Bungou Stray Dogs: “I haven’t seen you in a while, after all.” SOUKOKU REUNION pt. 3 (S1, Ep. 10) SCENE / CHARACTER ANALYSIS
(This is the last one, folks!)
Part 1: https://ryuuaka713.tumblr.com/post/655687836076474368/bungou-stray-dogs-after-all-i-am-your-old
Part 2: https://ryuuaka713.tumblr.com/post/658295757141688320/bungou-stray-dogs-i-wouldnt-have-been-a-proper
First thing I would like to point out in Episode 10 revolving around Chuuya and Dazai is the shift in tonality. Earlier, I mentioned how in Episode 9, there is this tension between the two as they began their cat-and-mouse game. However, that playful rivalry suddenly transitioned into a more violent competition between brawn and brain. But then again, in this same episode where we see the brutality in their nature (and by extent: in their relationship), we also get to see them as this:
This is no other than the infamous “rich girl” scene, and my God—nobody in this fandom would ever forget about it (I mean, how could you ever?? XD). But how did we get from them throwing physical and mental punches, to them bickering like an old married couple/children?
To begin with, the title of the chapter pertaining to Episode 10 is called “Of Bygone days” – derived from Chuuya Nakahara’s anthology of poems called “Songs of Bygone Days”. I just find this interesting that Asagiri would use this title-reference because not only is it an extension of Chuuya’s debut from the previous episode/chapter, but it also shows how Chuuya, similar to Akutagawa, is one of the main accesses we have to dive into Dazai’s past, which in turn, would show their relationship/dynamic even before it is revealed that they are the infamous Double Black (we know they are partners in Season 1, but we don’t know that they are one of the most powerful and reputed pair until season 2). Chuuya’s taunts and his history with Dazai unravels more of Dazai’s past in the PM where he is not just any member of the organization, but an executive! And in effect, Dazai unravels more of his sadistic tendencies and the extent of his manipulation, showing us what it means to be a PM executive in his way, while also fleshing out the other side of his nature. And with Dazai’s character and attitude mentioned above (and in the previous post), it is only fair that Chuuya would retaliate with the same level of brutality (the environment of the PM is also another factor to that). In short, the title of the chapter focuses on a past long gone and meant to be forgotten because it is painful on both ends, only to be revived by someone who is also very involved with that said past.
And yet, in the other half of this confrontation, even though the first parts are not the most pleasant, Dazai and Chuuya’s partnership is not only a relic of history, but also a memory. In other words, there is something nostalgic in the midst of that turbulent encounter. This sense of “nostalgia” is what eventually smooths the tension between these two, where we see the other side of that familiarity. And this is represented in one manga panel:
This is the part after Chuuya realized that Dazai was actually the one waiting to harass him (in the anime, Dazai said “It’s a reunion long in the making. A surprise of this caliber is only fair.”). what makes this scene so significant is that it perfectly summarized the more “humane” side of Double Black. Throughout the first half of this episode, we literally see them throwing violence here and there, so to see this side is very surprising. In other words, it literally contrasts their initial actions. The way Dazai looks at Chuuya—he is smiling, but it is a very mischievous smile, accompanied by Dazai’s diction where he calls that cat-and-mouse game/reunion a “surprise”, and subtly telling Chuuya that he “missed” him (“I haven’t seen you in a while”). It all comes off as very playful, which completely buffers out that rough tension they have earlier. And to top it off, I would say that this is the Dazai that Chuuya knew—the sneaky and mischievous mackerel who hides his clues in his jokes, while Chuuya sees through them in the slightest nudge. In a sense, it is also “nostalgic”—seeing once again the face of the old partner like they used to be their “playmate” (I mean, they are, technically!). So, it makes sense that it lives up to the title of this chapter—the bygone days are not just the violence that inhabits in their relationship, but also the more comedic and “lighter” aspects of it.
Furthermore, it also makes so much sense that we have already passed the turbulent parts of this encounter because, at this point, Chuuya has finally come into that realization—the other reason why Dazai let himself captured and why he waited a little longer is because of his reunion with Chuuya! How did he come into that realization? Well, it all started in this past where we left off:
At first glance, it seems like we are still in the part where they are still fighting with Dazai provoking Chuuya even though he already and successfully did it (Chuuya has already given up and ready to leave, at least in the anime). However, what makes this scene the turning point or the start where the tone changes is the way Chuuya reacted:
How does Dazai’s commentary of Chuuya being “hunted/driven out by the mafia” because of him (Dazai), connect to Dazai’s reason of being there in prison? To begin with, Dazai’s commentary is literally pointing to his own self, so we get a sense that he wants to grab Chuuya’s attention by literally giving out a clue that he is the reason why Chuuya lost his temper. Simple as that! However, there is something eerily familiar in Dazai’s diction.
“Chuuya hunted by the Mafia because of me” (Manga)
“Chuuya driven out of the organization because of me” (Anime)
Whether Asagiri did it on purpose or not, Dazai’s comment about Chuuya becoming a fugitive because of him—not only is it similar to what happened to Dazai—but it also eerily parallels to how the Sheep exiled Chuuya despite being the leader, all because Dazai casted a shadow of doubt on him and in the process: Chuuya joined the PM. If that connection were true, then it would make sense as to why it sparked in Chuuya’s mind. And it can be said that Dazai deliberately says it (specifically this way) because he wants Chuuya to pick it up and guess his other/second reason of being there: putting Chuuya in the “hardest dilemma” the same way he meticulously placed Chuuya in a situation where he must join the PM by making the Sheep doubt him.
However, despite the “impossibility” in that dilemma, if we look into Chuuya’s loyalty, it is obvious that he would do in his power not to make any worse decisions that could make him a traitor of the PM. This is something that Dazai has already predicted (which he did the moment he brought up that letter, he knew Chuuya would not kill him), and his response to Chuuya’s realization verifies it:
In the manga, he says “Yep” so casually like it is something that doesn’t surprise him. While in the anime, he smirks—it’s as if he’s saying that he was right all along, not just how he ends up winning this cat-and-mouse game (in Chuuya’s words, “In actuality, you were waiting to harass me”), but it also refers to how he’s right in his predictions. He’s confident that Chuuya has enough self-restraint to not make any rash choices… in other words, he knew him too much. By putting Chuuya in the “hardest dilemma” that he is very familiar with, he (Dazai) knew his partner would pick up those hints to help him arrive to that conclusion. And Dazai saying that he has been planning this reunion without mentioning the word “reunion” (calling it a “surprise”), it is enough to confirm that he meticulously planned this in the same way he did with that microscope incident in the Dead Apple manga. It is a very dubious process, and that’s why Chuuya reacted with his classical empty threat but not as violently as those punches he did earlier since he understands Dazai’s true intentions:
Chuuya’s reaction in that manga panel before he fell on his knees is the perfect response to Dazai’s mischievous. It is comical (which goes hand-in-hand with the playful element), and the audience can see how that tonality in this scene changed from being serious to comedic, thus replacing the tension with laughter.
On another note, Chuuya’s reaction also shows a sign of recognition (which I’ve said earlier) as if he just fell into one of his “sick pranks”. That realization is him seeing his ex-partner’s true intentions—Dazai harassing him is a throwback to how they used to spite each other like children. In other words, apart from helping Atsushi, he did all of this waiting and planning because he “hasn’t seen him in a while”. And if that’s the case, then it is possible that Dazai, despite bringing up that letter that nearly pushed his partner into his breaking point, has no objectives in making Chuuya ever betray the PM. Otherwise, he wouldn’t bring this up:
@nataliaphantomhivesblog says that this part is an example of Dazai caring for Chuuya. I would say I agree, and I must add that Dazai is being… considerate. Not to mention, this goes back to his prediction that Chuuya would not kill him but rather help him, and then as we see, Dazai will help him in return. If Dazai doesn’t have any sort of consideration in Chuuya’s being, then he wouldn’t even give him that offer nor the hints he dropped from before. Dazai acknowledges the kind of character Chuuya is, and even though it benefits in his end, he gives him that assurance or choice that he would not regret. But of course, considering the circumstance there is the demand for cooperation—and with this, we just got an appetizer of how Double Black works.
We have already witnessed these two playing the brain and brawn, but another aspect of that dynamic (which is the most highlighted) is their trust for one another.
It is ironic how Chuuya, who has trusted Dazai ever since, is now questioning whether to trust him or not at this moment. But given what happened between them, he has every right to doubt him at first, after all Dazai became a traitor. But what is interesting is that one word from Dazai that he doesn’t lie is enough for Chuuya to rekindle his trust on him. It is subtle but it says so much how Chuuya is very accustomed to him. Just as Dazai acknowledges that Chuuya would not betray the PM and gives him the choice that could not hold him accountable, Chuuya also acknowledges that Dazai would keep his end of the bargain and help him in return. It is reciprocated; and to think that they still have this dynamic even though they haven’t seen each other after four years. This is why in this scene, when Chuuya is exiting, his gestures are nonchalant—like he knows that Dazai is smart to go around his way in the PM (it was his turf!), and he is sure that his partner would make it look like he escaped with the help of the ADA.
In the manga, another thing I found interesting is that we see a panel of Dazai’s expression where he said that Chuuya is “wrong” about something. Of course, Dazai then tells him how he plans to have a double suicide with a beauty and having him kicked to death by him would not be “fun”. It is somehow for comedic purposes since it is followed by Dazai having that sparkly face. But the subtext in this part holds some meaning; looking at Dazai’s expression, even though we can’t see his eyes, we can still see that small smile on his lips when he started talking about that “correction”. This has become a recurrent motif in their encounter, especially in the Lovecraft episode where Dazai never looks away from Chuuya, and only smiles genuinely when Chuuya is not looking. And in this case, Chuuya has his back on him while Dazai continues to look with that small genuine smile. What does it mean? It validates that Dazai is still very fond of him. And this goes to the way he casually shares his goal of having a double suicide. That commentary is not even necessary since it doesn’t really add anything to either of their plans. But they still find the time to even talk about it briefly (it seems like that they don’t mind prolonging their reunion), demonstrating how Dazai is comfortable in sharing him his personal interest while Chuuya indulges him. If anything, this shows the extent of their intimacy, despite their claims of “hating” each other and being in opposing sides—so it adds more significance to that momentary faint smile before he pulls on that teasing look.
The boyish look that Dazai is giving Chuuya in that panel above is very similar to that mischievous smile in the beginning. This is the teasing smile Chuuya will always come to associate him with—when Dazai gives that smirk, it is his way of saying that he is right in his plans and predictions. And what do you know? One of his predictions earlier came true:
The little rich girl scene is one of the highlighted moments in BSD, as well as making it at least in the top 10 SKK moments. It confirms Dazai’s prediction (though he reminded Chuuya that he “forgot something”). It is also Chuuya’s way of keeping his end of the bargain (as part of helping Dazai getting the info even though he is already aware where they keep it). This part is obviously meant for laughs; heck, even the comment of Chuuya walking out like a little rich girl in his prediction stands out as the most farcical if you compare it his other claims. But what attracts the audience’s attention is the fact that Dazai actually laughs (to the point he has tears) in the manga. This is a big deal in their relationship! Because for Chuuya to do this impression, we can only assume how much he indulges Dazai’s ridiculous antics and his tolerance-level. And as for Dazai, we can only imagine how many times he had been doing this to Chuuya in the past for him to still remember it and for him to laugh hard about it. And with that being said, the audience got to witness Soukoku in one of their private moments, like seeing two people having an inside joke. It is very childish, and this is a way of telling the audience that they were and are the same children who yell at each other in the grim hallways (or dungeon) of the PM, spouting useless remarks because they have nothing better to do when they are “bored”. It is showing how Dazai and Chuuya are each other’s constant regardless of how much they keep claiming their “hatred”. And if that’s the case, it does justify the smile on Dazai’s face…
One of my commenters mentioned that one of the things that keep Dazai and Chuuya together is their history with each other. Which is true! But I also want to emphasize the nature of that “history”. It is obvious that Dazai wants to move on from the Port Mafia and never wanting to return, but because of the situation with Atsushi, he must do what is necessary. And yet, even if it is necessary, Dazai still expresses his hatred towards Mori silently and would rather avoid him like the plague. However, with Chuuya, it is different as Dazai even waits for him to arrive. And to top it off, despite the fact that he keeps yelling how much he “hates” him, his expression when he acknowledged that they haven’t seen each other shows that he never once forgotten about his partner and constant companion. And thus, justifying the claim that Dazai cares for him, and even indirectly acknowledging that Chuuya left a significant aspect in his life.
Even though there is brutality in the beginning, Dazai’s confrontation with Chuuya evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding them of their rivalry in the past, and their cooperation as the Double Black. By calling this chapter “Of Bygone Days”, it emphasizes the dual and complex aspects of Soukoku’s familiarity with each other, as it may have referred to their violent dispositions in the first part of their encounter. But at the same time, it is referring to how the reunion rekindles their past partnership and trust.
The creators composed Episode 10 where we initially see both of them at their worst, that way, we can see Dazai and Chuuya’s strengths and flaws as individual characters, understand the weight in their pasts, and it is a proper way to continue from the previous episode. There is a reason why they are called the “devastating rivals”—it is referring to the intense clashing nature that is found within their dynamic, so it is no doubt that their meeting will always meet with violence. Not to mention, their partnership was born in the midst of battle (referring to their fight with Rimbaud) and is solidified after they defeated a gifted organization. It is natural for them; but then, their rivalry can also be translated into those childish bickering. In other words, while Double Black starts with violence whenever they meet, once it subsides, it is replaced with something that eases that tension, whether it be akin to their pettiness or a sense of comfort. In this case, after Chuuya reached his breaking point, the tension worn off and it dawned in him that there was another reason why Dazai get himself captured. This other reason is what symbolized the more “humane” side of their relationship, as we can see how their interactions thereafter are more relaxed and comedic. While at the same time, there is a sense of fondness in the subtext.
Without a doubt, it is not a simple relationship, nor can this be taken as a romantic one. They hated each other to such degree, but there is no denying that they leave a significant mark in each other’s lives as they always trust each other and recognize each other’s strengths. Their pasts, painful as they can be, are reminders and testaments to why they are rightfully partners.
And yeah, that’s the end of that!!!
If you’ve read this far, thank you so much for taking the time, and I’m really sorry for the length of this post ‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )‧º·˚
I will be on hiatus because of the upcoming semester, but rest assure that I’ll still be around checking SKK stuff in Tumblr (it’s just that I won’t be doing any analysis for the time being until December).
But anyway, thanks for reading my TED-talk
