Is Sakamoto retired permanently?

Is Sakamoto retired permanently from his assassin career? The answer is complicated, as Taro Sakamoto's retirement status remains one of the most intriguing aspects of the popular manga series.

Sakamoto's Initial Retirement

Taro Sakamoto, once known as the legendary assassin who was considered nearly invincible, officially retired from the assassination business after falling in love with Aoi and starting a family. His transformation from a feared killer to a devoted husband and father running a convenience store seemed complete and permanent.

Forced Return to Action

However, Sakamoto's peaceful retirement becomes increasingly difficult to maintain as threats from his past continue to surface. Throughout the series, he's repeatedly drawn back into violent conflicts, despite his genuine desire to stay away from his former life. These situations force him to use his legendary skills, even while he attempts to protect his new civilian identity.

The Reality of His Status

Physical Changes vs. Skill Retention

While Sakamoto has gained significant weight and appears to have gone soft, his fundamental assassin instincts and abilities remain largely intact. His reflexes, strategic thinking, and combat prowess emerge whenever truly threatened, suggesting that his retirement may be more about choice than capability.

Ongoing Threats

The assassination world doesn't easily let go of legends like Sakamoto. Various antagonists continue targeting him, making true retirement practically impossible. His involvement with other characters like Shin and Lu further complicates his attempts to maintain distance from his former profession.

Current Status

Rather than being permanently retired, Sakamoto exists in a state of reluctant semi-retirement, where he actively avoids assassination work but cannot completely escape it when circumstances demand action. His story continues to explore whether someone with his background can ever truly leave that world behind.

Want to dive deeper into Sakamoto's character development and see how his retirement struggles unfold? The ongoing manga offers fascinating insights into this complex protagonist's journey.