In the world of Sakamoto Days, many characters pose a challenge to the life of the main character. Their world is full of eccentric and deadly assassins, and among them is Kei Uzuki, also known by the aliases X and Slur. A character whose journey is riddled with tragedy, psychological fragmentation, and unrelenting violence, Uzuki is as fascinating as he is terrifying
His transformation from a timid student at the JCC to the cold-blooded leader of an anti-establishment assassination group is one of the series’ most intricate and layered narratives. One of the earliest mysteries surrounding Uzuki’s survival and inexplicable resilience in the face of what should have been fatal injuries lies in a rare medical condition called Situs Inversus.
This condition results in the mirroring of a person's major internal organs from their normal positions. For someone like Uzuki, this anomaly became a form of unexpected protection. During his confrontation with Taro Sakamoto, Uzuki was shot in what would be considered a fatal area of the chest, where the heart normally sits.

But because of his unique condition, he survived. Neither Sakamoto nor anyone else knew this then, making Uzuki’s survival appear almost supernatural. In reality, it was a twist of fate. In Sakamoto Days, one broken man got a second chance at life, and the other further cemented his descent into darkness.
This character in Sakamoto Days was not always evil. Uzuki's descent began with fear. Raised in the Al-Kamar orphanage alongside others like Gaku and Kumanomi, he was groomed from a young age as a potential future member of the Order, the elite assassin squad governed by the JAA.
Despite this violent environment, Uzuki was a timid and morally conscious child. He believed that killing was inherently wrong and only resorted to violence when absolutely necessary. On the other hand, his older brother, Sei Asaki, was a major influence during this time, though not in a good way.
During a high-stakes mission involving the protection of the JAA chairman’s wife and daughter, Uzuki and Rion bonded deeply. And she left a lasting impression on Uzuki, who found a rare sense of peace and understanding in her presence.
X and Slur: The public face of a broken man

With his psyche fractured and ideals twisted, Uzuki emerged from hiding under two aliases: X and Slur. Under these names, he launched an all-out assault on the JAA, aiming to destroy the corrupt system that had turned him and countless others into monsters.
He formed a new organization made up of assassins, many of whom were fellow orphans from Al-Kamar. His goal in Sakamoto Days was no longer redemption—it was destruction. He slaughtered a quarter of the assassin industry and left his mark in the form of blood-drawn X's at every crime scene. These symbols served as a warning to the JAA and the world: he was no longer bound by their rules.
A legacy of violence: What Uzuki wants now in Sakamoto Days

After his battle with Sakamoto, the aftermath of that event cemented his worldview: no one truly cares, no one ever cared, except for Rion, and she died trying to save people. This epiphany leads Uzuki to abandon any remaining hope for redemption.
Uzuki in Sakamoto Days is no longer the boy who wanted to protect his friends. He’s no longer the student who flinched at killing. He’s become a force of destruction aimed squarely at the JAA and its enforcers. The death of Rion, his twisted mental state, rejection by society, and physical survival have all culminated in a desire to burn the system to the ground.
The dichotomy of Uzuki: Monster and brother
What makes Uzuki so compelling in Sakamoto Days isn’t just his villainy; it’s the complexity of his character. In battle, he is merciless. He has provoked Sakamoto by threatening his daughter, showing no regard for innocent lives. And yet, in quiet moments with those he considers friends, particularly Gaku, he reveals glimpses of a gentler side.
He mourns fallen comrades. He recalls fond memories of the past. He even protects Gaku from death during their raid on the JAA headquarters. These contradictions make Uzuki a mirror image of Sakamoto. While Sakamoto found purpose and family, Uzuki lost his. And that loss is what drives him toward nihilism.