but the exact duration remains unknown.

In conclusion, while Lelouch's Geass can make someone obey his orders for an indefinite period, the choice to use such a command is not straightforward. Strategic planning and the character's moral compass are crucial in determining how Lelouch uses his ultimate power. Theoretically, an unending order is possible, but the practical implications and limitations always come into play.