How does Sakamoto Days start?

How does Sakamoto Days start? The manga opens with a striking contrast that immediately hooks readers: Taro Sakamoto, once the world's most feared assassin, is now a seemingly ordinary convenience store owner living a quiet suburban life with his wife and daughter.

The Legendary Assassin's New Life

The series begins by establishing Sakamoto's dramatic transformation. Five years before the story's present, he was an unstoppable killing machine known throughout the criminal underworld. However, everything changed when he fell in love with Aoi, a store clerk he met during what was supposed to be his final job. This encounter led him to abandon his deadly career and embrace domestic life.

The Peaceful Facade Crumbles

Sakamoto's tranquil existence gets disrupted when his past catches up with him. Despite gaining significant weight and losing his intimidating appearance, his legendary skills remain intact beneath his now-gentle exterior. The opening chapters showcase this beautifully – while he appears to be just another overweight shopkeeper, Sakamoto can still move with supernatural speed and precision when necessary.

Enter Shin Asakura

The story's momentum truly begins when Shin Asakura, a young telepathic assassin, enters Sakamoto's life. Initially sent to kill the retired legend, Shin becomes fascinated by Sakamoto's peaceful lifestyle and eventually becomes his unlikely ally and employee at the store.

Setting Up the Core Conflict

These opening elements establish the manga's central tension: Sakamoto's desire to maintain his peaceful family life while being constantly pulled back into the violent world he left behind. The series expertly balances comedy with action, showing how this former killing machine navigates everyday situations like customer service and family responsibilities.

This unique premise sets the stage for a story that explores themes of redemption, family, and whether someone can truly escape their past. The opening chapters masterfully blend humor with hints of the intense action sequences that define the series.