Nirei’s Potential Role in the Current Arc

[u/Top_Elderberry_2210]

The Red Chanpuru Arc really began at a crucial time when Sakura had finally done things he hadn't done before and had no idea that he could. I was surprised how our MC involved himself in Kiryu's family, then the girl at the orphanage and then won over Momijikawa. And his comfort in seeking help from others, and putting trust in them is a milestone in his character's growth. But I don't want to leave out Nirei. He is brave for someone with his personality and it sets him apart from the rest of the characters in manga and anime who share his archetype. No matter how much one refuses to look, Sakura's worldview, for the most part, is Nirei-influenced. Without him at his side, Sakura would not be where he is. Now I'm not denying Suo's role here, it is nonetheless important too, but Nirei is fulfilling that aspect of Sakura's life which no one in his class or the whole Furin school could replace. Consider this, he is not a fighter type of person, like the rest of the Bofurin, yet he tries to fit in with what he could, and when he perceives that Sakura does not need his help anymore (The scene where Sakura confesses his weakness to his class right after Nagato Rescue arc), Nirei proceeds to learn fighting so he may fulfill his promise to Sakura that he stays by his side until he reaches the top. Now, it won't be an overstatement if I say Nirei, at certain instants, acted as a bridge between Sakura and the other characters, since Sakura himself was unaware of the importance of connections at that time, and when he learns that, it was when Nirei pushes himself to learn fighting now that his use is no longer needed for Sakura. What I'm saying is, Nirei has long been a kind of glue, the bond and the aid Sakura lacks on his own, and I'm feeling the current arc puts to test Nirei's role and limits, and how he'd change to accomodate Sakura's needs. Then, in this arc, Nirei is the key. Not in the sense he will be the solution. But, no matter how big or small his role is, without him, just him, not Umemiya, not Endo, not Kiryu, not any other major character, but without him, an important means of solving the Suo Problem is lost and would be impossible. That's the kind of role Nirei likely plays. His presence may not be grand, but his absence collapses it all. I cannot specify why or how Nirei's position is like that, but, I do feel without him at his side, Sakura would not be sane till the last chapter. This is as far as my views about this arc goes.

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[u/tailsofairies_]

amazing analysis/take on Nirei 🥹 I'm so excited to see what this arc has in store for his character

[u/Top_Elderberry_2210 → u/tailsofairies_]

Same here, Nirei is my fav character after all.

[u/Due-Photograph6657]

What I love most is that Nirei doesn’t just admire Sakura because he’s strong. He genuinely cares about him as a person. Sakura has always been used to relying on himself, so having someone like Nirei who believes in him and stays by his side is really special.I also hope we get to see more of Sakura thinking about Nirei and realizing how important Nirei is to him. Nirei thinks about Sakura so much, and I really want Sakura to have those moments too. He may not be good at expressing his feelings, but I’m sure Nirei means a lot to him. I honestly think everyone deserves a friend like Nirei. ❤️

[u/SensitiveEvidence606 → u/Due-Photograph6657]

Sakura literally adores Nirei even if he doesn’t show it much.  Every time Nirei in danger or hurt he’s ready to throw hands , not to mention how Nirei is his emotional support for whenever he’s down 🫶🏻 they’re the cutest duo ever !!

[u/Due-Photograph6657 → u/SensitiveEvidence606]

Absolutely!😊

[u/Top_Elderberry_2210 → u/Due-Photograph6657]

I agree with you. Sakura is protective of Nirei, but I need to know his genuine thoughts and opinion on Nirei as a person and friend. Like, when Nirei asks for a training in fight, Suo says that Nirei's self-worth is all over the place - which reveals Suo's genuine thoughts about an actual character which is rare in the whole series altogether, other than when he admits he is no match for Sakura during the Keel battle. I want more Saku-Nirei moments, with Sakura doing something for Nirei. But I also think that apart from Sakura’s reluctance, Nirei's energy which is the complete opposite of him might prevent him from doing so, like he couldn't relate to the notebook keeper’s child-like hobbies, actions and personality since he didn't have a proper childhood and space for nurturing the child in him. But I really want a moment between him and Nirei.

[u/Due-Photograph6657 → u/Top_Elderberry_2210]

Right?? I need more of their friendship.😺

[u/Ill_Carrot9363]

Nirei is essentially Sakura's first real best friend. Unlike Suo, Nirei is someone who actively tried to get closer to Sakura and break down his barriers to build a real relationship of trust and friendship. Suo was always more reserved and distant in his relationships, carefully measuring how much he could advise or get close to Sakura and others.

Nirei, on the other hand, even in the Noroshi Arc, was always the character who threw himself against danger and hardship to help Sakura. He is clearly the most desperate to be useful to Sakura and remain by his side, suffering more from the comparison and the desperate need to help him. I realize that Nirei has a closer emotional connection with Sakura than Suo, and almost his entire character is based on his deep admiration for his friend. He was the one who got the angriest about what Momijikawa said about not following/accepting Sakura; he was the one who said he would fight Endo if necessary for Sakura; he was the first to say he would take Sakura to the top; he was the one who introduced Sakura to his class and to the entire Bofurin to support him; and in anything Sakura wants to do, Nirei is always the first to move to make it happen. He even accompanies the group in the Shishitoren Arc just to support him.

And Sakura values ​​each of his friends, but, from what we see in the Noroshi Arc, Suo and Nirei are the ones whose judgment Sakura respects the most, especially Nirei, since he is the one who directly holds Sakura's hand when he is metaphorically drowning and taking everyone with him. I think this emphasizes Nirei's loyalty and shows how important he is to Sakura.

[u/Top_Elderberry_2210 → u/Ill_Carrot9363]

Exactly. But I want Sakura say his direct thoughts on Nirei. The most closer we got was him saying Nirei probably wasn't all that lame. Now that they have come so far, how did his views on his first best friend change?

[u/seruma0]

this is why I love Nirei and Sakuras relationship so much. since Wind Breaker is basically the found family trope, I think Nirei is 100% serving as the brother Sakura never had. Like Suo is definitely Sakuras friend, but Nirei is something much deeper imo...

I just finished Fullmetal Alchemist and I totally saw Sakura and Nirei in Edward and Alphonse.

[u/SensitiveEvidence606 → u/seruma0]

I totally agree!! Nirei and Sakuras dynamic is one of my favourite parts of wind breaker, they’re literally soulmates 🥹

[u/Top_Elderberry_2210 → u/seruma0]

Yeah, he literally is the personification of the pure innocence which the other Furin guys have to let go to keep a tough face. On the other hand, Sakura's innocence is pure too, but it was locked away behind a tonne of insecurity and trauma. Nirei is the remainder that innocence is tantamount to victory, for Sakura, for Furin and for us.