If Sakamoto Never Retired, Would He Be the Strongest Assassin Alive?

Sakamoto, the chubby, retired assassin turned convenience store dad, is already considered the strongest assassin in Sakamoto Days. But here’s the million-yen question: If he never quit the assassin life, could he have been the absolute best? Or did stepping back actually make him stronger?

In this article, we’ll dive into Sakamoto’s legendary past, his current feats (yes, even in dad mode), and how retirement changed him. Let’s settle the debate: Would prime Sakamoto dominate the assassin world, or is his chill life the secret to his power?

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Sakamoto’s Prime: The Unstoppable Legend

Before retirement, Sakamoto was a force of nature. Sakamoto's reputation as the strongest assassin wasn’t just hype; he wiped out entire gangs solo, dodged bullets like they were confetti, and even took down targets without killing them, a flex hardly anyone can pull off. His strength wasn’t just physical; it was his creativity. He turned everyday objects, like a toothpick or a vending machine, into deadly weapons.

But here’s the twist: Sakamoto’s prime wasn’t just about raw power, it was his mindset. Back then, he had nothing to lose. No family, no friends, no snacks to distract him. He was a machine, hyper-focused on the mission. Retirement softened his edges, but it also gave him something to fight for.

Retirement: Did It Make Him Stronger Or Weaker?

At first glance, retirement seems like a downgrade. Sakamoto gained weight, runs a convenience store, and spends more time greeting customers than dodging knives. But don’t be fooled - retirement unlocked a new level of power. Without the pressure of assassination gigs, Sakamoto’s creativity exploded. He fights smarter, not harder, using his dad-bod agility and dad-joke unpredictability to outwit enemies.

Plus, retirement gave him a family. Protecting his wife, Hana, and daughter, Aoi, fuels his resolve. In assassin terms, love is a liability. But for Sakamoto, it’s a superpower. He’s not just fighting to survive, he’s fighting to protect, and that makes him scarier than ever.

Who Could Challenge Prime Sakamoto As The Strongest Assassin?

Let’s meet Sakamoto's completion for the strongest assassin alive.

• Rion: Sakamoto’s former partner and a genius strategist. She’s ruthless, efficient, and knows all his tricks. But she lacks his adaptability.

• Slur: He's the series’ current big bad. He’s strong enough to challenge Sakamoto, but his obsession with revenge makes him predictable.

• Shinaya: The stoic, sword-wielding assassin. He’s a master of precision, but Sakamoto’s chaos beats his order every time.

Even at his peak, Sakamoto struggled with Rion’s mind games and Shinaya’s skill. But retirement taught him patience and improvisation; tools he didn’t have back then.

Final Verdict: Prime Sakamoto Vs Dad Sakamoto

If Sakamoto never retired, he’d still be one of the strongest assassins, but maybe, he wouldn't have been the strongest. His younger self relied too much on brute force and had no emotional anchor. Retirement forced him to grow, adapt, and fight for something bigger than himself.

The current Sakamoto - dad jokes, snacks, and all, is the strongest version of himself. He’s not just a killer; he’s a protector, a thinker, and a wildcard no enemy can predict. Prime Sakamoto might’ve been unstoppable, but Dad Sakamoto is unbeatable.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
January 2025	7.69	TMS Entertainment	Action, Comedy	Netflix

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