#timing was just everything for mine and daigo i think

[todayisafridaynight]

Sorry I'm sending so many asks but Daigo seeing this very stern looking business oriented man and just thinking to himself "I just know there's something else underneath all of that and I'm gonna find out :)" Like honey... At least someone's caring about him and wants him to open up and express himself in a healthy manner. Your taste in friends is very interesting Daigo

That RGGO story was also crazy with that part where Mine tells Daigo he's looking for something and Daigo says he hopes he finds it and it had me like "ITS YOU. ITS YOOOOOUUUUUUUUUU"

I just had another wild idea

it really was Something that daigo latched onto mine like that, but maybe he was just able to sense he was kind of a lonely guy- not like daigo exactly had any genuine friends growing up either, he prob just Knows when he sees it

OH BUT RIGHT LMAO LIKE WHY DID THAT STORY ACTUALLY HAVE THE MOST FANFIC ENDING IMAGINABLE

[lordichamo]

Back again with another ask.....don't mind meeee

For your Survive!Mine AU....how do you think the Daigo and Mine reunion would go?

OOO . okay i've been thinking abt this A LOT (its... honestly what i've been pondering the most w/ regards to Survive AU as of late) so I'll put my thoughts under the cut here.

Light IW Finale Spoilers ahead!

SO. We don't know exactly what happened to the 3jimas after being left on that roof which leaves ... a few questions to say the least ASHGJKEWT . I need to figure out how to get them to actually meet (seeing as Daigo's somewhere in the middle of nowhere up north while Mine's in Yokohama) and if I don't know where Daigo went after the finale fight its... kinda hard to do that. My assumption thus far has been that he went back to the fishing village eventually (most likely not to stay this time, but it's not like he moved out of there for the finale fight. He's probably got belongings to pack up and all that if he wants to leave for good.)

ANYWAY all that to say that I'm still working on figuring out the actual logistics of how their reunion happens. Part of me feels it's best for Mine to be the one to reach out? He's been running from the situation the whole time so I feel that the next step he'd need to make if he wants to improve himself would be reaching out lol. (+ Its not like Daigo's gonna search for a guy he thinks has been dead for over a decade all of a sudden. and them meeting on accident is... it can be funny! but it doesn't hit the same.....)

What I do know though is that the reunion itself probably doesn't go? great? initially? Considering its been ~15 years (if we're calculating based off 2024) there's bound to be some tension. Plus I don't think Mine is being super clear about the whole situation initially (I think it takes him a while to bring up the whole coma thing) which only serves to add fuel to the fire. Like idk if some guy who jumped off a roof in front of you sending your life into a downward spiral showed up alive after 15 years and acted like nothing happened & like things should just return to 'normal' (how they were 15 years ago) i think you'd be a little annoyed ASDJHKGHKEWT . On top of that uhh idk if Daigo's been doing all that well mentally... All that just kinda combines for a very messy reunion imo. I'd say they need to fight it out on a roof or something but uh..... maybe not GJHKDSJKG

I do believe it works out eventually though! If only because i need a bit of comfort after all that hurt. It just uh. takes a hot minute to unpack everything that went down between them & work through it all. Petition to get these guys couples therapy. (...therapy in general, actually)

[yakuzacanons]

howdy? your headcanons are awesome, really love reading them! could I ask for the reader falling asleep on yakuza guys? thanks a bunch!

Perfect pairing for my previous post, literally cheese n wine pairing right here lol. Here ya go and thanks for your patience.

Kazuma Kiryu

He'd just hazily wrap his arm around you and fall back asleep. He's pretty easy to fall asleep on, but it mostly only works if he's also already asleep or trying to sleep. Otherwise, he'd just pick you up and tuck you into bed.

Majima Goro

Don't fall asleep on him if he's also asleep, at some point he's going to flail around and you'll get kicked or something. If you fall asleep on him while he's awake, he'll just sit patiently. It's literally like a cat fell asleep on his lap. He cannot move now. It's illegal.

Akiyama Shun

Nap on him anytime. If he's asleep, if he's awake, if he's laying down or sitting up or at home or at work. Free cuddles. Do it. He wants it. Please?? He'll be so nice and stroke your hair and everything.

Saejima Taiga

A human pillow. A living breathing heated blanket. If you get cold easily, I would recommend falling asleep on Saejima. He's also one of the bigger guys so you can like full body lay on top of him.

Tanimura Masayoshi

Very gentle little baby and might even fall asleep while you're sleeping with your head in his lap or leaning on his shoulder. The two of you tend to just fall asleep wherever the other one does, it's almost comedic how much that happens.

Ryuji Goda

Also a human pillow, although he's kind of goofily prideful about it. If you fall asleep on him, he's internally like "Alright, I'll be the best pillow ya ever had then!".

Nishikiyama Akira

It kind of melts his heart. It makes him feel like you trust him and can depend on him and that means a lot to him. He can be a little protective or jealous sometimes, so moments like this make him feel genuinely close to you.

Daigo Dojima

On the rare occassion you're sleepier than he is, he'll just kind of engulf you in his arms and hold onto you until you either wake up or until he also falls asleep. Out of all the boys, it's most common for Daigo to either fall asleep on you or for you to fall asleep on him.

Mine Yoshitaka

Kind of feeds into his top/dom energy, I won't lie. He's secretly like "Oh HELL yea, fall asleep on me. Love that." even though he's not the most cuddly of the boys. He thinks it's cute that you just nodded off like that.

Tatsuo Shinada

Constantly torn between letting you just sleep that way or tucking you in more properly, especially if he's still wide awake. At the same time, he doesn't want to move you because you're basically cuddling now, right?

Ichiban Kasuga

First time it happens, he turns beet red and sits so still that you might mistake him for a statue. Over time, he just gets used to it and kind of pats your head. He might occupy his time by reading a book or watching a video very quietly if he's not sleepy. Kind of chuckles and says "Heh, you really were tired huh?"

Tianyou Zhao

Would let you sleep it off but might tease you when you wake up by saying something like "Ah, look who's awake!" or "Someone was a sleepyhead, eh?". If he's also sleepy, he'll kind of drape one arm over you and pass out.

Joon-Gi Han

Also operates off of cat logic. You are laying there and you will remain there for as long as you are comfortable. Would probably actually tell the others at HQ that he cannot come in because you're still asleep on his chest and therefore he cannot move. Honestly, this is one of his preferred forms of intimacy as he enjoys the quietness. He's a little bit of an awkward conversationalist so this is relaxing for him.

[digimonadventurezero]

Well...

Not sure how many people are still following this blog, or rather who's still interested on those headcanons + ideas i had in the past...

But Rui's existence goes against ▽ events and i'd like to clarify that i don't think it's a TOTAL RETCON like a ton of people are either celebrating or complaining.

I'd like to give you my own "solution" to keep Maki and Daigo + their group existing in the timeline.

First, the frustrating part about working with ▽ events and them is that there's no information about their respective ages, and we saw them in Uni as well. A friend of mine pointed this out as the biggest problem to use ▽ as it is. You either pick it or 02TB. My research about the said backstory scenes in pt4 led me to discover that... those scenes also are hard to know when they take place.

Not even the ref sheets has a single age or grad to get an approximated age for them, or when those scenes took place. They only state that those two designs are from "Elementary School" and "University" -- but the Elementary grades are not even here!? Unlike the Adv'99 & 02 kids' profiles in their respective series, which listed at least their school grades so you could know they're around their 10s.

But we know the original lore from Adv'99 + 02 -- there were other groups before Taichi & Daisuke's. One of them were depicted in Adv'99 anime and novel -- a group of five kids, and four of them got their partners evolved into the Holy Beasts (according to the Adv'99 novel). This is also used in ▽ pt4, at least. They changed a few details alas, but my point is... Until here it's everything OKAY, right?

The problem starts with the Uni scene and them being Data Bureau agents in 2005. It could mean they're way older than Taichi -- including Rui (who's a leap baby from 1992!) and this would get in conflict with their own Digi-Adventure flashbacks. Many people believed they weren't from the 90s but before the 90s because of that. You could then think they had no relation to the math lore or something, but then the presence of Homeostasis in that cold-opening for pt4 and the digivice model makes things EVEN WORSE to work with.

But like i said, i love both Maki-Daigo and Rui so i want them to co-exist. Hence why i'm believing in a partial retcon in terms of those two's ages. And it's quite recently that we all got more info about the math lore, and more confusing statements in the end...

Anyway, my solution is:

Maki-Daigo's group is indeed the quintet mentioned in Adv'99 & Novels. They were around Adv!Taichi's age when they went to the DW but possibly the other three in the group were either 2 or 3 years older. Maybe they're like the 02 kids, and weren't chosen exactly in the same year? Possibly the oldies were the other 3 who got mons alongside Menoa (she's the same age as Taichi and got her mon in 97), But Daigo and Maki got their mons in 98, alongside other 7 people...? And their Adventure was indeed in 1998.

Daigo's love confession scene has no calendars or anything to point the year he had confessed his love for her, besides being SNOWING outside -- so it's probably Winter. They're said to be Uni students, so my conclusion is...

... That the Data Bureau possibly recruited them around that time, and they're not even in their 30s in ▽? They might be even 19 years old, and only got high roles in the Data Bureau because of their title as Chosen Children and connection with Homeo + Gennai.

They aren't the first ones, but actually they might be the first group of kids who went to the DW instead.

This is my own solution for the problem. Again, I'd prefer to believe in a soft retcon or changes from the events -- in which said events in the timeline weren't presented as it is to us. Therefore i'd prefer to believe my awful people OTP is still alive and they can meet my sad potato someday.

I'd like to simple just retcon their ages from 1998 adventure and make them be 13-14 years old there, so then you could have them be in their twenties when they were recruited by the Data Bureau...

Anyway, i understand when some peeps say they can't make ▽ work with Adv'99/02/Kizuna/02TB as it was presented to the audience, because it's a hard task orz

[lorillee]

ok well while im waiting for this wretched bus i think its a suitable time to share my y3 thoughts. as always not in any sort of real or coherent organization im not writing an essay so idgaf

overall: better than kiwami 2 ‘s main plot but again 65% of my beef with that game was kiryu/sayama. Which we have talked and complained about extensively

we’re just gonna talk as i remember so lets actually start with a complaint: Real question what on planet stupid earth whats the point of kazama’s brother

likw the yakuza series is frankly no stranger to cheap twists regarding their villains for no reason other than shock value but usually im able to forgive because its like not that important or alternatively really funny and not that important

but kazama having a younger brother is an INSANE thing to bring it and not elaborate on basically at all and do LITERALLY NOTHING WITH?!?!?!??!!??????!??? like THEY DIDNT EVEN USE IT AS A LENSE THROUGH WHICH TO EXPLORE EITHER KIRYU OR KAZAMA OR THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO EACH OTHER!?!?!!!!!!????!?! WHAT !!!!!!!!!

like no words. WHAT?

kind of pisses me off they killed off kashiwagi for like no reason at all also. Like his death did not affect the plot in legitimately any way and to be honest genuinely i did forget he died

^speaking more on this it also pisses me off they like did not explore or elaborate on kiryu’s feelings on this despite the fact that kashiwagi was the one person he had left from the pre kiwami 1 era And like. well we did nothing with this. makes me mad

lets also take a minute to discuss mine

like i think hes an interesting character and a fun antagonist for this game but my issue is i feel like they could have spent more time fleshing out his issues and his relationship with daigo and just a bit his beef with kiryu

like i think the setup for his obsession with daigo is there and you could do something reaaallly interesting with it like i said in that one post to mine it would seem that daigo was born with everything mine had ever wanted and i reaaallllyyy really so bad wish they had DONE something with that.

additionally while i like the interpretation of a one sided obsession in mine’s part it frustrates me that we got absolutely like nothing from daigo on his relationship with mine because i think even just a flashback scene or two wouldve gone a really long way in making this relationship something the audience gets invested in

like i think yakuza 0 did a much better job of tackling this issue and to be fair its not a 1:1 equivalent becasue its not like mine was not hanging out with kiryu but even though we dont see a ton of oda and tachibanas relationship on screen wrt them interacting with each other, the background we’re given on their story and odas devotion to tachibana does a lotttt of legwork in making it believable and interesting. whereas i feel like with mine. I dont even know but we got basically nothing on his relationship with daigo other than like 3 or 4 lines of dialogue and general insanity. and it frustrates me because we had something really good here but whatever

ok lets talk about something marginally more positive. personally really love kiryu starting up an orphanage really special to me watching him run around like a crazy person trying to manage being a single mother of 8

also absolutely adore the oldest daughter role haruka has taken on in this environment and the shape her dynamic with kiryu takes on as a result. its actually so special and so important. TO MEEEEE

lowkey(highkey) wish they had done more in terms of majima actively looking like the most dead inside person on planet earth but its whatever (kicks rocks

like consistently my issue with these games is that i feel like they have too much on their plate and theres about a thousand ideas and nobody wants to let go or streamline, so we kind of get a bunch of things that are relatively unremarkable and some things that are really interesting and have a lot of ground to build on but the problem is that because theres so much bloat everything gets the same amount of exploration. Which is like well ok thats fine when its not that important but i think we should go back. and elaborate on some of these more major points or just cut them out if you’re NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING WITH IT?!!!!!??!? but whatever

like to be clear im happy they introduced these concepts because now i can play around in this sandbox to make something interesting and compelling to me. but as a storytelling enthusiast it frustrates me

daigo waking up from a coma and immediately pulling out a gun to start shooting may seriously be one of the funniest moments in this entire series to date. Where was he hiding that thing. honestly entire game worth it just for this moment Who pitched it and how can i thank them

anyways so overall: had good concepts, some of them fumbled and others executed well, definitely enjoyed. We couldve had more majima though

[decapitationposting]

OH!! If it hasn’t been done already too, Daigo Dojima

THE DIG !!

First impression:

rgg pedestalguy... woah... hes . cool . i guess.

Impression now:

THE DIGGLE!!! i love putting him in the blender i love his loneliness and his misery and his agony and the fact that the deck was stacked against him from the start. i love the fact that everyone he's even remotely close to leaves or is dead or whatever. i rotate him in my mind daily. ALSO THE RAGE !!! I LOVE HIS RAGE !!!! ITS SUCH AN UNDERRATED ASPECT OF HIS CHARACTER!!!

Favorite moment:

OKAY. I'M GOING TO . PUT THE ACTUAL MAIN ANSWER TO THIS AT THE BOTTOM UNDER THE CUT. BC IW SPOILERS. in the meantime though. shoutout to Any Time You Give This Guy A Gun. truly every game would be a solid 70% shorter if he just had one at the start

Idea for a story:

grrrr. i'd love to explore more of the fishing village horrors but i'd also love to explore his reunion w/ Mine in Survive AU but i'd ALSO like to explore possible interactions w/ the ichigang BUT ALSO-

Unpopular opinion:

bear is a lame fursona assignment for him imo. SIKA DEER SWEEP !! For more general stuff uh: - i'm not the biggest fan of the daigo polycule sorry. - I am. so sick. of the 3jimas being lumped together for everything ngl.................... it just kinda uh. sidelines daigo & saejima imo. also. the infantilization drives me crazy but i feel like that's the most obvious thing to put here so

Favorite relationship:

its so obvious. minedai sweep. + masadai toxic exes is so funny. ship that exists in past tense to me. on the platonic side of things though i do love when ppl explore his relationship w/ Haruka .... also his friendship w/ Shinada is neat.... i do love the whole . rivals dynamic that he & ryuji have going on as well.. silly.... (also i've been playing in the space w/ him & my friend's oc Miyumi and . their weirdo family dynamic is so . bad. in a fun way. enabling each other! yay!)

Favorite headcanon:

i love the hc of him being into necromancy bc of the one poundmate summon in y7! its really silly to me :3 gee i wonder who he was trying to resurrect... hmmmm.... + in a similar vein . love the concept of him holding on to Mine's gun. something to remember him by etc. Also. i think Yayoi cut him off after y3. something something him relapsing after everything around him went to shit and her just ... leaving him . bc she's tried everything she could prior and she just. doesn't know what else to do aside from "well. I'm not going to talk to you until you stop That" . Definitely a flawed way of going about it BUT its flawed in a way that deeply intrigues me.

OK BACK TO THAT FAVORITE MOMENT THING (IW SPOILERS):

THE WHOLE . BIT IN THAT DAMN FISHING SHACK . like . gahhhh getting to hear concrete stated proof that his mental health was in the absolute gutter after everything he's been through + the rage when kiryu starts provoking the 3jimas its soooo . its so nice to see. its cathartic. like all this stuff Could be just hcs or forgotten about or brushed aside etc etc but No! ughhh its. so solid i love it. GO DIGGLE !! KILL!!!!!!

[04tenno]

You’re pretty spot on with the Mine view. The way in which he’s viewed by Japanese and western audiences is an intriguing and at times painful experience. The way dudebros see him is especially painful. His speech at the end of the game just went through one ear and out the other. You can’t convince these people otherwise on the fact he’s not straight. Like you’ve said before, they’ve always got some sort of “proof” such as a convenient Japanese friend who thinks the subs are lying or some other nonsense. Interesting how Mine is set up as a character who you need to understand loves another man, or you don’t understand him at all and everything falls apart. I think the worse read of their relationship is that some guys try to press that Mine views Daigo like a father…

Oda gets this to some degree, too. I’ve seen some be in denial, and again, try to claim it was a bro type thing. It really seems like a number of these guys project their own concerns and fears of being assumed gay with telling their male friends they love them. I’ve seen that come up quite a bit with Mine especially.

There’s a pretty large group of mostly dudebros and some girls who get really angry when people make more serious claims about Majima not being straight as well. Guys are 100% okay with making jokes, but then will jump to defend him with bizarre excuses like “He’s just being a troll”, “He’s just straight and depressed”, and other strangeness. I really don’t know when or how he got pulled into their sphere of traditional masculinity, but possibly due to his mass popularity, he ends up with these types of fans. The comedic angle they take with Majima’s character is also something they try to lean into for the aforementioned commentary.

Zhao’s direction throughout 7 doesn’t really have anything for dudebros to project onto. Admittedly after the amount of nonsense I’ve had to sit through without even looking for it, I feel a little relieved that Zhao has never been someone they can shape for themselves. But at the same time I just know they’ll probably start getting a different kind of weird about him at some point.

Thank you so much for writing in! As always, putting up with all that willful ignorance would be completely unbearable if not for the solidarity. That being said, The Never-ending Search for Evidence to the Contrary has reached truly laughable levels of desperation in the past. Please take this verbatim quote from when KHHSubs found my post:

[. . .] that native Japanese players of the game don't come out of the experience thinking Mine was romantically attracted to Daigo [. . .] I spent ages the other day trying to find some Japanese sources (reviews, random forum posts, yahoo questions, anything) [. . .]

Yahoo Answers?

Like, if you're forced to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find Japanese people who have even posed the question, let alone Japanese people who agree with you, maybe reconsider your stance. Perhaps you can't find what you're looking for because it should be as obvious as the color of Kiryu's shirt.

Moving on, when it comes to Mine and Daigo, there's both the Brother Contingent and the Father Contingent, and uhhh Both Are Deranged. The weaponization of the found family trope has been nothing but disheartening to see, as someone who loves the trope. It's supposed to be about deconstructing the conventional idea of family, not recreating the nuclear family in your head with characters who are neither related nor see each other as such and then throwing accusations around. There's enough weird shit in both the games and the fandom, I promise we don't need to invent more.

With regard to Oda, I had a great talk with @skajador that I'll paraphrase here (decently, I hope). In terms of the wiki, the articles are sort of symbiotic; it's always been the case that any evidence for Oda has been equally applicable to Mine and vice versa. So while both articles have been subject to back-and-forths, and both are often mentioned in the same breath, Mine's is significantly more controversial and draws more heated responses.

There are probably a number of factors at play here, one of which is, of course, the insecurities you mentioned. Another is that, while Oda's character doesn't tap into wish fulfillment the way Mine's does, he's still a "male role model" for both Kiryu and by extension the player for most of the game. He's still masculine, and he's still meant to be taken seriously, so like with Mine, there's an extant "attachment" to not perceiving him as gay.

It's worth addressing why there's been less "backlash" to Oda, too. For Mine, the fact he's gay plays a major part in his narrative "twist." With Oda's twist being the bombshell it is, him being gay sort of takes a back seat. It's a hell of a lot easier to dismiss if you barely register it, you're more willing to accept it as "minor," or you just don't engage with it because he's crossed the Moral Event Horizon already or whatever.

Additionally, the question of whether it's mutual isn't prodded at nearly as much for Tachibana and Oda as it is for Daigo and Mine. A lot of dudebros are specifically mad because they (mis)interpret Mine's relationship tag as being mutual. The idea of a "devoted subordinate's" unrequited love for his superior is tenable, but the alternative is not.

With Majima, Nishitani, and some others, it's definitely the case that it's all fun and games until it's not. When it's Too Real, when it's no longer For The Bit, when there's no more plausible deniability in the form of Homiesexuality™, that's scary. It really speaks to the fears a lot of these people have, like you said.

I should've talked more about Zhao in the original post, but that's exactly it. And, hey, if he's Repelled Them Successfully for this many years, I think that's a good sign for him.

[colinlegameboy]

Yammering About Yakuza 3 Remastered (Spoilers)

I'm not fully sure what drew me to the Like a Dragon series, as it is known now. I've never been a fan of 3D brawlers. Most of the minigames are not my thing. Was it really that I will play anything with an open world structure?

...Yes. The answer is yes.

Either way, after playing Yakuza 0 years ago (I think I got it from a PS Plus Giveaway? Or maybe the COVID giveaway? One of the two), I've been going through the series at a steady clip, averaging one game a year. So, clearly I've liked the series enough to see it through to its end.

But Yakuza 3... I kept hearing things about it. How it was the low point of the series. There was even an entire substory in Kiwami 2 dedicated to the poor reception of 3, with it being a metaphor of "try it yourself and see what you think". And so I did.

And I... Admittedly get it.

Half the reason you play Yakuza is the story. And the story's pacing is very all over the place. This is due mostly to the game's insistence on stopping everything to make you do missions involving the kids of the Morning Glory orphanage.

Thing is... They didn't need to do that. Other characters get development through substories. Why couldn't the kids? Was it just to make the loss of the orphanage late-game hit harder? Because I don't think that was necessary- If you're having the villains destroy an orphanage, I think the correct emotions get across just fine.

But at the same time, there are brilliant points of writing here. Saki's story is hard-hitting, and the bond with her and Nakahara very sweet. And can we talk about Rikiya's death? It hit hard, yes, but it hit even harder because of the GENIUS bait-and-switch with Mikio. I was initially confused why they immediately said Mikio would be fine after showing him seemingly dying... But when I saw Rikiya get shot it all clicked. Fucking ingenious writing.

As for the villain... Yeah, having his whole thing explained in a monologue right before the final fight was kinda weird. It makes him a well-written villain, but he didn't really get to do anything with that good writing. Also... This may just be because cishet men are more inclined to throw the L word around in Japan, but was Mine gay for Daigo...? I'm likely the zillionth person to think of that considering the fanbase.

Anyway, I wasn't put off by Yakuza 3, in the end. Confused, yes, but I enjoyed my time with it overall. I'll be back again probably next year with Yakuza 4. ...Maybe if they stop putting out games eventually I'll be done with the series...

[overdevelopedglasses]

Tojoctober Day 21 - Betrayal

(It’s scorched earth, sound the alarms)

Alt title is from “Annihilated Love” by Starset

A bit more of a scene rewrite…

After the final fight of Y3, Daigo speaks with Kiryu about betrayal, regrets and duty. Kiryu offers a helping hand. 

(the Yakuza 3 spoilers are pretty obvious here)

—-------------------------

Kiryu and Daigo stare in shock at the exact same spot. Yoshitaka Mine, who once stood on the edge of the hospital roof with a leader of Black Monday in his grasp, was now gone. Plummeting to his death. Probably now dead.

“Kiryu-san,” Daigo starts. Kiryu turns towards him, his attention pulled from the rooftop where Mine stood. Daigo’s face is colored with shock, but also has a very grim look on it, and Kiryu feared the worst. “Tell me the truth. The traitor to the Tojo…” Daigo makes eye contact with him, a little bit of hope seeping into the mix of despair and sadness. “Was it Mine?”

Kiryu shuts his eyes, searching his memories, and recalls something Mine had just said to him, mere minutes beforehand.

“He was the first person I had ever admired with every fiber of my being.”

Reopening his eyes, Kiryu sees the answer was clear as day.

“No. Not a chance.”

Kiryu and Daigo remake eye contact. Kiryu feels his gaze toward the sixth chairman soften.

“He… never would have betrayed you.”

Daigo visibly relaxes, his shoulders finally sagging with the weight of what just happened to him. Kiryu lets himself relax as well, resting his back against the edge of the building. For once, the Kamurocho air felt nice on his bare chest, which was a rare occurrence for this kind of thing.

“Kiryu-san… is this what it felt like?”

“Hm?” Kiryu looks at Daigo once again. The man looks off into the night sky, leaning against his hospital bed. 

“When…” Daigo takes a shaky breath, and restarts his question, “Is this how you felt when Nishikiyama-san died?”

Kiryu takes a sudden breath. He had partially expected Nishiki to be brought up. Daigo and Mine were sworn brothers, and Mine was sworn into the Nishikiyama family. But he also hadn’t heard Nishikiyama’s name in years, and hearing it from Daigo was… new. Kiryu sits in silence for a second before forming a response.

"Somewhat. I… also had a lot of other things on my mind at the time."

Daigo nods, “I know a lot happened to you on that day.”

“It’s… a bit hard to think about, admittedly.” Kiryu says, shutting his eyes. He can almost recall everything that happened perfectly. His decision to become the fourth chairman, Jingu manically laughing, Yumi taking a bullet for him, Nishiki…

“I’m sorry, Kiryu-san. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

Kiryu shakes his head, opening his eyes and seeing Daigo’s expression creased with worry. “It’s alright, Daigo. I know there’s a lot on your mind, as well. This can’t be easy for you.”

Daigo takes a deep breath. Kiryu could tell he was barely holding it together.

“Mine… I just… I wish I could’ve…” Daigo’s voice starts to waver. Kiryu scoots over to him, placing an awkward hand on the man’s shoulder. “I wish I hadn't gotten shot, I wish I woke up sooner, I wish I could’ve helped him! Then, he wouldn’t of had to jump of this fucking building!” Daigo almost shouts, his voice carrying sadness and rage with it.

“Daigo… I understand. But we can’t change anything that's happened. And the worst thing we can do is blame ourselves”

Daigo looks up at Kiryu, “But is this something we have to go through all the time!? Will we ever be strong enough to protect the ones we care about!?”

Unconsciously, Kiryu’s grip on Daigo’s shoulder tightens. 

“As the leader of the Tojo, it’s your duty to shoulder the weight of the clan. That includes its losses, the betrayals and spirals. The only thing we can do is notice the signs of them happening early on, and prevent any more people from diving that deep into darkness.”

They make eye contact, Daigo’s eyes brimming with sorrow and anguish, and Kiryu keeps talking. “But you shouldn’t have to shoulder that responsibility alone. If you need it… I can always lend some advice. I’ve had a bit of practice, after all.”

Daigo hesitates for a second, about to argue his point further, but relaxes. Kiryu shifts a little closer, moving his hand to slink his arm around Daigo’s shoulders. “Even if I’m far away now, I still want to be there for you, Daigo.” Kiryu finishes, giving Daigo a tiny squeeze.

“Did you… Did Nishikiyama betray you?” Daigo sits up a bit, now being somewhat supported by Kiryu’s arm and side.

“Absolutely not,” Kiryu states almost immediately. “I know Nishiki like the back of my hand. He never would’ve betrayed me, and I don’t think he betrayed me.”

Daigo lets out a soft laugh, “Then I guess you know what I would’ve said, if you posed that question to me.” Daigo says, his voice becoming thicker by the second.

“Yeah. I get it.”

Silence falls between the two of them, before Kiryu feels a pressure at his side, and a new bit of wetness on his chest. He looks down to see Daigo resting his face on his shoulder, and he could probably piece together where the wetness originated. He didn’t really know what to do, but he decided to take a page from his kids at Morning Glory, and what he had seen them do in the past. He rubbed Daigo’s back slowly and gently with his hand, in soothing circles. 

“Sorry, Kiryu-san. I know you didn’t want to deal with this.”

“Nothing to apologize for, Daigo. This is part of my duty.”

“I just don’t want to look at everyone in the clan like they’re going to be the next ones to shoot me.”

“You don’t have to do that. Others will help you with that. Majima-san, any of the others in the clan you trust, and I will as well. You’re not alone, Daigo. You’re in a much better position than I was when the 10 billion incident happened.”

“I don’t want to take Majima-san away from you, Kiryu-san. I know how much he checks in on you. And now that I understand what happened, in a way, I-”

Kiryu lets out a laugh, accidentally cutting Daigo short. “Yeah. You don’t have to help me, Daigo. But, I appreciate the concern.”

A few seconds of comfortable silence pass before the two of them hear and feel the wind begin to whip around them. Kiryu looks over his shoulder to see a helicopter approaching. Flying towards them, he only needed a glance to know who was piloting it.

“Our ride is here.” Kiryu jokes, removing his arm from Daigo.

Daigo fully sits up and cranes his neck to also look at the helicopter. He lets out a small laugh at the sight. “That it has.”

Daigo stands up, using Kiryu, the side of the building, and the hospital bed as assistants. He winces a little bit once he reaches his full height, but is able to carry his own weight. Kiryu rises as well, standing next to the current chairman.

“Kiryu-san… thank you.” Daigo looks at Kiryu, showing a smile of gratitude the dragon had rarely seen, and he can’t stop himself from returning it.

“Any time, Daigo. If you need me, I’m just a call away.”

[skelabra]

The Man Called Yoshitaka Mine Event Story

Mine’s backstory from the Yakuza Online event. This one is a rather long story and explains how and why Mine became a member of the Yakuza, his relationship with Kanda and, of course, how he met Daigo. 

[Mine is in his office. He is looking at the picture of himself as a child.]

Mine: Born as an orphan, I’ve always been alone.

The only person I could call close to me was my adoptive father. After he passed away, I realized how lonely I really was.

I was not loved by anyone, not needed by anyone... There was no adult who could reach out to me.

I was living in post-war orphan-like poverty, facing nothing but loneliness every day...

So I swore to myself.

"I'm going to be great. I'm going to be great, and I'm going to get money and status..."

And... I got it. Absolute money and status.

At the same time, I have been looking for something from the bottom of my heart all along at the place I have arrived at.

...What it feels like to have a “bond”.

My subordinates who admire me, believe in me, and follow me.

As I have lived in solitude my whole life, it is very comforting to me...

The truth was, I had always known, deep down, that it was a "lie".

I should have known...

 [OFFICE]

Mine: You're dismissing me... from the R&D department? Me? Tashiro, what is this all about?

Tashiro: This was a decision made by the board of directors. We would like the Chairman to leave the R&D department.

Mine: What kind of... nonsense is this? This is my company, remember? Do you really think this is an acceptable thing to do?

Tashiro: Mr. Chairman, I understand your feelings, but please understand.

You will be out of the field, but you will continue to watch over us as the Chairman.

I was hoping that it would take the heavy burden off your shoulders.

Mine: Shut up!

Tashiro: !

Mine: In other words, you don’t want me to interfere in your business!? What's the point of a token chairmanship!?

This is a coup d'etat!

Tashiro: ... You have been too selfish.

Frequent changes in plans, increased budgets, and repeated investments in unprofitable sectors......

If this continues, the company will eventually collapse. That's why we have to ask you to step down.

Mine: I did all that because I needed to! And in fact, I've been very successful that way, haven't I!?

Hey, Otsuka! What's your opinion as the development manager!?

Otsuka: ... I’m sorry to say this, but...

I think it is a reasonable decision.

Mine: W-What?

Otsuka: The project that you were working on was certainly innovative, but it was not expected to be profitable for several years to come.

Even though it is said to be an investment in the future, we cannot survive on scraps.

Because of this, you have not been able to offer any incentives to your employees for the past few years, right?

Mine: If you only make decisions based on short-term profits, your company has no future!

Tashiro: It has already been decided. Thank you for your hard work, Chairman Mine.

Mine: ... Kuh...

[Mine goes outside to take a walk.]

 [OUTSIDE]

Mine: ...

(I've been betrayed... I've lost everything...)

(They are just scum that only cares about money.)

(Friends? Family? Bonds? Why did I ever trust these people?)

(This world is full of lies...)

[Gunshots]

Mine: ... What was that?... A... gunshot?...

[Tires screeching]

 Raid Yakuza: Daigo Dojima!! Get out of the car!!

Mine: (A yakuza... conflict? Daigo Dojima?)

Raid Yakuza A: Daigo Dojima! I know you're in the car! Get out of the fucking car!

[He shoots a few times.]

Mine: (I believe Daigo Dojima is the Sixth Chairman of the Tojo Clan?)

(Damn. A yakuza attack at a time like this...)

(It would be dangerous to get involved in this. I should hide somewhere.)

Raid Yakuza A: Daigo Dojima! Die!!

[He shoots again.]                                    

Daigo's subordinate A: You bastard! What family do you belong to?! Guh!

Raid Yakuza B: Hahahahaha! Die!!

[He shoots.]

Daigo's subordinate B: I cannot let you kill Daigo-san!!

Raid Yakuza C: Whoaa!

[Fade to white. Gunshots.]

Policeman: It’s no good. They’re dead.

Policeman: Four members of the Tojo Clan are dead. All of the five attackers are also dead.

Detective: I see... Still young and yet they were yakuza...

Daigo: ... Kuh...

Mine: (... That guy is Daigo Dojima?)

Detective: Dojima-san, you're in a tough business, huh? Let the young ones die and only one survives.

Daigo: ...

Mine: (... The yakuza who protected Daigo Dojima, they’re all dead...)

(His men would give up their lives for their boss?)

(I had no idea that such a thing actually existed, even in the world of organized crime.)

(That man named Daigo Dojima...)

(Is he really that great of a man... that his men would give up their lives for him?)

 The next day...

 [STREET]

Mine: (That scene I saw the other day... comes back to my mind over and over again.)

(I've heard that there are "absolute bonds" in the world of organized crime...)

(I want to learn more about this man named Daigo Dojima...)

Thug A: Hey, Nii-chan. Are you going to a good shop today?

Mine: !

Thug A:  We know who you are. Nii-chan, you go to a fancy shop every night, right?

Thug B: You look like you’re rich. You must have a lot of money in that wallet then, right?

Mine: What do you want?

Thug A: Don't you understand? I'm just asking you to give us some pocket money.

Thug B: We’re members of the Tojo Clan, you know~ Maybe you should just be quiet and pay up?

Mine: The Tojo Clan, huh?

... Just in time. I've been meaning to ask you something. If you want your money, you'll have to answer my questions.

Thug A: Huh!? A question? Do you think you’re some kind of yakuza? I told you to shut up and pay up!

Thug B: Aniki! He's screwing with us! Let's beat him up!

Mine: Good grief. It's no use. It looks like I’m going to have to do some rough interrogation.

[Mine beats them up.]

Thug A: E-Eek... What the hell is this guy, he's strong!

Mine: Well, it seems that... I’m enjoying this a little.

... So, you guys are going to answer my question then, right? I will pay you. How about 100,000?

Thug A: 1-100,000!? If I answer your questions, you’ll give that to me?!

Mine: Yes.

Thug B: Aniki, we’re gonna make a fortune!

Thug A: What’s the question!? I'll tell you anything you want to know!

[Fade to black.]

Mine: ... I see...

So the men who died protecting Daigo Dojima the other day were not some kind of Security Police, but ordinary members of the Clan...

If that’s the case, they were not being paid a lot of money?

Thug A: Nah. They were all young people who lived in single rooms. I'm pretty sure they were only getting paid pocket money.

Mine: (So it wasn't for the reward that they protected Daigo Dojima.)

Hey. What kind of a man is this Daigo Dojima?

Thug A: What kind of a man... he's the new Chairman. He’s a former thug who suddenly became Chairman because of the recommendation of the Fourth Chairman.

Mine: He’s newly appointed and... a former thug?

Thug A: Yeah. His father was the leader of the Dojima Family, but until recently, the Chairman himself was just a thug.

So, he has no Family of his own, he has no achievements, and to be honest, I don't know why he's the Chairman.

Mine: ... I see. From the sound of it, he doesn't seem to have the support of the members.

Thug B: Yeah. There's a lot of opposition from within the organization. I heard there’s trouble.

Mine: (If that's the case, I don’t understand.)

(Why would these members of the Clan give up their lives for a man like that?)

(That man named Daigo Dojima. I guess I'll have to do some more research on him.)

(An absolute bond. Is there really such a thing?)

 [OFFICE]

Mine: (Since then, I've tried to find out more about... this man named Daigo Dojima, but I don’t understand.)

(He seems to have gained charismatic support among some of the members... Why?)

(I suppose I'll have to see for myself.)

 [STREET – BAR DISTRICT]

Mine: (According to the thug from the other day, there will be a celebration tonight to celebrate the release of a man named Kanda from the Nishikiyama Family.)

(The Nishikiyama Family, despite being a direct subsidiary, has been in shambles since the death of the Second Patriarch.)

(They've got nothing to offer, a direct subsidiary organization in name only, and a he’s cash-strapped yakuza who just got out of prison.)

(If Kanda's the man he’s rumoured to be, this should be an opportunity to get in.)

Mine: ! That's...

Kanda: What the hell!? I'm celebrating my release from prison and you’re the only one who showed up!?

Nishikiyama Family Member A: I-I’m sorry. Everyone else seems to be busy with other matters...

Kanda: ... Y-You bastards...

Hey! Clench your teeth, dumbass!!

Nishikiyama Family Member A: Eek!

[Kanda beats him up. The Nishikiyama Family Member collapses.]

Kanda: I don’t have time for this shit, idiot!!

[He walks away.]

Mine: (Just as I was informed. He's an arrogant yakuza with no accomplishments or following. He's an irritable, violent idiot...)

(And... he just got out of jail, and has no money.)

(I might be able to control that man.)

 [DIFFERENT STREET – BAR DISTRICT]

Kanda: Shit! The price of that soapland has gone up so much!

They won’t reduce the price for release parties, right... I've got 10,000 yen on me.

Oh?

Young woman: Oh no. I think I'm lost...

[She walks away.]

Kanda: Heheheh... I don't have any money, so I don't have a choice, do I?

[Kanda follows her.]

Mine: (He’s following that young woman. Could it be...?)

Young woman's voice: Aah-!!

Mine: !

[Mine runs after them. Fade to black.]

 [BACK ALLEY]

Young woman: What are you doing!?

Kanda: Heheheh. Well, of course it’s supposed to feel good.

Young woman: ... Huh?

Kanda: If you stay quiet, I'll make you feel like you're in heaven! Come on, let me take care of you!

Young woman: N-Nooo!!

Mine: ...You're doing great. You reoffended on the same day you were released.

Kanda: W-What the hell!?

Mine: I have something to tell you. I can’t let you get arrested.

Kanda: W-Who the hell are you!? I'm in the middle of something here!

If you get in the way, I'll kill you!

Mine: My name is Yoshitaka Mine. I have something to tell you today...

Kanda: You’re crazy! Die!!!

Mine: Kuh! I guess you’re not... as easy to communicate with as I thought.

[Fade to black.]

Kanda: Hah... Hah...

W-What’s up with you, you’re just running around all over the place!

Mine: Because I'm not going to fight you. Please, let's talk...

Kanda: You’re crazy!

[Kanda tries to hit Mine. Mine dodges.]

Kanda: I want to go have some fun with this woman right now!

Young woman: E-Eek...

Mine: (He’s too worked up, he won’t listen to me. No other way, then. I'll have to use my back-up plan.)

Kanda: W-What's that? A wad of cash?

Mine: Kanda-san. This is 500,000. With this money, could you please let her off the hook?

Kanda: T-T-That’s 500,000!? G-Give that to me!

Guheheh. Half a million... What soapland could I go to?

Mine: (Money for fools. There's no better medicine than that.)

Young woman: ...

Mine: Hey, why don't you just get out of here? You can at least walk, right?

Young woman: !... Y-Yes!

[She walks away.]

Kanda: Heh, heheheh. With this, I can go for the full package of options. Damn, I'm getting excited just thinking about it.

Let’s go!

Mine: Kanda-san! Please wait!

Kanda: W-What the hell! I'm about to go on a huge party!

Mine: Half a million will be spent in no time, won’t it? Are you sure you want to be satisfied with that amount of money?

Kanda: For quite a while, you...

What the hell do you want!?

Mine: I’ll be straight to the point. Kanda-san, would you like to make some money with me?

Kanda: Money? What do you mean? If this is some multi-level marketing thing, I’m not interested!!

Mine: No, it's nothing like that.

Actually, I'd like to make a name for myself in the world of organized crime.

It's said to be a 7 trillion yen business. If we can get in on that, we should be able to make a huge profit.

If it was just about money, I have plenty of that, but... I have no connections.

Therefore, Kanda-san. I would like to ask you to introduce me to the Nishikiyama Family.

Kanda: Me? That’s pretty weird.

Mine: Of course, I'm not saying you have to do it for free. I have 20 million here.

Kanda: T-T-T...Twenty million!?

Mine: With this as a gift, could you please... introduce me to the Nishikiyama Family?

 __________________________________________________

 [NISHIKIYAMA FAMILY OFFICE]

2nd Acting Patriarch of the Nishikiyama Family: Hoh. The chairman of a Venture Capital company, huh...

{T/N: I will shorten his title to 2nd AP from now on, since this guy is never even given a name.}

Kanda: Acting Patriarch. This guy, Mine, he seems to be really good at making money.

I’m sure he’s going to become a great power for the Family.

2nd AP: Well, he brought plenty of gifts with him, so I guess it’s okay.

Kanda, please tell him about the Family.

Kanda: Yeah. Leave it to me.

... Okay then. So, Mine, what should I tell you about first?

Mine: Kanda-san. Then, first of all, could you tell me about the financial situation of the Nishikiyama Family?

Kanda: The finances? Yeah, alright.

[Fade to black.]

Kanda: ... And that’s the situation. Since the death of the previous Patriarch, the Family’s been in a messy state because of internal turmoil.

Mine: I see. In other words... “management improvements” are necessary.

... I understand. I will try to think of a way to increase our income.

 A few days later...

 [NISHIKIYAMA FAMILY OFFICE]

Kanda: What the hell!? You want us to buy up the Third Kuwata Building!?

Mine: Yes. I thought it would be a key piece of real estate for the Nishikiyama Family to significantly increase their income.

Kanda: But, Mine, the tenants in that building won’t make much money.

What else is in there except for shady massage parlors, unsuccessful ramen shops, and out-of-style bars?

Mine: Actually... the immensely successful Club Gold Panther is currently looking for a second location.

The location of the Third Kuwata Building seems to be the perfect fit for what they are looking for.

Kanda: What the hell? The Gold Panther?

Mine: Yes. Therefore, we should sort out the legal relations of that building, buy it up, clear out the lot, and then sell it off.

I’ve already talked to the owner of Gold Panther.

Kanda: That’s... land sharking. But, isn’t that building in the territory of the Kongo Family, a third-tier organization of the Rikio Clan?

Hey. Mine, you can’t... are you trying to start a war right now?

Mine: No, no. I’m going to negotiate to avoid that.

It’s „M&A“.

Kanda: Uh, „M“? What's that?

Mine: The plan is to incorporate the Kongo Family as a subordinate group of the Nishikiyama Family.

That means that they will be transferred from the Rikio Clan to us.

Kanda: Uhm... In other words, you're gonna make their entire group and territory a part of ours?

Mine: Yes. That way, the land sale that we are after will go smoothly.

Kanda: I see...

Mine: And if we incorporate the Kongo Family, not only that specific territory, but also the other territories that the Kongo Family holds will come with it.

From what I've been able to find out, the Kongo family has a number of influential territories.

However, they seem to be struggling because of a lack of an efficient management, which is preventing them from raising their profits.

Therefore, if we improve our management after incorporating them into our Family, our payments to the Clan should increase.

Kanda: But, how is that going to work? Are they just going to join us so easily?

Mine: In that regard, I'm going to negotiate with the Rikio Clan on that, and offer a small payment to the top of the Clan.

Kanda: Hoh. Make a small payment...

Mine: This would be a good deal for us. The payment to their Clan is small, but our monthly income will eventually increase.

It will take some initial investment on our part, but I am certain that it will eventually pay off greatly.

As for the parent organization, the Rikio Clan, I'm sure they will have some complaints... but they are a weak, moderate organisation, so even if they are directly associated...

They wouldn't think of fighting with the Nishikiyama Family.

Kanda: I see. It's true that the Second Chairman of the Rikio Clan is a weakling. I'm sure he wouldn't fight back.

But the problem is... the members. If the Kongo Family changed Clans for the sake of money, that wouldn’t be a honorable thing to do.

To be honest, I doubt they’ll listen to you.

Mine: ... If that’s the case... I will have one more bargaining chip for negotiation.

Kanda: Bargaining chip?

 [NEGOTIATION – KONGO FAMILY OFFICE, I GUESS]

Kongo: ... I see. Certainly, it's not a bad deal.

Mine: ... What do you think? Would you be willing to consider it?

Kongo: Mine-san. As someone who previously had a respectable occupation you may not understand this, but the criminal underworld is a world of honor.

If I left the Rikio Clan, the organization that has taken care of me, and joined the Nishikiyama Family, it would be a betrayal of my parent organization.

That's the one thing I cannot do, no matter what. Honor is more valuable than money.

Mine: Honor... you say. I see... what you mean. It’s just...

Patriarch Kongo. Have you not already lost your honor?

Kongo: What? What do you mean?

Mine: I heard that you made a lot of money through an insolvency arrangement last month. However, you have not reported that.

You're trying to evade your payment to the Rikio Clan, aren't you?

Kongo: Wha-...

Mine: And it wasn’t just that last month. For the last six months, there are indications that you have been evading the payments to the Clan.

I’m guessing it was because you were struggling to raise enough money, but it is still undeniably an act of betrayal, isn’t it?

Kongo: ... H-Hey...

Mine: This cannot be overlooked, can it? How are you going to make amends for this?

Kongo: ... Kuh...

Mine: However, if you join us, we'll take care of the situation.

How may I help you?

Kongo: ...

 [OUTSIDE]

Kanda: Heheheh. I didn't expect it to go so well. Mine, you're really good.

Mine: Thank you for your kind words. ...Hmm?

Thug: You bastards... you think you're going to make it out of here in one piece?

Kanda: What’s that, the Kongo Family? I thought we spoke to the boss.

Thug: I don't care about the boss. This is our way of getting things done.

Mine: Well, I guess there are these kind of people, too.

Kanda: Mine. Leave the violence to me.

[Kanda beats them up.]

 A few days later...

 [NISHIKIYAMA FAMILY OFFICE]

Mine: Kanda-san. We succeeded in selling the property where the Third Kuwata Building was located.

I've included the money from the sale into our income.

Kanda: Hahaha! We're raking it in! Mine, you're a great guy!

Mine: I’m happy I was able to help you. However, we have a long way to go.

It seems that there are many groups that are suffering from the scars of the war with Omi, with unprofitable territories and little income.

We should intervene in such a territory and try to improve the management.

I intend to propose the transfer to the Nishikyama Family to the leading third-tier and lower organizations on advantageous terms.

Kanda: Oh. Take over them fast!

Mine: This may be abrasive, but if we’re able to improve the management, the profits of the Tojo Clan as a whole will increase significantly.

That also means an increase in the amount of money paid to the headquarters.

Kanda: Huhuhuh. It's getting interesting. I say, it's going to be rough in Kamurocho.

Mine: (It's a rather aggressive move, but if we make a huge profit and stand out, we're sure to catch the attention of Daigo Dojima.)

(And then, I can determine. What kind of man he is.)

 Mine became a member of the Nishikiyama Family.

A few weeks later...

 [CLUB]

Kanda: Hahaha! Today's on me, drink up!

Underling Thug A: Aniki! Thank you very much!

Underling Thug B: Anyway, Aniki. It's amazing what you've been doing lately! You've been doing spectacular work since you came back!

Kanda: That's right! If it's about running a business, you can count on me! I learned a lot about management while I was in jail.

Underling Thug B: That's my Aniki! Not only are you a strong fighter, but you're smart too!

Kanda: Hahaha! That's right~! If I keep up the good work, I'll be a Patriarch soon!!

Underling Thug A: Aniki! Then I’ll be the Captain, right!?

Kanda: Idiot! Why would you. My right hand man is Mine. Right, Kyoudai?

Mine: ... Huh? Yes. That's right.

...

Kanda: What's the matter, Mine? You don't look well. Are you feeling sick?

Mine: ... No. It's not like that, but... I was wondering why the opposition from the acquisition partner is stronger than I expected.

We are offering ideal conditions, and we are trying to improve our management.

Kanda: That's because you're making them betray their parent organization. It's a matter of honor.

Mine: It’s... honor. That's what the Patriarch of the Kongo Family said.

Kanda: In the world of the yakuza, the relationship between the parent organization and their children is absolute. It's a bond that’s stronger than blood.

We're willing to give up our lives for our Clan. That’s our way of life.

Mine: You’d even throw away your life?

Kanda: Yes. But it's not just the parent organization and its children. Kyoudai are also important. That means... you and me.

Mine: Eh? Kanda-san and... me?

Kanda: Yeah. We're kyoudai now. That's why, Mine. When I'm really in danger...

You’ll have to put your life on the line for me. Okay?

Mine: ...

Yes. Of course.

(Hah. Me, for Kanda-san? I hope you’re kidding.)

 [OUTSIDE]

Mine: (Just as I thought. The building is too good of a location to be kept as a rental office.)

(The problem is the group that’s in charge of it... I heard the Myogi Family are a violent organization.)

Yakuza: Hey, you're Mine of the Nishikiyama Family, aren't you?

Mine: ... Yes, and you are?

Yakuza: I’m a member of the Tojo-Rikio Clan group’s Myogi Family.

Mine: !

Yakuza: I heard you've been disturbing our territory lately. Just because the Rikio Clan is a more peaceful organization doesn't mean you should underestimate them.

I can't just sit back and let you mock my parent organization.

Mine: ...Tch!

[Mine fights them.]

Mine: Kuh... How many of these guys are there...

Yakuza: You're doing pretty good, but you're not quite there yet.

Mine: (Damn it! That many... this is not good.)

Yakuza: Hey, you... what's in that briefcase you've been holding so carefully?

Mine: !

(Not good. This is the 50 million yen payment which is supposed to be delivered to the organization...)

Yakuza: Leave it with me. Then I’ll spare your life.

Mine: Unfortunately, this is too much money to waste on a bunch of thugs like you. I can't give it to you.

Yakuza: I see. Then... die!

[Car noises.]

Kanda: Mineeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Mine: What's with that car? It’s heading this way...

Kanda: What the hell are you doing to my kyoudai!! Ooooooh!!

Mine: Is that... Kanda-san!?

[More car noises.]

Yakuza Underling: Whoa! What's with that car...

[Tires screeching.]

Yakuza Underling: Whoa, that’s dangerous... Aaaaah!

[He gets hit by the car.]

Kanda: Mine! Are you okay?

Mine: ... Ka-Ka-Ka... Kanda-san!? What!?

Kanda: Get in!! Let's get out of here!!

Mine: Y-Yes!!

[Mine gets in the car.]

Yakuza: Don't let them get away! Shoot!!

[Gunshots. Tires screeching.]

 [INSIDE OF THE CAR]

Kanda: Mine! Are you hurt!?

Mine: N-No. Thank you.

Kanda: Okay. I'm glad. I was worried because you weren’t coming back for so long...

Mine: (Kanda-san, did you really risk your life for me?)

Kanda: What, Mine. What are you looking at?

Mine: Nothing. I’m just a little surprised. I didn't expect that Kanda-san would come.

Kanda: What are you talking about? I told you. The bond between kyoudai is absolute.

Mine: !

Kanda: I'm not a guy who just talks, okay?

Mine: Kanda-san... Thank you very much.

Kanda: ... Hey, Mine. Can I ask you something?

Mine: Y-Yes?

Kanda: The money, is it safe?

Mine: Eh? The money? Ah, yes. The payment to the top. It's safe.

Kanda: I see. I'm glad.

Mine: ...

(... Don’t tell me that you came to save me not for my sake, but for the money?)

Kanda: N-No! I was just checking!

Mine: Ha, hah... I see.

Kanda: By the way, Mine. There's something that's been bothering me for a while.

Mine: What is it?

Kanda: You... You still don't call me Aniki, do you?

Mine: What?

Kanda: A-ni-ki... I'm your Aniki, remember?

Mine: ... Ah. Of course. I understand.

... Kanda-no-Aniki.

(Whether it's for my sake or not, I’m sure you're there to help.)

(I owe Kanda-no-Aniki one for today.)

 [CLUB]

Kanda's subordinate A: Aniki, congratulations on your new position as Captain!

Kanda: Hahaha! You guys should call me "Kashira" from now on!

Kanda's subordinate A: Yes! Kashira!

Kanda: The Nishikiyama Family is thriving thanks to my great achievements. You guys must be glad I'm back!

Kanda's subordinate B: Yes! Thank you so much!

Kanda: Mine, you're the Lieutenant. That’s a big promotion!

Mine: Thank you very much. I owe it all to Kanda-no-Aniki.

 One hour later...

 Kanda's subordinates: Guh-...

Kanda: Oh, man. They're asleep.

Mine: ... Really, even though they’re in front of my Aniki. Hey!

Kanda: It’s fine, it’s fine.

Mine: But...

Kanda: ... Mine, I wanted to talk to you in private. It’s good that no one’s bothering us.

Mine: Eh? In... private?

Kanda: ... Mine. If it weren't for you, I'd still just be a simple thug.

I'm really grateful to you, you know.

Mine: !

... No. I’ve only been a small help to you.

Kanda: Kyoudai, you're as humble as ever.

But you know what, Mine? My goal is still higher than this.

Mine: ... When you say higher... do you mean the position of Patriarch of the Nishikiyama Family?

Kanda: That's true, but that's just a stepping stone. What I'm truly aiming for is even more than that...

To become the Seventh Chairman of the Tojo Clan!

Mine: The... Chairman?

Kanda: That's right. That naïve brat, Daigo Dojima, is not qualified to be the boss of the Tojo clan.

I’m more suitable. Don’t you agree, Mine?

Mine: ... Yes. That's right.

Kanda: When I become the chairman, I'll make you the Captain!

We're kyoudai for life! I’ll be counting on you, Mine!

Mine: Yes. I’ll be counting on you, too. Kanda-no-Aniki.

(Kanda-no-Aniki as the Chairman... that’s a pretty big step to take.)

(Daigo Dojima. I was going to find out what kind of a man he is...)

(Kyoudai for life...)

(Should I just follow along this guy?)

Enemy Yakuza: Kanda! Mine!!

Kanda: What, you bastards!?

Mine: These must be the yakuza who lost their territory to us.

Kanda: I see. You little fish never learn your lesson. Mine, stay back. I'll beat the crap out of these guys!

[Kanda beats them up.]

Enemy Yakuza: Uh, uuh...

Kanda: Hahaha! Did you think you little fish would be a match for Kanda-sama!?

Kanda's subordinate: That's my Aniki! You're the best fighter in the world!!

Kanda: Mine! Don't just think about running a business, you have to improve on your fighting skills too!

Mine: ... Yes. I will do my best.

 At the same time in the Nishikiyama Family office...

 Nishikiyama Family Member: ... Is that okay? That bastard Kanda, he seems to be getting carried away.

Second Acting Patriarch of the Nishikiyama Family: Of course not. You're the one who lost the position of Captain to that guy.

Nishikiyama Family Member: It's not just me. The Acting Patriarch is also in danger. That guy’s business lately has been brutal.

If we don’t do something, he’s really going to become the Patriarch...

2nd AP: Hey hey, you’ve gotta be kidding! Do you have any idea how many years I've been working for this Family?!

Nishikiyama Family Member: That’s true...

2nd AP: I say, we better do something about this while we still can...

 A few days later...

 [NISHIKIYAMA FAMILY OFFICE]

Mine: What? Chairman Dojima? He wants to see me?

Kanda: Yeah. He wants to talk to you in person.

Mine: What in the world... about what, I wonder?

Kanda: Scoldings and scoldings.

I got called in the other day too, and I was scolded for the way I’ve been making trouble around Kamurocho lately.

Mine: (I didn't expect the opportunity to come so soon.)

But why does he want to talk to me in person, what is the point of that?

Why doesn’t he just warn Kanda-no-Aniki, shouldn’t that be enough?

Kanda: Hmm. I dunno, but he's curious about your background, seems like he wants to talk about something like that.

Mine: ... My background? Is that so. I understand.

(Daigo Dojima. The time has finally come...)

___________________________________________

[IN FRONT OF THE TOJO CLAN HEADQUARTERS]

Mine: (A sudden call from Chairman Dojima...)

(The reason is probably to warn us about our recent behavior...)

(But Kanda-no-Aniki also told me he was interested in my background.)

(I never thought I'd get the chance to meet him in person so soon.)

(A man whose subordinates would give their lives for him... I’m going to find out what kind of a man he really is.)

 [THE SIXTH CHAIRMAN’S OFFICE]

[Door opening sound.]

Mine: Excuse me, please.

Daigo: ... You must be Mine. I've heard rumors about you.

I was told you’re quite outstanding. I heard you're a venture capitalist?

Mine: Yes. I'm the chairman of the company I founded...

Daigo: ... I see. I'm hoping that a different kind of member like you will bring in a new wind.

Mine: (I thought I would be scolded harshly for my recent actions in Kamurocho...)

(Are you really interested in me?)

Daigo: I do wonder, though. Why would a man with your career become a member of the yakuza?

Mine: That is...

Daigo: If you want to, could you tell me?

Mine: ... It’s...

I’ve been looking for something that I’m not sure if it even exists... I guess that’s what the reason is.

Daigo: ... Huh. That's an intriguing way of saying it.

So, have you found what you were looking for?

Mine: ... I’m not sure. It’s just...

I’m in a situation where I am not sure if what I have found is really what I was looking for.

Daigo: I see. I hope you can find it.

Mine: ...

Chairman Dojima. There is one thing I would like to ask you.

Daigo: What is it?

Mine: I heard that you were a civilian before you became Chairman.

Why, what were your thoughts, when you accepted the position of Chairman?

Daigo: ...

... Originally, it was to meet the expectations of those who had recommended me. But now...

Mine: Now?

Daigo: I’m trying to protect the people who are like family to me.

Mine: Family... is it?

Daigo: Yes. The people who belong to this Clan are all the kind of people who couldn’t get by in the regular world.

I used to be one of those people, too... it is difficult for all of them to live a normal life.

This Clan is a place where these people find a place to belong. For their sake, I want to protect that place.

... That's why I'm the Chairman.

Mine: (Family...)

Daigo: ...That's why, Mine. What you're doing right now is unacceptable.

Mine: !

Daigo: It is against our honor to fight and spill blood within the organization. Not to mention, it is outrageous to invade the territory of members of your own organization.

Mine: ....

Yes, that... may be a violation of honor.

However, as a result, the management of the third-tier organizations has improved, their income has increased, and their organizations have prospered.

Isn't some sacrifice inevitable for the greater good of the organization?

Daigo: I don't think so. Even if it's only a small sacrifice, I cannot ignore it.

From now on, I want you to desist from this.

Mine: ... Chairman Dojima. I understand. I will take this warning very seriously.

Daigo: ... Yes. I’m asking you to.

Mine: (I’m a little... disappointed. He’s the same as me. Or how I once was...)

(Living hanging onto an illusion of an organization like family, of unprecedented bonds...)

(So blinded by these illusions that we cannot see the big picture of the organization.)

(Is there really something about this man that makes his subordinates want to protect him even at the cost of their lives?)

 [STREET]

Mine: Well. Let's head to the restaurant where I was supposed to meet Kanda-no-Aniki.

[Gunshots.]

Mine: ! What? A gunshot?

Kanda: S-Stooop!!

Mine: Kanda-no-Aniki!?

[Mine runs to help.]

 [DIFFERENT STREET]

Yakuza: ...Tch. I missed...

Kanda: Whoa, what the hell are you doing!

Mine: Kanda-no-Aniki!! What the hell is...

Kanda: Mi-Mine? This guy just attacked me out of nowhere!

Yakuza: Damn. You’re in the way...

Mine: I think you’re a member of the tertiary organization of the Nishikiyama Family...

Kanda: What? This guy is one of our people?

Yakuza: Hey! You guys!

Yakuza: Kill them!

[They fight.]

Kanda: You bastards!! You’re from the tertiary organization of the Nishikiyama Family? Who paid you for this!?

Yakuza: Uhh... Guh... I-It... It was...

Kanda: Say it!!

[Kanda hits him.]

Yakuza: Guh...

Kanda: Answer me or I'll shoot you dead!!

Yakuza: ... It was the S-Second Acting Patriarch...

Kanda: What the fuck? It was him?

Yakuza: T-That's right! He gave me the order!

Kanda: T-That bastard... does he have any idea how much money we’re making!?

Mine: That’s probably why.

Kanda: What? What do you mean?

Mine: That man is nothing more than a substitute for the Patriarch. He doesn't have any achievements, and he doesn't make a lot of money.

In the meantime, Kanda-no-Aniki has been making an enormous amount of money. He must have thought that he’s in risk of losing his position.

Kanda: T-That bastard...

Mine: Really... you can never be too careful. Yakuza organizations are like that.

They talk about honor, but they will kill their own members without hesitation if it means protecting themselves.

Kanda: ... M-Mine! You're never gonna betray me, right!?

Mine: No. Of course not. Kanda-no-Aniki...

(But having said that, I'm afraid I'm in danger too.)

(... Well, what do we do now?)

 [ROOM]

Mine: Thank you very much for your time today.

Nishikiyama Family 2nd Acting Patriarch: ... Mine. What do you want to talk about?

Mine: I got surprised the other day. I was attacked out of the blue.

2nd AP: !

Mine: Is Kanda your target?

2nd AP: ... What are you talking about?

Mine: You don't have to play dumb. I know that Kanda was making you feel uneasy.

That man is after the position of Patriarch, right?

But... I’m not joking about getting involved in this.

2nd AP: ...! Mine, you... are you serious?

Mine: To tell you the truth, I'm also annoyed by Kanda's tyranny.

He calls me his kyoudai, but in reality he thinks of me as nothing more than a convenient money-maker.

2nd AP: Hah. That bastard Kanda, as always, seems to have no popularity.

Mine: He has that personality. It's not surprising.

Anyway... I do not want to be in danger because of Kanda.

So, Acting Second Patriarch. One thing I'd like to ask you...

Why don't you work with me to outsmart Kanda? Let's give him a good surprise.

2nd AP: What!?

Mine: I'm not going to sacrifice my own life. But as one would expect, this has a high risk.

2nd AP: Then, what are you going to do?

Mine: The Second Acting Patriarch should be able to make a bigger profit than that guy.

Enough to get you promoted to Patriarch.

2nd AP: Well, that's right. And how do you...

Mine: There is a big deal that Kanda and I have been working on. The deal was for 100 guns smuggled in from the mainland.

2nd AP: 1-100!?

Mine: That’s right. It’s going to bring us hundreds of millions as income. If you pay that to the Clan, you are certain to become a Patriarch.

And once that happens, you can expel Kanda.

Then we can say goodbye to that violent tyrant.

2nd AP: ... Huhuhuh. Mine, you are one evil bastard.

Mine: Hah. I'll take that as a compliment.

... Acting Patriarch. Please keep this a secret from the others, alright?

The next day.

At a warehouse in Tokyo Bay...

 [WAREHOUSE]

2nd AP: ... Mine. Kanda hasn’t found out about this, right?

Mine: No. I've told Kanda the transaction is next week.

2nd AP: Okay.

Mine: ... Acting Patriarch. It seems that our business partner has arrived.

Man in Black: You brought the money, right?

Mine: Yes. Here you go...

Man in Black: Okay... As for the goods, they are in that truck.

2nd AP: Let me check.

[Fade to black.]

2nd AP: Huhuhuh. This is amazing...

Man in Black: Well then, we're leaving...

Mine: Yes. Thank you for your time.

[Fade to black.]

2nd AP: Okay. Now all we have to do is sell this and...

Mine: I guess... it’s about time.

2nd AP: Hmm? About time for what?

Man's voice: Bastard, don’t you dare move!!

2nd AP: Hah, cops!? Why?

Mine: Thank you for your time. Now, I'll leave you to it...

Detective: ... Yes.

2nd AP: Wha-!? Hey, Mine!!

Mine: What is it? I'm just a well-meaning civilian who happened to be here on the scene and reported it.

2nd AP: Huh!?

I-It can’t be, Mine, you bastard... you set me up!?

And you involved that cop, too, didn’t you!?

Mine: Huh. I don't know what you're talking about.

2nd AP: ... S-Shit! I'm not gonna get caught!

[He runs away. He’s cut off by Kanda.]

Kanda: Whoa, don't let him get away.

2nd AP: K-Kanda!?

Kanda: It took a lot of effort to get those 100 guns. It would have been impossible if I didn't have so many connections.

2nd AP: Kanda, you bastard... You’re working with Mine too!?

Kanda: Heheheh. That's what I’m talking about.

That guy Mine doesn’t have the kind of connections in this world to work with the Organized Crime Division of the Police.

That's why I'm here to help.

2nd AP: D-Damn it...

Mine: Kanda-no-Aniki. The chitchat can wait. Let's hand this guy over to the cops quickly.

Kanda: I guess that’s true. Acting Patriarch, be quiet!

2nd AP: ... D-Damn it! If you bastards hand me over, I'll kill you all at once!!

[Fade to black. The Second Acting Patriarch got beat up.]

2nd AP: Hahh... Hahh...

Detective: Hey! Be quiet!

2nd AP: Hah... Hahh... I'm not gonna let you get me!!

Mine: Damn! That guy, he’s got a gun...

Detective: Hey! Don't do anything stupid!

[Gunshots.]

Detective: Guh... Gah...!!

[He collapses. The Second Acting Patriarch runs away.]

Kanda: You bastard!! Wait!!

Mine: Kanda-no-Aniki!! It's dangerous. The other guy has a gun.

Kanda: Tch...

Mine: Letting him get away is a mistake but... I’m sure that the police will be able to catch him.

He shot a policeman. He’s not going to get away with it.

Kanda: That’s true. Hey, Minamida, are you alive?

Detective: ... K-Kanda. C-Can you call an ambulance, quickly?

 [DOCKS]

[Siren noises in the background.]

Mine: Losing the gun trafficking route is a hard blow, but there was more to be gained from it.

The confiscation of 100 guns. It's a big achievement for the Organized Crime Division, and they owe us a big favour now. And in addition...

Kanda: Yes. Now the obstacle is gone.

Mine: This was also because of Kanda-no-Aniki’s collaboration.

Kanda: ... Yeah. I had to cross a dangerous line this time. I broke out in a cold sweat.

But, Kyoudai... you did it because you believed in your plan, right?

Mine, thank you for teaming up with me and not with that guy.

Mine: ... Kanda-no-Aniki.

Kanda: Mine. We're Kyoudai for life. Let's take the top of the Tojo Clan together!

Mine: Yes. I will be happy to accompany you. Until the end.

(Certainly, that man is an fool, and he's rough and a thug. But...)

(With this man, I might find a new reason to live.)

 [NISHIKIYAMA FAMILY OFFICE]

Kanda: All right!! You guys, clench your teeth! One hit in the morning, to wake up your fighting spirit!

Kanda's underlings: Yes, Boss! Please!

Kanda: Oraa!

[Kanda slaps his subordinate.]

Kanda's subordinate A: Ugh-!

Kanda: Oraa!

[Kanda slaps his subordinate.]

Kanda's subordinate B: Kuh-!

Kanda: Oraa!

[Kanda slaps his subordinate.]

Kanda's subordinate C: Geh-!

Kanda: Oraa!

[Kanda slaps his subordinate.]

Kanda's subordinate D: Uuh-!

Kanda: Oraa!

[Kanda tries to slap Mine. Mine dodges.]

Kanda: Hey! Mine! Don't dodge it!

Mine: Kanda-no-Aniki. Is it necessary to do this every morning?

Kanda: Of course! It's a wake-up call! Don't dodge it tomorrow!!

Mine: Hah...

Kanda: All right, you guys, go out there and make some money today! And don't show any mercy for anyone who gets in your way!

Let them realize how terrifying the Nishikiyama Family is!!

Kanda's underlings: Yes!

Mine: (Since Kanda-no-Aniki took over as the Patriarch, the line of violence has been expanding...)

(Our income has increased enormously, but... we’re going to get scolded by Chairman Dojima again...)

 [STREET]

Middle-aged Man: What do you mean the promissory note has become invalid!? What about the promised compensation for eviction of 30 million!?

Mine: I apologize for the inconvenience. The Daikyu Company, the intermediary between us, has went bankrupt.

Middle-aged Man: Y-You've got to be kidding me!! I've only got paid 6 million in advance!!

Mine: ... That’s what I’ve been told. I'm only a negotiator...

Middle-aged Man: You've been planning the bankruptcy from the start, haven’t you!? I know how you bastards do your business!

[Some gangster-looking guys show up.]

Mine: Who are these people?

Middle-aged Man: They’re bodyguards. At least leave the money you have on you right now with me!

[Mine beats them up.]

Yakuza: ... Guh... S-Strong...

[He collapses.]

Mine: Do you still want to do this?

Middle-aged Man: E-Eek!

[He runs away.]

Mine: (Now this property is ours, too... Kanda-no-Aniki will be pleased to hear that.)

[Mine’s phone buzzes. He takes the call.]

Mine: ... Yes. Eh? Chairman Dojima? I understand.

Good grief. The scolding came immediately.

 [THE SIXTH CHAIRMAN’S OFFICE]

Mine: Chairman Dojima, how can I help you today?

Daigo: You should already know that. It’s about how you guys make your money.

Kanda’s acting self-importantly, but you're the one managing from behind the scenes, aren't you?

Mine: No, that’s not true...

Daigo: Anyway... in spite of my previous warning, you guys have not improved your behavior in the slightest.

Mine, there won't be a next time, do you understand?

Mine: !

Daigo: If you continue this way, I will have to take some sort of punishment into consideration.

Mine: ... I understand. I will take this warning very seriously.

(This is bad. We really went too far...)

(I'll have to figure out how to make more income in the future.)

Daigo: But, Mine. It's not just the trouble in the organization that I'm worried about. It's your safety.

Mine: Safety?

Daigo: Yes. Even if the Patriarch agrees to switch to a different parent organization, that’s not always the case with their subordinates.

In fact, I've heard that some people with a grudge against you have been resorting to violence against you.

Mine. If you keep this up, you're going to get yourself killed one day, you understand?

Mine: ... I'm well aware of the danger.

However, as long as I am living in the world of organized crime, I believe that some violence is inevitable.

Daigo: Hah. You've got a lot of guts for a guy who used to be a civilian until recently.

But, be careful. I've been in this world for a while now, and I have experienced it. The world of the yakuza is truly a den of thieves...

If you're not careful, you'll end up getting slashed from behind. And it's not just the enemy. You have to be careful with your own people, too.

Mine: ... Chairman Dojima. Even so, I think I'm a good judge of character.

I’m very careful, especially when it comes to untrustworthy people. You have nothing to worry about.

Daigo: I see.

Mine: Thank you very much for your advice. I will also be mindful of today’s warning.

... Well, I'm going back to work.

Daigo: ...

 [NISHIKYAMA FAMILY OFFICE]

Kanda: Oh, Mine! You're back! Finally, we did it!

Mine: Kanda-no-Aniki? What's going on?

Kanda: 700 Million in payments to the headquarters... are this month's income!

Mine: Oh... 700 million?...

Kanda: Heheheh. If I deliver this, the headquarters will have to recognize my power.

The promotion to Assistant Chief of Headquarters is finally in sight.

Mine: ... There is one concern, though...

Kanda: What?

Mine: Earlier, I was called in by Chairman Dojima again, and he lectured me about our methods.

"There won’t be a next time, be ready to get a punishment," is what he said.

Kanda: Yeah. I've been told that too.

Right, but I'm sure that if we pay this money to the Clan, he'll calm down.

After all, the Tojo Clan is currently in trouble with money because of the war with the Omi Alliance.

If he’s confronted with this amount of money, he’ll have to accept our way of doing things after all.

Mine: ... Indeed, I suppose you’re right.

(Yes. People change when they have a lot of money in front of them.)

(He said that it's like family, and that honor is important and such things... but I'm sure that he's no exception.)

 _________________________________________________

 [INSIDE OF A CAR]

[The car starts to drive.]

Kanda: Haah. I don't wanna bow to Chairman Dojima's face month after month at the officers’ meeting.

Mine: He’s got his eyes on us. It’s natural that you would feel uneasy.

Kanda: Haah, it's so gloomy.

Mine: However, Kanda-no-Aniki, Chairman Dojima’s attitude should also change once we offer the 700 million yen.

Kanda: Yeah, right. With that, I’m finally getting the position of Assistant Chief of Headquarters...

[Tires screeching.]

Kanda: ... Whoa!

Mine: W-What is it!? Why did we stop!?

Driver Yakuza: E-Err. Well, there are some shady guys...

Mine: Who are they?

 [DOCKS/SOME KIND OF WAREHOUSE]

Kanda: What are you idiots doing!!

... Ah, you bastard are...

2nd AP: Long time no see, Kanda. And Mine...

Mine: The Second Acting Patriarch...

Kanda: You seem to be trying to run away still. Do you think you can get away with shooting a cop?

2nd AP: Yes. If I had the money, I could. If only I had the money...

Mine: (Money? It can’t be...)

2nd AP: I know you guys have the money to pay to the Clan with you today. I heard you've been making a lot of cash lately?

I'll use it to flee the country. Hand it over.

Kanda: Like hell I will! I need this money to become the Assistant Chief of Headquarters!

Who the hell would give it to a bastard like you!

2nd AP: Ahh. I suppose you’re right. That is why I'm going to take it from you by force.

[Some thugs show up.]

Kanda: W-What’s with these guys?

2nd AP: These are people who have a grudge against you, just like me.

Go on, kill them!

[They fight.]

Mine: Haah... Haah... these guys, there's no end to them.

2nd AP: Oraa! Kanda! Die!

Mine: Aniki! Watch out!

[Mine takes the hit for Kanda.]

Mine: ... Guh!

Kanda: M-Mine!?

Mine: Kanda-no-Aniki, we are indeed outnumbered. At this rate, it's only a matter of time before we're killed.

That payment of 700 million... If we can somehow use that to persuade him...

Kanda: T-That’s right, but that's the money I need to become the Assistant Chief of Headquarters...

Mine: But there’s no replacing life. Things like money, you can make again just fine.

Kanda: It's not that easy to make that much money!

Besides, now that I’m being watched by the Chairman... I can't make money the rough way like before.

This money is my ticket to success! I can't just hand it over!

Mine: B-But...

Kanda: ...

Mine. The younger brother protects the older brother. Of course that’s how it works, right?

Mine: Huh?

Kanda: You've done a great job until now. Thanks to you, the Family’s business is stable.

So now, I can continue without you. It’s okay now.

Mine: Kanda-no-Aniki? What...

[Mine gets hit.]

Mine: Ggh...!

Kanda: Mine! The offering for him is you! I'll take the money!

Mine: (Well, with me as a shield...!!)

2nd AP: Hey!! Wait, Kanda!

Kanda: Like hell I’ll wait! You dumbass!

[The car starts and drives away]

2nd AP: Shit! That bastard Kanda!

Mine: Dammit... Kanda-no-Aniki. Why...

2nd AP: Unfortunately I didn’t get the money... revenge it is, then! I'll make you bastard suffer plenty for it!

Mine: ...

[The Second Acting Patriarch beats Mine up.]

2nd AP: Haah. I hit him and hit him. I didn't get the money, but I'm feeling much better. Hey, Mine?

Mine: ...

(Again... I was betrayed. Now... once again...)

2nd AP: ... Do you have any last words to say?

Mine: ... I have... none... If you're going to kill me, kill me quickly.

2nd AP: Is that so. Then... Die.

Mine: (I was a fool. After all, this world is...)

(Full of lies.)

Man's voice: ... Mine. There you are...

[Daigo shows up.]

Mine: Huh... Chairman Dojima?

2nd AP: W-What the hell?

Mine: Chairman Dojima, why are you here?

Daigo: Kanda came late to the executive meeting. He was acting strange, so I confronted him about it and he told me.

That you guys were attacked. Even about the incident that started it all.

Mine: Here... What are you doing here...?

Daigo: Second Acting Patriarch. Could you please forgive Mine?

2nd AP: W-What... now...

Daigo: I'm not saying for free. I've prepared one billion for you.

You can use this to fund your escape. You needed money, didn't you?

2nd AP: A b-billion?

Mine: C-Chairman. That money is...?

Daigo: I was able to persuade the officers to let me take this month’s payment.

As you can imagine, there was vehement protest...

...But I can't replace your life.

Mine: !

Daigo: ... Phew. Good grief. This is going to increase the opposition from within the Clan again.

Here, the car keys. The money is in the trunk.

[The Second Acting Patriarch checks the trunk.]

2nd AP: Heh, heheh. Amazing, the money’s there...

Daigo: With this, you can forget about Mine. All right?

2nd AP: ... Chairman Dojima. I'm very grateful for this money. However...

This guy caused me a lot of trouble!

Thanks to him, I'm a murderer on the run!! My wife and kids are gone too!

I've got to kill him, sorry!

Mine: Uh...

2nd AP: Die! Mine!!

Daigo: Stop it-!!

[Gunshots.]

Daigo: ... Kuh...

Mine: What, Chairman Dojima? Protecting me?

Daigo: ... Mine, are you alright?

Mine: ...

2nd AP: O-Oh, oh, ohh... Oh dammit. I shot... the Chairman...

Now... I've got no choice but to kill you both!

Mine: ... You bastard...

What do you think you’re doing, huh!!

[Mine beats him up.]

Mine: Haah... Haah... Haah...

2nd AP: Guh... Shit....

[He collapses.]

Mine: Chairman Dojima!

Daigo: Kuh. I got shot in the side...

Mine: I-Immediately, an ambulance...!!

[Ambulance sirens.]

Mine: (Chairman Dojima, why? Why would you do this for me?)

 The next day...

 [HOSPITAL]

Mine: Chairman...

Daigo: Mine. Thank you for coming here. But they’re letting me leave the hospital already. The bullet only grazed my side, it looks like I avoided a fatal wound.

... I think I got lucky.

Mine: ... Why?

Daigo: Why...?

Mine: Why did you, the Sixth Chairman of the Tojo Clan, save a single member like me?

Not to mention preparing such a large amount of money...

Daigo: ...

Hey, Mine. Is it so strange to protect a friend?

Mine: Huh...

Daigo: Isn't that natural? At least that's what I believe.

Mine: ... That might be the case, but... to the point of risking your life?

I've been betrayed so many times in my life. By the people I have trusted...

And from your point of view, I must have been a problem child who didn't even listen to you.

I don’t understand why you’d risk your life for me...

Daigo: ... Mine. I thought I told you.

The members of this Clan are like family to me. That’s why, as the Chairman, it’s my duty to protect that family.

... You're no exception.

Mine: I'm... family?

Daigo: ... Yes. That's what I think. So I only did what was reasonable.

Well, Mine. Is it really so strange?

Mine: ...

(I...)

(Maybe I... was wrong.)

[Kanda comes in.]

Kanda: Chairman! Are you okay!? ... Woah, Mine!

Mine: ...

Kanda: Heh, heheh. You're looking well. Heh, heheheh...

Mine: ...

Kanda-san. You saved my life that time.

Kanda: Huh?

Mine: You pretended to run away from there to let the headquarters know I was in danger, right?

Kanda: ... R-Right! That’s right! Mine, you got it!

Hahahaha! As expected from my kyoudai!

Mine: (For now... this is fine. He still has a use. At least... for now.)

... By the way, Chairman Dojima. Kanda-no-Aniki. I actually have one thing to discuss with you.

Daigo: Discuss?

Kanda: Huh, anything you want, kyoudai!

Mine: It's about what I’m going to do in the future.

Then, after some time has passed...

 [THE SIXTH CHAIRMAN’S OFFICE]

Daigo: Hakuho Clan, huh... That’s a good name, Mine.

Mine: Thank you very much.

Daigo: Anyway, I don’t know how Kanda accepted your independence.

Mine: Well, it seems that Kanda-no-Aniki had some plans of his own...

But well, it’s his matter. I'm sure he plans to treat me like an underling from now on.

Daigo: Hah. Well, don’t overdo it.

Mine: Yes. But... Are you sure this is really alright?

Daigo: What is it?

Mine: I’m suddenly becoming the leader of a directly subsidiary Clan... this seems too early to talk about for a newcomer like me.

Daigo: Hah. And what would that make me, then?

Mine: ... I apologize.

Daigo: That was a joke. Considering what you've contributed so far, it’s not that inappropriate.

In addition, you're a little dangerous... I better keep you within my sight.

Mine: That... I’m sorry about that. I will change from now on.

Daigo: More importantly, are you sure about this?

You can still turn back now. ... You don’t have to become a Yakuza if you don’t want to.

Mine: Yes, you're right. ... But I've already made up my mind.

Because finally, I was able to find it.

— Exactly what I've been looking for.

Daigo: Is that so. All right. I'll exchange it with you, then. A parent-child-sakazuki.

Mine: Please do.

(Yes. I have finally found it. A new reason to live. A true bond...)

(Daigo Dojima. I'm going to live for this man.)

(For as long as this life is...)

--The End--

Thank you for reading!

[tarokro]

Yakuza 6, the game of all time

when I finished Yakuza 6 I wrote a good bit about it that I didn’t end up finishing. it’s a huge ramble with no conclusion, just a lot of thoughts. spoilers below.

A friend of mine ( @amalgamidol​ ) told me that I’m the perfect person to play a Yakuza game. I don’t think about things too much. I take things as they’re given to me and run with them. Yakuza is a series fraught with complicated, stupid plots and dumb twists, and I sit through all of them with rapt attention because I’m being entertained. That’s not to say that I don’t have gripes with the games - they’re all flawed in their own ways - but I still come out of them knowing that I had a great time.

It took me four months to beat Yakuza 6. For reference, I played every other mainline game, from 0 to 5, between January and July. Yakuza 6 is one of the shortest games (if not the shortest, I haven’t checked howlongtobeat), but it took me the longest to play - and not for a lack of interest, but because everything prior to the last four chapters of the game feels like a slog.

What little we know about the development of Yakuza 6 points to a complete story rehaul at some point within the game’s dev cycle. Given that RGG Studio tries to put out a game a year, that can’t have been a decision that was easily made, and the fallout of this still feels very present in the game that we play. The story we explore is meant to be a conclusion to Kiryu’s saga that ends up feeling anything but, building up a Kiryu that both exemplifies the worst parts of his character and contradicts his fundamentals at every turn. All of this builds up to an ending that feels like an ultimate act of cowardice from both the writers and Kiryu himself, and I’m left thinking more about the rewrite and the what-ifs than the story we were ultimately given.

Yakuza 6 did not break my cycle. I sat down, I played the game, I took everything as it was given and didn’t question it. I loved the new characters. I got invested. I had a lot of fun. But a Yakuza game’s ending has never left me feeling so conflicted, and I can’t help but feel that by trying to pander to everyone, RGG Studio satisfied no-one.

Right at the beginning of the game, our most relevant big players are jailed. Majima, Saejima, Daigo - gone. For a game that’s meant to conclude Kiryu’s saga, chucking three of his most important allies into jail is baffling at best and infuriating at worst. Nothing about this game could be a wholly satisfying end without his recurring allies at the forefront, and it hurts.

- there could have been no satisfying conclusion to Kiryu’s saga with the omission of everyone that has supported him along the way, and Majima, Saejima and Daigo being jailed at the start immediately tells you this won’t be a fitting end. what we know of remaining files in the game and the completely different story presented in the demo tells us that this wasn’t the original end to his saga, and the more you look at it, the more it stings

- the plot feels like a sum of coincidences too powerful to ignore. and that’s a lot in a yakuza game, where I suspend my disbelief to the highest degrees because I am the series’ perfect consumer

- the incomplete map of Kamurocho in the end of his saga again feels like spitting in people’s faces

- a portrayal of the different types of fatherhood without Kiryu himself ever admitting to his own daughter that he is her father fucking sucks

- daigo fatherhood feels really shoved in to accommodate the theme vs his previous status as a guardian - it feels like they ran with the thread established in Y0, the game before, and ran away with it. prior to the release of Y0, we had no idea of any details of the link between Kiryu and Daigo beyond Daigo seeing Kiryu as an idol and Kiryu putting himself in a mentorlike position so it just made me hate it more. there was no hint to Kiryu even being significantly in this relationship prior to that stupid twist at the end with the letter and I hate it. I would not have hated it if kiryu’s relationship to daigo was brought up anywhere else in the plot instead of the general theme of fatherhood. it wasn’t

- on that note, while I was watching that letter cutscene, a friend accidentally went “lol daigo” because he forgot I’d never played the game. I laughed and went “lol wouldn’t it be fucked up if he wrote this for daigo and not his own daughter.” call me booboo the fool.

- a step back for women, somehow

- Kiyomi and misogyny. I think her performance sucked but having a woman exist for nothingburger male competition felt like a perfect culmination of Kiryu’s saga in how much it treated women like dirt

- Haruka and misogyny. she’s been through too much and having her in a coma throughout again the final chapter of her father’s story

- Kiryu admitting that he sees himself as Daigo’s father before Haruka’s I hate this

- Kiryu both not dying and thus erasing any & all purpose of his previous sacrifice, but then proceeding to inexplicably run away as though his connection to his family can ever be severed in spite of what he has been through & seen for 12 chapters again feels like the ultimate ending to his saga because it’s a cop-out. it’s a lack of responsibility. it’s him running away.

- his last words to Haruka fuck me up. telling her to live for other people and make them happy and continue on his lifelong habit of self-sacrificing subservience. boo you whore

- It should have been a movie

[todayisafridaynight]

sometimes i think about daigo interacting with the mundane and thinking about mine and i throw up a little bit ngl

[akiiyamashun]

I know you mentioned you enjoyed Akiyama and it pushed you to pick him up as a muse.

What was the exact reason on why you picked him up? Was / is there something that the fandom portrays him as and you don't? What is one dynamic you love to explore more about that isn't talked about enough yet you want to? Annnnnd what's your thoughts on how Akiyama would be & react towards about the homeless in Yokohama?

I know he will definitely be open towards them and understand their situation, but how would he go about in interacting with them?

unscripted asks . always accepting

Beck, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for sending this ask because I realized that I might not have... Fully explained the reasons why I picked up Akiyama as a muse (at least not after officially opening up the blog!). And not only that but all these other juicy things, too! Ugh, thank you so much for this!

But first things first: I picked up the Yakuza games again after I started chatting/plotting with @sixthxchairman over at my other blog, and Y3 was... A not so fun experience, to put it mildly. It is my least favorite entry and I struggled to move forward because of 2 main things: graphics/technology whiplash (I went from Y0 and Kiwami 1 and Kiwami 2 to... A PS3 remaster haha; it was a jarring experience) and the story. Gosh, the plot and pacing of Y3 is just strange, with a lot of dad Kiryu content that I did not particularly care for, Daigo being mostly off-screen and just confusing/cliché conspiracies including lost twins and everything.

I did not know a thing about Y4 when I started - I just wanted more Daigo content, really - and then Akiyama Shun happened and oh. my. god. I was smitten with him right at the beginning - confused because I had no idea we were getting non-Kiryu protagonists at the time, but I thought his initial scenes with Hana amusing; I absolutely LOVED his fighting style (I’ve always done very well with him, as opposed to Saejima, for instance) and by the time Kido did the introduction with that voice-over about who he was and everything, I was sold.

Akiyama is just a very likeable, charming and refreshing character for me - Kiryu is not a favorite of mine and I largely played the games for the other characters/overall lore (and Majima, my original love from Y0 haha). But then suddenly there was this guy, with mysterious motivations and great lines, awesome voice and fun moves. I was entranced - he felt more relatable and an everyday sort of guy than Kiryu and his mythical fighting skills and legendary reputation etc. Also a protagonist I did not feel like groaning at and questioning his motivations every 5 minutes.

As I got further with the game and then somewhere along Y5, I was so deep into Akiyama hell that I knew I needed to write him; I started creating backstories, motivations, relatives and a lot of things to explain why Akiyama is who he was and my portrayal was born. I like to think I’m rather singular in the aspect that I don’t personally think he’s stupid/lazy or a shallow comic relief - sure, he acts like that sometimes, but my interpretation of Akiyama feels like it’s different from most of the fandom in the sense that I see him as someone with above-average intelligence, with strong anti-system bias and who genuinely wants to make life for others better. There are a lot of particular political and societal views that I incorporate in how I write him. 

On your second point: I would absolutely love to have the chance to write homeless!Akiyama or even his past, arrogant self prior to his fall from grace. I think these two are sides to his personality I haven’t yet touched in detail and which would be fun to flesh out more - despite the fact that he is not yet the Akiyama Shun we all love and adore. Particularly his homeless era - the original one post-Touto scandal, and not during Y6 - is a period that fascinates me because it was hard, dark and a lesser man would have been destroyed by it; somehow, he managed to not only survive, but to be reborn as someone he’s happy with and confident with his role in the world. There is a reason I keep associating himself to the phoenix so much (in addition to the little in-game hints, too).

And finally your third question re. Yokohama - I sincerely think Akiyama has an edge there because he’s not formally anything (he’s a civilian running a legitimate business), but Y6 suggests that he’s considered an ally/connection to Daigo and maybe he could be targeted by the Omi as well if he stayed in Kamurocho as a Tojo loyalist (despite not being yakuza!). Although I don’t think they would personally go after him - because, again, he’s a civilian and the entire idea of taking control over Tokyo was doing it in a way that was different from the open all-out yakuza wars - I still think it might have driven him to someplace near for a breather and discover/interact with the people there.

I sincerely think his modus operandi would be similar to what we see in the other games because he would offer food/minimal material comforts and try to understand what is going on in the city first - but the moment someone tried to take advantage of them (such as charging protection money), he would fight back and likely get pulled into the Ijin Three mess because that’s what he does - he keeps being dragged into underworld business because he won’t stay quiet or put, haha. 

But chances are (unless he crossed paths with Kasuga and friends) that he wouldn’t go deep into their business or the power structure in Ijincho - he would attempt to negotiate some deal for these people, and probably work with Hello Work/local organizations to try and find employment or better long-term solutions. I don’t doubt he would grant loans himself, or just try to find a way to put their skills to good use and overall make a difference.

[yakuzacanons]

hiiii!!! I think I read your posts pretty much everyday and am loving absolutely everything you write!!

This one thought has been bothering me for a while: what would our boys think of their s/o being a foreigner? I guess some of them would pay no mind, some of them would be bothered at first, maybe some of them would even use their s/o as a token! What do you think?

Good question! Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Last post of the night kiddos, see y'all tomorrow eve.

Kazuma Kiryu

Doesn't mind and doesn't care. People are people. He likes you because he likes you. It's that shrimple. Seriously though, it never phased him. He doesn't ask questions about it either. Feel free to share exactly as much or as little about your culture as you'd like.

Majima Goro

Similar mindset as Kiryu but he would ask some questions. Somewhat interested in cultural differences, like the fact that Americans don't take off their shoes before going inside. It's not always aimed at YOUR culture specifically, he's just curious.

Saejima Taiga

He's a little resistant at first. Saejima's a little more old school and likely always saw himself with a more traditionally Japanese spouse. Mildly confused at some of your cultural differences but gets used to them. His affections towards you are more powerful than his confusion. Besides, he's easily confused anyways by a lot of things.

Akiyama Shun

Thinks that it's really cool that you're a foreigner. Might even think that's what makes you so interesting in the first place, at least when you first meet. Tries to learn words in your language but never pronounces them well.

Tanimura Masayoshi

As a mixed race guy, he kind of relates to you. He's pretty respectful of your culture and enjoys sharing his with you but he would never pressure you to do the same. Mostly just accepts it as is, no questions asked.

Ryuji Goda

Like Akiyama, he likely finds your cultural differences enticing when he first meets you. Finds himself actually caring about your cultural and is pretty respectful of it. Goes out of his way to try to remember important holiday events from your culture. Would punch anyone who makes fun of you.

Nishikyama Akira

Generally prefers an Asian spouse but he's open to other possibilities. Kind of guy to dumbly ask "Why" or "Huh" when you do certain things that relate to your culture. Little bit dumb about it all. Doesn't exactly judge you though but he can be openly confused at times.

Daigo Dojima

Honestly he has never thought about dating a foreigner and probably thinks it's expected of him to have a Japanese spouse but doesn't let that stop him. Daigo's a big sweetheart when in love so where you're from or what culture you partake in doesn't bother him none. Genuinely supportive and loving all the way.

Mine Yoshitaka

Might be a little guilty of fetishizing your culture or using it as a token point of interest. What can I say, Mine really does want to look cool in front of everyone, even more than Nishiki. If you tell him, he'll immediately knock it off. He likely just didn't realize that it bothered you or offended you.

Tatsuo Shinada

Also guilty of making your culture or foreigner status into a token subject, but more so in the way he just asks a LOT of questions. He doesn't realize it makes you feel like you're a zoo animal or like a science project. His intentions are well placed though, he just doesn't know when to stop asking.

Ichiban Kasuga

He'll just be like "Okay, cool!" with a thumbs up. That's how much you being a foreigner affects him. Bless his gentle heart, he could never fathom how anyone could judge you or treat you differently just because you're a foreigner.

Tianyou Zhao

Sympathizes with your struggles and is really understanding. Would be down to share cultural foods or holidays with you, either from his culture or yours. He's just generally really chill about it.

Joon-Gi Han

Similar vibe as Zhao but would whoop the ass of anyone who made fun of you. He knows all too well what it's like to be outcast just because of who you are and how much that hurts and he'll be damned if you ever feel bad for being yourself.

[cryingcow]

Character Story - Mine (Holiday) [RGGO]

Due to certain personal circumstances, I’ve moved up Mine’s story on the list. Thank you @chaoticcandies​ and @firstorderglory​ for the request!

Story: Right before Mine goes on his Okinawa field trip, Daigo informs him that another one of Kiryu’s bodyguards has been killed. Daigo asks him to investigate while in Okinawa to see whether someone does or does not have a plan to assassinate Kiryu. Mine solves the problem by funding and formulating Kiryu’s assassination plan himself.

Daigo: “Now Mine, I want you to make sure Kiryu-san is safe, okay?”

Mine, buying several rifles: “Yes, Daigo-san.”

Daigo: “That means I want him alive and not dead, you hear me?”

Mine, writing Kiryu’s name on his portable guillotine: “Loud and clear, Daigo-san. :)”

Notes:

1) Match pump - “lighting a match and stopping the fire with a water pump”. In other words, solving a problem that you yourself made in the first place. The phrase also came up back in Sera’s story, I think.

2) Like a beehive - “turmoil”

.

CHAPTER 1

.

|The Nishikiyama Family field trip by Kanda completed their itinerary without delay, and they returned back home. However, Mine remained in Okinawa on his own . . .|

Boy: “Ojiisan! It’s the long-awaited summer vacation, play together with us more!”

Kiryu: “Yeah, let’s invite everyone to play baseball later.”

Boy: “Hooray! Absolutely, Ojiisan!!”

Girl: “Ojiisan! I can’t find my colored pencils . . .”

Kiryu: “Recall when you last used them . . . maybe you’ll find them soon?”

Girl: “Hmm . . . where could they have gone?”

Mine: “. . . Is this the orphanage ‘Morning Glory’?”

Mine: (. . . Indeed, for me to be ‘the’ Fourth Chairman’s bodyguard . . .)

----

|A few days before the Nishikiyama Family field trip.|

{Mine knocks on Daigo’s door and enters.}

Mine: “Excuse me.”

Daigo: “Mine, I’m happy to see you. I heard from Kanda, are you going to Okinawa?”

Mine: “Yes . . . I’ll be in trouble with Kanda-no-aniki otherwise. He doesn’t care that it’s inconvenient for me.”

Daigo: “Heh . . . However, this time it’s convenient.”

Mine: “. . . What do you mean?”

Daigo: “There’s a problem in Okinawa. It cannot be made public.”

Mine: “. . . Is it related to Kiryu-san?”

Daigo: “. . . As expected, you make good guesses. That’s correct.”

{Daigo is silent for a few seconds.}

Daigo: “The Fourth Chairman is secretly being guarded in Okinawa.  . . . But the other day, one of the escorts was killed.”

Mine: “So you’re asking me to investigate.”

Daigo: “Yeah . . . many people in the Tojo Clan don’t like Kiryu-san. If someone dies because of that, it will cause unnecessary waves in the organization . . . Investigate this matter. And ensure the safety of the orphanage . . . Mine, can I ask this of you?”

----

Mine: (. . . Nothing else to do about it. It’s a direct order from Daigo-san. I should set aside my personal feelings and fulfill my mission. Now, I was able to confirm Kiryu-san’s appearance. Should I join the escort staff . . . ?)

----

Mine: “Are you Chinen?”

Chinen: “Mine-san? I’ve been waiting for you. Let’s move over here . . .”

Chinen: “I and Osugi, the escort who was killed, were keeping an eye on ‘Morning Glory’. That night . . . Osugi and I were doing different things. The attack happened then . . . The next morning, Osugi was found floating along Kubochi River . . . he was shot in the head at close range.”

Mine: “What is the criminal’s aim?”

Chinen: “That’s still unknown . . . However, investigations are underway on those who are connected to Morning Glory. Apparently a man named Teruya who is helping Morning Glory is being looked into.”

Mine: “To survey the supporters of Morning Glory instead of the orphanage directly . . . how strangely roundabout.”

Chinen: “Yes. So I thought I’d get the information and went straight to that Teruya . . . but he was being strangely vigilant, I didn’t get anything out of him at all.”

Mine: (It’s obviously not the work of a civilian. It’s not unreasonable to be wary, but . . .)

Mine: “There must be a reason for this Teruya to be vigilant. It might be best for me to listen to his story. Show me to Teruya.”

----

Teruya: “I’m very sorry for the other day. For that person to be Mine-san’s subordinate . . .”

Mine: “No, there appears to be a misunderstanding . . .”

Teruya: “I see . . . so why is someone like Mine-san here?”

Mine: “I heard you are in a critical situation as someone minding the orphanage ‘Morning Glory’. Maybe I can help . . . If you don’t mind, could you tell us the story?”

Teruya: “. . . Actually, the company’s server was hacked and the stolen information is being used as blackmail. The other day, yakuza-like men rushed into the office and said to give them 200 million if I didn’t want anything to happen to my customers . . .”

Mine: “Did you pay?”

Teruya: “No, I couldn’t come up with the money right away, so they’ll wait a week for me to ready it by then . . .”

Mine: “I see . . . the next time the men arrive, prepare the money. And for the hacking, I’ll provide you with the security we use.”

Teruya: “Th-Thank you very much . . . but, to give them the 200 million . . .”

Mine: “I’ll get it back later. We’ll let them grab the money and swim home so we can gather information.”

Teruya: “Will the plan really work that well?”

Mine: “Please be assured. Leave everything to me.”

----

{Mine and Chinen are hiding behind a corner as they follow the yakuza-like men with the money.}

Chinen: “They don’t seem to notice our trail . . .”

Mine: (Get back the money, extract information from them, hit their organization, rebuild Teruya’s business . . . then the orphanage is protected and business is completed. But-- Is that really okay? The escort was killed because he tried to protect Morning Glory . . . in other words, people were sacrificed because of civilians like Kiryu. Daigo-san was worried, but that a situation like this could greatly shake up the Sixth Chairman’s structure . . . Then what I really need to do now--)

{A noise comes from their hiding place.}

Yakuza-like Man A: “. . . Oi, who’s there!! Come out!!”

Chinen: “! Mine-san, I’m sorry . . .”

Mine: “. . . No, it’s just as well. There are no witnesses and I can hit them here.”

Yakuza-like Man A: “I’ll tell you what to hit! Did you come here to get the money back?!”

Yakuza-like Man B: “We’ll make you spit it out!!”

{Mine beats them up.}

Yakuza-like Man A: “Huwee . . .”

Yakuza-like Man B: “That guy has the money, let’s run!!”

{The other two run away.}

Mine: “Chinen, chase them!”

Chinen: “Yes!”

{Chinen runs after the two.}

Mine: “Oi, you . . .”

Yakuza-like Man A: “H-Hiii?! Do-Don’t kill me!!”

Mine: “I won’t kill you. I just have a request for you . . .”

Yakuza-like Man A: “Re-Request . . . ?”

Mine: “Get in touch with your boss right now.”

Yakuza-like Man A: “Wha . . . What do you want with my boss?”

Mine: “Hmph . . . would you rather die here?”

Yakuza-like Man A: “I-I understand!! I’ll do as you say!!”

{The yakuza-like man makes a call.}

Yakuza-like Man A: “I-I’m sorry, Boss. I’ll hand over the phone now . . .”

Mine: “. . . Are you the boss of this guy?”

Man: “Wh-Who are you?”

Mine: “Heh. Don’t worry about that.  . . . I’m your collaborator.”

.

-END-

.

CHAPTER 2

.

Man: “. . . A collaborator? Who are you.”

Mine: “You don’t need to know that.”

Man: “. . . Do you think we’d trust someone no one knows?”

Mine: “. . . How about credit? Heh. I’ll give you 500 million. How’s that?”

Man: “5-500 million . . . ?! You’re bluffing . . .”

Mine: “You can decide later whether it’s a bluff or not.”

Man: “. . . Why would you go so far . . .”

Mine: “What you’re attempting to do is convenient for me . . . that’s all there is.”

Man: “. . .”

Man: “Bring the money and let my subordinate guide you. Once I receive it, then I’ll trust you.”

Mine: “Understood.”

Mine: “Oi.”

Yakuza-like Man A: “Hiii . . . ! Y-Yes . . .”

Mine: “The boss wants to see me. Take me to him.”

----

Mine: “The promised 500 million. Also the 200 million taken from Teruya.”

Boss: “. . . Certainly. You did bring it. I trust you. I’m Inami, leader of the Inami Family. You want to cooperate with our plan, but how much do you know?”

Mine: “Your purpose is to encroach into Okinawa’s resort development plans, which have been stopped for several months. The orphanage supported by Teruya is on the planned development site. Teruya is being threatened to acquire the land. Is it because Kiryu Kazuma is on that land that you chose such a roundabout method?”

Inami: “. . . That’s right. Previously, the Tojo Clan’s Tamashiro Family was aiming for that land . . . They were almost destroyed by Kiryu. It’s a well-known story around these parts. We don’t attack the orphanage directly because we fear Kiryu’s retaliation. We don’t have enough weapons and soldiers to deal with Kiryu.”

Mine: “What if I said I would pay for that?”

Inami: “! No way . . . you want Kiryu to be . . . ?”

Mine: “No need to snoop around any deeper. However, hasn’t my financial strength given me ‘credit’?”

Inami: “. . . All right.”

Mine: “Heh. It was nice to meet you, Inami-san.”

Mine: (These guys will get rid of Kiryu as part of their job. Kiryu’s existence is Daigo-san’s Achilles heel. I will cut off any future worries here.)

----

|That night. Mine met up with Chinen while hiding his relationship with Inami.|

Chinen: “I see . . . it was the work of the Inami Family? Was their aim to crush Morning Glory without provoking the Fourth Chairman . . . ?”

Mine: “Yeah. I was careless and let him escape, but I heard their goal.”

Chinen: “But what do we do? Even if we know who the enemy is, there’s only two of us. This is originally a top secret mission. We can’t expect support from the Head Family.”

Mine: “The enemy will try to do more damage to Teruya. Leave that to me. You should go back to being Kiryu-san’s bodyguard.”

Chinen: “U-Understood!”

----

|A few days later.|

Teruya: “--Then, I will try to do as Mine-san says.”

Mine: “This is expected to increase sales by 20%. Management should be fairly stable.”

{Someone knocks on the door and enters.}

Yakuza A: “Sorry for intruding when you’re busy, Teruya-san.”

Teruya: “Who are you guys . . . ?!”

Yakuza A: “Teruya-san’s place seems to still be fine, so we thought we’d like to get a little more money . . .”

Teruya: “I-I have no money to pay you!!”

Mine: “. . . What do you mean by coming to the office without an appointment? Truly there is no common sense among yakuza.”

Yakuza B: “Oh yeah? And who are you . . . ?”

Mine: “Would you like to be sent back quickly?”

Yakuza A: “Don’t be a fool!! We’ll beat you both up!!”

{Mine beats them up and sends them running.}

Mine: “That doesn’t mean they won’t come here again. Let’s keep meeting up here regularly for a while.”

Teruya: “I sincerely thank you very much.”

Mine: “Hmph. No, this is all for Morning Glory.”

----

Inami: “As mentioned, those at the bottom that I sent don’t know about you.”

Mine: “Yeah, thanks to that, Teruya trusts me completely.”

Inami: “. . . Phew, I’m glad you’re on our side.”

Mine: “Until Kiryu has been done away with . . . perform the next step in the plan well.”

Inami: “Should we take over the system by exploiting the security vulnerabilities introduced into Teruya’s company?”

Mine: “Yeah. I’ll then act like I noticed the exploitation and stop it.”

Inami: “So it’s a match pump?  . . . You’re a con artist.”

----

|A few more days later.|

Inami: “Hehe. Thanks to you, Teruya’s company is running smoothly. But is it necessary to help Teruya just to get rid of Kiryu?”

Mine: “There is this situation here . . . That being said, the weapons have been procured . . . how are things on your end?”

Inami: “We’ve pulled out enough men from the surrounding organizations to strengthen our force . . . are you ready to go anytime?”

Mine: “Is that so . . . then let us move the plan to the final stage. Kidnap Teruya tonight and have him call Kiryu as a hostage.”

Inami: “! Having a hostage to block his movements would have Kiryu like a beehive, right?”

Mine: “That’s right. Don’t mess it up.”

Inami: “We’ve set up the table this far. Failure isn’t an option.”

Mine: “I’m counting on it.”

----

Yakuza A: “Thank you for your hard work.”

Mine: “The confrontation happens tomorrow. Don’t mess it up.”

Yakuza A: “Yes sir!!”

{The yakuza runs off.}

?: “Huh? Mine-san?”

Mine: “!”

Chinen: “Mine-san, why did you come out of the Inami Family office . . . ?!”

Mine: “Chinen . . . ! You . . . should be monitoring the orphanage . . .”

Mine: (Damn . . . I was caught off guard . . . ! I should have foreseen that something would go wrong . . . !)

.

-END-

.

CHAPTER 3

.

Chinen: “Mine-san . . . you’re getting along very well with the Inami Family . . . what is the meaning of this . . . ?”

Mine: (Shit . . . I wasn’t careful of my actions . . .)

Mine: “. . . Chinen. It was wrong to keep quiet. But please calm down and listen.”

Chinen: “. . .”

Mine: “As you can see, I have a cooperative relationship with the Inami Family. But that’s to extract their information.”

Chinen: “Then it wouldn’t be necessary to hide it from me. I’ve never been in contact with the Inami Family.”

Mine: “That is . . .”

Chinen: “Don’t try to deceive me! Mine-san, are you connected with the Inami Family?!”

Mine: (Tch . . . Is it impossible to salvage the situation anymore . . . ? Then I’ll have to get rid of him here--)

Chinen: “. . . Just kidding. Ahaha.”

Mine: “? . . .”

Chinen: “Ahaha. Don’t worry. Actually, I’m also a traitor.”

Mine: “. . . What did you say?”

Chinen: “I’m also colluding with the Inami Family, trying to crush Morning Glory. Are you surprised? So was I when I heard Mine-san had joined hands with Inami. But I agree with assassinating Kiryu to wake up Daigo-san. I’ll cooperate too!!”

Mine: (. . . Have I been turned around? Was it all by Chinen’s hand from the start?)

Chinen: “I’ve heard the plan from Inami. Let me in on it too! Mine-san!”

----

Mine: (If everything goes as planned, Inami, who has kidnapped Teruya, should have gotten in touch to call Kiryu . . .)

Haruka: “Ojiisan! Are you really going out alone . . . ?!”

Kiryu: “Yeah . . . Teruya’s life is in danger if I don’t obey.”

Haruka: “Could it be the Tamashiro Family who has Teruya-no-ojiisan, just like before?”

Kiryu: “No, that is absolutely impossible. At the time, Daigo promised, ‘I will not touch Okinawa’. He’s not one to break his promises.”

Haruka: “. . . not Daigo-san . . . ? Then, who on earth . . . ?”

Kiryu: “It doesn’t matter who they are. Teruya is a friend who supports Morning Glory. You can’t abandon your friends. Isn’t that right?”

Mine: “! . . .”

Haruka: “Ojiisan . . . you’re come back, right?”

Kiryu: “Yeah, I’m definitely coming back. Haruka, look after the kids while I’m gone.”

Haruka: “Yup . . . ! Please take care, Ojiisan.”

Mine: (Kiryu’s words . . . he’s not riding on his strength. He should know what would happen when he boldly goes out alone. Nevertheless . . . Friends . . . ? Even if he’s just a total stranger who’s in it for the money . . . !)

Mine: (. . . Kuh. That is Kiryu Kazuma . . . the man Daigo-san is aiming for . . .)

----

Inami: “To really show up alone . . . the legendary yakuza seems to know no fear . . .”

Teruya: “Ki-Kiryu-san . . . I’m sorry . . .”

Kiryu: “Teruya . . . ! Are you hurt . . . ?!”

Inami: “Oops, don’t move, Kiryu . . . if you move, this gun will blow his head away, okay?”

Kiryu: “Taking a civilian as a hostage . . . you’re a lowlife.”

Inami: “Anyway . . . is it wrong for a yakuza to get what they want by any means necessary?”

{A big group arrives.}

Kiryu: “! . . .”

Inami: “You notice? Countless muzzles are aimed towards you . . . you’re already a trapped mouse!”

Mine: (It seems that things are going according to plan . . .)

Kiryu: “At the time, Daigo promised, ‘I will not touch Okinawa’. He’s not one to break his promises.”

Kiryu: “It doesn’t matter who they are. Teruya is a friend who supports Morning Glory. You can’t abandon your friends. Isn’t that right?”

Mine: “. . .”

Mine: “. . . Hmph. I’m hesitating.”

----

Chinen: “Mine-san! This is the end. We have Kiryu covered from the rear--”

Mine: “--No, I can’t let this go through.”

Chinen: “Mine-san, what are you saying . . . ?”

Mine: “I’m cautious. Until I am certain of something, I try not to come to conclusions. In other words . . . Kiryu’s murder is on hold.”

Chinen: “! Do you mean to betray us . . . ?! Why now . . . !”

Mine: “Hmph. You don’t need to know.”

Chinen: “Don’t play around . . . !! It’s only a little longer until Kiryu can be killed!!! If you get in the way, we’ll kill you too!!!!”

{Mine defeats all of them, and they all collapse.}

Mine: “Now, the reinforcements are taken out . . .”

Mine: (The rest depends on your efforts. Please do your best to hold on . . . Fourth Chairman.)

----

Inami: “Kuh . . . Reinforcements haven’t come yet?!”

Kiryu: “What’s wrong. You seem to be getting very impatient?”

Inami: “Sh-Shut up!! Do-Don’t move!! You want something to happen to him?!”

----

Mine: “The distance is roughly 200 meters . . . Well, that’s no problem . . . I didn’t think the rifle I bought would be used for this . . .”

{A shot rings through the air.}

----

Inami: “Guaaa?! M-My hand?!”

Teruya: “Hi-Hiiii?!”

{Teruya breaks away from his hold and runs.}

Inami: “W-Wait! Did he escape--?!”

Kiryu: “I don’t know who . . . but someone helped.”

Inami: “O-Oh no--”

{Kiryu beats everyone up.}

----

Mine: “Is that the ‘Dragon of Dojima’ . . . ?”

Mine: “Heh, you’re too obstinate.”

Chinen: “Because of you, my plan is ruined . . . My sister and her husband committed suicide from a large debt because Daigo stopped the Okinawa resort plan . . . ‘Protecting Kiryu’s whereabouts’ is a dumb reason! Killing Kiryu so that Daigo will taste the sadness of losing a loved one-- guhaa . . . !”

{Chinen gets punched by Mine and collapses once again.}

Mine: “I’m not interested in your story.”

----

|Thus . . .|

Woman in swimsuit: “Um . . . are you alone?”

Mine: “Am I? As you can see, I’m alone.”

Woman in swimsuit: “Yes . . . sorry for suddenly calling out to you. So . . . are you sightseeing in Okinawa?”

Mine: “No. Had to do a bit of business from Tokyo.”

Woman in swimsuit: “You’re from Tokyo?! I hear the city is nice! So . . . have you finished your business yet?”

Mine: “Yeah. I just had to handle some trivial trouble. It was a minor job.”

Mine: (Teruya’s company is safe after what happened. Both Inami and the Inami Family have been taken care of . . . I’ve reported to Daigo-san that everything was the undertaking of Chinen.)

Woman in swimsuit: “U-Um . . . In that case, why don’t we have a meal together at a nearby shop?”

Mine: “. . . Heh. Yeah, if it’s okay with you.”

Woman in swimsuit: “R-Really?! I’m glad . . . !”

Mine: (Kiryu Kazuma . . . I understand why Daigo-san looks up to you. I withdrew this time . . . heh. Do you have any idea what’s coming next? . . . Fourth Chairman.)

.

-END-

Masterlist

[leavesofolive]

~ Spoilers for Dororo inside but I’m gonna rant anyway! ~

Everything about the anime/manga Dororo makes me so fucking angry!!!

Like damn near every person in the entire anime is just like, “Your own body doesn’t belong to you,” from the moment this kid is born. His own father’s exact words to the demons were, “You can take anything of mine!”

But what the demons stole never belonged to Daigo! It belonged to Hyakkimaru. He was used, abused, and thrown away without a single kindness. And when he goes to get back what never should have been taken in the first place, everyone tells him that A) he has no right to live and B) that his own damn body didn’t even belong to him. Like what the ever dying FUCK is wrong with them? For the greater good is such fucking nonsense. If you want to “save your people” that bad then sacrifice yourself.

And yet the one and only thing that got him so angry he literally started becoming a demon...?

It was when the only two people he grew to care about were hurt.

When Mio was killed, he lost his shit. That was the first time he ever harmed a human. When Dororo was hurt, he fought like hell to get his body back from the chimera and was insanely pissed off when nothing was returned, but not for his own sake. It was so he could better protect Dororo and finally get to see her. And when Dororo was taken away? He truly went on a rampage, desperate to get her back.

He didn’t just have his body and nearly his life taken away for the selfishness of others. And don’t say it wasn’t selfishness because his father who made that deal could have offered up his own life but he offered something that wasn’t even his to begin with! What Hyakkimaru lost was also the chance to live a decent life. To fall in love. To sense and live in the world. To ever have a friend or a family.

And this boy did it all anyway. He clawed and kicked and snapped everything back.

I’d argue that he’s more human than anyone else in this anime/manga outside of Dororo herself. When Hyakkimaru faced people, ghouls, and heck even a spider demon lady that weren’t bad beings, he never hurt them. But everyone who hurt others for their own gain? THAT is the kind of people he had no issue tearing apart. And yeah, I think he had more than every right to. This is a series that gets under my skin like very few others.

Everything about the anime/manga Dororo makes me so fucking angry, and that’s exactly why it’s so damn good!