ABETTOR

Odagiri Azusa and Shinogu have one of the most complex relationships in all of the series and I would definitely consider theirs the one that changes the most and also, one of the most important. I think it's interesting to note how important the two become to each other over the course of the series and how this reflects their characters. There are several who believe that Shuji Kazama is Shinogu's "best friend" and that it is his support that really keeps Shinogu going. While I do not deny that Kazama plays a significant role in Shinogu's life, I have to disagree on that title. The fact that they change from potential rivals, to partners, and finally to friends is important, and I hope to demonstrate so.

Previously childhood friends, they start the series out at odds. Azusa provides us with our first glimpse of an angry Shinogu (something rarely seen in the manga!) when he keeps Hatsumi out until one in the morning (Ref: Vol. 2, Ch. 8, Pg. 123). The same day, Shinogu and Azusa cross-paths and the tension between the builds, when Azusa says:

Azusa: It'll be over soon.
Azusa: Hatsumi is my precious...precious...tool for revenge

Its pure provocation on Azusa's part, but it sets the groundwork for how their relationship will flow and at whose pace. Azusa knows a lot about Shinogu from his investigation of the Narita family, so he has an advantage and uses it to lord things over Shinogu's head. Azusa is also the one who first insinuates Shinogu's feelings to Ryoki, leading to great amounts of jealousy and strife.

Azusa also later tells Hatsumi that Shinogu is adopted; leading to a conversation between the two that basically has Shinogu telling him to back off. I think at this point, Azusa is really over his grudge against the Narita family and is just seeking revenge against their father; he also seems to have recognized his own feelings for Hatsumi and, knowing that he really has no chance with her and still fueled by his anger, he pushes Shinogu toward her instead. He is impressed with the extent of Shinogu's feelings. But let's face it - he's still a cocky bastard.

Azusa: You love her so much, why don't you tell her?
Shinogu: Don't be...stupid. That's not why I -
Azusa: You really will lose her to Ryoki, you know.
Azusa: You cool with that?
Azusa: Go for it. Take her away from him.

He sounds like he's just baiting Shinogu into helping him cause problems, I know. But I really don't think that's the case deep down. His facial expressions are completely serious throughout the entire conversation. And when Shinogu departs, his eyes narrow a bit in sadness. There's a sense of understanding in the air between them; the vibrant connection they share is starting to shift and grow.

Azusa: When I see you or Shinogu looking hurt or sad...I don't know...it just gets me down

Not long after this, Azusa leaves his place and Hatsumi is the one to find him. She takes him to Shinogu's apartment (despite protest) and he welcomes Azusa without question. He willingly opens his door to him and offers to help him further investigate his mother's death. This is when their relationship officially shifts to that of partners and when Azusa allows himself to start openly showing genuine affection for Hatsumi and, more importantly (HA!), Shinogu.

Azusa often calls Shinogu on his feelings, and forcibly nudges him to act when he thinks he needs to act. He's also apparently taken it upon himself to split up Ryoki and Hatsumi and leads the camp against their relationship. He is the main supporter of Shinogu and Hatsumi becoming an item and often steps in to play Cupid.

Azusa: Yes, in love with you.
Azusa: Ever since you guys were kids. All along. All these years.
Azusa: So...quite going out with that Ryoki, fer Christsake. Take Shinogu instead.

When Shinogu decides cut ties with Hatsumi, he sends an email to asking Azusa to "take care of Hatsumi" for him (Ref: Vol. 10, Ch. 42, Pg. 20, which speaks a lot on its own. For how much we know Shinogu loves Hatsumi (see: cherub) he trusts Azusa enough; appreciates him enough to ask him to watch out for her in his stead. Perhaps that's because Shinogu recognizes similar feelings in Azusa, but it speaks volumes for their relationship and how far it has come. Moreover, when word reaches him that Hatsumi is missing, Shinogu actually pauses to pick Azusa up (Ref: Vol. 10, Ch. 44, Pg. 80 and they search together. Am I reading too much into this? Well, maybe. But all the backing is there for interpretation. Especially when you consider this exchange:

Azusa: If I were you, I wouldn't be out here with me. I'd be inside with Hatsumi, and I'd have my arms around her.
Azusa: Don't worry about me anymore. I'll deal with the rest myself.
Azusa: ...she was...holding herself back from crying, all the way home in the car.
Azusa: You don't hurry up...I'll go hold her. That okay with you?

Shinogu then dashes off, promising to call Azusa tomorrow.

It is because of Azusa's persistent support and prodding that Shinogu works up the courage to ask Hatsumi to live with him. Because, honestly, it's what they both want. Neither of them want Hatsumi with Ryoki. So, even while he's not around the two at that point, Azusa still does his best to keep Hatsumi's relationship with Ryoki tumultuous by telling him that Shinogu and Hatsumi have already slept together (Ref: Vol. 11, Ch. 49, Pg. 98).

But as we know, Hatsumi is naive in love with Ryoki and chooses him. Azusa tries to give it one more shot, but Hatsumi is determined, and we see a side of Azusa we don't typically get to see. His face is visibly disappointed, even while he tries to play it off, and his eyes reflect a sense of defeat that is very similar to Shinogu's.

Azusa: If you and Shinogu got together...
Azusa: I thought we could always stay the three of us.
Azusa: You know, like when we were kids.
Azusa: The three of us together, having a good time...like a family or something...

It is important to note that last line. The three of them together like a family. This implies that Azusa is willing to push his own love for Hatsumi aside for both, the opportunity to stay with both of them, but also for Shinogu's happiness. It's refreshing to see someone sacrifice for Shinogu - the guy who consistently does so for everyone else.

Finally, when Shinogu has joined his monastery and the monk questions his readiness, Shinogu says the following:

Shinogu: -it's just that there is someone I'm worried about.
Shinogu: I'll send him a letter...after I've taken my vows.

The scene then immediately cuts to Azusa, who looks so very sad, but not surprised. Shinogu says he's worried about him - not Kazama, not Hatsumi (well, you know) - but Azusa is his unresolved issue. And he says he'll write to him after he takes his vows. I don't believe he even told Hatsumi he was entering a monastery. That's how much he's come to depend and appreciate Azusa and I think it's something really special about the manga.

I don't want to refer to their relationship as something as cliché as "best friends" because I think it's a little more special and harder to classify. To understand each other on a level where words are not even required anymore; to anticipate actions and understand them, when no one else (or half the fandom) does is something different all in itself. What I can say firmly is that they are important to each other and that their relationship is, in my opinion, the strongest in the series, made even more distinct by its origin.

Yes, it's true. Azusa and Shinogu are my one-true friendship (OTF). Hopefully, from this, you can see why.

back | home | forward

Narita Shinogu is © Aihara Miki & Betsucomi; site content & design © Marie; XHTML Valid; PHPFanbase © Sasha; PHPCodesort © Jenny;