Akutagawa Ryuunosuke/Nakajima Atsushi
| Pairing | |
|---|---|
| Pairing: | Akutagawa Ryuunosuke/Nakajima Atsushi |
| Alternative name(s): | Shin Soukoku (literally "New Double Black"), SSKK |
| Gender category: | BL, mlm,yaoi, slash |
| Fandom: | Bungou Stray Dogs |
| Canonical?: | No |
| Prevalence: | Popular |
| Archives: | AO3 tag |
| Other: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
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Akutagawa Ryuunosuke/Nakajima Atsushi, or Shin Soukoku is a pairing in Bungou Stray Dogs fandom. Their relationship is one of contention but often mutual benefit; although they are on opposite sides in Yokohama, they are often brought together to face threats that endanger their city.
History
Shin Soukoku became a popular pairing after Chapter 37 of the manga[1], in which Dazai Osamu revealed that, in order to protect Yokohama from the Guild and other outsider attacks, a new partnership between Atsushi and Akutagawa was necessary. This partnership, called "Shin Soukoku," involves utilizing Atsushi and Akutagawa's complementary strengths and covering for each other's weaknesses. It was also revealed that Dazai had been planning this partnership from the moment he met Atsushi in Chapter 1, perhaps giving the pairing a fated sense.
Another reason for its popularity in fandom may also be its direct succession from the juggernaut ship Soukoku, of which Dazai himself was a member of. The alternative ship name for the pairing "Shin Sokoku", literally means "New Sokoku".
Common Tropes in Fanworks
Enemies to lovers/Rivals
Atsushi and Akutagawa have a tenuous relationship, and are often depicted as competing for Dazai's approval. This is especially true for Akutagawa, who has often said that his sole purpose in life is to gain recognition from Dazai. The two of them were originally on opposite sides, but as more villains have been introduced, it has become more common for Atsushi and Akutagawa to team up against a greater threat, such as in the final battles of seasons 2 and 3 of the anime.
Narrative foils
The two serve as narrative foils in canon, both in terms of abilities and outlook on life, and so many fanworks explore this complementary dynamic. They have opposing color schemes (black/white) and opposing animal motifs (tiger/dragon). The two also have heavily differing relationships to Dazai Osamu. Akutagawa always wanted Dazai's affection but never got it, while Atsushi does naturally get Dazai's affection and mentorship.
Hurt/comfort
Because the two of them share abusive childhoods, (Atsushi grew up in an abusive orphanage, Akutagawa lived on the streets before joining the mafia) they are often depicted as confronting their pasts through and with each other. As of April 2022, Hurt/Comfort is the third most popular Additional Tag on Archive of Our Own for the pairing, with 331 uses.
Example Fanworks
Fanfic
- extraordinary by setosdarkness
- what a catch by sockcats
- The Canary Sings A Cradle Song by hybridempress
Fanart
- pull me into the light by imparrr.
- Be My Valentine by inkantigen
- Whispering sweet things by lainekkq
Vids
- shin soukoku canon (Government Hooker) edit by @wlppwls
- One More Night edit by @atsusbf
Meta
- Shin soukoku and the philosophy of “meaning” by gold-pavilion
- Who Are You, Who Who, Who Who? by hamliet