Shin Asakura (朝倉シン), known as the Clairvoyant 千里眼の, stands as the deuteragonist of Sakamoto Days, a former hitman whose past is steeped in blood but whose present unfolds in the quiet hum of a convenience store. Once a partner and protégé of the legendary Taro Sakamoto, Shin’s fate took a sharp turn when his assassination attempt on Sakamoto failed—not in death, but in revelation. Rather than ending his mentor’s life, he found a new path alongside him, choosing family over fatality, camaraderie over contracts.

A telepath with the rare gift of clairvoyance, Shin walks the line between past and present, his skills both a relic of his hitman days and an invaluable tool in his new life. Official records from the JAA and JCC recognize only his given name—Shin—yet somewhere along the way, he discarded his birth name, possibly Shin Ando, and adopted the moniker Shin Asakura. Now, his story continues in the shadows of a different battlefield: the JCC, where he has enrolled as a first-year student, ready to carve out a destiny beyond the scope of a gun’s barrel.

Appearance

Shin Asakura carries an air of youthful sharpness—his slim frame and boyish features belying the raw talent and battle-hardened instincts beneath. Standing at an average height, he moves with a lightness that speaks of both agility and unpredictability. His blond, medium-length hair falls in a naturally tousled manner, framing his large, expressive blue eyes (black in the manga), which, despite their almost innocent appearance, hold the weight of a past steeped in violence and survival.

On his debut, Shin strides in with an effortless edge—an open leather jacket thrown over a plain tee, dark baggy pants, and eye-catching tennis shoes, exuding the look of someone caught between a world of chaos and casual defiance. As his role shifts from hitman to store clerk, his wardrobe follows suit, settling into a collared dress shirt, well-fitted slacks, and the ever-present green apron of Sakamoto’s store. Though his outfits change throughout the series, that apron remains a constant—an unspoken testament to the life he’s chosen, and the battles he still carries with him.

Personality

Shin Asakura is a man shaped by contrasts—sharp yet sincere, instinctive yet calculated. At his core, he is honest and straightforward, a rare trait in the bloodstained world he once inhabited. He carries himself with a quiet confidence, never arrogant, but always aware of his own strengths and limitations. His clairvoyance is more than just an ability to him; it’s an extension of his mind, a tool he wields with precision, knowing exactly when to trust it and when to rely on raw skill instead.

Calm and composed even in the heat of battle, Shin rarely lets emotions cloud his judgment—except when life throws its smaller, more ridiculous inconveniences his way. He has a short fuse for absurdity, often breaking his cool with comical bursts of frustration, irritation, or sheer panic over the mundane. But beneath his occasional outbursts, there lies an unwavering will. Shin doesn’t just fight because he can—he fights because he must. His determination is a force in itself, pushing him forward even when the odds are mercilessly stacked against him.

Loyal to those he cares about, Shin’s belief in people sets him apart from many who share his violent past. He values life, not just his own but those around him, and that belief fuels his every battle. Like many, he holds deep respect for Taro Sakamoto, not just as a former mentor but as a man who showed him a path beyond the shadows. And for Shin, that respect isn’t just admiration—it’s a reason to keep moving forward, to stand his ground, and to carve out a future of his own.

Relationships

Tasuku Ando

Shin’s true feelings toward his biological father, Tasuku Ando, remain a mystery, buried beneath years of unresolved emotions. As a child, he sought his father out, believing that someone bound to him by blood would understand him—would accept him for who he was. But when he was met with cold indifference, that hope curdled into resentment. Ando’s dismissal cut deep, leaving Shin bitter enough to label him as “scum.” Yet, even in his anger, he couldn't bring himself to wish death upon his father—refusing to let Sakamoto kill him, no matter how much he despised him.

Asakura

To Shin, Asakura is more than just a name—he is a father figure, a guiding hand in his childhood. Asakura’s fascination with unlocking superhuman abilities drew young Shin in, igniting his curiosity and shaping his destiny. Even when Asakura’s research led to Shin’s telepathic powers, and his colleagues recoiled in fear, Shin never resented his gift. Instead, he rejected Asakura’s guilt, believing his success should be something to take pride in, not regret.

Years later, their paths crossed once again during a mission to rescue Lu Shaotang. This time, Asakura saw the man Shin had become—one who had learned to wield his clairvoyance as a strength rather than a curse. And with that, Asakura finally acknowledged what Shin had always known: his powers weren’t a burden, but a weapon in the right hands.

Taro Sakamoto

Once a hitman, now a store clerk, Shin’s connection with Taro Sakamoto is built on a foundation of mentorship, respect, and battle-forged trust. In the beginning, Shin admired Sakamoto’s unmatched strength and wisdom, viewing him as both a mentor and a figure of legend. Yet, when Sakamoto left the hitman world behind, Shin couldn’t help but mock his decision, calling him “soft” for choosing a life of peace.

But respect runs deeper than words. Tasked with bringing Sakamoto back to the JAA—or eliminating him—Shin ultimately made his choice. Instead of being his executioner, he became his ally. Over time, that admiration evolved into something greater—a brotherhood. Shin is fiercely loyal to Sakamoto, standing by his side in battle without hesitation, proving time and time again that he would fight for the man who once spared his life.

Aoi Sakamoto

To Shin, Aoi Sakamoto is more than just his boss’s wife—she is the woman who transformed the legendary assassin into the man he is today. He holds her in deep respect, acknowledging her as the reason behind Sakamoto’s new path.

Hana Sakamoto

Hana is like a younger sister to Shin, someone he treasures dearly. His protectiveness over her isn’t just obligation—it’s instinct. Their bond is purely familial, filled with lighthearted moments and genuine care, making him an older brother figure in her life.

Lu Shaotang

Born into a Triad family and now a fellow store clerk, Lu is as much a comrade as she is a rival. The two often bicker, their personalities clashing in loud but harmless quarrels. Yet beneath the banter lies deep trust and respect—Shin values her skills and considers her an irreplaceable ally. In battle, their synergy is undeniable, making them an unstoppable team when it truly matters.

Heisuke Mashimo

Shin finds Heisuke irritating, particularly when it comes to reading his thoughts. Despite this, he acknowledges Heisuke as a valuable companion and someone worth having by his side. Annoyance aside, he wouldn’t trade their camaraderie.

Akira Akao

Shin and Akira’s paths crossed during the JCC exams, their initial meeting turning into a fast-growing friendship. Though their time together began as mere circumstance, a genuine connection formed, leading to a bond of mutual trust.

Natsuki Seba

After an intense first encounter while on a mission to save Lu, Shin and Seba found themselves on opposing sides before fate threw them together once more at JCC. Despite their rocky start, circumstances forced them to rely on each other, and before long, their partnership became one built on skill and understanding. They proved to be an effective duo, their teamwork cementing their bond.

Tenkyu

Shin first encountered Tenkyu in the JAA Jail, initially unaware of the darkness lurking beneath his motives. Posing as a fortune teller to protect his own identity, Shin soon uncovered Tenkyu’s true reason for being there—to seek out a real clairvoyant who could tell him how to make amends with Uzuki and the other orphans who had cast him out.

But when Tenkyu revealed the horrific extent of his plans—his willingness to murder Aoi and Hana Sakamoto just to draw out Taro—Shin’s patience snapped. In a rare moment of unfiltered rage, he didn’t just fight Tenkyu; he made it clear that he had no hesitation in taking his life. Their battle was brutal, and by the end, there was no forgiveness in Shin’s eyes—only the certainty that some lines should never be crossed.

Skills & Abilities

Overall Skill Level

Shin is a formidable combatant, blending raw skill with his clairvoyance to create an unpredictable and dangerous fighting style. His abilities place him above the average JAA instructor, with Sakamoto himself acknowledging his potential. While he restrains himself from killing as part of the Sakamoto family, his prowess in battle is undeniable.

Enhanced Strength

Shin’s strength is often underestimated, but time and again, he has proven his capability to stand toe-to-toe with dangerous foes. He has overpowered serial killers like Saw and landed hits on Shinaya with enough force to make Gaku—who was controlling Shinaya and could fight Order members—take him seriously. His physical endurance extends beyond just striking power; he has showcased feats of raw strength, such as diving into deep waters to retrieve an unconscious Toramaru and carrying her to safety. In his battle with Haruma, Shin delivered a punch that sent him flying out of the sumo arena, leaving Haruma stunned by the force behind his attacks. His strikes have drawn blood from Tenkyu and even knocked out one of his teeth.

Enhanced Speed & Reflexes

Speed is one of Shin’s strongest assets, complementing his ability to anticipate enemy moves. He has effortlessly dodged attacks from elite fighters like Toramaru and Shinaya—both of whom were specially recommended JAA applicants. His reflexes were sharp enough to evade a rollercoaster cart and throwing knives midair, even while engaged in combat. Even when blindfolded, he successfully dodged an airsoft bullet fired by Kill Baby, a testament to his heightened spatial awareness.

In his battle against Tenkyu, Shin pushed his mind to function at maximum capacity, causing everything around him to slow down. This ability allowed him to process incoming attacks at an accelerated rate, reacting with near-instantaneous precision.

Enhanced Durability

Shin has endured brutal attacks from some of the deadliest assassins and kept going. He withstood powerful blows from Shinaya—who could send trained assassins flying with one hand—yet still got back up without hesitation. Even after being hurled across an amusement park and crashing onto a stage, he shook it off and continued fighting.

His resilience extends to surviving direct combat with Sakamoto himself, standing his ground against Haruma’s powerful slams and strikes. During his battle with Tenkyu, Shin endured severe injuries, including falls from great heights, arrow wounds, and repeated beatings with heavy debris. Despite it all, he remained standing and emerged victorious.

Clairvoyance

Shin’s signature ability is his powerful clairvoyance, allowing him to perceive and feel the thoughts of individuals within a 400-meter radius (as of Chapter 193). His ability functions like tuning into a radio frequency, selectively picking out minds based on emotional fluctuations. This skill enables him to predict enemy movements, decipher intentions, and even locate specific individuals amidst chaos.

However, his clairvoyance has its limits. If a person's thoughts are too overwhelming—such as Lu Wutang’s—Shin struggles to process them. Additionally, his ability is ineffective against enemies moving too fast for him to react. Since his power relies on reading electromagnetic brainwaves, it can be countered by technology, such as Natsuki Seba’s hood, which blocks such signals.

Precognition

By analyzing a person’s motor-readiness potential—the surge of brain activity before a movement—Shin can foresee their actions moments before they occur. This ability gives him an almost supernatural advantage in battle, allowing him to dodge attacks and counter before an opponent even realizes what’s happening.

However, there is a significant cost. Overusing his precognition results in excruciating pain, and according to Granny Miya, he should ideally limit its use to only five minutes per day.

Mind Control

A rare and highly dangerous facet of Shin’s abilities, he can rewrite a person’s thoughts and force them to comply with a new action. However, this ability comes with a severe limitation—he can only use it on a person once. During his fight against Tenkyu, this drawback became evident when he found himself unable to stop him a second time.

Interestingly, this restriction does not apply to himself. Shin can continuously rewrite his own thoughts, effectively giving him an edge in adapting his mental state and reactions in battle.

Assassin Training & Miscellaneous Skills

As a former hitman, Shin possesses extensive training in various assassination techniques, including:

• Hand-to-hand combat: Skilled in martial arts, capable of holding his own against elite assassins.
• Firearms handling: Proficient with guns, able to engage in ranged combat when necessary.
• Poison resistance: Has developed a degree of tolerance to toxins, a crucial skill for surviving the world of assassins.

Swimming Proficiency

Despite being caught in a deadly situation within the JAA Jail, where he fell into a lake on the lowest floor, Shin displayed exceptional swimming skills, navigating through treacherous waters to survive. This further highlights his adaptability and resourcefulness in dire situations.

Equipment

Power Glove

A revolutionary piece of tech developed by Natsuki Seba, the Power Glove unlocks Shin’s latent physical potential by removing the brain’s natural limiters. This allows him to tap into enhanced strength far beyond his usual capabilities. However, the glove comes with a unique mechanic—its power is tied to a delayed reaction. For Shin to use it effectively, he must rely on his precognition, looking into the future to predict when and where to strike. The longer the delay, the more devastating the attack. Upon first receiving the glove, the delay was set at 0.5 seconds, forcing Shin to adjust his fighting style to accommodate the timing.

Major Battles & Events

Amusement Park Arc

• Taro Sakamoto vs. Shin Asakura
• Sakamoto & Shin vs. Bus Hijackers
• Taro Sakamoto, Shin Asakura & Lu Shaotang vs. Son Hee & Bacho
• Shin vs. Tatsu

Lab Arc

• Taro Sakamoto & Shin Asakura vs. Mall Shoppers
• Taro Sakamoto & Shin Asakura vs. Heisuke Mashimo
• Taro Sakamoto & Shin Asakura vs. Okutabi Lab Personnel
• Taro Sakamoto & Shin Asakura vs. Mad Scientist Horiguchi
• Shin & Heisuke Mashimo vs. Seba

Death Row Prisoners Arc

• Shin Asakura & Lu vs. Saw

JCC Transfer Exam Arc

• Shin Asakura vs. Mafuyu Seba
• Shin Asakura vs. Nao Toramaru
• Shin Asakura, Mafuyu Seba, Nao Toramaru & Joichiro Kaji vs. Gaku

JCC Infiltration Arc

• Shin Asakura, Akira Akao & Seba vs. Satoda
• Shin Asakura, Seba & Amane vs. Club Jam

Taro Sakamoto's Past Arc

• Sakamoto vs. Shin

Bangkok Arc

• Shin Asakura & Amane vs. Kashima

Assassin Exhibition of the Century Arc

• Sakamoto, Shin & Amane vs. Kamihate
• Shin vs. Mafuyu
• Shin vs. Mafuyu vs. Osaragi
• Shishiba & Shin vs. Kumanomi & Haruma
• Shishiba, Shin & Amane vs. Kumanomi, Haruma & Carolina Reaper
• Shin vs. Haruma

Etymology

• Shin (シン) is written in katakana, meaning it has no specific meaning. However, when written in kanji as 真, it can translate to "real" or "genuine."
• Asakura (朝倉) is composed of:
  • 朝 (Asa) – meaning "morning."
  • 倉 (Kura) – meaning "warehouse, storehouse, repository, or arsenal."

Trivia

• Shin ranked 1st place in the manga’s 1st Character Popularity Poll with 12,738 votes.
• He was originally a smoker but quit after joining Sakamoto’s shop.
• He has a sweet tooth and enjoys cotton candy.
• Despite his clairvoyance, Shin is terrified of Wutang because he cannot read his thoughts.
• He loves cute dogs.
• The age gap between Shin and Sakamoto is only six years.

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