Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 7 (light novel): Dazai, Chuuya, Age Fifteen

文豪ストレイドッグス [Bungō Stray Dogs] (Novel) #7

by Kafka Asagiri

Not long after Ougai Mori takes the reins of the Port Mafia, his right-hand man, Osamu Dazai, has a nasty run-in with a gravity manipulator named Chuuya Nakahara, leader of the Sheep gang. However, with ominous rumors about Mori’s deceased predecessor as well as the mysterious being called Arahabaki spreading throughout Yokohama, the duo must put aside their differences and get to the bottom of things. Before they achieved infamy as the fearsome pair Twin Dark, Dazai and Chuuya were just boys. Was their first encounter a harbinger of hope or an ill omen of things to come…?

Genres: Manga, Light Novel, Fantasy, Mystery, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Novels

164 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2019

About the author

See 朝霧カフカ (Asagiri Kafka).
Japanese scenario writer and novelist.

Reviews

[juls · Rating 5 out of 5]

have I mentioned before that I love chuuya?

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. This further solidifies my theory that pre-Odasaku Dazai and post-Odasaku Dazai are almost two completely separate characters - the impact that Oda had on him is probably the most significant piece of character development in the series as a whole.

I'm also consistently impressed by the world-building that goes into this series.

[Nova Syzygy]

I can't believe Bones cut so many of these scenes out of the anime. It's truly tragic.

Overall, this was definitely one of the novels I've ever read. I feel like this explained Chuuya's ability a lot better than the anime adaptation, though I'll have to wait until Storm Bringer to really figure out what the whole deal with Arahabaki is. Dazai and Chuuya's banter was very enjoyable to read, because of course it is. I also feel like the characterization of Rimbaud/"Randou" was also a lot better here than in the show. But, then again, it has been over a year since I've watched it, so I don't know.

Like with all of the other volumes, I won't be giving this a rating because I don't think I can give an accurate one, but just know that this has a special place somewhere in my heart. I'm actually not sure how it even managed to fit in my heart considering hearts are several inches shorter than the size of a book, but whatever I guess.

[₊˚ପ⊹ adaia 🪷 (taylor’s version) ✧ ˖ -͙˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

yokohama? more like yokohomo.

[Black Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll never rate it below 5 ever, Kafka is clearly best at novels.
But it opened up a whole new can of mysteries I now want to uncover.
The background of these two is a blast and a little sad for both.
But their dynamic is still a powerful one.
I don't understand shit in regards to dead apple though, so I'll have to read that one to better understand.
I'll buy this eventually, it'll be a delight to reread.
And Chuuyas brother is Verlaine??
I need answers stat.
The thing about this I adored the most was the similarity of Dazai and Mori. The three gens of Soukoku are all fascinating in different ways and are my favourite part about the universe.
But everything about Dazai was sad as usual, I still wonder who his parents were and when he started trying to kill himself.

[anni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 ★

was i confused for half the book? yes. did i still love it? absolutely.

this was my first touch to the bsd world. and i feel like it made sense to start from this book, thanks to fede for telling me to start from this 🙏🏼 i love dazai and i love chuuya and i can't wait to read more about them!!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like these two characters more than before with any more stories I read of them!

[isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

this shit was good as hell

[G_occasionally_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone please drag me out of this rabbit hole (the Bungo Stray Dogs hole)... It's affecting my social life and my sleep.



I loved this light novel. I finally got to read how Dazai and Chuuya met and why they joined the Port Mafia. And that cliffhanger 🤯

[Valéria · Rating 4 out of 5]

thought that reading this would bring some sort of momentary light into my life, (*gets stuck rereading rimbaud’s death on loop*)i was wrong.

[huna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only diamond can polish a diamond - Mori Ougai

Am I being bias while rating this book? Definitely! Does it really deserve 5 stars? I'D GIVE MORE THAN THAT IF I CAN!!!!!

Background info
This light novel is set in the past, 7 years before the actual timeline of the manga. If you have wondered how Dazai and Chuuya end up being partner (also known as Soukoku/Double Black) in the mafia, this light novel will explain their first meeting, and most importantly how both Dazai and Chuuya decided to join the Port Mafia. The story had also been adapted/included in the first few episodes of season 3 for the anime.

Why should you read this?
So, why should you read it if you've watched the anime? Because Asagiri Sensei has written the story in much more detailed in the book. There are many parts and conversation that were not included in the anime, especially if you want to know about Randou (the sub-executive of mafia who is always cold despite wearing layers of clothes). There are also parts where Chuuya's origin is explained, which eventually will lead to the next light novel, but compared to the anime, you can understand his past a bit better when you read it. I'M SO AMAZED BY THIS!! ASAGIRI SENSEI REALLY KNOWS HOW TO WRITE SUCH A WONDERFUL STORY✨✨

Characters and their dynamic
Dazai: Do you think you could leave me alone? I'm busy breathing right now.
Chuuya: I'm about to rip that head right off your body, mummy boy.

Dazai and Chuuya, the same age, two different persona but BICKERS EVERY SINGLE TIME THEY MEET EACH OTHER🤣 I think it might be because they're at the same age, which makes them feel comfortable to piss each other's off hahaha Dazai calling Chuuya short, Chuuya calling Dazai suicide maniac, they're so chaotic but their dynamic when put together, can bring marvelous thing, and the Port Mafia leader knows it.

The characters in bsd is one of the reasons I love the story so much. They are written so well, and even the villains speak things that are agreeable.

Writings and Arts
And lastly, as always I want to praise both the author and the mangaka, Asagiri sensei and Harukawa sensei for blessing us with a great story and wonderful art. The words in the book is so poetic, so beautiful, they went straight into my heart and affect me emotionally. I feel what the characters are feeling, I see what the characters are seeing, even their facial expressions are described so well. And the characters' designs really bring the story to life, making it goes BOOM FUWAHHH DUSH DUSH DUSH WOW (if you understand what I mean...)

Conclusion
Overall, REALLY REALLY WORTH THE READ!! I can't recommend it more!! If you are the precious boy, aka Chuuya stan, go read this!!! And especially if you love bsd, you surely don't want to miss this out!!!

And the cliffhanger... STORMBRINGER, I CAN'T WAIT TO READ YOU NEXT!!!!!

P/s: I'm holding myself back from sharing too much quotes because I'm afraid it will be spoilers.. and it's so hard because these words deserve to be shared!!! Don't worry though, what I included below are spoiler free~

Quotes:
1. "Violence and war are not necessary for survival. In other words, if everyone agreed to stop fighting and banned all weapons, then violence would be no more. But that isn't realistic. No matter what, someone will break the rules to get ahead of the rest because that's always the most profitable option."

2. "Live. There is no longer any way of knowing who you are or where you came from. But even if you are but a pattern etched on the surface of raw power, you are you. Nothing changes that because all people, all humanity, their brains and flesh are nothing more than patterns---beautiful patterns upon the material world."

3. "Why do you want to die?"
"Let me ask you something instead: Do you truly believe there's value in living?"

[agi]

i still don’t understand anything that happened in this arc except that rimlaine canon but anyway chuuya my sweet boy if you’re hungry come over i made grilled cheese sandwiches and then i’ll wrap you up in a blanket and make you cocoa before bed

[edisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

who else a big fan of gay people

[mesal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This section of the story made so much more sense upon reading it than it did when I originally watched it.

[cathán · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rimbaud truly is a be gay do crime kinda guy

[toast · Rating 4 out of 5]

ahh youth, isn’t it magical? getting stabbed, murdering your older brother’s ex and discovering the power of love and friendship. truly teenagers living in the moment.

[Audrey Oberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chuuya and Dazai are perfect for each other, and nothing will change my mind; I loved this book so much.

[Yeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review ngắn gọn: Hành trình simp Chuya của Dazai năm 15 tuổi =))))) Ui kiểu Dazai và Chuya 15 tuổi chắc là bản thể tươi sáng nhất của 2 đứa trong vũ trụ VHLL rồi ấy 🥲 Đọc mà cứ cười mãi thôi vì 2 đứa cute quá dù 2 đứa dành 90% thời gian chửi nhau và rủa nhau chết đi =)) Chuya có hẳn một kho từ vựng để diss Dazai luôn ko có lần nào chửi trùng với lần nào (điều này vẫn được giữ đến tận năm 22 tuổi) =)))))) Đúng kiểu bố đấm mày trước rồi đấm kẻ thù sau =)) Chuya còn nói "Nếu kế hoạch của mi mà thất bại và cả hai ta đều chết thì ta sẽ giết mi" (ừ nhưng mà chết rồi thì sao giết nữa xuống địa ngục vẫn bem nhau à =)))) )

Tập 8 cảm ơn Dazai vì đã xuất hiện trong cuộc đời Chuya thì tập 7 cảm ơn Chuya đã xuất hiện trong cuộc đời Dazai🥺 (tôi cảm ơn chứ 2 đứa này ghét nhau như chó) Chính Dazai thừa nhận "Chuya đã thành công thuyết phục tôi không chết bây giờ" mà🥺Nếu ngày đó Dazai ko sống thì sau này làm sao có hy vọng "sống trong ánh sáng" như nguyện vọng của Oda được 🥺

Nói chung là thích bond của Song Hắc cực kỳ, cảm ơn Asagiri sensei đã xây dựng một mối quan hệ độc nhất vô nhị như hai người này🙆🏻‍♀️🙆🏻‍♀️🙆🏻‍♀️

[inès · Rating 4 out of 5]

“only a diamond can polish a diamond”
soukoku is definitely the best bsd ship and nobody can change my mind

[milo · Rating 4 out of 5]

should’ve calculated my ’oooh’ moments reading this having read storm bringer first.

[adri 🐇 · Rating 5 out of 5]

read the whole light novel in a day + i love it so much!! the anime doesn't do it justice

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Those eyes weren't something that just anyone could have . They were the glow of a blue sky that only those who have decided to live can have."


Dazai and Chuuya truly are perfect for each other. It was very nice to know more about their pasts. Soukoku is such a great duo, I'm conviced they could make any plotline work. Also: Dazai is a fucking genius, that bastard. How come everytime something happens we get to the end and the twist is: well, Dazai planned that all along. Love how unhinged this man and his plans are, always willing to use the ends to justify the means- and his means are always very questionable. But truly deep down he is a just guy looking for answers. The book does a very good job showing that, the complexity of Dazai's emotions, showing us why the characters are the way they are today. The deep dive into Chuuya's past was by far the best part of the novel to me- my perspective on him has complety shifted. The only complain I have is... it's so short. I wanted more! Lucky me the arch continues in Stormbringer. I can never get enough of them.

[dikshya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Dazai and Chuuya and their love-hate relationship so much, this was so good to me.

There is something so special about a relationship where the two met as kids and supposedly hate each other, but also are the only person the other really trusts (gay). Soukoku have just that in the manga and the anime and I felt like we really got to see how it blossomed in this.

This also was really incredible in characterizing these two. The difference between Dazai pre-mafia, mafia, and ADA is so stark and I think this really set the scene for the suicide-obsessed character we see. I also loved to see Chuuya's character because as a side character, he is not really explored as much in the animanga, and this light novel highlights his character and how fiercely loyal he is. It is no surprise that these two have still maintained their relationship even after seven years of arguing and Dazai leaving the mafia. I love them so much.

It is really so funny to me that Chuuya is a literal god but he also carries the burden of being a redhead, 5'4, and homosexual. He really is the best character of all time.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll never get tired of seeing Dazai and Chuuya together, I adored their banter and quirky bond they've got, and them both being teenagers in this made it way more funnier- there are emotional parts too though, like Dazai's suicidal thoughts. I enjoyed seeing more details that we didn't get in the prequel episodes of the anime, especially when it came to Chuuya's background and hints at Storm Bringer (the eighth light novel, which I accidentally read before this one). I also enjoyed reading about the Port Mafia and the Arahabaki incident, Mori may be 'bad' but he's a fantastic leader in my opinion. Though simply written, I'm really glad I picked this up!

[moony ☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dedicate my blood - my everything - to you, boss. I will protect this organization you slave over and work myself to the bone in order to decimate its enemies. Those who oppose the Port Mafia will learn firsthand how ruthless gravity can be.

I have no words to describe how much I love Chuuya and how grateful I am to Asagiri for introducing us to his past - and how his fate tied to Dazai's - through this little gem that is Dazai, Chuuya, Age Fifteen.

[lu ¿ aero · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALLOR BLL MLT BELL ma il ma è che non ci ho capito nisba

ceh si ho capito la storia e tutto ma col fatto che continua in stormbringer non è finito quindi è ancora abbastanza confuso

però ceh dazai e chuuya assieme sono il duo meno serio di tutto il comprensorio prima cercano di ammazzarsi poi si prendono per il culo e sono costantemente irritati l'uno dall'altro OKAY

no invece meno male che avevo rimosso l'anime perché se no mi sarei già spoilerato il fatto che chuuya è un dio??? demone??? qualcosa???? boh ok vabbe però tutto sommato mi è piaciuto

[Moony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The style is quite poor but I know it's not the point of those light novels anyway, just as there's no point in reading them if you're not into BSD in the first place.
Still 5 stars because I had a good time and because Chuuya owns my soul.

[azula · Rating 5 out of 5]

“i’m not in a state, i’m not the host of this body, i’m a human”

nadie entiende ni va a entender el amor que le tengo a chuuya, le haría bizcochuelo todas las tardes... y a dazai también i guess...

[∆Disaster∆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kocham Rimbauda jezuuuuuuuu

[sofia]

slayed so hard i need storm bringer THIS WAS SO MUCH EASIER TO UNDERSTAND THAN THE ANIME