Yet another BSD thought dump from when someone asked my thoughts about the leaders of the PM and ADA along with the generations of duos. (Skk etc.)
Some extra context of the ramble ahead: I was asked an opinion about how the first generation (or the Fukuzawa and Mori one anyways) ended up leading the factions and the others don't seem to be going that same route. The way the person mentioned it made me think of it going from King, to Knight, to Pawn. I think the way Asagiri was handling it, when we see Fukuzawa and Mori in our current story/timeline in BSD - they are already like leaders. We did not really see (besides the Untold Origins giving us more to see) a full development of their story exactly leading towards that, and it is easier and better to write them that way where we see bits of their past since they are not the main character/s although they are important. For Chuuya and Dazai, you could say we saw them get the idea and end up reaching the ranks of being Port Mafia Executives, and again the same reason as the last one. Mori is still leading, Chuuya does not seem interested in getting there. Dazai also does not look like someone who would take on the leading role for the ADA, and Fukuzawa is still there (well, forgetting the current Manga mess.) As for ages, I do not think that has to do with it exactly, mostly considering Chuuya and Dazai (Dazai known as the youngest PM Executive etc.) Kunikida is more suited as mentioned in the story. With Atsushi and Akutagawa, we also get a different perspective and better understanding of their characters through how they are shown as pawns which just could not be done if any of the other duo/generations were there currently. It also shows us that to be strong or have something to fight for and a reason in life you don't have to just be a leader, but follow what is true to you or what you decide - even if there are others giving orders, without becoming a complete pawn like Tachihara. It is just better if nothing gets passed down the generations this way, especially considering it was meant for "protection" than just leading.
Both factions have the intent of protecting, or helping, the people of Yokohama - even if not everyone can be saved. This latest generation, however Dazai may of imagined them working together for the best of Yokohama, had a very bad start and many flaws onto each other as well as ways they can better each other as people and in strength/strategy not for leading any of the specific groups. They both also need working on their intentions, which is far off from any leader-like qualities or ever really becoming such at least from what we see now. Atsushi has his kindness and will to save others in front of his eyes, yet has the reason more centered of selfishness deeper within (as well as his own other selfish aspects which is for talking about another day) - and Akutagawa has his goals and selfishness in front of his eyes, but keeps everything else of protection or wanting to give people value more deeper within, so like the opposite of how Atsushi does it in a way. And without having everything set with their characters they may never, or at least not in a long time ever become leaders (very unlikely.) Akutagawa also does not possess an outright care for Yokohama the way Mori does, and Atsushi does not have what it takes for helping people the way Fukuzawa does or making difficult decisions ("I'll give you 5 minutes to decide-" flashbacks though we do know Atsushi was pushed mentally into a corner in that tough time).
But that is just what came to mind on them being leaders or it being fitting for the story at any point or not. Either way, whether using others as weapons, or being the weapons themselves wielded or not - its purpose all needed to have the same core value or belief in protection regardless their status as a leader or a pawn.
And somehow I ended up thinking about this scene. (My mind is in a constant state of Akutagawa worship and thoughts, I cannot be blamed here.)
