#frytalks

I just want to say how much I love that it is Togame who Sakura opens up to about this fear. Because, if there's anyone who is going to understand being worried that becoming the top would not be a good thing or finding out you were not ready for that responsibility and it backfiring, it is Togame "I believed Choji to be Shishitoren's sun" Jo. Togame is absolutely going to validate that fear.

I also love so much too that his initial reaction was "Wow, yeah that's a big problem"/ "That's a lot of pressure" (and yes also laughing because of course Sakura, who is such a kind, considerate, and overall good friend/leader to Bofurin is worried about not being enough to keep them and the town safe). He doesn't go immediately to "But you're such a good person and really strong with people backing you up". He acknowledges that this is a DIFFICULT spot to be in for Sakura. Because that's Umemiya fucking Hajime standing at the top.

And Togame was SO smart to frame it to Sakura as 'just focus on what you can do now', because Sakura HAS grown a lot and come to conclusions about what is currently important to him/what he believes his purpose to be as captain of class 1-1.

But also Sakura IS just a freshman. I am so curious to see what is in store for when Umemiya does 'graduate' (and maybe open that soup shop in Makochi). Because it would be SO MUCH for people to put that on a first/rising second-year. I think it'd be so interesting to see someone else given that position first (maybe Kaji?) because having anyone who is not Umemiya being called "top of Furin" is going to feel weird. Even more so with it not being Sakura yet. But, at the same time, I suppose it wouldn't be... impossible for Bofurin to decide that it's Sakura despite him only becoming a second year, because we've gotten scenes like this.

I personally don't think that entrusting an important fight to Sakura is the same as expecting him to be top of Furin at the start of his second year, but at the same time I believe it was during Umemiya's freshman year that he did most if not all of the fighting to reconstruct Furin High School, which means he probably was considered 'top of furin' in his second year. So either way, I'm REALLY interested in seeing what happens when the year comes to a close and all the upperclassmen/Umemiya+the Four Kings graduate.

I think probably what you're looking for is a more flashy fight/action centric series then! You'd probably enjoy all this time you're putting into sending anonymous asks about a show you don't see the appeal of more if you spent it instead on media you can enjoy! However, I will absolutely take this opportunity to gush about Suo you are giving me on a silver plate happily! So let's talk about why Suo is so fascinating narratively!

Labeling him as a deuteragonist is actually pretty spot on, to be honest. He is a character that sticks by the protagonist's side pretty consistently throughout the story. Suo as a character gives advice to Sakura about what will help him grow and achieve what he wants as class captain as well as provides an interesting combination of parallels as well as differences in perspectives compared to Sakura. Additionally, Sakura's presence draws forth the aspects of Suo's character that are likely to be developed within the story. Let's start with how Suo provides a difference in perspective for Sakura!

There is more strength in drive and ideals than in physical strength

Suo says it pretty clearly to Sakura before his match in the Shishitoren arc-

When he first met Sakura, it is very likely his first impression was 'ah, here's yet another brute who thinks he can beat others up and claim himself to be the strongest'. The same kind of person Sakura calls weak or lame himself. However, even Sakura's goal that he says to everyone in the beginning... kind of reflects this idea that physical strength gives you value. He judges Nirei because he can immediately tell Nirei isn't a fighter yet is a student at Furin, he thinks the only thing that is important is winning fights and making sure everyone knows they can't bend him under their will. Sakura thinks the only thing valuable about himself is his fighting ability/strength. But what is shown through his actions? That he protects those who can't defend themselves. That he is pissed off when someone enjoys causing others pain or suffering. Outside of the manga, when asked about what Suo's dream is, he says 'emancipation of slaves'. Right from the get-go he is challenging Sakura to start to think about what his purpose is when he fights. Because it's not really about just proving he's the strongest guy around. Why does this bleed so much into what Suo says to Sakura? Well, for Suo-

2. Empathy is the most important thing to possess

Suo is extremely good at understanding where other people are at emotionally/mentally. A LOT of his dialogue is trying to explain how a person might be feeling or encouraging others (rather forcefully at times haha) to try to demonstrate empathy themselves.

Suo is the calm to Sakura's storm. Except. Suo isn't actually the calm. Not in truth. This is part of why he is so intriguing as a character. It is also where Suo starts to actually parallel Sakura. Because Suo is-

Very Emotional

Incredibly so. The difference is, Sakura wears his heart on his sleeve. He doesn't hide how he feels or his inner thoughts at all because Sakura wants to be true to himself no matter what. It's hard for him, it is agonizing for him at times because of his bad prior experiences, but it is still something he tries to do at all times. Suo, however? Keeps those emotions hidden behind a "friendly" smile most of the time (to talk towards him being appealing- a lot of people like characters who put up fronts. I am included in this 'lot of people' lmaoo. I am such a sucker for a character who puts up a front to guard themselves or keep others at an arm's length).

But Suo gets angry. Incredibly so. He also judges others all the time. He's VERY opinionated, but he doesn't often state any of these opinions so directly. It's important to Suo that he upholds appearances and comes across as disciplined, calm, and collected. Sometimes though, he is anything but. Which is what we're shown in the Keel arc. Keel takes advantage of kind people who are just strong enough to be useful, but weak enough that they can be beaten into submission and manipulated. And that? Already pisses off Suo I'm sure. But then, on top of everything else, Suo is kept from running to the aid of someone he cares about. Someone who has such good drive, who also has a strong core but has some ways to go in being able to act on that drive. Suo is kept back from saving his friend and Nirei is beaten into unconsciousness. So what happens? Attempted murder. Suo's anger and frustration boils over. He hates these people. He hates seeing those he cares about and seeing those who can't defend themselves, broken. So he's going to put an end to it. To them. "Nice Guy" façade be damned. "The level headed one" be damned. And we get this look at Suo in a chapter literally titled "Extreme Emotions"

Which like, if you wanna talk about why his character garners a lot of hype, I think a large part of it is because of his aura when he's genuinely mad. It's the duality of it all.

I don't have as smooth of a transition for this one but what else does Suo do that Sakura absolutely does as well?

2. He keeps people at an arm's length; he doesn't like letting people in

This is also where Suo has a lot of duality, but here it makes him something of a hypocrite. He tells Sakura it's important to delegate and rely on others alongside Nirei. He pokes and prods Sakura to try to get him to open up to them. To not assume how others feel. But Suo doesn't show that himself. The ONLY thing Suo has honestly given about himself is that he has a mentor who taught him the 'hodge-podge' martial arts he uses as his fighting style. Everything else? Jokes, lies, dismissive words. Suo is hardly ever injured or dirtied in a fight because it isn't a conversation to him. He's the one doing the talking. He's the one teaching a lesson to the other person. The other person doesn't need to say anything to Suo. He's already pretty damn sure what kind of person they are. He doesn't eat with the others because he claims he is on a diet. It keeps him from participating in what is probably the BIGGEST symbolism/metaphor for personal connections in the story. Because Suo doesn't try to connect with others. He actively avoids it.

So uh, yeah! That's why I think people find Suo interesting and get hyped about when he's on screen/in chapter panels! I am sure there are other things that could be said, but I hope I could offer some insight!

The way I ADORE that we're getting the continuation of the cycle of the captains of Tamon-ten having the "You're scared, and that's okay. Just take the time to get to know the others first and don't make assumptions before doing so."

Like, I feel like we knew as soon as Natsuki got her first panel we saw that this was where is was going, but it's still so wonderful to see unfold. I also love continuing seeing the DIFFERENCES in Umemiya vs Sakura and how they approach connecting with others. Because my GOD Umemiya is an unstoppable force. He is SO fucking much. But that's how he got through to people before. That's how he was able to convince all the other stubbornly independent high schoolers to be his friend and support his dream. He inserts himself and shows that he is unwavering. But the fact still stands that he is. A lot.

In comparison, Sakura and Kaji both have similar perspectives of, "No, we're not claiming anything of the sort for you". They're not going to call each other brothers, they're not going to tell you you have to be one big family. But, They ARE going to tell you how they see things. And they're honest. They do care. Immensely.

There's no sugar coating, there's no painting it like this perfect little picture of a big happy family. I think it's so funny and so true to Sakura that he still even says the people of the town are annoying and pushy and weird. It also kind of feels similar to how Anzai approached the class's response to Sakura's apology. When he went "Yeah, you are awkward and clumsy and will keep making mistakes. Who cares? We love you."

But he still doesn't tell her that she should just accept their love. He even says she can absolutely decide she wants to be alone. But she shouldn't be hasty in deciding that until after she sees what it's like. To get to know them. To hear the others out. To give it time to think on and process. Then, it is entirely her right to decide whatever she feels is right for her. But without letting her fear decide for her.

Okay, I can recognize bait as bait, but also I think it is verge hilarious to suggest that Wind Breaker, "wholesome delinquent boys bond and become a family" the anime, doesn't have Sakura forming deep bonds with the other characters. Because, if you look closely at the- OH NO MY ACCORDION WALLET ALBUM OF HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TEARING DOWN TOXIC MASCULINITY AND LOVING EACH OTHER!!! OH GOSH, OH NOOOOOOO-

As far as 'what happened to Sakura' goes, the thing that I think we can safely assume is that when he was growing up he had to deal with other kids picking fights with him because of his appearance and how quick he is to react to any provocation. As I'm also just a reader, I can't say anything about Sakura's past beyond what we've been shown/told. Sakura mentions in the beginning that the guy insulting his appearance and trying to pick a fight with him after he helped protect Kotoha from them is what he is used to. He's used to bullies picking fights with him. I also think this is how Sakura learned how to fight. I highly doubt- given that his family or foster family hardly gave him what he needed to live- that Sakura had taken gymnastics growing up. I think he's just a nimble/athletic guy. He definitely seems to value mobility and kicks in his fighting style, though he definitely can and will throw punches and more hard-hitting moves.

However! As far as "How has Sakura learned to fight like this" goes, I personally see Sakura as a sponge. When it comes to the words said to him certainly, but also when it comes to Sakura picking up fighting moves. I think Sakura and Suzuri both are directly shown to be able observe another person's fight and replicate moves they see them use.

Choji vs. Umemiya (Shishitoren Arc) -> Sakura vs. Those random street thugs (Ch.167)

I swear someone had also done that spin kick in the manga, but I couldn't find where ;;; I believe someone else had made a post about Sakura mimicking the spin kick on this site somewhere if someone knows what I'm talking about please feel free to send the link to the post I'm referring to to me

Kanji vs. Gravel -> Sakura vs. Endo

Sakura also immediately uses the move he sees Nirei use during the Gravel Arc (which I also took as him wanting to show Nirei that what he is able to do is still cool and a fighting move that is good enough for a strong fighter to use as well)