The Dark Secrets of Bungo Stray Dogs' Sheep

Chuuya Nakahara stands out as one of the most formidable members of the Port Mafia, forming an unbeatable team alongside Osamu Dazai. However, the immense power they possess also causes its fair share of problems, as seen in the story of Chuuya and his previous gang, the Sheep - a mere chapter in the complex narrative of Bungo Stray Dogs.

The Sheep were first introduced to anime viewers in Season 3's adaptation of the seventh light novel, "Dazai, Chuuya, Age Fifteen," where Chuuya was portrayed as an adversary of the Port Mafia. This tale details the start of Dazai and Chuuya's uneasy partnership, culminating in the latter's eventual induction into the mafia's ranks.

The Delinquents

The Sheep's strength may not be remarkable compared to other factions in the series, particularly the formidable Port Mafia led by Ogai Mori. However, their motivation to protect their homes from fear and violence is earnest in its simplicity, making it easy to sympathize with their cause. Despite their youth and lack of experience, they are a determined group of young individuals aspiring to become gangsters. The only advantage they have is Chuuya, whose exceptional combat skills and gravity manipulation make him the group's leader and a formidable opponent.

His fellow Sheep may not be the strongest, but their coordination and dependence on each other compensate for it. The anime adaptation doesn't delve into the group's internal mechanisms, but the novels portray a council consisting of thirteen members who must be consulted before decisions are made. Despite being the leader, Chuuya must still work closely with the others, which eventually becomes his undoing...

Chuuya's "Betrayal"

Chuuya's mission in the Fifteen Arc centers around unraveling the enigma of the former mafia boss' "resurrection" and its ties to the legend of Arahabaki, which happens to be linked to Chuuya himself. His collaboration with Dazai, albeit reluctant, resulted in his comrades from the Sheep suspecting him of disloyalty for aligning with the Port Mafia.

While Chuuya and Dazai carry out their investigation, the rest of the gang conspires to overthrow their leader. Interestingly, the Sheep end up joining forces with GSS, the very organization that Chuuya had fought against in the previous episode. This plot twist sheds light on the theme of power and highlights Chuuya's responsibilities as a gifted individual.

The Sheep are portrayed in a negative light by the end of the arc, causing most readers/viewers to despise them. Their supposed loyalty to Chuuya's leadership is revealed to be insincere, as they abandon him once they realize they cannot benefit from his power. Instead, they resort to hiring mercenaries in a desperate attempt to compensate for their lack of strength.

Funnily enough, Dazai seems to respect Chuuya's autonomy more than the Sheep does. In the arcade scene, he asserts that it's his decision on how he uses his power, telling Shirase and Yuan. Despite initially mocking Chuuya, stating that "Leading an organization is a lot harder than you'd imagine," Dazai does understand him to an extent.

Throughout the Fifteen Arc, Chuuya's role as a leader is constantly questioned. Despite being referred to as the "King of Sheep" and having a reputation to uphold, he is always portrayed as an outsider to the group. The very name "Sheep" implies weakness, but Chuuya's strength sets him apart as a wolf among the rest - a comparison that Dazai is quick to make. It's clear that Chuuya struggles to fit into the role of a true leader.

He struggles with his own identity, having been created through an experiment with little knowledge of his origins or true nature. Despite betraying the Sheep, Chuuya continues to work with Dazai in an effort to uncover the truth about himself. His complex backstory spans not only the Fifteen Arc, but also the eighth novel, STORM BRINGER. Though he may not fit the traditional mold of a leader, Chuuya is fiercely loyal, which is why he ultimately accepts the role from the Sheep. Even after they betray him, he chooses to join the Port Mafia and protect his fellow members. The reasons behind his decision to side with the Mafia despite being their enemy for so long remain a mystery.

Dazai's proposition left him with little choice, and Mori's promise of closure about his origins was certainly a strong incentive. However, there were deeper reasons for his loyalty. Despite kneeling before Mori without hesitation, there were multiple layers to his decision. Ultimately, Mori's teachings on leadership played a significant role in his choice.

A true leader is both the head and servant of the organization, willing to endure any hardship for the sake of its survival and success. They invest in the development of their subordinates, placing them where they will thrive, and are not afraid to make tough decisions, including letting go of those no longer useful to the organization. A leader is willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means resorting to barbarism, all in the name of protecting and advancing the beloved city. In realizing his shortcomings as the leader of the Sheep, Chuuya comes to understand what he truly desires as a person - to feel human and to belong somewhere, which the Sheep could not provide.

While the Sheep may not hold much significance in the Bungo Stray Dogs universe, their presence serves a purpose in the overall narrative. Chuuya's loyalty and uncertainty are key components of his character, and his journey of betrayal and redemption ultimately leads him back to the Port Mafia, where he truly belongs.