Overview
- Sakamoto maintains a notable level of respect among members of the Order, highlighted by a cautionary warning regarding a bounty on his life.
- The Order is currently focusing its efforts on a more pressing threat—a notorious assassin known as Slur—rather than on Sakamoto.
- Despite the existence of a 1 billion yen bounty on his head, it’s improbable that the Order will prioritize hunting down Sakamoto in the near future.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Sakamoto Days Episode 8, titled “Sakamoto vs.the Lab, ”now available on Netflix.
In the world of Sakamoto Days, where assassins relentlessly pursue Sakamoto, it’s intriguing that the Order has chosen not to target him. The Order is recognized as the preeminent assassin group in Japan, and their initial contact with Sakamoto involves Yoichi Nagumo, a master disguise artist known for his ability to replicate anyone’s appearance. In episode 3, titled “Welcome to Sugar Park!”, Nagumo alerts Sakamoto to a staggering 1 billion yen bounty placed on him, a call to action for assassins nationwide. But why hasn’t anyone from the Order attempted to claim this lucrative prize for themselves?
The misconception regarding the Order stems from their immense prowess; many believe them to be mere legends, so formidable that they can’t possibly exist. Sakamoto, once a revered member of their ranks, has since hung up his assassin’s hat to lead a family life with Aoi, resulting in a decline in his physical state. While he remains extraordinarily skilled, he is not the imposing figure he once was. This reality creates an intriguing scenario: the 1 billion yen bounty presents an effortless opportunity for any assassin with sufficient capability within the Order, yet they seem unbothered by it.
Sakamoto’s Reputation Among the Order
The Perks of Being a Former Member
Notably, Sakamoto commands a degree of respect among certain members of the Order due to shared experiences from his time with them. For instance, Nagumo goes out of his way to inform Sakamoto about the bounty as a precautionary measure, exemplifying a considerate camaraderie.
In episode 8, titled “Sakamoto vs.the Lab, ”Sakamoto encounters two more Order members, Shishiba and Osaragi. Rather than exhibiting animosity, Shishiba warmly greets Sakamoto as an old friend. Meanwhile, Osaragi, a newer recruit, lacks the historical respect that her elder peers hold for Sakamoto. Despite her recognition of Sakamoto’s current weaknesses compared to Kashima, another formidable hitman, she shows no inclination to pursue him for the bounty, as it does not align with her immediate mission goals.
Members of the elite Order are likely accustomed to vast wealth, suggesting that mere monetary gain is insufficient motivation for them to betray someone they respect. Their motivations would need to be far more personal to consider pursuing an old companion or respected figure.
Do They Eliminate Retirees?
In many tales of intrigue and violence, it’s a common motif for clandestine organizations to eliminate members wishing to exit. This trope, often used to foster a narrative of secrecy or misguided honor, does not hold true for the Japanese Association of Assassins (JAA) and its offshoot, the Order.
This might raise some eyebrows, particularly since Shin was contracted to eliminate Sakamoto upon his retirement in episode 1, “The Legendary Hit Man.”However, it’s crucial to note that this hit was not sanctioned by the JAA—retirement does not invoke punitive measures from the Association. The hit came from individuals within a separate faction who believed that leaving the assassin’s life rendered one unworthy of survival—a more outlier opinion than the standard beliefs of the JAA.
Fortunately, members of the Order seem to operate with a sense of decorum, focusing on high-priority targets rather than engaging in petty vendettas against former comrades. Presently, their attention is diverted toward a far greater menace.
The Order’s Current Focus
The Imperative to Neutralize Slur
In addition to Sakamoto’s respectable standing among the Order, he benefits from their current focus on a more urgent priority. The emergence of an assassin known as Slur or X has resulted in a ruthless campaign against members of the JAA across Japan, leaving standard operatives unable to cope. Aware of the escalating threat, the Order is dedicating its considerable resources and talents to investigate and apprehend Slur—making it impractical for them to alsó cultivate an enemy in Sakamoto at this time.
However, hints within the narrative suggest a potential link between the bounty on Sakamoto and the rise of Slur, sparking speculation that a future confrontation could be on the horizon.
“… one thing I do know is that this string of massacres here and the 1 billion yen bounty hanging over Sakamoto all started at the same time, ”– Nagumo remarks to Sakamoto, Shin, and Lu.
For avid fans, Sakamoto Days is currently available for streaming on Netflix. The much-anticipated episode 9 is scheduled for release on March 8, 2025, at 6:00 AM PT.
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