Saburo Sakai, the fourth most efficient Japannese fighter pilots of World War 2 who fought since the very begining (the war against China) to the very end (defenting the Japan from the US attacks), the one who flew only with Mitsubishi planes (A5M4, A6M2, A6M3, A6M5) for whole war, his memories were written in the Samurai! book which is sad rather sad story but really worth to read.
In Blood Red Skies Saburo Sakai was a part of the first serie of aces. He is turning fight expert, rather libero than a leader. His ace skills reflect this status. Saburo Sakai piloting one of his Zero becomes a deadly weapon both in the offensive and defensive way.
His Aggresive trait gives him ability to make two pilot actions instead of one during the activation. One must be outmenaouvering and the second shooting. It means that Sakai could attack the aircraft being at the same advantage level (initially outmenaouvering him than shooting at him).
On the other hand if attacked being Disadvantaged he can potentially lift to the Neutral level. As he is an Maneouvering expert (+1 Maneouvering bonus) and use the suberb maneouvering aircrafts (Zero series) it is quite doable.
If you include Sakai to your squadron keep in mind that he is rather libero than the captain, so you need to include some defensive doctrines to protect your fighters from enemy attack. The biggest weakness of the Japaneese fighters is Vulnerability (opponent takes +1 dice while shooting). As US (natural oppoent) are heavy armed fighters you need to protect your Zeros even from shooting atempt. The good way to do so is to keep your fighters advantaged (and maximize the chances to being there). You can use Vertical separation doctrine card (paired with Great Climb) to do so. If you use Light Load equipment card you can exchange Deep Pockets of your Zeros for Great Climb. Is it a good deal, you need to decide by yourself.
Sakai as a leader would be one who can initiate an attack: outmaneouvering and shooting against the chosen enemy. His companions need to focus their fire on the first chosen victim. Playing Zeros keep in mind: the clouds are your best friends especially if your opponent have faster planes and/or you chose Aggresive tactics as a doctrine.
You could try to push Sakai alone toward the enemy formation and take your chances with Comeback King ability. If succesfull Sakai could manage to fight against many enemies. If your opponents will take a bait your main force would attack the exposed enemy from the back. This tactic is risky but ... very Japaneese like.
Sakai is one of my favourite Japaneese named aces. I found Aggresive ace skill very powerfull. So in the early war era (while the Japaneese have initiative) it could be a good and easy to play option.
If you would like to make Saburo Sakai aircrafts you can use models from Warlordgames (A6M2 from the Midway starter, A6MX as a A6M5 from the early set). There are also third party options as 3d printed models from Planeprinter or Roc Works or resin models from Armaments in Miniature.
I've chosen 3d printed option from Roman (Planeprinter). I painted them with Vallejo range paints. Decals set was designed by Arek Stamm and is available on his Facebook marketplace.
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