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  • March 21, 2025 4 min read

    In the world of Sakamoto Days, where ex-assassins, crime syndicates, and elite fighters collide, one name stands out with a fiery presence—Lu Shaotang. A daughter of the Triads, a skilled martial artist, and a woman whose power grows with every sip of alcohol, Lu is a force to be reckoned with. Beneath her playful, carefree demeanor lies an untamed beast, one that only awakens in the throes of intoxication. Welcome to the world of Lu Shaotang—a character as unpredictable as she is formidable.

    a girl with red hair is holding pink pom poms

    A Fiery Presence: Lu Shaotang’s Appearance

    Lu Shaotang is as striking as her personality. With fair skin, piercing black eyes, and long red hair, she commands attention. At Sakamoto’s Store, she maintains a casual yet functional look—green apron, black shirt, and white shoes. However, when alcohol courses through her veins, she undergoes a transformation, letting down her hair and adopting an intimidating presence that spells doom for her foes.

    a girl with red hair is wearing a pink jacket and a white shirt with an arrow on it

    From Carefree Clerk to Relentless Fighter: Lu’s Personality

    At first glance, Lu seems cheerful and relaxed—perhaps a bit too relaxed. She strolls into Sakamoto’s shop two hours late on her first day, dressed in casual wear under her apron. But this lighthearted approach hides a deeper sentiment—her unwavering loyalty to those she considers family. Despite her carefree exterior, Lu treasures keepsakes from her parents, revealing a strong emotional connection to her roots.

    Her affection extends to Sakamoto’s store, which she sees as her new home. When Saw threatened Shin, Lu’s fury—amplified by pure alcohol—erupted in a brutal display of violence. In this mode, she’s ruthless, willing to cut off fingers to settle scores and avenge souls.

    a man in a suit is pointing a gun at a girl with red hair and the word netflix on the bottom

    A Mysterious Past Rooted in the Triads

    Not much is known about Lu’s past, but one fact remains clear—she hails from a powerful Triad family. Raised in an environment where power and survival go hand in hand, Lu’s martial prowess is no accident. Whether she chooses to embrace or escape her lineage remains to be seen.

     

    Connections That Define Her

    Shin Asakura: A Constant Rival and Friend

    Shin and Lu share a dynamic relationship filled with friendly bickering and unwavering camaraderie. As coworkers at Sakamoto’s Store, they argue over trivial matters yet stand by each other in battle. Their bond adds a lively element to the series, bringing humor and heart to their interactions.

    a man wearing a yellow shirt that says country is surrounded by two girls

    Taro Sakamoto: A Boss Worth Fighting For

    Once a legendary hitman, now a humble shopkeeper, Taro Sakamoto is more than just Lu’s employer—he’s someone she deeply respects. His immense strength astonishes her, reinforcing her belief that she’s found a second family under his roof.

    Aoi & Hana Sakamoto: The Family She Never Had

    Lu frequently interacts with Aoi Sakamoto, the ever-patient wife of Taro, and Hana, their spirited daughter. She takes on a big sister role for Hana, further solidifying her place in the Sakamoto family.

    Lu Wutang: Admiration Meets Discomfort

    While Lu acknowledges Wutang’s intelligence, she can’t ignore his unsettling habit of stalking her. His fascination with her is more of an annoyance than a compliment, making their dynamic an interesting subplot.

    The Deadly Dance of Alcohol & Combat

    Master of Martial Arts

    Lu’s combat prowess is undeniable. She possesses incredible speed, strength, and technique, making her a formidable opponent. But her true power lies in her unconventional ability—one that defies logic and enhances her fighting style in the most unpredictable way.

    High Alcohol Tolerance: A Family Gift

    Most people would keel over after a few sips of pure ethanol. Lu? She takes it like a champion. Not only does alcohol fail to impair her, but it amplifies her abilities, turning her into an unstoppable force. This isn’t just a personal quirk—it runs in her blood. Her grandfather reportedly drank alcohol lamp fuel, a feat that would be lethal to anyone else.

    Drunken Fist: The Art of Controlled Chaos

    Lu’s Drunken Fist style is a sight to behold. Different types and amounts of alcohol unlock distinct fighting modes:

    • Crying Drunk: A melancholic yet precise state.

    • Angry Drunk: A rage-fueled assault mode.

    • Happy Drunk: A deceptive, carefree fighting stance.

    • Triad Drunk: The deadliest form, where her speed, strength, and precision reach terrifying heights.

    After downing a bottle of 200-proof ethanol, Lu tossed Saw around like a ragdoll, moved faster than his eyes could track, and effortlessly deflected all his projectiles. Her power in this state is nothing short of monstrous.


    A Name Miswritten, Yet Unshaken

    An interesting tidbit—Lu Shaotang was initially introduced with the wrong hanzi (小糖 instead of 少糖), causing her name to be mistakenly romanized as Xiaotang. While this error was later corrected in the original Japanese release, Viz’s English translation continued using Xiaotang. A minor mistake, but one that adds a quirky footnote to her character’s legacy.

    Final Thoughts: The Unpredictable Powerhouse of Sakamoto Days

    Lu Shaotang is a character unlike any other—a playful store clerk by day, a ruthless martial artist by night, and a hurricane of destruction when under the influence. Her blend of humor, heart, and sheer combat prowess makes her a standout in Sakamoto Days. Whether bickering with Shin, protecting her found family, or unleashing chaos with a bottle in hand, Lu ensures that every moment she’s on the page is unforgettable.