#bsd 7

[soupthatistohot]

BSD: An Absurdist Analysis - Chapters 7 & 8 (Part 2)

There is always hope

[Masterpost]

We’re going to ignore that part 1 of this analysis is from 5 months ago and that I said I’d follow up with part 2 “soon.”

Anyway! Chapter 7 opens with Kyouka, a fourteen-year-old girl, attacking Dazai. When Atsushi expresses his concern about Dazai’s absence, unknowing about the reason for it, Kunikida says this:

This is probably a hint at the fact that Dazai let himself get captured, which is revealed a bit later. To me, this is Dazai being an absurdist protagonist at its finest: using his quirk (for lack of a better term) of consistently attempting suicide as a cover so the ADA doesn’t intervene on his behalf with the mafia. If he’d proposed this plan, they likely wouldn’t have let him do it, so he just “disappears” like he usually does. It's unconventional — absurd, even — that he plans things out like this. 

A good absurdist protagonist succeeds by subverting expectations, and in this instance, Dazai does so by allowing himself to get captured, the very thing Kunikida says is highly unlikely. This is similar to what I talked about in the previous post with Kyouka, who uses her appearance as a young, quiet girl to her advantage when making use of her deadly ability. 

Next: Kaiji and his motivations.

In his introduction, he declares that death is an experiment, and in doing so, he is representative of the absurd reality all humans are subject to, a reality in which someone can decide to bomb an entire train just to get to one individual, a society in which one can take the lives of others in the name of “experimentation.”

Of course, as explained in my prior analysis post, Yosano quickly puts him in his place with her refusal to give into this insane concept that innocent people’s lives are so expendable.

And finally: Atsushi.

Essentially, he is put in a rather difficult position: either give himself in to the Port Mafia, or allow an entire train of people to be blown to smithereens by Kaiji’s bombs. 

Of course, as our absurdist protagonist, Atsushi refuses to do either of these things and carves out his own secret third option: save everyone on the train and defeat Kaiji. Luckily, Yosano completes the latter portion of this task, leaving Atsushi to deal with the train’s passengers — and this includes Kyouka.

Kyouka begins attacking Atsushi, easily overwhelming him. It’s important to note that at this point in time, not only does he have very limited experience with combat, but he also hasn’t explored his ability fully, meaning that he is woefully outmatched by her ability, Demon Snow. 

Atsushi begins to have his doubts, as is characteristic of him. He often wavers in these moments of vulnerability, almost succumbing to the idea that it isn’t worth fighting back anymore because of his inexperience and apparent weakness. It is in this moment, though, that he has one of his famous orphanage flashbacks that will steel his resolve.

After this, the narration of Atsushi's inner monologue reads: “At that moment, an idea suddenly popped into my head. It may be a stupid idea, but at least it won’t leave me alone. If, by any chance, I can let the passengers return home safe and sound, does that prove that it’s okay for me to live?”

And, as if by a miracle, Atsushi is able to activate his ability to fight back against Kyouka.

In reality, it isn’t a miracle, though. It is Atsushi’s rebellion against the hopelessness of his current situation that pushes him to continue to fight back, allowing him to tap into his power and harness it. In a world where he and all the passengers will die a meaningless death, he creates his own purpose despite the seemingly dire circumstances. This is a theme that will recur again and again throughout the manga (even up to chapters being currently released), it is at the core of this story that when things seem the bleakest, there is always worth in continuing to fight back. 

Then Kyouka reveals the bomb, and subsequently, Akutagawa reveals that it cannot be diffused. Atsushi is saved the strife of having to figure out this one, though, when Kyouka takes things into her own hands and decides to sacrifice herself.

And Atsushi could stop there. Kyouka jumping from the train could be the conclusion to this story, as it would save both himself the passengers, but he refuses to believe that a fourteen year old orphan forced to murder against her will deserves to die, and so he makes the borderline suicidal decision to also jump in order to save her…

… and he succeeds. 

Because there is always worth in trying — there is always hope.

[Previous]

#bsd #bungo stray dogs #bungou stray dogs #bsd manga #kyouka izumi #kaiji motojiro #atsushi nakajima #bsd 7 #bsd chapter 7 #bsd chapter 8 #bsd 8 #bsd absurdism analysis #soup rants

[homoesia]

soukoku dance (insp by episode 507)

#soukoku #bsd #bungou stray dogs #bungo stray dogs #dazai #chuuya #dazai osamu #nakahara chuuya #bsd fanart #my art #bungou gay dogs #yes basically i watched the dazai and sigma dance scene and i what if dazai and vampire chuuya danceded #after dazai finishes bullying chuuya (first pic) he no longer humans him back to normal (second pic) #and then they look at each other like in the movie #bungou stray dogs spoilers #also chuuya is wearing a crop top #idk if he was actually wearing a crop top in the 7 seconds he was on screen i didnt check #oh yes also click for BIG very BIG resolution

[petitesmafia]

Dazai playing the long game

#enaspics #album: meme #bsd #bungou stray dogs #nakahara chuuya #Dazai Osamu #skk #soukoku #7 years later and the bullying still hasn’t worked

[artisan-king-morleus]

♡＼(￣▽￣)／♡

#bsd #bungou stray dogs #bsd chuuya #bsd chuuya nakahara #my artstyle #screenshot redraw #BRUH IM IN LOVE WITH HOW THIS CAME OUT #(didnt do extra lighting #^7^ #so glad i did my og bsd favorite justice in my style T^T #artists on tumblr

[ohhcinnybuns]

Dazai being a menace in t ı n y and Chuuya yeeting him is my SKK 🤌✨

Dazai’s little “ahhh~” gets me every time 😭

#bungou stray dogs #skk #bsd dazai #dazai osamu #soukoku #bsd skk #chuuya nakahara #Dazai really said so are you going to take off the clothes #or will I have to do it for you? #i'm kidding obviously #midnight blogging #they occupy my brain 24/7 #i love them in every form #even as king kong and damsel form

[embarrassinglastwords]

forever thinking about the way they’re literally obsessed with each other

stopping myself cause i could just keep adding to this

#sorry i just think about them constantly #they bicker and argue and fight #but goddamn are they dedicated to each other #after 7 years 4 of which they were apart #they are still partners #they still have that trust just like they did on day 1 #ship or not i’m tired of people who think they genuinely hate each other #bsd #bungo stray dogs #bungou stray dogs #soukouku #chuuya nakahara #nakahara chuuya #dazai osamu #osamu dazai #skk #skk brainrot #batpostingships

[flowers-of-buffoonery]

I have many Thoughts about kunikida and dazai but kunikida realising something is wrong and immediately going to dazai about it is the Thought ever.

kunikida was with the agency - he could have asked yosano, ranpo, even fukuzawa. instead, he climbs several flights of stairs to go ask dazai - and then he doesn't even ask, he simply acts as though assuming dazai would know the answer.

at this point in the story, kunikida is entirely in the dark about dazai's past; everything he knows about his partner comes from observation, from paying attention to what dazai says and does.

kunikida knows nothing about dazai save for what he's been able to put together himself, which apparently is: if something's wrong, dazai will know what it is as well as the implications. he will know how to fix it, and kunikida trusts him to do so.

as much as dazai's antics grate on kunikida's nerves, he's perfectly aware of how capable dazai is. he knows nothing about him other than what he's learnt, and that's enough for him to trusts dazai with his life.

#bungou stray dogs #bsd manga #vol. 7 #bsd meta #dazai #dazai osamu #kunikida #bsd kunikida #kunikida doppo #kunikidazai #bsd dazai

[bsd-verse]

Just noticed, wasn't this Dazai's pov? Chuuya was literally sparking in his eyes lmao dumb boy with his dumb crush I can't-

#dazai honey i know u were rejected but i think u should try again #or ur 7 year denial will be worse #lmao #bsd #bungo stray dogs #dazai osamu #chuuya nakahara #soukoku #skk #dazai x chuuya #bsd fifteen #bsd manga

[currently-haunted]

you're a creation both haunted and holy

#bsd #soukoku #my art #curr's art #unfortunately i have like 7 deadlines next week some i haven't even started so i won't finish this wip

[starlightshadowsworld]

Bsd Dazai saying to Sigma that "it's fine because every day for the past 7 years I've been thinking of ways to kill Chuuya."

Beast Chuuya (movie end credits) saying to Atsushi, about Dazai "and for 7 years. For seven years I've been looking forward to the day I could kill him."

#Fellas is it gay to think about killing your rival/partner day and night for 7 years #beast chuuya #bsd dazai #dazai osamu #chuuya nakahara #soukoku #bsd #bsd beast #bungou stray dogs #bungou stray dogs beast

[carrotkicks]

reverse bsd au doodles

#bsd #reverse au #doodle #doodles #random thoughts -> #gin has dazai's old bolo tie #i will forever be inconsitent with yosano outfit #mori is a disaster father of .. 7(?) #yosano #kenji #gin #higuchi #akutagawa #mori #elise

[soupthatistohot]

BSD: An Absurdist Analysis - Chapters 7 & 8 (Part 1)

Yosano and Kyouka: The Agency’s Women

[Masterpost]

I will be covering chapter 7 and 8 different from how I usually do these analyses, focusing on certain characters rather than the linear narrative. These two chapters revolve around the introduction of Yosano and Kyouka into the story, so I will focus on them for this post and make another ch. 7 & 8 post regarding other aspects of the chapters. 

So, let’s talk about Yosano!

This is her introductory chapter, spotlighting her personality and eventually her ability. One of my favorite moments by far is when she’s apologizing on Atsushi’s behalf for bumping into a rude, wealthy and entitled man who then kicks her in the face and she replies by threatening to stomp on his dick.

Later in the chapter, after Motojiro Kajii begins the bomb threat on the train, the same man begs for Yosano to save him after realizing she’s with the agency, perhaps hinting to the reader that he’s now had a change of heart… but then asks her to step on his dick. Appropriately, she drop-kicks the pervert. 

This highlights the absurdity of sexism and classism in modern society, the man flaunting his wealth earlier and insulting Yosano for being a woman, and is still unable to get over his bigoted ideology when his literal life is in danger. One would like to think that a woman being part of a powerful detective agency would earn the man’s respect, but in reality, this is not quite so true. He just wants to reap the advantages of having Yosano on his side by offering to pay her, but still objectifies her in the end. It’s a nuanced criticism that doesn’t magically solve sexism/classism by Yosano simply existing as a badass woman. 

This continues with Kajii’s interaction with Yosano, where he remarks that “women are so tough nowadays,” implying that it’s not in women’s nature to be strong. His sexist assumptions already put him at a disadvantage, because although he acknowledges Yosano’s strength, he still thinks himself more powerful and her stupid for trying to defy him.

In chapter 8, he calls her a “girl” and questions her intelligence, to which Yosano retaliates, calling Kajii "an idiot."

She’s goading him into injuring her here, knowing that her own ability will only work if she is on the brink of death, and it works. He drops a load of bombs on her, ignorantly assuming that there’s no chance of her survival. When he checks on her again, she uses this to her advantage, attacking him and effectively putting him in his place. 

Earlier, he had basically tried to mansplain death to her, not knowing who she was or what her background is, so she reveals her status as a doctor and explains her ability and understanding of death, threatening him.

After this, she half-kills Kajji and uses her ability on him enough times that she gets the information she needs and is able to speak to Atsushi over the intercom, allowing him to take charge of the situation. 

In summary, this chapter introduces Yosano as someone consistently overlooked because she is a woman, but she proves that she is capable and intelligent, which is not negated by the fact that she is also revealed to be borderline sadistic. It paints a nuanced portrait of a female character that will be further explored with her backstory much later in the manga. 

Now, let’s shift focus to Kyouka. 

Kyouka is silently present throughout chapter 7: capturing Dazai at the beginning and bumping into Atsushi at the train station. We know she is a threat, likely affiliated with the Port Mafia, but she is kept mysterious until the conclusion of chapter 7, using her appearance as a young, quiet girl as a cover until then. Atsushi tries to warn her against going toward the bomb before she reveals Demon Snow, who is being controlled by Akutagawa at this point. 

Continuing into Chapter 8, Atushi is shown to have been pretty injured by Demon Snow, and when he asks why a young girl like her is there, she reveals her very innocent interests and fears… and the fact that she’s killed thirty-five people in the last six months. 

Pairing the seemingly normal and even sweet personality traits consistent with a young girl with the fact that she’s an assassin is jarring, those two things do not belong together, and yet, in this absurd reality, there exists and girl who likes rabbits and has caused death. It’s absurd. 

After battling with Atsushi some more, she reveals that the bomb is strapped to her chest, reiterating her body count. Atsushi implores her to “express herself,” telling her that there’s more to life, imploring that they stop. Yosano then interrupts and Kyouka hands over the switch, only for Akutagawa to reveal through the phone that there is no way to defuse the bomb and it will go off regardless. 

She then pushes Atsushi away, attempting to jump off the train, and he then realizes that the phone controls her ability, that she has no autonomy and did not want to commit the murders she did. She has no autonomy. 

But rather than be resigned to her fate and allow herself and everyone on the train to die, Atsushi’s words seem to have affected her, and she decides to sacrifice only herself, jumping off the moving train.

While I cannot label this action as explicitly absurd (she believed she was dying either way and had completely lost hope), the fact that she’s rebelling against what Akutagawa wanted her to do, something she was unable to do thus far, is significant. I also think it is noteworthy that her ability is being controlled by a man, rendering her mostly unable to control her own actions, her hopelessness allowing for this. This appears to be in theme with the feminist lens these chapters seem to be taking. 

But as we already know with BSD, there is no situation that is completely hopeless, and Kyouka’s intended act of sacrifice allows Atsushi to jump out after her and save her, the bomb detaching from her chest far enough from the train that nobody gets injured. 

Kyouka will be further developed in future chapters, so I’ll wrap this up here at the end of chapter 8. What I will bring up is Kyouka’s similarities to Dazai, especially in his younger years. This is by no means an original idea, as many others have brought up this point on social media, but I do think it’s worth noting considering that the two share a certain amount of nihilism, which is only perpetuated by the toxic environment of the Port Mafia. Here, we see 

Kyouka taking her first steps toward breaking from this mindset, taking direct action so that nobody else got killed, seemingly the first decision she’s made for herself since her parents’ death. In this moment, she's reclaimed her autonomy.

This post is long enough as it is, so I’ll end it here. I will be making another post soon about chapters 7 and 8, focusing on Dazai’s capture, Kajji’s ideology, and Atsushi’s actions.

[Previous] [Next]

#bsd #bungo stray dogs #bungou stray dogs #bsd manga #yosano akiko #kyouka izumi #atsushi nakajima #bsd 7 #bsd chapter 7 #bsd chapter 8 #bsd 8 #bsd absurdism analysis #soup rants

[akutasoda]

hi! for the event, may i request a ranpo x fem!reader fluff/comfort oneshot in which the reader is ranpo's bodyguard and maybe she gets a little hurt protecting him? (happy 1k!! you deserve it!)

my life over yours + clingy much

prompts - protecting each other till the end + clingy and down bad

includes - ranpo

warnings - fem!reader (no pronouns mentioned), hurt to comfort, angst, fluff, wc - 857

it became a realisation to fukuzawa that some more protection was needed in terms of a certain employee. it wasn't that he was terrified as such, he just knew that ranpo did like to ruun his mouth a bit and fukuzawa wouldn't always be there to save him from a dangerous situation - the detective also had the habit of getting lost when sent out on a mission. the matter became more pressing when fukuzawa realised that ranpo's intellect and ability for crime solving would be highly targeted. so fukuzawa began his search for a bodyguard for ranpo.

ranpo thought it was utterly ridiculous that fukuzawa thought he needed someone to protect him. sure he got lost, sure he angered some people but that was all part of his plan! having some dumb bodyguard around would be a great hindrance to his plans. fukuzawa anticipated the strong retaliation from ranpo and would end up apologising on the detectives behalf when he stormed of - you still got paid at the end of the day.

it took an anticipated long time for ranpo to even willingly let you accompany him anywhere, mainly after he got lost one two many times and you were sent to retrieve him. you were constantly apologised to by fukuzawa on ranpo's behalf and he assured you that you're job would become alot easier once ranpo actually adjusted to the change. it may have taken long but eventually ranpo would start letting you do your job properly.

what wasn't told to you was how attached ranpo could get once he got used to you. you would perform your duties and accompany ranpo where he went but you started noticing how ranpo would demand you to follow him around the agency's building - always claiming that he could be attacked anywhere and so he needed to be protected. in fact, he told you where his stash of sweets were and insisted that part of your job was to protect them aswell.

sometimes you could even be dragged by ranpo down the streets of yokohama to protect him as he went shopping for more sweets. eventually he'd start referencing you in his plans for missions as his security while he annoyed the enemy until they became agitated enough to slip up. you quickly realised how he was now using your dedication to being a bodyguard freely, practically abusing what you were contracted to do.

for the most part your day's consisted of accompany ranpo while he performed menial tasks and practically slacked off work because he didn't find it interesting enough. a few of his coworkers would tell you in the rare moment ranpo wouldn't be with you, that they'd never seen ranpo so attached to someone that wasn't the president - you always thought they were over exaggerating but sometimes you could see it.

in one of the rare times ranpo personally went out into the field, you realised just how attached ranpo had gotten to you. it was a slightly complicated mission regarding a few rougue ability users who decided that they could try and use their abilities to commit a few crimes. the only reason ranpo went out was because he needed to prove something and he went looking for the evidence he needed and so you accompanied him as always.

they had caught you off guard really, turns out ranpo as always had gotten way to close for the enemies liking and they decided to plan an ambush. ranpo held the evidence up to you and in that brief moment of distraction they attacked. it was a poor attack on their behalf as they barely lasted before you had knocked all of the assailants unconscious and you didn't think much more of it so you turned to see if ranpo was okay. you were met with him holding the part of your arm that began seeping crimson.

it wasn't an impressive wound by any means, a mere cat scratch to a bodyguard but it seemed that ranpo saw it as something more. you tried wiggling your arm out of his grip but it only tightened as he started scolding you slightly, talking about how you couldn't do your job in this condition and what if you're injury caused him to be hurt if you two were attacked again. you stifled your laugh and told him he was overreacting and that it was a insignificant injury that probably would heal within a day or two.

your words tapered off as you saw the almost sad look in his eyes. he looked mad even - angry that someone had hurt you. instead you softly called out his name and you were immediately met with a sharp snap claiming that it didn't matter if it was a small injury, it could've been worse and then what would of he had done? he needed you to protect him, it was your job or maybe that was just an excuse for him.

an excuse to have you all to himself.

akutasoda's 1k event

#↪♡akutasoda's 1k event ♡ #x reader #x fem!reader #x fem reader #x female reader #bsd x reader #bungo stray dogs x reader #bungo stray dogs x you #bsd x you #bsd x female reader #bsd ranpo #ranpo x reader #↠fluff prompt 7 #↠fluff prompt 8

[petitesmafia]

"shallow bond"...Fyodor has only skimmed through the Chuuya sparknotes meanwhile Dazai has studied the lore he has done the extensive research he has a Bachelor's a Master's AND a PhD in Chuuyaology. Fyodor may have read the Chuuya sources but Dazai WAS THERE !!

#enas.txt #bungou stray dogs #bsd s5 spoilers #Dazai's like if you haven't thought about Chuuya in your every waking and sleeping moment for the past 7 years literally do not speak to me #like WHOOO do you think you are #Dazai: i am an expert in my field #this Chuuya shit SERIOUS

[woklaza]

Mafia Soukoku headcanon: Dazai does sleep (unlike how most fanfics write about him being an insomniac), but he definitely has some messed up sleep schedule.

Chuuya, waking Dazai up: It's time to wake up! Dazai, eyes closed: Whoever interrupts me from my eternal slumber shall be cursed- Chuuya: Fucking wake up, it's 6:21 am! Dazai: Too earlyyyyyy Chuuya: You went to bed at 5:12 am! Chuuya: Two days ago.

#bsd #bsd dazai #bsd chuuya #soukoku #bsd incorrect quotes #he either pulls 7 allnighters in a row or sleeps for 4 days #Woklaza's silly hcs

[d1shfandomz]

soukoku are equally obsessed with each other but the difference is that one of them knows it and one of them isn’t aware of it in the least

#spoiler alert dazai is self aware and chuuya is oblivious as shit about it #chuuya will use any excuse to bring dazai up in a conversation that was never about him and turn around and be like idgaf about him #he is so dumb i love him #dazai is the number 1 chuuya stan and he owns if with his whole chest #mf was writing novels and thinking about him 24/7 i think he knew he had a teensy weensy problem #bsd #bungou stray dogs #soukoku #skk #dazai osamu #chuuya nakahara #actually adhd