Thanks, it's kind of you to reach out 🫂 yes, I'm mostly stressed because of the political situation and constant conflicts I get into with family. Sad thing is that end of conflict would mean loss for the people, especially us students who sacrificed a whole academic year in order to seek justice on the streets. Mass protests and blockades must continue in order to achieve fundamental change. No authoritarian government resigns without huge pressure

Unfortunately it's hard to keep the hype for something as unimportant as manga and fandoms when you have a situation you neither can nor should ignore. I often try writing but find myself distracted by the politics and news from the blockades

I can see how it might be a misunderstanding but that raises the question why it hasn't been corrected granted the implications it sends. But then again, I'm not that familiar with manga industry so I don't know how feasible that would be.

I don't think Dazai would return to PM (I believe Tanizaki will be chosen for multitude of reasons), nor I want that to happen. I agree, it'd be a bad writing decision. It'd reset Dazai's character. But even beyond that it'd make no sense plot-wise. Mori is wiser than that. Dazai is of more help to him in Agency than he'd be in Port Mafia granted he'd be there unwillingly. Mori cannot ensure Dazai's loyalty. Dazai is as sharp as him, Mori knows he can be betrayed at any given time. Why cause himself unnecessary headaches?

Fyosig my beloved 💜 I analyze them before (just can't find where) but I can surely do again.

A lot up is in the air on Fyodor's side since it's obvious he knows something about Sigma readers don't yet. That something is what pushed him into pursuing Sigma and offering such a huge payment for a small part in DOA plan. I don't think people realize Fyodor wasted space on the Page to build a flying casino he knew would crumble in days. Yes, terrorism purposes, but with Fukuchi's government help it could have been built naturally and still be kept a secret.

Then why? Because of Sigma's wish for a home. Sigma was more than willing to overlook mayhem Fyodor is causing if it means his dream would come true. He doesn't seem fazed by the damage his casino is causing either. That tells a lot about his selfishness as well as determination to attain 'a home', regardless of the means. Desperation is a blade that extends both ways.

On the other hand, casino shows how far Fyodor is willing to go to keep Sigma by his side and ensure no one else has him. I'll return to this later.

Fyodor thinks highly of Sigma as a person. Take his speech to Dazai in Meursault. He told Sigma he can't win against the Hunting Dogs and that he should flee, but then went ahead and waxed poetic to Dazai how no one can compare to Sigma when it comes to resolve. I'm inclined to believe his words to Dazai are more truthful granted he has less reasons to lie there. Sigma is an open book to him. He was sure Sigma wouldn't abandon the casino as it's part of his identity. It'd be like abandoning himself - giving up on living.

When Sigma chose Dazai's side and planned on joining Agency Fyodor was anything but pleased. Which, again, says a lot considering he didn't mind letting go of his pawns after they've ran their course. But Sigma is different. Fyodor wasn't willing to let him go - not during Sky casino arc, not during Meursault death game. Either he still has a vital role in some scheme or his or Fyodor wants him for some other reasons. Maybe it has something to do with Sigma's connection to the Book, maybe not, hard to tell.

Fyodor coaxed Sigma into reading his memories. On the surface it might seem like a huge gamble on Fyodor's part but there must be a good reason why he took it. First thing first, he had to stop Sigma from going with Dazai. Secondly, he had to prevent Sigma from trying to kill him. Shrewd as he is Fyodor could have come up with ways of ensuring that without laying out his entire life to Sigma - therefore there must be a catch.

I think it's safe to say Sigma won't wake up with the same mindset. Either he'll see parts of own past in Fyodor's memories or centuries worth of memories would eclipse his three years of life. He'd get engulfed by Fyodor. For those reasons I don't think Sigma would be willing to side with Agency afterwards. He'll either have his plate full of personal issues or he'd join Fyodor's side (willingly or under influence), depending on what he finds out. Either way he won't be the same person. His sense of identity would be all over the place.

There's also Fyodor's order for Sigma to be shot at the end of the casino arc. We need to backtrack a little and see what exactly triggered that as Hawthorne could've killed him at any given time. He shot when Agency was about to get hold of Sigma. I believe Fyodor's original plan for Sigma was for him to be arrested by the Hunting Dogs. Fukuchi would keep him safe - away from Agency and the government. Sigma doesn't know who their leader is thence when Fyodor rescues him in the end he'd be seen as a savor. Win for all.

Similarly his plan regarding Sigma changed during the prison break. Initially Fyodor thought Sigma would run, which was fine with him. But the second Fyodor grasped he plans on going to Yokohama and siding with Agency Fyodor was bent on stopping him. But why? Ango himself might be an issue, courtesy of memory reading ability. Maybe there's something Fyodor is adamant on staying under wraps. Or maybe he doesn't want Agency to have such a powerful asset at disposal, both ability-wise and Sigma himself (given Fyodor thinks so highly of him). Or maybe reasons are more personal. Or maybe something that's yet to be revealed. Who knows.

As on Sigma's part, I'd say fear and mistrust are prevalent - quite rightfully. Nikolai jested how life will never be his as long as Fyodor is alive and I believe that wasn't far off the mark. He knew from the very start he was being used and that's where something interesting can be observed. Sigma wants to break free but he doesn't believe he can, courtesy of anxiety and lack of self worth. Accordingly he subconsciously yields to manipulative figures, be it Fyodor, Nikolai, Dazai or anyone who handled him before. He knows he's being manipulated but can't help it. Deep down he wants better but even deeper down he doesn't believe he can actually have it. There are also his trust issues and maladjusted perception of relationships as a give-and-take, but that'd be a whole different analysis.

"Human vs superhuman" motif is pronounced in Sigma's interactions with other characters, Fyodor included. Sigma, notwithstanding strange origins and handy ability, is quite ordinary. His identity issues and dream of finding a place to belong are quite human. Something very relatable. Fyodor, on the flip side, is far cry from normal in any aspect. Ergo it'd be expected from him to uphold the distinction, regularly bring it up and rub salt into wounds. But Fyodor doesn't do that. He insists Sigma can do what normal humans can't. Keep in mind how Sigma managed to catch Fyodor off guard in Meursault. That's certainly a feat. No wonder Fyodor holds him in high regards.

Nikolai views Sigma as normal but with derogatory note. Dazai also views him as normal but with positive note. Fyodor sees something else in him entirely - for the reasons we hardly know anything about yet. Granted Sigma's inferiority complex I can easily see why Fyodor's praises and coaxing might work, even if he knows it's all smoke. Human heart is a malleable thing. Still, I don't think Sigma hates Fyodor. I'd say he hates Fyodor's machiavellian tendencies but not Fyodor himself.

All in all, a lot is on the dice now that Sigma took in Fyodor's secrets. He will be the one who knows Fyodor the best, no doubt. But what perception he'd have of him in the end is still indistinct. Things won't be the same, that's for certain.