WBK speculation - Sakura, Momiji, and “Outsiders” Pt 3
As "filler-ish" as the recent chapters have been, they're important in establishing the story going forward.
As this is a story about Sakura's growth and integration into society + his found family, the ultimate goal for his story arc is "to become the top of Furin" in some way or form.
It seems that the "First semester arc" was to establish the characters, how Furin/Bofurin works, how the community/bonds is huge. Sakura gradually integrates into society, earns a place as a important member in their town, and contributing more to Makochi's peace than most of the people who were actually born there.
But most importantly, Sakura is healing, and he has friends to support him. If anything, they are aggressively trying to get him to understand his own worth and to cherish himself.
This "Second semester arc" dives immediately into what it means to be "a part of the community" vs "an outsider", with Momijikawa as the direct foil to Sakura.
While in the first part, mostly everyone quickly warmed up to Sakura and accepted him as a good kid. Momiji, on the other hand, despite (presumably) hearing about him and his achievements, steadfastly rejects Sakura on the basis of him being an outsider.
However, with each chapter we get, readers are challenged on who exactly is the real outsider? Who is the one actually alone?
Momiji may have been born and raised in Makochi, but
he is the "lone wolf"
he is strong, but he fights alone
he doesn't want to fight alongside allies, and he doesn't want to lead others
he's a very reserved quiet person who doesn't open up and share his pain with others
he started school 6 months late, he has no friends (that we know of) in Furin, he doesn't want to join in bonding activities like the after school patrols or training
he just wants to do his own thing, to protect the town his own way
In Ch 195, we realize Momiji is truly suffering his own way. With the limited information we have based on the rumors, it is likely that
Momiji was very close and loving with his parents, his grandparents, and the workshop
his family members died one by one, and he is very aware grandma doesn't have time left
he's a responsible kid who due to the circumstances, is forced to act like an adult - a 15 year old kid taking care of grandma, helping her get to her appointments and managing her schedule
he rearranges their small apartment to be easy and friendly for her as much as possible, having a wheelchair and hospital bed in the main living area, he labels everything for her, with lots of reminders and emergency numbers
Grandma has already forgotten him, but he hasn't forgotten her and is trying to smile and be reassuring
Again, he knows VERY WELL Grandma will not live long (he told grandpa Sugi that), yet he visits her at least twice a day, ever day without fail
The tears he had from beating up that grunt? Tears of feeling helpless, bereavement? of losing everything? *Sakura understood SOMETHING in that moment*
he's so alone, to drive the point, he's the only one eating by himself in the entire apartment complex
Over and over again...
vs
Nii-sensei drives home the fact that despite being the "outsider", SAKURA is the one who is surrounded by community and friends. Even though Momijis is a local, he is losing everything one by one and is the one who is truly alone.
Sakura has so many people who are there who are willing to help him out, but Momiji's one lifeline will disappear soon as well. Sakura worked hard to form bonds, while Momiji has been clinging to the past and not reached out to anyone.
Looks like things are being setup for Momiji's downfall: where he will lose everything, and be forced to change, whether or not he wants to or not, and Sakura will be there to help him in his time of need. Even if Momiji hates him, Sakura will still offer a helping hand.