Why can't Sakamoto stay retired?

Why can't Sakamoto stay retired? Despite his best efforts to live a peaceful life as a convenience store owner, Taro Sakamoto finds himself constantly pulled back into the dangerous world of assassination due to a perfect storm of circumstances beyond his control.

His Legendary Reputation Follows Him

Sakamoto's status as the former "world's greatest assassin" makes true retirement virtually impossible. His legendary skills and reputation precede him wherever he goes, attracting both admirers and enemies who refuse to let sleeping dogs lie. Young assassins constantly seek him out to prove themselves, while veteran killers view him as an ongoing threat that must be eliminated.

The JAA Won't Let Him Go

The Japan Association of Assassins (JAA) plays a crucial role in disrupting Sakamoto's retirement. This shadowy organization views former members, especially ones as skilled as Sakamoto, as potential security risks. They regularly send assassins to test him or attempt to bring him back into the fold, making peaceful civilian life nearly impossible.

Protecting His New Life

Family and Friends in Danger

Sakamoto's wife Aoi and their unborn child become constant targets for those seeking revenge or leverage against him. His genuine desire to protect his new family ironically forces him to use the very skills he's trying to leave behind. Additionally, his relationships with other former assassins like Shin and Lu draw him into conflicts he'd rather avoid.

The Store as a Battleground

Even his humble convenience store becomes a magnet for trouble, with assassins frequently attacking him during his daily routine. These encounters force Sakamoto to defend himself, his customers, and his livelihood using his lethal expertise.

The Inescapable Past

Ultimately, Sakamoto discovers that some life choices create permanent consequences. His past actions have created too many enemies and his skills are too valuable for the criminal underworld to simply ignore.

The ongoing struggle between Sakamoto's desire for normalcy and the chaos that follows him forms the core conflict driving the series. Will he ever find true peace, or is he destined to remain the reluctant hero forever?