Unpopular opinion: Ash DID have other options if we're talking strictly about logic and what could realistically have been done :')

Before anyone misunderstands me: I completely understand why Akimi Yoshida chose to end Banana Fish the way she did. I understand that the story is a tragedy, that Ash's death is symbolic, and that the ending isn't necessarily supposed to be about finding the most logical escape route or giving the characters a Hollywood happy ending.

But for people who say Ash had absolutely NO other options and that there was literally no possible way he could have escaped his past and lived with Eiji, I honestly disagree.

If we're talking strictly about logic, reality, and what could have been? There absolutely was a way out. That's honestly why the ending hurts so much for me (and obv for you guys too). Not because there was genuinely no escape, but because Ash finally had the possibility of a future and, tragically, never got to experience it. If Ash had fought just a little harder to survive, I genuinely think a realistic alternative scenario could have looked something like this:

1. Instead of remaining in the library, Ash could have attempted to get help from someone he trusted within the underground world. Going to a normal hospital would obviously create complications because of his criminal history and the possibility of authorities becoming involved, but Ash had spent years building connections throughout New York's underground. He wasn't just some random teenager with nowhere to go. He had allies, and resources.

2. Honestly, I think this would have been one of the most effective solutions. Sing, Blanca, and potentially others could help spread the information that Ash died from his injuries. And they could've faked his death. And think about how effective that could actually be. Ash's biggest problem wasn't simply existing, it was being Ash Lynx. His enemies would no longer be actively looking for him. Rival gangs wouldn't be waiting for his return. People seeking revenge would believe there was nobody left to find. Obviously, faking a death wouldn't magically erase every possible risk, but it would give him something he never truly had before which was the opportunity to disappear.

3. This is where someone like Blanca could potentially be important. Ash could've faked his identity. Blanca had international experience and connections. If anyone could help create an escape route, arrange documents, or help Ash disappear, it seems plausible that someone like Blanca could assist. He even offered him to go to the Caribbean with him fyi.

It's just so heartbreaking.. because he could have lived a quiet life. Learned Japanese. Gotten psychological help. Processed everything that happened to him. Helped Eiji with photography. Met Eiji's family. Experienced ordinary things that he was denied for almost his entire childhood.

And most importantly, he could finally learn that he didn't have to be a weapon anymore. I think this is where my interpretation differs from some fans. I'm not saying Akimi Yoshida SHOULD have written this ending. I'm saying that there were options.

But I don't agree with the argument that Ash literally had no other choice.

If we're discussing what could have realistically happened rather than what Yoshida chose to write, I genuinely believe Ash could have survived, disappeared from the identity of Ash Lynx, and eventually achieved the one thing he had finally started wanting**. Which was a peaceful life with Eiji.** And honestly, I think that's partly what makes the ending so heartbreaking. It's not that the future Ash wanted was impossible. It's that it was possible enough to imagine.

Do you guys agree or disagree? c: