Chapter 104

The Two "Fuku"s, Part 1 (二福 前篇,) is the 104th chapter of the Bungo Stray Dogs manga.

Synopsis
As Fukuchi and Fukuzawa clash with the fate of the world at stake, their thoughts drift back to their youth. How did the paths of two so close stray apart so…?

Summary
Years ago during Fukuzawa's and Fukuchi's first encounter in the former's, the two challenged each other in a fight throughout an entire day, which ended in a stalemate. Fukuchi grew intrigued with another swordsman being at par with his own skills. After Fukuchi introduced himself as Gen'ichirō Fukuchi, Fukuzawa likewise did so. Fukuchi, claiming that the way of the sword is an unisolated endeavor, declared that he shall master it together with Fukuzawa.

Thirteen years later, during the war, Fukuzawa was one of the Goken or the five greatest swordsmen in the government, while Fukuchi was a director of education. At one point, Fukuchi received an appointment from the military, an agenda which he discussed with Fukuzawa. To be dispatched to Tokoyami Island, Fukuchi feared that he shall return as a different person from all the fighting.

As a result, Fukuchi invited Fukuzawa to come with him to the battlefield, but the latter was reluctant to accept. Despite Fukuchi deeming it an invitation for a friend rather than for an organization, Fukuzawa claimed that war was merely for stealing lives, though Fukuchi refuted that it was for saving lives of comrades.

Nevertheless, amidst Fukuchi's plea to have his friend accept his invitation, Fukuzawa refused to give any response nor acceptance to his favor. In the end, Fukuchi accepted Fukuzawa's decision befitting his infamy as a lone wolf, chiding that he was different from himself who has comrades he would not let be killed. Fukuchi then took his leave, heading down a separate path from an apologetic Fukuzawa.