#Also just like Atsushi when he gained information from Sigma about Kamui

[another-ruuka]

Nah, I don't think Sigma is dead. Like, if you look again in Cannibalism Arc, Fyodor's ability is something related to blood spluttering out of people's bodies as he touches them (I didn't mean to explain Fyodor's ability btw). Sigma, in this case, didn't get blood bursts out from his body. He just fainted because he received that LOT of information from the devil himself. If Sigma gained that much information from Fyodor, it might take a lot of time for him to wake up (my guess is like days or even weeks).

And yeah, sorry if this doesn't make any sense, I might be delusional😀

okay guys HEAR ME OUT.

so in these two panels we see sigma touching fyodor, to gain information from him

and i’m almost positive that sigma isn’t actually dead, he just fainted from the amount of knowledge he got, like atsushi did

okay now hear me out, WHAT IF sigma was seeing what fyodor’s actual plan was, for chuuya to kill dazai BUT IT HASN’T ACTUALLY HAPPENED YET.

it’s very far fetched but i feel like it’s something asagiri would do and i’m trying to cling to the hope that sigma and dazai aren’t actually dead

IM HOPING ASAGIRI DIDN’T ACTUALLY HAVE THE BALLS TO KILL TWO FAN FAVORITE CHARACTERS.

then again, he also said he “loved” sigma, he also “loved” oda AND THAT MF IS DEAD NOW

[chazukekani]

Analysis - Chapter 79

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To begin with, let’s talk about the coloured illustration before the chapter actually starts (this one👇🏻)

Take a look of the birdcage in the middle and the upper left hand side of the illustration, which they are both absent with birds. I bet you all familiar with the ‘birdcage’ quote delivered by Gogol, where he says he wishes to be as free as the birds. Shortly after Asagiri demonstrates Gogol’s revival with his realisation of being free - killing his best friend - this illustration appears. Does it symbolise that Gogol has already found the ultimate way to achieve his life goal? Does it mean that his action is justified? I am happy about Gogol finding a resolution to achieve his aspirations, but killing of your loved ones (general love I mean) is surely heart-breaking. Would Asagiri justify his action? How will his action be resulted as the story develop? It is left to your thoughts.

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The chapter begins with Atsushi figuring where The Page is. As predicted from fan theories, Sigma transferred his knowledge about The Page to Atsushi at the moment when Atsushi holds him while Sigma’s fall. I think the action of Sigma gives out two messages. First, it shows the strong ability of empathy that Atsushi possessed. The nature of pure kindness, plus his tough past, has shaped the personality of Atsushi. His vicissitudes of his life allowed him to be sympathetic about other’s past and experience, as portrayed before through his attitude towards Kyouka, Lucy, or even Margaret. Even though Sigma meant to be his enemy, Atsushi manages to treat him heart to heart, and listen to his thoughts sincerely despite the emergency and priorities of his mission. Kindness allow one to influence others, and this is the strength of Atsushi. It may sound cliche, but altogether with his special ability, bravery, it shapes Nakajima Atsushi.

Secondly, Sigma’s action obviously further consolidate his personality. He is a man who claimed himself with no talent. Sigma is also a man with no shelter except the Casino. I therefore perceive him a rather down-to-earth person comparing with his colleagues. He does not have a lofty ambition, or an epic master plan for his ideal world. He knows what it feels as a mortal (even technically his is not an organic human :p). As a man who works hard, and communicates with lots of people, he surely has a deeper/alternative understanding towards humanity. That’s why he can be moved by Atsushi’s lines. Two men who both experienced toughness and worked very hard, may possibly thus manage to understand each other.

The flashback of Ango is quite interesting. However there is not much detail I can refer to, so I will just talk for a little bit. Ango mentions that the countless amount of information he receives from his ability had resulted in his brain malfunction before. It is possible that Ango, as a government agent, be asked to process different kinds of materials, or even human bodies. The memories that Ango has accumulated should have created a huge burden to him. I am so surprised that he is able to maintain his self-consciousness despite having such large amount of different memories. I mean, I can’t fit in a textbook before exams! Even though you managed to forget about the memories you have gained, there must be some unbelievable or shocking memories that you can never abandon. The mental pressure that Ango bears must be beyond our imagination. Respect!

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Okay let’s talk about what you guys thrilled for after the chapter once released - Kamui. I read different theories about who possibly Kamui will be, and it’s all really insightful! I, who have a small brain, cannot think of any hint who Kamui will be… but I do wanna talk about his name: Kamui. Kamui （神威）, which means to threaten/menace the God. I personally find it a rather dodgy/old fashioned name in terms of Kanji if you understand the context( ･᷄ὢ･᷅ ) But our beloved author will never do meaningless things and as big brain right? So let’s continue.

Such frank recognition of God reminds me of the constant reference to existence of God in previous chapters and arcs. Particularly referring back to the previous chapter where Dazai and Fyodor chatting about the will of the God, it reminds of Liberalism, the political/philosophical ideology established in 17th century. It is a theory which believe human should be embodied with freedom and rights, and overturns the previous definition of human - we are born with original sin, which underpinned that humans should obey God. Fyodor argues that God arranged everything in order perfectly; while Dazai thinks humanity struggles, and will be managed to figure they own way out.

For me, it is like a debate between ‘divine’ and ‘human nature’. Liberalists believe that humans are able to learn from experiences, and act rationally, and this fits with Dazai’s general perception towards humanity. So I think Kamui, along with the Decay of Angels, may see themselves as the executioner on behalf of God, and to bring ‘good deeds’, and to restore the order of the world. While Dazai’s belief of human nature, has to counter the war, and lead by Atsushi, in order to demonstrate the central message that needs to be conveyed by Asagiri Kafka. I think it is no surprise that Liberalism can be seen as a reference for this story because ever since Gogol has raised the ‘birdcage’ lines, the issue of liberation, freedom, has to be discussed one day. Asagiri once mentioned in the Setting Catalogue of Dead Apple that the key theme of Bungo Stray Dogs is about ‘the meaning to live’. By coining the definition of humanity, it is a decent way to then further establish your analysis and argument of the best way of living as a human. Such well-organised plot is indeed the reason why I love Bungo Stray Dogs so much.