>I hate to say it, but none of those reasons are particularly convincing.  
Even if all those reasons were true, if Funaho can't go anywhere, then why 
not give it to Tenchi?  To say that Funaho "isn't just an object to be 
traded" is based on the assumption that someone feels as if passing Funaho 
to Tenchi puts Funaho on the level of an "object"  and that is a 
questionable assumption. The 3rd reason also begs the question of why would 
there be a compelling reason not to give Funaho to Tenchi.

nik<

     Kajishima made it quite clear in his Q&A and the 101 that the Royal 
Tree Funaho is still partnered with Youshou.  Royal Trees are intended to 
be life-partners.  The only instance that we know of a Royal Tree changing 
partners is when Mitsuki was dying.  Even then, she had apparently merged 
with her Tree, so it's not a clear case.  Youshou isn't anywhere near 
death's door and still uses Funaho-no-ki's powers to maintain the 
illusion.  Additionally, synchronizing with a Royal Tree is not an instant 
affair.  Since Tenchi-ken recieves backup from Funaho-no-ki, it's probably 
more power than Tenchi could have been able to draw upon. 

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