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kimium · 2 years

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Hi friend, here’s a request: please tell me which are your Top Three ships in BSD and what you like most about them💜🥰

Oh friend! I'm always excited to talk about my Bungou Stray Dogs ships! Here we go!

My Top Three Bungou Stray Dogs ships in order

Soukoku (Dazai/Chuuya)

Without question my favourite ship from Bungou Stray Dogs is Soukoku. There are many reasons why I ship this, so let's start.

First, the second season of Bungou Stray Dogs starts with an adaptation of one of the light novels, Fifteen. One of my favourite scenes is when Chuuya is found by the other members of The Sheep. We soon find out that they're only a threat because of Chuuya's abilities, so they lean heavily on him. When Chuuya expresses that he wants to stay with Dazai and solve the mystery of Arahabaki the two Sheep members try to guilt him.

While Chuuya would 100% fall for the emotional manipulation (he sees them as his only family), Dazai sees it for what it is and calls them out before severing any thing that would force Chuuya to listen to him. This is probably one of the first times Chuuya has been handed autonomy. To me, this shows that Dazai respects Chuuya and doesn't see him as a tool to use or manipulate.

While later on Dazai uses some underhanded tactics to make the offer of joining the Port Mafia Chuuya's only option, to me this reads as "Dazai has found someone he's interested in and doesn't know any other way to get Chuuya to stay with him". Even when Dazai calls Chuuya his dog, I read it as "Chuuya, I want you to give me all your attention and energy because I want you around me".

Next, they're red and blue dichotomy. What can I say? I'm always a sucker for it. They don't get along and bicker like an old married couple the entire time. The series makes several clear examples to highlight how different they are, but my favourite one is their fighting styles. Dazai, with an ability that only cancels other's powers, uses logic and psychological games to trap his enemies. Chuuya on the other hand is a powerhouse and thus he doesn't need subtly. This causes tension when they work together. However, in reality they're the most devastating power couple in the series and it boils down to one thing: trust.

They put on a front that they don't care for one another. They bickered the entire time, but in the end both genuinely believe in one another. I think my favourite example of this is in Dead Apple when Dazai trusted Chuuya enough to 1) Use Corruption 2) Be so Pissed Off that he'd punch Dazai in the face 3) Release the antidote to the poison. That's some 5D chess work there, Dazai. Also, Dazai calls it "waking up Snow White" and we all know Snow White woke due to True Love's Kiss. (And, that manga panel where Dazai cradles Chuuya's face so tenderly?? That's love!!!)

Finally, in Beast AU, Chuuya is still at Dazai's side?? So much has changed, but that's a consistent that remains? I've written enough unhinged 100/51 (KHR) fics to tell you that if someone is still at your side even if you rewrite the entire universe that's Love. (Even if that love is corrupt.)

2. Shin Soukoku (Atsushi/Akutagawa)

First, Atsushi/Akutagawa is a straight "Enemies to Begrudgingly Working Together to Lovers pipeline". That's a dynamic that's just too good.

However, the main reason why I ship Shin Soukoku is because Atsushi and Akutagawa are great character foils to one another. Both are opposites like Dazai and Chuuya, but unlike those two, Atsushi and Akutagawa have completely different morals and perspectives on life. Atsushi is not Mafia Black (like Dazai and Chuuya are). It is this difference that allows Atsushi to show Akutagawa a different perspective and challenge Akutagawa's way of thinking. However, at the same time, Akutagawa can challenge Atsushi and some of his more idealistic perspectives.

Another reason why I like Shin Soukoku is because they can help the other be a better person despite their differences. They're the perfect meeting of the ADA and Port Mafia and it boils down to one reason: Atsushi does not have the same regrets as Fukuzawa or Dazai, who both have committed many crimes.

Finally, and a funnier reason I ship them is because both of them have suffered under Dazai's "mentorship". I laugh every time I think of Atsushi and Akutagawa (after he understands Dazai didn't always have his best intentions at heart and is emotionally over it) bonding over the BS Dazai has put them through in the past (and present).

3. John/Lovecraft AND Ranpoe

No, I am not cheating. These two ships are tied at spot three. I'm not sorry. Let's start with John/Lovecraft.

I can sum up the reason why I ship: they fill my ship dynamic bingo square, "regular human is dating a supernatural creature/monster". Which is always a great dynamic. Absolutely top tier. Everyone go home.

But really, that's the reason why I like John and Lovecraft. Lovecraft is not human and John is. No doubt it was John that had to teach Lovecraft about all the human-things in the world, which is one of my favourite tropes because it can be so sweet and cute.

Also, there was a banner in BSD Mayoi (mobile game) that had John and Lovecraft at an amusement park. They were clearly on a date!

Now, Ranpoe: What can I say? They start out as rivals (well, according to Poe) but they end up friends (and then lovers in my mind). Poe afterwards clearly respects and admires Ranpo, to the point he tries to impress Ranpo with his stories. Ranpo clearly likes Poe and respects the work he does, never belittling Poe's writing and instead encourages him to "try again". Poe is awkward and shy while Ranpo is awkward but he doesn't care because his awkwardness comes from Being Right All the Time. I think they're very cute together and should date.

Honourable Mention:

-Yosano/Kyougoku

#personal #replies #bungou stray dogs #thanks for sending this ask!#this is very long so i put it under a cut

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nataliaphantomhivesblog · 3 years

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Corruption & Trust

Stormbringer and bsd spoilers in general ahead so read at your own risk!!

So in this post I will be listing all the times Chuuya used corruption and all the times Dazai was there to stop it. I will also go into depth as to why Chuuya trusts Dazai when it comes to having to use corruption and I will also emphazise on Dazai's care and how he takes corruption seriously.

1. First time using corruption: Stormbringer

Chuuya and Dazai's age: 16 yrs old

"Isn't it an unpleasant sight, Chuuya."

It was a young boy. This young boy casually caught hold of Chuuya's arm and lifted it up. With this movement, the gravitational field which had occured around them disappered immediatly. As well as Chuuya’s agony.

"Y...You..."

"You can't even die gracefully can you?" the young boy said in a raspy voice as he heaved Chuuya on his shoulders. He set off to walk.

Alright so this was the first time Chuuya's corruption was ever activated, after Dazai nullifies it and carries Chuuya on his back, he drops him off outside the bar were Chuuya's friends lay dead. He took him there instead of taking him directly to the port mafia quarters.

Why did he do that exactly? If Dazai doesn't care for Chuuya, then why did he give Chuuya the opportunity to pay farewell to his dying friends?

It's actually sort of funny because I don't really think Dazai really realizes or accepts that he feels a certain connection with Chuuya and therefore looks after him.

2. Second time using Corruption: Stormbringer

Chuuya and Dazai's age: 16 yrs old (obviously, its still the same light novel lol)

After losing his strength, Chuuya drifted in the air for a few seconds, then lost the black wings on his back and slowly fell.

Dazai caught his body.

From the spot where Dazai touched, the nulification skill was activated.

The self-contradictory skill that supports the energy of the singular point receded, and the output of the singular point decreased. Eventually, it converged and the "gate" closed. The red imprints disappeared from Chuya's whole body. Eventually, the gravitational field disappeared and the complete silence was restored.

“Good job, Chuuya." Dazai chuckled, looking at Chuuya he was holding in his arms. "I forgot to bring my ink pen, so I'll spare you from having your face scribbled."

As much as it looks like this is from a fanfiction, I can assure you that it's an actual passage from stormbringer.

I can't really say much except the fact that Dazai is being extremely soft here.

And this was the conversation Dazai and Chuuya shared beforehand:

"There is one problem." Dazai cut off his sentence hesitantly. "It has nothing to do with the sucess rate of the plan. It is a matter we have to overcome in the end but... It may require some time to decide."

"What's with you?" Chuuya raised his eyebrows at Dazai. "Stop dramatizing it. Just hurry up and say it."

"I said earlier about this control spell to open the 'gate' that is used to reset the command inside Chuuya, right?" Dazai spoke with a strangely restrained voice. "If we use that, the logs of the command formula that were written in the past will be erased. That means...even if the memory erasure was used on Chuuya in the past, the traces of that will be erased as well."

"What?"

"I told you before right? the memory erasure command. The only way we can confirm if Chuuya is human or not is to check the history to see if the memory erasure command was ever used. It means..." Dazai looked at Chuuya with eyes that he had never looked at him before. Those eyes were serious. "If we use that control spell, the method to confirm if Chuuya is an artificial personality created by a string of code, or just a normal human being, will be lost. For good."

The time had stopped.

Chuuya opened his eyes and looked towards Dazai but his eyes were not seeing anything. The wind blew between the two of them. Even so, Chuuya did not blink.

"Verlaine became like that because he was tormented by the curse that he was not human. That only is enough of a big problem. The matter of being human or not." Dazai looked at his pocket watch, gave it a glance and continued. "I can delay the time until the plan starts for about two minutes. I will send an order for my men to wait... You can think about it alone for a while. Cuz I guess its hard for you to collect your thoughts with me around."

Having said so, Dazai turned away and walked down the stairs, leaving Chuuya alone.

Dazai fixated in his pocket watch. Two more minutes. Too short for a life decision. But he couldn't afford more than that.

Inside Dazai's head, he was planning a procedure to swith to an alternative plan in case Chuuya refused, at a tremendous speed.

After this exchange, Chuuya does decide on using corruption. I have talked about this section on a previous post of mine, and I just love it so much. For starters, I think this conversation that these two shared is very important to their characters.

For Chuuya, it shows us how undeniably selfless he is. He would rather save the people of Yokahama instead of finding out something that meant a lot to him. He sacrificed his own desires to save the people he cares about.

For Dazai its a completely different story, in this exchange Dazai was able to openly express genuine concern for his partner. He also understands the gravity of the decision Chuuya has to take and therefore leaves the decision up to him.

Third time using corruption: Dragon's Head Conflict

Chuuya and Dazai' s age: 16 yrs old

During this one, Chuuya demands to know where his friends are, and Shibusawa says all six of them killed themselves after being caught. Enraged, Chuuya activates Corruption which ultimatley ended the 88 day conflict.

There isn't much to say about Dazai and Chuuya here since there isn't really an aftermath on this occasion but I bealive this picture is enough.

Before reading the DA manga, I genuienly thought that the only time Chuuya ever rested on Dazai's lap was when they were 22 but this proved me wrong.

I mean this is a minimal thing to point out but if Dazai disregarded Chuuya he would've just left him there, right? But instead he remained with Chuuya and allowed him to rest on his lap, in the picture you can also see he is putting Chuuya's hat back on. It's such a simple gesture but it shows us how caring Dazai can be when it comes to Chuuya using corruption.

Fourth time using corruption: Lovecraft Battle, Double Black reunion

Chuuya and Dazai's age: 22 yrs old

This is personally one of my favorite times in which Chuuya uses corruption. The fact that these two had not been working together for 4 years yet they still managed to not only accomplish their mission, but mantain their trust for one another.

I find what Chuuya says here extremely ironic because if anything, the choice has always been up to him. Dazai always uses corruption as a last-resort trick and its always Chuuya who makes the final decision of using it or not, even in a life or death situation Dazai won't take it upon himself to force Chuuya to make the decision if they will be using it or not, and hes always willing to come up with an alternative plan in case Chuuya refuses. (an example of this is when Chuuya used corruption for the 2nd time in SB).

I think the reason as to why Dazai takes corruption extremely seriously is because during stormbringer he was the first person to even see Chuuya use corruption and also the person who understood how corruption will always be sort of like a burden to Chuuya, since it was thanks to corruption that his "am I human?" question stayed unanswered.

He knows how it feels to struggle with your own humanity and he doesn't want for Chuuya (who he literally sees as human), to hold that inner conflict with himself because of corruption.

Anyways, Chuuya decides to go through corruption trusting that Dazai will be there to nullify it.

And of course, Dazai does nullify it.

And after Dazai nullifies corruption, we get this very touching moment between both of them.

This is the first time Chuuya openly admits to trusting Dazai, although it was always evident that he trusts him, I just love how open he is being here.

Also the light punch he gives to Dazai's chest is such a sweet gesture, I see it as a silent way for Chuuya to say "I trust you because after all this time I still see you as my partner."

Dazai's smile in that small pannel is one of the most genuine expression we have gotten out of him. What he says is also a very sweet, I love that he calls him partner. The fact that these two are literally in rival organizations yet Dazai still calls him partner, it shows us that even after all these years he still can't help but see him the same way as he has always done.

Actually in Japanese he calls him "Aibou" and from my understanding, when you use the term Aibou it's for someone who you consider yourself to be close with. It means "partner" like in english but it holds a deeper meaning. If Dazai used the word "nakama" it would have been a very diffrent story since it means partner as well but it isn't used for someone you share a significant connection with. Asagiri's play with words here says a lot.

Fifth time using corruption: Dead Apple

Chuuya and Dazai's age: 22yrs old.

Of course I have to talk about one of the most iconic moments in the history of Soukoku.

Chuuya uses corruption to save Dazai, even if Ango says that he's dead for sure. Something I find very intresting here though is that Chuuya screams for Dazai while he is on corruption, he is obviously not supposed to be self concious about the whole situation, while on Corruption clearly he is not supposed to be in sane state of mind, as we all here know, Chuuya loses control and does not have the track of reality while under his own ability but this time, while using corruption, the one and only thing that was on his mind was "Dazai."

It wasn't only Chuuya who entrusted his life to Dazai, Dazai too entrusted his life in Chuuya's hands. When Dazai came up with this plan, he was more than certain that Chuuya was going to save him. And I think a tumblr blog pointed this out but when Chuuya uses curroption, he cannot control his strength, but when he had to punch Dazai he did it lightly, which is strange considering he was using curroption and it would've made a lot more sence if Dazai ended up decapitated due to being punched by a literal god. Dazai had to have faith in the fact that Chuuya will somehow be able to control corruption, even if its just a little bit.

Afterwards when Chuuya manages to rescue Dazai, Dazai gently touches his cheek to nullify corruption and greets him with, "You used Corruption believing in me? I am so touched I could cry." Chuuya groans, and replies that yes he did, that he believed in his disgusting vitality and craftiness.

When they both fall to the ground, Dazai forces Chuuya to rest in his lap because he didn't want to have to protect him from this situation since the fog is still up and Chuuya himself is all worn out and wouldn't be able to fight. But heres the thing, both Chuuya and Dazai's abilities can't be seperated by the fog. I mean Dazai's ability is nulification so it basically cancels out, and Chuuya hosts a literal god inside him so it isn't really an ability if you know what I mean.

So in reality, Dazai just wanted Chuuya to rest. Dazai could've literally just left Chuuya in the fog if he was only using him for his goals, but he was genuienly appreciating Chuuya's trust in him. The way Dazai's hand is resting on Chuuya's hair is a nice gesture too, he is greatful for him and he is moved that someone trusts him, it is shown throughout the Fifthteen and SB light novel that no one trusted Dazai and how most were afraid to even approach him. And in the ADA, everyone is somewhat warry around him (excluding Atsushi ofc). But Chuuya literally puts his life on the line trusting that Dazai will always be there to save him. He trusts him greatly and Dazai knows that, and I think its pretty clear to us that he would never want to break that trust.

The fact that Chuuya trusts Dazai even after he left the Port Mafia without an explanation or goodbye shows us how strong their bond is. Chuuya most likely trusts Dazai because deep down he knows that he isn't using Chuuya's ability out of his own selifshness, a part of him is aware that Dazai uses corruption as a last resort but he just doesn't want to admit it, and I feel like he also trusts him subconciously because of how gentle Dazai is after Chuuya uses corruption.

I really hope we get to see more of these "corruption moments" because in all honesty, these moments are the ones that bring out the most vulenrability for both characters. The moment corruption is used, we see the inmeasurable amount of trust and care these two have for each other that they won't show in other situations. During these times it always shines a very open and bittersweet light on their bond and I love it so much.

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