Shin and Lu’s Complicated Bond in Sakamoto Days: From Enemies to Allies

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Summary

  • Shin and Lu have clashing perspectives but look out for each other, showcasing their contentious yet understanding relationship.
  • Lu’s family history puts her in danger, but with Taro’s help, she is protected, leading to a new life away from her mob background.
  • Episode 7 is a pivotal turning point for Shin and Lu’s relationship, deepening their bond through trust and empathy.

In the anime titled “Sakamoto Days“, a retired assassin named Taro Sakamoto takes on two ex-criminals at his convenience store. Initially, he recruits Shin Asakura, a clairvoyant assassin and his former associate. Later, Lu Shaotang, a skilled drunken fist kung fu practitioner who was once a mafia heiress, joins Sakamoto’s team. A more fitting title for “Sakamoto Days ” could be “Taro’s Convenience Store: Training Ground for Redeemed Assassins“.

Shin and Lu’s relationship is complex. While they have contrasting approaches to their work, this difference in mindset frequently results in minor disagreements. However, it’s also worth noting that they care for each other deeply. An example of this was seen in episode 4, “Hard Boiled,” where Lu rescued Shin from a potentially fatal chainsaw accident. In episode 7, “Jurassic Bastard,” Lu gained a new understanding of Shin that could strengthen their friendship. But the question remains, what will this mean for their future together?

Shin and Lu Met in Episode 2

In episode 2, titled “Vs. Son Hee and Bacho”, instead of simply visiting them, Lu makes a dramatic entrance by leaping from a building and landing on Shin and Taro in the middle of their shopping trip at a local Chinatown market. Instead of the casual connotation of dropping in, this action involves Lu literally jumping and falling onto them, causing an unfortunate incident where their freshly bought meat buns get squashed. This unexpected encounter sets off a series of events that entangle Taro and Shin in a dispute over mafia connections and concealed treasures.

Lu carries the essential key to her family’s hidden vault, a priceless trove that attracts envy from numerous covetous groups, among them the Danshokai family. The Danshokai were responsible for Lu’s parents’ murder, leaving her as the sole obstacle to their plan of seizing the contents of the vault. Although their initial assassination attempt on Lu fails, Wang, the clan chairman, dispatches a ruthless duo of assassins to pursue and complete the task.

Taro Employed Shin and Lu at His Convenience Store

Following their pursuit of Danshokai’s trail, it seems logical that Taro, Shin, and Lu would separate from each other, especially given her connection to the Lu family heiress. However, an unexpected turn occurs when Taro proposes to safeguard Lu on the condition that she prepares fresh meat buns for his family once they manage to secure her safety. With Son Hee and Bacho emerging as a new threat soon after, Lu accepts this sudden offer as a means of survival.

The encounter between Taro, Shin, and Son Hee alongside Bacho provides insights into the tumultuous dynamics of the younger duo. Despite being newly acquainted, Lu and Shin express their thoughts freely to one another. For example, when Lu becomes agitated and rushes towards Son Hee, Taro restrains her, and Shin remarks, “Foolish one. Don’t let them provoke you so easily.

Luckily for us, Taro, Shin, and Lu managed to subdue Son Hee and Bacho. What’s more, we were able to persuade Wang to abandon the plan to target Lu, giving her the chance to uncover the secrets locked within the hidden safe. This breakthrough allowed her to step away from her mob past and secure a job at Sakamoto’s Convenience Store, where she now makes delicious meat buns. On my very first day there, Shin inquired as to why I was working if I had my family’s wealth. To this, I replied:

I can’t just sell off my family heirlooms like that. You dumbuss.

Well, I must admit, I took a bit of umbrage at that comment. But then, Lu proposes to label me as a “clueless oaf” instead. It seems we’re heading towards a situation where we might end up irritating each other quite a bit.

Shin and Lu Often Butt Heads

Shin and Lu frequently engage in banter that sometimes feels like a dance. They resemble an unconventional duo, as Shin is meticulous and structured, while Lu acts on her whims. Despite the potential for mutual growth, they must first navigate their contrasting traits before truly benefiting from each other’s company.

At the workplace, I often witness a dynamic between Lu and Shin that seems more like a dance of opposites than a harmonious partnership. For example, Lu’s disorganized approach tends to irritate Shin, whether it’s her habitual tardiness, haphazardly arranging inventory, or the occasional mistake of donning his apron while tidying up. On the flip side, Lu finds Shin’s meticulous supervision and controlling tendencies intolerable. In her own words, she expresses her feelings by saying, “I can hardly unwind around him because I never know if he’s reading my mind or not.

Despite constantly sparring like they’re in a contest, Lu and Shin always have each other’s back. In the beginning, when they barely knew each other, Shin defended Lu from the Danshokai clan. Then, in episode 4, “Hard Boiled,” Lu used her drunken martial arts to entertain Obiguro so much that she stopped a henchman from dismembering Shin with a chainsaw by amusing her.

Episode 7 is a Turning Point in Their Relationship

A significant misconception in Lu and Shin’s partnership stems from Lu’s apprehension towards Shin’s telepathic abilities. This misconception escalates dramatically in season 1, episode 7 titled “Jurassic Bastard,” when the store is left under their care without the Sakamotos’ assistance. During a heated dispute, Shin unintentionally invades Lu’s privacy by reading her thoughts without consent and retaliates with a subtle jab. Within moments, they start hurling meat buns at each other.

When Lu speaks to Shin about her unease around him and explains why, Shin interprets it as a personal attack, leading him to exit the store (leaving Heisuke Masimoto feeling awkward as he witnesses the scene). Lu’s statement touches on a sensitive point for Shin that transcends their usual interactions. As she reflects on the impact of her words, Lu realizes that she had never seen Shin appear so downcast before.

In the midst of my deep thoughts at Shaotang’s store, my musings were suddenly interrupted by a troupe of men clad in hazmat suits, scouring the premises for someone named Shin. The unfortunate twist was that Lu, who happened to be wearing Shin’s apron, became their prime target. Without a moment’s pause, they whisked her away. As I found myself restrained in the back of a speeding van, I overheard snippets of conversation about Shin from my captors, providing valuable insights as they guided us to an unspecified destination.

Nobody would wanna hang out with a creep like that…Sounds like a sad and lonely existence to me!

In response to the man’s remark, Lu doesn’t just accept it passively. Instead, she shows immense courage, even with her hands bound, by forcefully striking the man and defending her new friend. This act is particularly significant for Lu as she comes to understand that Shin does not possess the ability to read minds. Furthermore, she recognizes that he deserves a satisfying life like everyone else, despite his unique qualities. As Shin and Lu mutually understand each other better, their bond of trust and camaraderie strengthens. Although romantic feelings may not be present, they make an exceptional pair.

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2025-03-01 05:06