Chapter Text
“Where would you like to go today, Sir?” The taxi driver asked.
“To Serena, please,” replied Kiryu.
“Very well, Sir. Hop in and we’ll be there shortly.”
Kiryu got into the back of the taxi and closed the door.
The driver had a slightly worried look on his face, as his new passenger reminded him heavily of a drunk yakuza he picked up a few days ago. They threatened to break a window if he didn’t get to their destination within five minutes. Attempting to break the awkward silence, the driver gestured outside the window and stated “Y’know I half expected there to be rain tonight, but it’s an uncharacteristically beautiful sky tonight in Kamurocho. Do you tend to prefer the rain or a clear sky, Sir?”
"... I don’t particularly have a preference, but if I had to choose, I guess a clear sky,” replied Kiryu a bit clumsily, as if the driver had interrupted his thoughts.
“... I see.” Not wanting to potentially upset his new customer, he waited a few minutes and asked another question changing subjects. “If you don’t mind me asking, what do you do for a living, Sir?”
“I run a real estate business,” replied Kiryu dryly.
“Aha, I could tell you were quite the successful businessman. I hadn’t expected a CEO though, much less one of your age. You must have worked quite hard to get to where you are today. How long have you been working?”
“Almost four-and-a-half years now. I started around January 1979.”
“Really, and in such a short amount of time, too? You must’ve been an incredibly hard worker, sir.”
“Well, … my father actually helped me get into the company. He doesn’t work for them, but you could say he has connections.” Kiryu said, somewhat embarrassed.
The driver faked a laugh to break the tension saying “Haha, that’s fine, Sir. I don’t judge. We all have our paths in life.”
The driver decided it was best to change topics quickly. “I believe around the time you started your career, there was a big scuffle in the world of real estate. There was a small lot of land that supposedly a bunch of yakuza ended up fighting over. Some inner power struggles within the Tojo Clan, or at least that’s how the story goes. I remember hearing about it from another customer who worked in real estate. Now I’m just asking this to satiate my personal curiosity, but would you happen to know anything about that incident?”
Kiryu smirked a little, and then replied, “Why do you ask? Did you think I was a part of the yakuza?”
The driver felt alarmed and quickly replied in a raised tone, “N-No, sir! I would never assume something like that. I just, um, thought you might know since you got into real estate around that time. Honestly, nothing more than that.”
“Heh, don’t worry. I’m just a civilian. I’ve heard a few minor details that may or may not be true, but I only know what you and everyone else have heard about it.”
“I… see, Sir. We shall be arriving at your destination shortly,” replied the driver, who was now slightly less on edge.
Kiryu sat back in his seat and began to reminisce.
He asks if I know about the Empty Lot incident. I was right at the center of it. How could I not know about it? I still have nightmares about it.
… That’s a part of my past I’d rather leave behind. I still keep in touch with a few friends there, but my part in the Tojo Clan is long over. I’m just a normal civvy now trying to make an honest living.
It’s funny, though. I wonder what younger me would say to his future self today.
I didn’t think I’d stay at this real estate agency, but Dad insisted that I did. Part of me still wants to be in the Tojo Clan despite everything that has happened. My experience with the Dojima family wasn’t exactly a happy one, but it was still a time I cherished. Getting to beat up arrogant punks, not having a care besides what your next order was, Nishiki and I talking regularly at Serena with Reina serving us some sake, etc.
Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The number of times I nearly died during December of that year…
Kiryu furrowed his brow as his shoulder started to itch remembering vividly getting shot there.
Never mind, why am I even pursuing that line of thought? The whole reason I decided to stay a civvy was to get away from that. … Yes, even now, part of me still feels I should be in the yakuza. It was more than just an occupation to me; it was my lifestyle. It was everything I idolized in my father, though a poor part to idolize it was. I love and respect my father and appreciate everything he’s done for me… I can also acknowledge he’s not exactly a saint.
It was for the best I committed to an honest living.
I could've gotten to the top of the Tojo, but that would mean joining the corrupt individuals that’d do anything to achieve power and get what they wanted. I strived to follow the honorable code of those like Dad and Kuze. I still do to this day, but the civvy life is the best for me now.
Kiryu then winced, recalling a specific memory.
... How long has it been since I thought about Kuze? I can still feel the impact of his punches from our last fight. He was simultaneously the greatest man I ever met besides my father, and also the murderer of the one man besides Nishiki I could call a true friend during those times.
If he saw me today, he’d punch my lights out and give a long lecture on how much of a disappointment I’ve become.
I'm still good in a fight, and it feels like you need to be here in Kamurocho considering how common they are. I almost never do due to my reputation, but I stay fit.
No way I could beat the boss in a fight these days, though. I was serious when I said I’d rather fight 100 Tojo Clan members than him, and I still stand by that statement. They are few and far between, but people in this city exist that could take on waves of fighters before becoming exhausted.
Kiryu slightly smiled.
I suppose I did some crazy stuff myself. After that blew over, Nishiki would tease me, saying I could take on the entire Tojo Clan and not break a sweat. That I was some “superhuman freak of nature”. I’ve never met my real parents so I couldn’t say if it was genetics or what, but I guess I lucked out as far as my fighting ability goes. ... Enough about that, though.
Kiryu sighed and noticed they were about to reach Serena.
…I wonder how Nishiki is. It’s been a month or so since we last spoke. I’ve been meaning to get in contact with him, but life has become all too busy. I'm glad we were able to schedule a meeting tonight for old times' sake.
“We’ve arrived at our destination, Sir. That’ll be ¥1,280.” stated the taxi driver.
Kiryu fumbled with his wallet for a second, handed the yen to the driver, and got out of the car.
“Have a nice evening, sir!” The driver said, being grateful that nothing bad happened.
“You too.”
The taxi drove off into the glamorously lit streets of Kamurocho Kiryu knew all too well.
Serena, huh? How many times have I been to this bar over the years? 100 times? 500? It might as well be a second home to me.
Kiryu walked up the stairs and entered Serena.
“Ah, if it isn’t Kiryu, we’ve been expecting you,” said Reina upon seeing Kiryu enter.
Nishiki had been drinking some local sake. He turned around, his face lighting up at the sight of Kiryu. He energetically said to him, “Yo! Kiryu, I’ve been waiting for you. About time you showed up. Get into a fight on the way again?”
Heh, as usual, he’s not changed one bit.
“The only fights I get into these days is fighting to find some free time,” replied Kiryu half hiding a smile.
“Oh please, we both know you still love a fight. You used to look for fights just to waste time.”
Kiryu rolled his eyes and took a seat next to Nishiki.
“Hello Reina, I’ll have the usual,” said Kiryu.
“Of course, I’ll have it ready right away,” replied Reina cheerily.
“You seem cheerful tonight, Kiryu. Usually, you have some frown and serious look plastered on your face,” teased Nishiki.
“Hey, I do smile every now and then. I have some time off from work for once to see an old friend. I’d say I’m allowed to be happy.”
“Haha, you’re always so easy to get going. Poor Kiryu, always destined to take even the smallest things in life so seriously.”
The two chuckled and bantered as they began to catch up with each other.
“How’s Dojima?” inquired Kiryu.
“Oh, you know how he is. Always whining about his glory days, and how he should be the real chairman instead of Sera.”
“Yeah, that sounds right. How about you and the Tojo Clan?” I know you’re basically the third in charge in Dad’s family these days.”
“Pretty good. Kashiwagi has even talked about me maybe becoming the head of my own family at some point.” Nishiki said with confidence.
“Really? Well, congrats! Try not to waste all your money on some ratty suit and you might get that position,” said Kiryu jokingly.
“Oy oy, that’s usually your thing. It took you becoming the CEO of a company to dress in a decent-looking suit. It’s pretty much all you wear too, don’t you get tired of wearing the same old gray and red combo? When you said you might wear that suit forever, I assumed you were joking.”
“Heh, I do love it. I have more than just one copy of this shirt and suit. Even I wouldn’t wash and wear the exact same clothes every day.”
“And yet you’re the only man I know who has that many pairs of the same suit and shirt. I can only imagine the bizarre look on the cashier’s face as you came in one day just to buy a dozen pairs of the same suit and shirt.”
Both laughed and continued to drink their sake.
“Ok, Kiryu, be honest with me. Surely, by now, you’re dating someone, right? Don’t tell me the great Dragon of Dojima is still single?” Nishiki asked mockingly.
Kiryu gave an annoyed look, and in a mildly harsh tone replied, “You know I’ve never been great with women. I’m… just not sure if I’m ready for a relationship.”
“Haha, you should consider yourself a lucky man. Do you know how many guys would kill to have what you have? You’re tall, handsome, rich, strong, humble, and kind. what more do I need to list? You’re the ideal guy for women. The only thing stopping you from getting a girl is yourself.”
“... Look most of that money I just give away to the likes of charity or orphanages. I’m not saying I’ll never date someone, and I know I’m not getting any younger. Just give me some time.”
Nishiki exaggerated a sigh and said, “He’s a lost cause, I swear.”
The two took a drink as they listened to the somber music playing in Serena.
“Well, if you’re not looking for romance, what else are you planning to do in the future?” asked Nishiki.
Kiryu stopped drinking for a second and hesitated to answer.
What… do I want to do in the future?
Kiryu let the sake go down his throat and then replied, “Honestly, I’m not sure.”
“Oh really?” Nishiki said, a bit surprised.
“I’ve never been one for long-term planning. I just sort of took it day by day. I only had to think about my next order when I was in the Tojo Clan. With this job, it did take some getting used to, but I’m in a routine now.”
Nishiki pondered about what Kiryu said for a moment and then shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I guess if you wanted to you could retire. You have enough money to probably last you for life.”
… Retire huh? Nah, I do still plan to work, but there is some appeal to the idea. Life is so busy these days. I wouldn’t mind having the free time.
Even then, where would I retire at? Maybe in Sotenbori? … No, too similar to Kamurocho for my liking. Hmm, Okinawa is a pretty nice place. Maybe I’d work for a few more years, save up, and build an orphanage there. How much money would it take though, to keep that running for several years? I have about five billion yen in the bank, but buying land and then building a whole orphanage isn’t exactly a cheap goal.
Kiryu stopped his train of thought, as he noticed Nishiki now had a rather serious look on his face.
“Is there something wrong, Nishiki?” asked Kiryu concerned.
Nishiki reacted briefly shocked, realizing Kiryu had noticed his expression and then donned a more cheerful expression saying, “Oh no, I was just thinking about something.”
Kiryu was still concerned, but he decided to not think about it and took a sip of his sake. There was still some tension in the air, but out of respect for Nishiki’s privacy, Kiryu decided to not push the issue if Nishiki wasn’t comfortable sharing.
Suddenly, Nishiki asks Kiryu a bizarre question. “Kiryu… have you ever heard of a small town named Hinamizawa?”
Hinamizawa? … Is this related to whatever is bothering him?
Before continuing, Nishiki signaled to Reina to leave them alone for a bit as they wanted to talk privately. While Reina was confused, she quickly realized it must be something important and went to the back.
“Um, no, I can’t say I have. Why did you bring it up?” asked Kiryu, now genuinely worried.
Nishiki reclaimed the serious face he had earlier and answered Kiryu back. “It’s a small town in the hills west of Kamurocho. It’s about a five to six hour drive from here. There’s also a more developed city by the name of Shishibone near it. There’s a Yakuza group by the name of the Sonozaki Family that runs the area.”
Kiryu relaxed a bit.
Ah, so it’s just some Tojo Clan BS. He’s probably looking to ask me for some advice on how to deal with it.
“Ah, I assume the Tojo Clan got a bit too greedy and ended up messing around on someone else’s turf?”
“... Not exactly. There was a man that was born in Hinamizawa that moved to Kamurocho about a year ago. He took a loan from one of the offices under the Tojo Clan and racked up 3 million yen in debt. He ended up running away back to Hinamizawa, and of course, two guys were sent to go after him.”
Poor guy. They probably charged the guy some crazy interest rates to gouge money out of him, and when he couldn’t pay up, they broke most of his bones. Worst case scenario, he’s sleeping with the fishes now. These yakuza-run loan shark places are a dime a dozen here in Kamurocho. If I had my way, I’d teach every one of them a lesson. You can still get money for the family as a yakuza, without resorting to such underhanded methods.
I know I’m not entirely one to speak. I used to beat up people who owed money if they couldn’t pay up. That was even how the whole Empty Lot incident started. At the least, though, those people I beat up were usually scummy and were trying to run away to make a quick buck. I regret beating up any of the innocent people, but also if you play stupid games expect to win stupid prizes. You don't mess with the Yakuza.
Nishiki lowered his voice and then whispered, “... Those two never came back.”
They were… murdered? Well, that’s not entirely common upon entering enemy turf, and yakuza, in general, don’t live long lives.
“... One of them was found to have supposedly killed himself by clawing out his own throat, and the other was found in a sewer with their guts ripped out and several nails in each hand.”
Kiryu froze unable to comprehend what Nishiki had just told him.
“What… did you just say Nishiki?” Kiryu asked in disbelief.
Nishiki solemnly continued, “The man killed in the sewer was Koji Shindo. Nobody knows what happened to the runaway, but he’s most likely alive too.”
A chill ran down Kiryu’s spine.
Koji Shindo?! … I don’t know him very well, but I know he was a good friend of Nishiki’s. He was also extremely gifted at combat and had better instincts than your average man. You’d need to have a considerably stronger two to three men to deal with him; much more so with him combined with another capable yakuza.
And you’re telling me he… died… and in such a gruesome way, too? The yakuza aren’t above using torture. Majima told me once how he spent a year in The Hole. It was some of the worst torture imaginable.
Even that, though, is nothing compared to this. Something that causes a man to claw out his own throat? Nailing a man down, and ripping out his inner organs? That’s not just torture; that’s a scene in a horror movie. For what purpose would they even do such a thing? To set an example? Not even the cruelest of yakuza would pull a stunt like this, and I refuse to believe the entirety of this Sonozaki Family is just full of psychopaths.
“It has quite a few higher-ups shaken. Dad said he had never seen anything like it before,” said Nishiki bluntly.
“What kind of sadistic human would do that, if you could even call them human?”
“I don’t know Kiryu. What we both know is that the Tojo Clan won’t take this sitting down. In worst case scenario, this could lead to war. I’ve heard rumors Dojima is even seeing this as an opportunity to maybe reclaim his former glory.”
A rush of emotions swirled through Kiryu’s mind.
They can’t be serious, right? A whole war against a group of country bumpkin yakuza? … No, they could be serious, but something is missing here.
“Nishiki I understand that this isn’t just something the clan can ignore, but go to war? They wouldn’t pull as drastic of a move as this, without some other reason.”
Nishiki opened his mouth to begin speaking again, but cut himself off.
Whatever this is, it must be something severe enough to warrant caution only placed towards the likes of the Omi Alliance.
Nishiki then began to tell a horrifying story. “I don’t know all the details about this, so bear with me. Supposedly, there’s been a series of deaths in Hinamizawa every year since 1979. It was only two every year, but the part nobody seems to get is the deaths happening on the same day every year during a local festival called the Watanagashi. They were all considered accidents, suicides, or murders, but the constant element within all of them was an air of uncertainty. Each individual case has been resolved by the police, but they’re not considered a connected series of deaths, despite the strange… 'coincidence’ of them all happening on the same date.”
Kiryu was utterly speechless.
“It doesn’t take a genius to come to the conclusion the Sonozaki Family is behind the murders, or at least that’s how the rumors go. There was never enough evidence to say specifically if it was them or not, but they’re the first culprit that comes to mind. That’s why the Tojo Clan is taking this so seriously. I’m sure the top brass had heard about these rumors before, but paid them no mind… until now at least”
The two remained silent for a short while.
Nishiki then interjected: “Ah… ahahaha, sorry Kiryu, I didn’t realize this would mess with you so much. We always let each other vent our problems to one another, so I figured this would be fine to talk about. It seems this gave you a bit of a spook, though. Let’s just move on from that topic; we’re here to have a fun night. No need to rain on our parade with depressing yakuza stories. It’s not anything you have to worry about anyways, right? … Right, Kiryu?”
Kiryu didn’t respond, still trying to take in what he had just heard.
… Ok, let me get this straight. Some small town in the hills of Japan is also home to a yakuza group more nefarious than even the Tojo or Omi at their worst. They kill two people every year on the same day and can get away with there being no evidence of their involvement. They’re also willing to make an example of two enemy yakuza that enter their turf in an incredibly brutal fashion.
No, this can’t just be a group of yakuza. There’s something far darker and disturbing behind the scenes here. Either that or the nature of the yakuza is just getting worse and worse every year. Honor? Pride? These pricks have none of that. They’re nothing but a bunch of monsters, maybe even demons masquerading as humans.
… And the Tojo is considering going to war, too? Normally I wouldn’t care about this war. It’s rare, but usually, this stuff takes care of itself. Dad and Kashiwagi can more than handle themselves, and Nishiki would probably be left behind to guard Kamurocho. He can also handle himself well, too.
It’s just… if Dojima is serious, this could spell disaster. He might act on his own devices, and use this as an excuse to use reckless methods. Nishiki and absolutely dad would be sent to the front lines. I probably shouldn’t worry, but still… I have such a horrid feeling about this. If something were to happen to dad, Kashiwagi, or… Nishiki…
…
…
…
“Uh Kiryu, you good man?” Nishiki inquired.
The look on Kiryu’s face could only be described as deadly serious. He was gritting his teeth and was squeezing his fist so hard his sake glass would have easily broken by now, if he was still holding it. After a minute, Kiryu calmed down and finally answered.
“Let me handle this, Nishiki,” said Kiryu sternly.
“... Pardon me, Kiryu?”
Kiryu now looked Nishiki directly in the eyes with a serious look. “I said let me handle this.”, repeated Kiryu. Nishiki had not seen Kiryu like this in years, but he all too well knew what it meant.
Nishiki then, in a low tone growled at Kiryu. “You can’t be serious, Kiryu! I know you tend to be reckless, but this is idiotic even for you. You’re the strongest man I know, but not even you can handle this alone. You got out of the Empty Lot incident. You now have a life some would kill for. You did all this to get away from the yakuza, and now you just want to jump right back into hellfire and throw it all away? No, not on my watch.”
“Please Nishiki, hear me out. Think about it. I’m a civilian with deep ties to the Tojo that barely anyone is aware of. I have an excuse/cover in wanting to retire somewhere as some rich CEO, that has more than enough cash as proof. I can go undercover, and provide details to you or someone else in the Tojo. I could maybe even get a job there, and gain the favor of the community. I can-”
“Stop, Kiryu,” Nishiki interrupted. “I full well know you’re not the type to concoct some hair-brained spy plot to figure out the truth behind a crime. You’re not a superhero; you’re just my friend. If this is you worrying about me and dad, well, I appreciate the gesture. However, this isn’t your battle. I know I couldn’t stop you with force even if I wanted to, but I sure can do everything in my power to convince you not to pursue this as both my sworn brother and best friend. I also know there’s more to this than you’re letting on.”
Kiryu lowered his head briefly in rejection but then raised it more determined than before.
“Nishiki I can’t really explain it, but deep down in my gut I know if I don’t get involved in this, something terrible will happen. Maybe it is crazy to say this goes beyond even what the Tojo is capable of dealing with, but that’s how I feel now. You’re right, it’s also insane to want to get involved with this. You know what, though? I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have to convince myself every day it was the right choice to leave the yakuza. It wasn’t just my occupation Nishiki, it was my life. My very being, the core of who I was as a person. The least I can do is repay everything dad and you have given me, and help you both with this. I can do all of this, while still being just a civvy. I promise I’m not going to get killed. I refuse to die until I uncover the truth behind this. Yes, part of it is wanting to protect you and dad, but I can’t just ignore this. Please Nishiki, I beg you. Let me help with this.”
Silence enveloped the two. Time itself seemed to stop as the two looked at each other with equally resolute wills. Nishiki eventually sighed and took a sip of his sake.
“Kiryu, I swear man. Why are you always like this? I know it’s what makes you… you, but you really are your own worst enemy.”
Kiryu let Nishiki take a few minutes to figure out how to answer him.
… Ok fine, I’ll help you. I can’t stop you when you get like this. However, if you’re set on this, you’d best 100% commit to it. Get someone to look after your company, pack whatever you need, do whatever you have to do. Just make sure you’re ready. I’ll talk to dad, and he’ll put a good word in. He’ll be disappointed, but also he knows how you are. He’ll understand.”
Kiryu smiled and thanked him. “I’m grateful, Nishiki.”
“However!” Nishiki hissed with a grim face. “You’d best not get into any serious trouble. If you do, I’ll personally drive up to Hinamizawa and beat you up so badly you’d wish you were never born! Promise me brother to brother, you’ll be safe.”
Kiryu, still with a smile on his face affirmed, “Of course, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I promise Nishiki. I’ll be ok.”
~~~~
And thus began a new, unexpected tale for the Dragon of Dojima. A boy who just wanted to seek redemption. A girl divorced from happiness. The daughter of an infamous family, and the cruel birthright she carried. Her sister, a victim of heartbreak. A young girl, who just wanted to have a happy family. And a girl and goddess dedicated to fighting against fate no matter how long it may take to change. A cruel, nigh endless river of tragedy awaited. An absurdly cruel tale. And yet, nothing was set in stone. How would the arrival of the Dragon change these people, and how would they change him? Only time would tell.