#like he went into one in y3 to get kiryu to come back to the orphanage LOL

[tamayokny]

I played more of Infinite Wealth and I am screaming crying throwing up. I cannot believe that we saw Taichi in Yokohama!! I’m so emo rn 😭😭😭

[sainokawara]

random end game Y4 musings

Actually using my Tumblr because I wanted to say some shit and didn’t feel like blasting it all over Twitter for once. This is all end-game Y4 so beware of spoilers, unedited ramblings, and a ton of screen caps.  Also I maybe talk about j-dramas a little in here because some fandoms you never truly leave.

* I always like playing through all of the hostesses because you get fun flavor out of that, and I continue to be smug about the fact that I called Kiryu being an enka guy way back when I was still mid-Kiwami. Having him explicitly say it is just a victory lap at this point. 

Shizuka is my forever wife. More positive portrayals of deathcare workers, please. 🙏

* Although on the subject of hostesses, I always feel a little bad getting them to a full 20, taking them to the batting cages going to a hotel, and then dipping, but it’s ten times more heartbreaking with Kiryu. Because the guy replies like he legitimately feels strongly about the girls as the hostess game goes along (as opposed to Akiyama and Tanimura, who both replied with a “Thanks” after being told these girls were in love with them dflkjsf THANKS.) I dunno, it could be because of my own sad feelings around Kiryu’s disastrous love life, but the hostess minigame just hits different with him. 

* That said, he did basically out himself as not being a neat person in one of the hostess interactions, so use that as you will, Kazumaji cleanliness debate people. 

* Also this. Gotta love Kiryu hurting me at every turn: 

* Moving on to things other than me crying over hostesses (and Kiryu)... I cannot choose between which end game substory did more psychic damage to me: the baby one or the kappa one. Both gave me brain worms, however, so thank you for that, RGG Studios. 

* This Saejima face deserves a bullet point all on its own:

* Not going to go too into the end game plot because honestly, I kind of expect the inevitable procession of twists and backstabbing by this point (although I am still sore about the Yasuko thing, even if I saw it coming.) I will say that I laughed hysterically at the pyramid of money on top of Millennium Tower, and then Date showing up in a helicopter for the nth time. Never change, RGG. 

* Ok, actually, one thing about one of the final battles: when Kido started mouthing off to Saejima, my initial thought was “this boy has such ‘Step on Me’ energy.” And then Saejima said this and... 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) not gonna lie, I’m into it. 

* Actually, on the subject of Kido... It took me until the very, very end of the game to realize where I recognized his actor from - he was the shitty DJ/Ryuji’s sidekick in Tiger & Dragon, aka one of my favorite j-dramas of all time. 

I’ve been thinking about rewatching T&D for a while now (mostly since people pointed out how Kiryu has Nagase vibes, to the point of thinking Nagase might’ve been inspiration for Kiryu) and this isn’t helping that urge. I went ahead and pulled up the Special, so here, have fun imagining Kido’s dumb ass making these faces:

Also bonus because Nagase as Tora really was peak Kiryu, appearance-wise:

(He even has the silly ass white loafers, though you can’t see it from this angle.)

At the end of the day, Y4 was... alright. It felt less rushed than the ending of Y3 even if the plot felt even more needlessly convoluted, but at least it didn’t actively make me mad like the ending of Kiwami 2. That’s a pretty low bar to step over, however, so make of that what you will.  

And now to go work on some of the ideas that the brain worms deposited and maybe install Y5. 

[cryingcow]

Mine & Daigo - Kirin’s Dream [RGGO]

To celebrate Y3 soon becoming available on the PC, have some RGGO-approved MineDai angst :D This 2-part Event is different from the previous ones I translated, because instead of scratchcard/lottery tickets, the goal is beating Mine up 100 times!

It’s not necessary to understand this, but if you haven’t read it, check out Mine’s Character Story because that’s where they first become drinking buddies :D

(Just look at this weirdly-textured taxi that Mine left Daigo! )

Mine: “I’m giving you all my taxi companies in my will, Daigo-san, because I love you.”

Daigo: “Haha, you mean like family, right? :D ”

 Note: “惚れこん” according to the various dictionaries I’ve checked means “fell in love with”, “is charmed by”, “deeply admire”, or “has a strong attachment to”. I went with “enamored” because that seemed like a good blanket word for all that. (Just saying this before someone accuses me of purposely making this shippy XD ). Also, the “hot” that Daigo says is “temperature hot”. I’m leaving it as is because the last time I tried wording it as “burning hot”, it just ended up sounding more suggestive lol

 .

PROLOGUE

.

|March 2009. A few hours before Kiryu and Mine have their final battle . . .|

Mine: “How soon before we arrive at Toto University Hospital?”

Hakuho Clan Member: “I think we’ll be there in about 15 minutes.”

Mine: “I see.”

{Mine’s phone rings.}

Mine: “Hello, this is Mine.”

Richardson: “It’s me, Richardson. Have you arrived in Tokyo yet?”

Mine: “Yeah, I just came back from Okinawa. I’m heading now to Toto University Hospital where Chairman Dojima is hospitalized, based from your information.”

Richardson: “ O  K  . Do you know what to do once you get to the hospital?”

Mine: “Of course. I will end Chairman Dojima by my hands. Afterwards, I will take over the development plan of Okinawa as the successor of the Tojo Clan. You can do as you wish.”

Richardson: “Very well. But I worry if you can actually do it.”

Mine: “What?”

Richardson: “You were very fond of Dojima Daigo. More than anyone I’ve ever met. Is it really possible to have a change of heart right before you kill?”

Mine: “. . . A bedridden Dojima Daigo is useless as long as he is alive. I’ll pull the curtain close on him. That’s all there is.”

{The phone call ends.}

Mine: “. . .”

Hakuho Clan Member: “Um, Chairman Mine?”

Mine: “What?”

Hakuho Clan Member: “Do you really want to kill Chairman Dojima?”

Mine: “. . .”

Hakuho Clan Member: “Though you told Richardson otherwise, I’m well aware that you are enamored with Chairman Dojima. Can you really do it once you arrive at the hospital?”

Mine: “You talk too much. Shut up.”

Hakuho Clan Member: “Pardon me . . .”

{The car keeps driving until Mine spots a certain bar outside.}

Mine: “! . . . Oi, park the car.”

Hakuho Clan Member: “Eh? But we’re not at the hospital yet?”

Mine: “It’s fine, stop here.”

{The car stops.}

Mine: “. . . I didn’t think I’d pass here by chance. I’m going out alone for a while. You guys stay in the car.”

Hakuho Clan Member: “Understood.”

----

Bartender: “Welcome . . . what’s this? Isn’t this Mine-san?”

Mine: “It’s been a long time, bartender.”

Bartender: “It’s rare for you to come alone. Usually you’re with Chairman Dojima.”

Mine: “I happened to go past the bar so I stopped by. I wanted a moment to think in a calm place . . .”

Bartender: “Is that so. I heard that the Tojo Clan is having a lot of trouble due to the shooting of Chairman Dojima. So please take your time. Mine-san’s favorite is bourbon, right?”

Mine: “Yeah. Please give me one drink.”

----

Mine: “Phew . . . thank you for the break.”

Bartender: “So, is Daigo-san safe?”

Mine: “. . . No. He still hasn’t regained consciousness after getting shot.”

Bartender: “Is that right. I hope he’ll get well soon so you can drink together again.”

Mine: “. . .”

Mine: “Thank you, bartender. Thanks to the drink, I’m able to calm down. I’ll be taking my leave . . .”

Bartender: “. . . Mine-san. Wait a minute. Can you take a look at this?”

Mine: “What is it? What about that bottle?”

Bartender: “This bottle was previously brought by Chairman Dojima, asking me to store it in the bar.”

Mine: “Chairman Dojima?”

Bartender: “Yeah. When the Chairman brought this liquor, he said this: ‘I got some good liquor, so please store it here so I can drink it with Mine next time.’”

Mine: “!”

Bartender: “That person really thinks of the Tojo Clan as his own family. Even when he comes here to drink alone, that’s all he talks about. Talking with worry or with pride . . . Of course, he talks about you often.”

Mine: “Chairman is . . . what is the Chairman saying about me?”

Bartender: “’Is he being too careful in front of me? Is Mine’s impression of money really okay? I’m just worried. Still, there is no one in the Tojo Clan now as reliable as he is.’ . . . is what I remember him saying.”

Mine: “The Chairman said all that . . .”

Bartender: “Even if he is unconscious now, Chairman Dojima will wake up and be able to come back someday. Mine-san thinks so too, right?”

Mine: “. . . . . . I believe in that person’s return . . . is there a way to wait, I wonder?”

Bartender: “Hm? Did you say something?”

Mine: “. . . No, it’s nothing.”

{Mine’s phone rings.}

Mine: “Hello, this is Mine.”

Richardson: “Richardson. New information about Kiryu Kazuma has been obtained. Apparently he has also learned about Dojima Daigo’s whereabouts. It seems he is heading there from Okinawa now.”

Mine: “! Kiryu is going to Chairman Dojima too . . . Alright. I’ll be at the hospital soon.”

{The phone call ends.}

Bartender: “What happened, Mine-san? You made a scary face . . .”

Mine: “. . . Thank you very much for telling me all this, bartender. It’s time for me to go. I’ll drop by the bar again soon.”

Bartender: “Ah~ I’m sorry, Mine-san. This bar is about to close down.”

Mine: “Really?”

Bartender: “Yes. Sales have been scarce these days, so I’ve been thinking if it was time to withdraw. That’s why I finally served this bottle. I was wondering if you would like to drink it for Chairman Dojima as well.”

Mine: “. . . No. The Chairman prepared that bottle to drink together with me. I can’t drink it alone.”

Bartender: “Is that so. But now there’s a problem. I can’t leave this as it is . . .”

Mine: “. . . Bartender. Regarding that, I have a suggestion.”

Bartender: “A suggestion?”

----

Hakuho Clan Member: “We’ve been waiting for you Chairman. The car is waiting on the street. Please go this way.”

Mine: “Heh. What I did . . . I had a faint little dream.”

Hakuho Clan Member: “Chairman?”

Mine: “It’s nothing. Kiryu is heading to Toto University Hospital. We’ll snuff him out together with Chairman Dojima.  . . . Let’s go.”

.

-END-

.

EPILOGUE

.

|A few weeks after the end of the decisive battle between Mine Yoshitaka and Kiryu Kazuma.|

Tojo Clan Member: “Congratulations on your discharge, Chairman Dojima.”

Daigo: “Yeah, thank you.”

Tojo Clan Member: “The car will pick you up by the entrance. Please head there . . .”

----

Daigo: “. . .”

Tojo Clan Member: “What’s wrong, Chairman? Even though you’ve been discharged from the hospital, you’re wearing a heavier look on your face. Are you still feeling ill?”

Daigo: “No . . . I still can’t believe it. That Mine could have caused such an incident . . .”

Tojo Clan Member: “I see, is it about Mine Yoshitaka? The Chairman believed that man to be like family. But he tried to kill the Chairman.  . . . An unforgivable traitor, if you ask me.”

Daigo: “The Mine I knew was serious and wise, yet he is a hot man at his core. Why did Mine do such a thing . . . Was the Mine I knew the ‘real Mine’?”

Tojo Clan Member: “Chairman . . .”

Daigo: “I’m sorry. Change your destination.”

Tojo Clan Member: “Eh? But the Tojo Clan Headquarters is preparing to celebrate your discharge . . .”

Daigo: “It’s bad, but I feel like drinking alone now. Head to my usual bar.”

Tojo Clan Member: “Understood. If the Chairman says so . . .”

----

Daigo: “Long time no see, bartender.”

Bartender: “Ah, well if it isn’t Chairman Dojima! Has your body already recovered?”

Daigo: “Yeah, I left the hospital today. So I came here for a drink.”

Bartender: “Is it okay to be discharged from the hospital and drink alcohol so soon?”

Daigo: “The alcohol I drink here is better for my body than the medicine I was drinking at the hospital.”

Bartender: “Heh, alright. Would you like your usual for now?”

Daigo: “Yes, please.”

----

Daigo: “Phew~ . . . the alcohol soaks into my throat after a long time.”

Daigo: “. . .”

Bartender: “Something wrong?”

Daigo: “I was thinking about Mine . . .”

Bartender: “Is that so. I heard he died.”

Daigo: “I was thinking the whole time I was hospitalized. What kind of man was Mine, really . . . I’ve always believed him to be family. But what was I to him . . . I still don’t understand it.”

Bartender: “So that’s what’s troubling you. Chairman Dojima . . . actually, Mine-san had come to this bar by himself before he died.”

Daigo: “What? What did you two talk about?”

Bartender: “We talked a lot. About how you thought of the Tojo Clan as your family . . . We also talked about this bottle that you brought.”

Daigo: “. . . Oh, is that the bottle I asked you to set aside for me to drink with Mine?”

Bartender: “I told you this before, that I’ve been thinking of closing this bar soon due to financial difficulties.”

Daigo: “Yeah.”

Bartender: “But if the bar closes, I can’t keep this bottle in here. That’s why I decided to have Mine-san drink it, and at the time I served him this bottle. However, Mine-san didn’t drink it. ‘The bottle was prepared by the Chairman to drink with me, I cannot drink it alone,’ he said.”

Daigo: “. . . that sounds just like Mine.”

Bartender: “So when I was wondering what to do with this bottle, Mine-san offered a suggestion.”

Daigo: “A suggestion?”

Bartender: “’I’ll buy the bar and help you, so don’t close it down,’ he told me.”

Daigo: “! Why did Mine make such a proposal?”

Bartender: “At the time, Mine also said: ‘This place has my last memories of drinking with Daigo-san . . . so I want to keep it around forever.’”

Daigo: “Mine did that . . . . . . Thank you, bartender. It was nice listening to Mine’s story. So with Mine gone, are you planning to close down the bar after all?”

Bartender: “No, I decided not to close down the bar.”

Daigo: “Eh?”

Bartender: “Mine-san and Daigo-san . . . I thought it would be a bit hard to bear to lose the place of your memories. I’ve found a bank that would loan to me, so I’ll keep it going.”

Daigo: “I see . . . Thank you very much, bartender.”

Bartender: “So, Chairman Dojima. What will happen to the bottle you were supposed to drink with Mine-san? Do I open it here so you can drink it now?”

Daigo: “. . . No, don’t. If Mine didn’t drink it, then leave it as is.”

Bartender: “Understood. Then I’ll put it back on the shelf.”

Daigo: “. . . Really . . . so he was the same one I knew until the end . . .”

Daigo: “. . . You’re a big idiot . . . . . . Mine . . . !!”

.

-END-

Masterlist

[maddogofshimano]

Bound in the Chains of Suspicion: Haruka and Hamazaki Board Game Event

Major Y3 and Y4 Spoilers

I was surprised to see these two on an event together! Haruka even gets to be the protagonist here

I was more surprised by how emotionally compromised I got about Hamazaki of all people. I mean, I’ve thought he was a cool character ever since Y4, but man! This is the most important part though: LOOK AT HER

I’ve been busy so self-care was writing things up in more of a summary form than doing line for line translations this time. Apologies for the likely higher number of errors than usual and less polish overall, I got this done with only a few hours to spare before the event ended

I do need to put a big honking Content Warning on this one for attempted sexual assault of a minor, in which a grown man twice demands to see Haruka’s panties and attempts to grab her when she refuses. I’m really not a fan of the writing choice to include this, but I’ve got it in here for completeness’s sake

Summary: Set during the time between Kiryu and Yasuko leaving Hamazaki in Okinawa and Haruka’s call to Kiryu the next day to tell Kiryu that Hamazaki had passed away in the hospital. Haruka grapples with whether or not Hamazaki is a bad person and if he’s trustworthy while attempting to save his life

<After the incident where Hamazaki drifted to Morning Glory from Okinawa Penitentiary No. 2.....> We're starting off with in-game events/dialogue, Hamazaki handing over the blackmail he took from jail and asking for Kiryu's help

Immediate flashback to earlier 3/9/2010, more in game events. The kids have just gotten back from a field trip to the woods. They had fun, and want Kiryu to come along next time. Kiryu tries to introduce Hamazaki, Haruka is not having any of it

She tells Kiryu to shut up and Hamazaki to stay the hell away from everyone. Hamazaki is hurt by this, but fully understands and agrees to keep his distance

Next we have the beach conversation with Kiryu where she asks if he’s going back to Tokyo and that she’s scared

Haruka's usually very polite but she keeps calling Hamazaki あの浜崎っ���人 which is like, "that Hamazaki guy" lol

Haruka's been told by Ayako that "that Hamazaki guy" has left with Kiryu to go to the police station. She's wondering why that guy is now trying to convince Kiryu not to go to Tokyo....... isn't there going to be a big problem if Kiryu doesn't go? Did Hamazaki tell Kiryu not to go..... for Haruka's sake? There's no way, right? A bad person like him wouldn't do something like that..... She can't trust him,  but..... <Haruka flashes back to her yelling at Hamazaki and Hamazaki looking sad> She feels she might have been cruel to him

She thinks that Hamzaki just looked so so sad, so she tells Ayako she's going to head out for a bit and asks her to watch over things while she's gone. She thinks that she still can't trust Hamazaki but that maybe, it's possible he really has changed, and he's not such a bad guy anymore... but she can't be sure! So she's going to talk to him a little more

<Haruka was unable to believe that Hamazaki had changed when she first saw him, and said something cruel. She's still unsure on his change, and in order to discern it for herself has decided to talk to Hamazaki directly--following Hamazaki and Kiryu to the police station>

She shows the cop an photo of Kiryu and asks if he's come this way, as well as a big man with a shaved head and a scary face named Hamazaki. The officer says that they did, but went to help a lady look for her brother instead. He points Haruka in the direction they ran off in. She thanks him and wonders who this woman is, and remembers that Kiryu has a phone so she can just call him. Except she forgot her phone at morning glory...... thankfully there's a pay phone nearby, so she uses that instead. Kiryu isn't picking up though, which is worrying. She's sure Hamazaki must have done something!

She runs around the market with her picture of Kiryu asking people if they've seen him. A store owner says that yeah, he's seen that guy with the scary face, he was here not too long ago, and points her in the right direction. She follows the trail, talking to a homeless man, a younger guy, a tourist lady, and finally hitting a dead end and talking to a goon who says yeah, he's seen those three, but his memory's real fuzzy. Maybe he could remember if Haruka would show him her panties. Haruka is taken aback, he tries to grab her, and Haruka fights him off enough to escape. She hides nearby, and happens across someone bleeding on the ground. It's Hamazaki!

Hamazaki is bleeding badly, and collapses. Haruka thinks that she needs to call an ambulance, and fast, but she hears someone shouting in search of Hamazaki. She knows that if they come this way they'll be out in the open, so she starts dragging him despite him being heavy

the voice was of course coming from everyone's fave, Saito the Prison Warden

He knows that Hamazaki got shot in the torso, so he couldn't have gone far. Haruka wonders why Saito would try to kill Hamazaki. Unfortunately Saito decides that his subordinates are useless and that if he wants anything done he'll have to do it himself

He tells a homeless man that if they spot Hamazaki, Yasuko, and Kiryu he'll give them 100,000 yen, and the offer stands for any other homeless friends that help search. Haruka knows that she needs to get Hamazaki somewhere safe that they can hide, and fast. She thinks about it and remembers that right at the end of this alley there's an empty room that's never used that Taichi told her about. She manages to sneak herself and Hamazaki to the building without being spotted by the patrolling homeless men--but once in the building she finds that there's a homeless man inside. He tries to tell her to go play somewhere else but notices that she's dragging Hamazaki behind her, and starts shouting in hopes of getting the 100k. HARUKA ATTACKS THIS MAN. HARUKA OVERPOWERS THIS MAN. THIS MAN IS STRUGGLING TO GET AWAY AND HARUKA IS TELLING HIM HE CAN'T TELL ANYONE CAUSE THE PEOPLE LOOKING FOR HAMAZAKI NO OJISAN WILL KILL HIM

The man comments that Haruka's hands are shaking. He says he's been there too. When he worked as a day laborer, his hands would shake like that when he was desperately trying to haul heavy things. For the sake of helping an adult she's pushing her tiny body to it's limits... He agrees not to tell anyone, he's not going to be happy with any amount of money at the cost of someone's life. If any other homeless people come by, he's going to spread rumors that Hamazaki is far away from here, so that should help with Haruka's escape Haruka thinks again about calling an ambulance, worried that Hamazaki will bleed out, but still worried that they'll be found before it gets there. She also worries about why she hasn't seen Kiryu, and why Hamazaki was all alone at that building. The guy that shot Hamazaki seems like a cop and a bad person, but she had also thought Hamazaki was a bad person before... He did shoot Hamazaki, but Hamazaki also stabbed Kiryu...

Haruka wonders if maybe telling the cops where Hamazaki is would be the right thing to do. Maybe he's the real bad guy here. In response Hamazaki makes an eloquent argument compared to every previous line which had just been "Ughh gh ughh" and instead goes for "cough cough....!"

He's conscious enough to recognize Haruka as that kid who was at Kiryu's place. Haruka asks if Hamazaki is alright, and where is Kiryu? Is he okay? Hamazaki wheezes out that Kiryu's gone to a bad place, which is about the most ominous way to say things. Haruka panics internally, but unlike many other instances of miscommunication where Hamazaki would pass out right there, he says that Kiryu went with Saejima's sister to Tokyo. Haruka can't believe it. Hamazaki apologizes that he ended up separating Haruka from Kiryu after all.

Hamazaki also says that, despite everything, Kiryu's doing this to keep Haruka safe. Haruka wonders about that and Hamazaki collapses again. Haruka rushes off and calls an ambulance from the closest pay phone. She thinks that, if she trusts what Hamazaki is saying, then Kiryu has something important to do again. But is that really the case? She decides it'll be alright to trust Hamazaki. Before she makes it to the pay phone she's stopped by Saito introduces himself as a prison warden and says he's looking for a very bad man. He's large and has a shaved head, and was seen with a woman in a long coat and a man in a Hawaiian shirt. Haruka says she hasn't seen anyone, and rushes to the phone to call. Saito doesn't seem too convinced. Haruka makes the call and thinks that Saito had a real scary look in his eyes. She's pretty sure he's the bad one here. Once that guy gives up looking, then she can go home

Unfortunately we have the return of the disgusting creep that wants to look at her panties, now telling her that he looked all over for her, and she better not think about trying to run away this time. Haruka tells him to stay back

He says that it's fine if she hates him. In fact, that's even more enticing. She says to let her through, she's in a rush. He says he just wants to see her panties already, and tries to grab her. Another fight, she manages to avoid getting grabbed but he keeps her cornered and says she should stop fighting. He's cut off by a baton to the back of the head by the unlikeliest of heroes, dropping the creep

Haruka now has to consider, is it possible that Saito isn't actually a bad guy? Haruka leaves, and Saito comments to himself that he's going to find Hamazaki.

Haruka rushes back to Hamazaki, who is still lying on the floor going Ughhghghhhhh. She tells him to hold on a little longer, and ambulance is on the way. Hamazaki apologizes, and asks if she's alright. Haruka's confused. Hamazaki says that she scraped her knee on something, didn't she? It was from dragging him, right? She says no, she just fell and scraped it. Haruka's taken aback, even on the verge of death he's concerned about someone else--he really has changed. But... this could all be an act, she has no way to know... should she really be trusting him? There's a voice outside saying that this is where he's hiding. Search everywhere. both: !?

There's no time to hide, Saito is already here. Apparently it's been about 2 hours.

He followed Haruka, knowing she'd lead him right to Hamazaki. He saw the blood on her clothes and had a hunch. Once they talked at that pay phone he was certain she was hiding a half-dead Hamazaki somewhere. Haruka tries to protest but Saito thanks her for her help. It's a good way to thank him for saving her from that creep, right? Either way he only stepped in because he wanted her to lead him to Hamazaki as quickly as possible. Saito decides they've had enough chit-chat and says it's time to cut to the chase: he starts beating on Hamazaki and demanding to know where Kiryu Kazuma and Saejima's sister are

Hamazaki tells Haruka to run. He says that once they realize they can't beat the whereabouts of Kiryu and Saejima Yasuko out of him... they'll start torturing Haruka. He's going to use the last of his strength to stand and knock this guy to the ground, that'll be Haruka's opening to escape. Saito tells them to cut it with the whispering. Hamazaki says that Saito has a real hideous mug, it really makes him laugh, and earns himself another beating. Haruka calls out but Hamazaki cuts her off and says that it's okay to be scared. Hamazaki's dealt with plenty of guys like this. Saito threatens to kill him if he doesn't spit out where Kiryu is already. Hamazaki laughs and says he doesn't know. Saito asks if he needs his memory jogged, pauses, and sees Haruka standing in front of Hamazaki. He asks what she's trying to do. She says this is terrible! She can't let this go any further!!

Saito doesn't care if she's just a kid, he's happy to give her an attitude adjustment. Hamazaki launches himself at Saito to prevent him from beating Haruka, saying that he won't allow Saito to lay a single finger on this child. Saito attacks Hamazaki with intent to kill. Hamazaki can't move anymore after the fight, and Saito keeps hitting until he goes down. Saito declares that he would never die in a place like this, he's the one who's coming out on top. He reels back to strike Hamazaki, shouting for him to die, and........ HARUKA GRABS HIM AND STOPS HIM FROM HITTING HAMAZAKI! He calls her a bitch and tells her to let go of him!

Haruka: I won't let go....! Not ever.....! Hamazaki-san! Run!

Saito: Let go of me you biiiiiiiiiiiiitch! Saito turns to swing at Haruka but is taken down by one giant punch from Hamazaki, who tells him not to get back up. The ambulance finally arrives. Haruka begs him to hold on just a little longer. Hamazaki agrees, and laughs a little. He stopped Saito from laying a finger on her after all. He's glad he was able to protect her. There's on favor he needs to ask of her. Hamazaki: Tell Kiryu...... and Saejima that......... the Tojo Clan... is the only proof they ever walked this earth...... They have to... protect it....... from the police

He then collapses. Haruka begs him to hold on

<screen fades to black>

The doctor tells Haruka that Hamazaki is in bad shape... he might not even make it to the morning.

Haruka thinks back to her yelling at Hamazaki at the orphanage Haruka: I'm sorry, Hamazaki-san..... I... I was cruel to you then... and now I can't even apologize to you for it. I'm sorry....... I'm sorry...... Hamazaki: ......What's.... wrong....... Haruka-..... chan........ Haruka: !? Doctor: Incredible.... he's awake! Haruka: H-Hamazaki-san.... I'm sorry! I... back then when I.... I'm can't apologize enough....... Haruka: Back at Morning Glory.... I didn't trust you.... I said some cruel things that hurt you.... I'm sorry! Haruka: I was certain you were a horrible person back then.... but now.... I don't think that's true.... Haruka: For protecting Uncle Kaz.... for protecting me.... thank you, Hamazaki-san! Hamazaki: Heheh.... thanks, huh? Hamazaki: ......First time.... anyone's ever said that kind of thing.... sincerely to me...... Haruka: Hamazaki-san...... Hamazaki: Heheh.... it's fine........ Since we're.... giving thanks to people..... Hamazaki: Thank you... Haruka-chan.... Right at the very end...... you saved me <Hamazaki collapses> Haruka: .....! H-Hamazaki-saaaaaan!!! <at New Serena, Kiryu gets a phone call> Kiryu: ....Haruka. What's wrong, did something happen?

Haruka: Uncle Kaz... Hamazaki-san..... he just passed away. At the hospital.

Straight from the in-game dialogue, Haruka tells Kiryu that Hamazaki had been shot in the back, leading to his death. He thanks Haruka for being there for him, she says it was no trouble, and that she thinks he died protecting Kiryu. Kiryu agrees. Haruka says she thinks she was wrong about Hamazaki, and passes along his message for Kiryu and Saejima, and lets Kiryu know that his body is currently at Morning Glory. Kiryu says they'll hold a memorial service once he's back <phone call ends> Haruka: .....Uncle Kaz. The Tojo Clan that Hamazaki-san protected... he's left it's protection to you. <END>

Bonus stuff:

as we all know, Haruka has not had enough people literally die in front of her eyes, so time to add Hamazaki to that list!

okay so immediately after Hamazaki wakes up in the hospital there’s this screen which made me break down into nearly crying laughter in the middle of the emotional moment, so I used my editorial authority to move it down here instead

the doctor’s face! why did they do this!!

Anyways here’s all of Haruka’s little blurbs from going around the board

Beach There's a beach in front of Morning Glory. We keep coming back to here to look at the ocean. It's an indispensable spot for all of us.

Morning Glory Our beloved home. When I first came here, I thought it was super spacious, but lately it feels cramped. It must be because everyone has grown up.

Hamazaki-san The guy who stabbed uncle Kaz.... But now, Hamazaki-san gives off a totally different vibe than back then. Is it really okay to trust him....?

Ebisu Pawn The Ryukyu branch of Ebisu. Uncle Kaz goes there every now and then. I have no idea what he's pawning off but... I'd like to help.

People Running Shakedowns Even in Okinawa there are people that will do shakedowns.... I need to tell everyone to keep an eye out before anything happens....!

Ojisan The caretaker of Morning Glory. Honestly, everyone truly thinks of him like their dad. If you tell him something like that however, he will get embarrassed.

Everyone at Morning Glory Everyone here has no parents, but each of them has a bright future ahead of them if they keep working hard. We've all become a real family for each other.

Sailor Outfit For my middle school I have to wear this sailor outfit. At first I would get embarrassed when everyone looked at me.

Mame A resident (pet?) of Morning Glory. Mame is getting bigger, and it's making his daily walks and pacing beforehand a real pain! (TL note: the resident (pet?) is Haruka swapping the counter between for a person and for an animal, which does not really have an english translation lol)

Dragon Mask When Taichi was sick, this was used for a pro wrestling match on the beach. I haven't seen it since then. If I ask nicely, I wonder if it could be used again?

That’s all! Thank you for reading all of this!! I cherish every single tag people leave on these posts when they reblog them

[scalproie]

i'll bite, tell me ur lyrical breakdown of what's up danger and how it relates to majima *chinhands*

DFGHJLKJHG OKAY HERE GOES:

"Two-thousand on thermometers" : can be linked to heat actions

"Two-thousand surroundin' us" : either that majima might as well be strong enough to take out those two thousands OR reference to the majima family/tojo clan

"Travel two-thousand kilometers, To hang out with us" : yknow how in y5, daigo instructs his high ranking men including majima to go all over japan to get big yakuza clans from all over the country to offer their support to the tojo clan?

"Ayy, gettin' old, they doubted us, Makes it that more marvelous" : still one of the strongest character despite pushing fifty, “the strongest man in the world” according to saejima (and is also lowkey self-conscious about his age)

"Sign 'em up, 'cause I'm in this vibe and I get synonymous" : loves to fight but (outside of other main characters that he is sure are as strong as him) rarely actually start fights, unless provocked (so can be linked to random encounters)

"What's up, danger? Ayy, don't be a stranger" : idk, feels like something hed say to kiryu the first few times they meet, like just after the very last cutscene at the end of y0

"'Cause I like high chances that I might lose" : whyd he challenge kiryu so much if everytime (in “official�� fights at least) in ends in a loss for him?

"I like it all on the edge just like you, ayy" : the yakuza life, kinda spoken to his fellows yakuza in that specific line, and also how itd be impossible for him to go back to a civilian life, also it makes me think of that scene in y0 where sagawa confront him about it and he says “why would anyone wanna live like that?” (granted i know the context is particular but still)

"I like tall buildings so I can leap off of 'em" : Kamurocho Hills, and also LITERALLY his y7 summon

"I go hard wit' it no matter how dark it is" : hes the embodiment of persistent and of not giving up, and also it can be dark where you have just one eye

"I'm insane but on my toes" : mad dog persona and how its all just an act

"I could keep the world balanced on my nose" : cabaret management, being the patriarch of a family, majima construction, legit just "I can do about anything when I actually try" like he says in the tojo meeting in the majima saga

"I had a slumber party wit' all my foes" : managed to get the respect of most enemies who faced him, OR the fact that he has enemies inside the tojo clan.

"Now I wear 'em like a badge of honor all my clothes" : can be linked to majima family pins

"If I'm crazy, I'm on my own" : creation of the mad dog persona, and its less of a "if im crazy im gonna be all alone 😔" but more of "if i act unpredictable, no one will get close to me and get hurt, and i wont get hurt by people close to me getting hurt"

"If I'm waitin', it's on my throne" : waiting for saejima to get out of prison and get his revenge on him, and climbed the ranks among the yakuza while doing so: from getting banished in y0, to getting back, to becoming captain, to having his own family, to becoming a pillar of the tojo clan, to becoming the tojo clan advisor/daigo's right hand man

"If I sound lazy, just ignore my tone, 'Cause I'm always gonna answer when you call my phone" : despite his “non-seriousness”, was the shimano family captain, and was somehow really loyal to the man. Hes very loyal and hardworking in general despite the front he put on.

"Two-hundred miles-per-hour wit' a blindfold on" : pink truck in y3, and well less of a blindfold and more of an eyepatch...

"Mama always askin', "Where did I go wrong?"" : unsure if he even has a mom, might be an orphan like just about everyone else, but its implied he joined the yakuza really young

"Traveled two-hundred miles, I'm knockin' at your door, And I don't really care if you ain't done wrong, come on" : literally went from sotentobi to kamurocho, and the dojima family office raid in y0 with taking out everyone there, even low-ranking family men

"I like it when trouble brews, I won't dare change, I like it when there's turbulence on my airplanes" : im reminded of that dead souls introduction scene, cause just like turbulence in airplanes, zombies are a catastrophe scenario you cant do really do anything about, and his reaction is “oh hell yeah”

"I like it when I sense things I can't see yet" : not sure if “like” is the word here but he proved (like in y2 and y5) that he really does sense when things and people are fishy. And also. blindspot, because One Eye

"Swimmin' with sharks when they ain't feed yet" : that introduction scene in majima saga in y2, him being in the tojo clan in general, him being a yakuza in general

"Can't stop me now, I said, "I got you now"" : birth of the mad dog

"I'm right here at your door, I won't leave, I want more" : again. Dojima family office raid, but also lowkey reminds me of Majima Everywhere.

[maddogofshimano]

New Years Haruka Character Story

Y1 Spoilers

I did a fresh translation on this one because I know I super rushed it the first time through because I was frantically grinding diamonds. This one is simultaneously very sweet and raises several questions.

Here’s the card! It’s very pretty.

Summary: It’s 2011, and Kiryu has something he needs Haruka to pick up in Kamurocho. She goes by herself, and with the help of Date retrieves this special item. Unfortunately, it’s not what either of them are expecting, and the Tojo Clan seems desperate to get their hands on it...

2011. Haruka is in her third year of middle school.

Summer vacation is just about over, Haruka's a little sad about that. Haruka asks if Kiryu's bought everything for dinner. 

He says he has, but he has something he needs Haruka to do. She asks if he needs her to buy something else. He says no. He actually... wants her to go to Kamurocho. There's a person there who's been holding onto something for him. He'd like Haruka to go pick it up. She needs to do it directly.

Haruka agrees, and asks if she can to go right away? She doesn't have anything prepped. Kiryu says that Morning Glory will be fine, don't worry. She leaves Kiryu in charge of the cooking, since it was her turn. Kiryu says he'll make "Man Food" (Tl note: bachelor meal?)

The next day she arrives in Kamurocho.

Haruka: Uncle Kaz said that someone from Sunflower should be meeting me here... ?: Haruka-chan! Haruka: Ah, Takako-san! It's been so long! Takako: It has! You've gotten so pretty...! I was really surprised to get a phone call from Kiryu-san. Here's what he wanted me to hand over. It's a little heavy. Haruka: I'll put it in this bag then. Thank you so much! I'm glad this was so easy to pick up. Takako: Sorry, I'd invite you over for lunch but Sunflower is in the middle of spring cleaning right now... Haruka: No don't worry, I'm sorry to have been a burden. Tatako: Well, I'm off! If you ever are in the area again, give me a call. Give Kiryu-san my regards!

Haruka thanks her and wonders if this is the thing that Kiryu needed her to pick up personally. She thinks it'd be a good idea to check it... but she's starving, and she sees a Smile Burger. A goon bumps into her, and they both drop their bags.

 He cusses her out, she says that he's the one that bumped into her, he is incensed that she would dare talk back to him. Thankfully, Date arrives. 

The goon asks if this asshole is her dad.

Date: Heh. That firecracker's dad is unlike anyone else in the world. I'm just his friend.

The goon throws hands, as goons are want to do. Date kicks his ass. The goon quickly snatches his bag and flees, promising that he won't forget this! Date makes sure that Haruka is alright, and says if she comes to Kamurocho she should really let him know. Where's Kiryu anyways? 

Haruka answers that this time she's here all by herself. Date wants to know why the hell she'd do that. She explains that Kiryu wanted her to pick up... where'd the bag go? Date points it out, it seems it got displaced during the fight.

Haruka's worried that whatever she needed to pick up might have been broken, so they should check... Date is tired of standing around and invites her to New Serena, he'll make some food. Haruka asks if Date also makes "Man Food". He laughs and says she should look forward to eating it.

<Part 2>

Turns out Date is a good cook! He says he's pretty meticulous about it, and that Saya is also fond of it, though she wishes he had been that good at it a long time ago. They open the bag up to check what's inside. It's something small, and pretty securely wrapped. It's...

A pistol. A real one.

A yakuza bursts into New Serena with a knife. He's been looking for Haruka, and wants her to hand that bag over. Date recognizes the man's pin, he's Tojo Clan! The goon says that if they won't hand it over, he'll just have to beat it out of them. Date beats this guy too, and he runs off fast. 

Haruka asks if that was a Tojo goon, Date confirms and says that if they know about that pistol, they're going to keep trying to take it... We really need to know why Kiryu wanted you to get this so badly

Haruka agrees and calls Kiryu.

Kiryu: Ah, Haruka? Did you already make the pickup? Kiryu: You shouldn't take it out of the bag very often. Haruka: Something that I shouldn't take out... so this is genuine? Kiryu: That's right, and it's high quality. I think you're grown up enough to have it now. Haruka: I'm grown up enough...! Uncle Kaz, what the heck do you mean...!? Voice over the phone: Excuse me? Kiryu: Ah, sorry. Someone's here, I'll have to cut this short. Haruka: U-Uncle Kaz! Haruka: .... Date: What'd he say? Haruka: That I'm grown up enough, so it's fine for me to have this... Date: What? What does that mean... Haruka: I don't know either... Uncle Kaz, he hung up in the middle of talking... Date: ...I don't want to believe it. I really don't want to believe it, but... Haruka: ? Date: Well, maybe Kiryu's returning to the yakuza... Haruka: Eh...? Date: I can't think of any other situation where he would need a gun. Then the Tojo Clan heard about this gun's existence, and decided to steal it. Date: There's probably going to be a lot of people who aren't happy about Kiryu returning. Haruka: B-But, they'd definitely find this at the airport...! Date: Didn't you hear that Kiryu is coming here? In that case, wouldn't he just meet up with you and pick it up then? Haruka: (That's... Uncle Kaz is going to...!) Haruka: .......... Date: ...Haruka? Haruka: I'm going to get rid of this thing! <Haruka runs out of New Serena> Date: Hey, wait!

<Part 3>

Haruka is looking for somewhere to throw away the gun where no one will find it. Unfortunately she is found by the goon from part 1. He wants her to return what she's got right now! Haruka is surprised he said "return", and asks if he means this gun? The goon says that since she went and looked inside... he'll just have to erase her!

Thankfully Date is here to rescue Haruka again. He's pretty winded, he's not as young as he used to be. The goon says that Date's been a real pain in his ass, and fights him again, and loses again.

Date: Whew... Calm down Haruka. If anything happened to you I'd never be able to show my face around Kiryu again. Haruka: Sorry... Date: Hey, why are you trying to drag Haruka into this? Is this some kind of payback? Goon: Ugh, i-it's... Haruka: Before you said to "return that"... Were you talking about this gun...? Goon: Huh...? You, you didn't notice? Haruka: Eh? Goon: We took the wrong bags. I got yours, and you got mine. Date: What? Goon: Look, this is your bag. Haruka: Ah! They're identical!! Date: Then, it was crazy to think Kiryu would send Haruka out to retrieve a gun for him. Damn, I really cried wolf on that one... Me and my big imagination. Date: I'm really sorry, Haruka. I shouldn't have worried you like that. Haruka: It's okay, I caused you a lot of trouble too... I'm sorry. Date: Well, there's one person that could have prevented this whole mess. Oi. Goon: Y-Yeah... Date: I'm a detective, so don't even think you can escape and do whatever it is you were planning with this gun. Goon: Ughhh... Date: So, what did Kiryu actually want you to pick up? Let's open it. Haruka: Yeah, let's take a look. ...This is........ Haruka: A kimono? <Haruka returns to Morning Glory> Kiryu: ...So that's what happened, huh? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let you go by yourself. Haruka: It's okay. Date helped me. By the way, Uncle Kaz. What was the reason that you wanted me to pick up these clothes by myself? Kiryu: ...Because of this letter, you should read it.

  Haruka: A letter...? Kiryu: It's from the person who got that kimono for you. Haruka: Umm...

To Haruka, If you're reading this letter, that means I wasn't able to give you this myself. That's a shame, I have always hoped to give you this kimono when you got older. I hope that wearing this kimono when you make the first shrine visit of the year brings you much happiness. Please be happy. That is my only wish. From Yumi

Haruka: .......... Uncle Kaz.....!! Kiryu: Yeah. ...Well, try it on. Let's see how it looks.

Haruka: Alright. Haruka: How is it, Uncle Kaz?

Kiryu: ...It looks great on you. Yumi would have said the same. Haruka: Thank you, Uncle Kaz. Haruka: ...Thank you. Mom.

<END>

Bonus stuff: this isn’t a bonus at all but hey Date? Hey Date??? You’re really just going to... help Kiryu rejoin the Tojo Clan via his daughter picking up a gun for him????? You are so ride or die it’s a problem. What the hell man!

This is the only time I can think of them explicitly referencing Kiryu visiting Kamurocho post Y3 that isn’t during one of the games. It wasn’t a hard assumption to make, Akiyama seems to know Haruka pretty well in Y5 despite not interacting in Y4, but it’s cool to have that confirmed directly.