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Shozo Hirono and a group of young men
who returned from the battlefield

after the war ended in 1945
joined the underground world.

They built up a yakuza family
under Boss Yoshio Yamamori at Kure

in Hiroshima Prefecture.

With Hirono and his men
putting their lives on the line,

the Yamamori family gradually
grew into a great kingdom.

As their power expanded, they were
split into factions from within.

Underbosses were felled, one after
another, by Yamamori's design,

and Hirono himself
left Yamamori's gang.

Time passed, and by 1960,

the struggle against US security
dominance, the Kishi Cabinet's demise,

Asanuma's assassination
and other tumultuous events

reflected the actual chaotic conditions
of Japan in those days.

Similar conflicts were simultaneously
erupting all over the globe.

As all these wars reflected the interests
of either the US or the Soviets,

such regional conflicts began
to be referred to as proxy wars.

These tendencies also began to appear
in Japanese yakuza society,

as Japan gradually emerged
from its post-war chaos.

BATTLES WITHOUT HONOR
AND HUMANITY

PROXY WAR

Original story by
KOICHI IIBOSHI

Produced by GORO KUSAKABE
Screenplay by KAZUO KASAHARA

Cinematography by
SADAJI YOSHIDA

Music by
TOSHIAKI TSUSHIMA

Cast:

BUNTA SUGAWARA

AKIRA KOBAYASHI

TSUNEHIKO WATASE
SHINGO YAMASHIRO

REIKO IKE, MITSUE (YOKO) HORIKOSHI
EIKO NAKAMURA

NOBUO KANEKO, TOSHIE KIMURA
MIKIO NARITA, TAKESHI KATO

KUNIE TANAKA
TETSURO TANBA

TATSUO UMEMIYA

Directed by
KINJI FUKASAKU

HIROSHIMA, SEPTEMBER 1960

BOSS OF HIRONO FAMILY IN KURE
SHOZO HIRONO

BOSS OF UCHIMOTO FAMILY IN HIROSHIMA
NOBORU UCHIMOTO

SWORN BROTHER TO
MURAOKA FAMILY BOSS IN HIROSHIMA
FUMIO SUGIHARA

Hirono, you're getting nowhere
here in Kure City, are you?

Why don't you go to Tokyo?

The Uchimoto family has
a large circle of acquaintances there.

Yes, but I'm just released on parole.

I can't leave Kure City limits
due to residential restrictions.

Come to think of it, we haven't
celebrated your release yet.

Why don't we have
a pro-wrestling show and celebrate?

Wakamatsu, this is the fellow
who's been like a brother to me.

All of you remember him, don't you?

Yes. Welcome.

Then I'll ask and look for a booth.
I leave it entirely to you.

Hello, Mr. Sugihara!

Who's he?

He's just a punk.

You bastard!

Move!

Move!

Damn it!

Sugihara!

In September 1960,

Fumio Sugihara,
a member of the Muraoka family,

the largest yakuza family in Hiroshima,

was shot to death
in a bold daylight attack.

Sugihara was the sworn brother
of the boss of the Muraoka family

and held the reins of the family

while Muraoka was
under medical treatment.

He had been its virtual leader.

CAPTAIN OF MURAOKA FAMILY
HIROSHI MATSUNAGA

UNDERBOSS OF MURAOKA FAMILY
AKIRA TAKEDA

Excuse me.

What's wrong?

Who the hell is that?

Kuriyama from Kyushu.
He came to see our ailing boss.

Kuriyama?

I heard Sugihara beat him badly
over some gambling incident.

So that guy planned all this!

It's all his doing,
and he dares to puke?

Mr. Uchimoto,

you have to handle this problem
as a sworn brother.

If you do it, I'll help you.

Hirono,

he's Muraoka's guest.

Mr. Uchimoto,

we are indebted to Mr. Sugihara,

and if you do it,
we'll pretend to know nothing of it.

Well, but,

I can't revolt
against brother Muraoka.

Uchimoto is second in line
behind Sugihara

and his weak-willed attitude
at this time

will cause complications in
the Muraoka family succession later,

and will also be the future cause

of the biggest struggle
in Western Japan.

KURE CITY, HIROSHIMA

Meanwhile, Hirono had set up
a small family in Kure, Hiroshima,

guarding scrap metal.

Idiot!

MEMBER OF HIRONO FAMILY
KATSUHARU SAIJO

You're supposed to be guarding
against thieves, not stealing yourself!

How much did you make
from the scrap you stole?

More than 200,000 yen.

Fucking shithead!

Hand over the money.

But my woman asked me
to buy a TV set,

and I bought it yesterday.

Dumb fuck! A TV set?

You damned idiot.

Boss!

Let me go!

BOSS OF UEDA FAMILY IN KURE
TOSHIO UEDA

What happened?

Hey, let him go.

What do you want?

Mr. Okubo's asking you
to come to see him.

- Mr. Okubo?
- Yes.

The chief parole officer
and your sponsor are at his house.

At this time, Hirono was still
on parole for murder,

and elder Kenichi Okubo,
who had resigned,

was his only advisor.

Your guarantor Mr. Yasuda has to take care
of many other people besides you.

So I talked with Mr. Okubo
about the situation...

ELDER
KENICHI OKUBO

...and I asked Mr. Yamamori to be
your guarantor. What do you say?

Mr. Yamamori?

He's trusted among members
of the business community.

We can leave this to him
without any anxiety.

Can we expect him to agree,
even if we ask?

Yamamori suggested it himself.

He understands now that he needs
a fellow like you for his family.

And it makes your world narrow

to hold a grudge against him
in such a small town.

And until you can get on
in the world,

why don't you reconcile with him
for your own future?

Yes.

Since I recommended it,
you needn't hesitate,

unless you plan on giving up
the yakuza world.

I don't intend to do that,

but let me think it over
for two or three days.

Hey, Hirono.

BOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY IN KURE
YOSHIO YAMAMORI

UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY
MASAKICHI MAKIHARA

I got a summons, too.
What's the deal?

Nothing special, in my case.

Is that so? Come to my house
and have dinner sometime.

You must know that Mr. Muraoka
resigned from his position

due to his physical condition.

But who will be his successor?

I don't know.

My boss has a branch in Hiroshima.
That's why it's on my mind.

You have a large circle
of acquaintances.

If you've heard something,
let me know.

Oh, I get it.

That's why you need me.

You're always scheming.

Boss...

What happened?

I told him to cut off his finger, but he said
two or three fingers aren't enough.

We tried to stop him.

He cut off his own hand
with a hatchet.

Shitbrain!
That was a fuckin' stupid thing to do!

How you gonna fight now?

I have a weapon.

Let me go!

I'm sorry.

It was all because of me
that he sold that scrap.

Forget it!

Just take him home!

See that a doctor looks after that.

- Thank you.
- Thank you very much.

I appreciate it.

Call Mr. Okubo.

The next day, Hirono returned
to the Yamamori family

through the intervention
of Kenichi Okubo.

Hello! Please come in.

Full house.

Yes, thank you,

but it's a little flat.

Shout at them.

Left to themselves,
they don't really fight.

Hi.

How was the match?

I lost on a foul.

UNDERBOSS OF UCHIMOTO FAMILY
HIDEO HAYAKAWA

Does the audience like to see you
lose on a foul to a foreign wrestler?

Go fight him again.
Tell him it's a grudge match.

But that's not allowed.

What the fuck!

Now you've got your grudge.

We'll let you fuck Miss Hiroshima later.
Now get your ass back out there!

Please.

Hirono.

Iwai, thank you for coming.

UNDERBOSS OF AKASHI FAMILY IN KOBE
SHINICHI IWAI

- I'm just passing through. How are you?
- I'm getting by.

- Here's a little something.
- Thanks.

Have a seat, will you?

I hear Iwai's the leader
of the Akashi family's shock troops.

You sure have a lot of friends.
I envy you.

I traveled a lot
when I was young.

So I made friends all over.

All the guys I hook up with
seem to get themselves killed.

I feel like I haven't got
anyone to turn to.

Hirono,

could you ask Iwai

for someone from his family
to be my sworn brother?

I'll ask,

but the Akashi family is much bigger
than the families here,

so you better think it over
before you ask.

I already have.
Mr. Muraoka's in such a bad way,

he's gonna have to name
a successor soon.

Who could manage
the family besides me?

Having an Akashi brother
would make me that much stronger,

and not a bad deal
for the Akashis either.

Uchimoto, if you cozy up to outsiders
just so you can be boss,

it could come back
to bite you later.

You're so old-fashioned.

These days, you gotta have
a wide circle of friends.

It's the age
of international relations.

You gotta be smart.

Is that so?
I'm content being simple-minded.

Mr. Yamamori must have his sights
on Hiroshima, too.

Isn't that why
he wanted you back, Hirono?

Hayakawa, you being sarcastic?

How should I know
what he has in mind?

Damn it!

She ain't no Miss Hiroshima!
I'm leaving!

Wait a second!

Saijo!

I made him a promise,
so get him a good-looking girl!

Pretend to be Miss Hiroshima?
No way!

You're always full of shit!
I refuse!

You have to.
It's mud on my face if you don't.

Miss Hiroshima.

No way!

I'm not letting
that ugly monster fuck me!

His dick's just like all the others.
Check it out.

- No!
- Hey, think of the boss's kindness.

- Come on.
- Ouch!

What the fuck?

You got a problem?

Bastard!

Stop! Stop it!

What are you looking at?
This isn't a show!

You bastard!

Get up!

I'll kill you!

TAKESHI KURAMOTO, LABORER
(FUTURE MEMBER OF HIRONO FAMILY)

Look! There it is!

Hurry up!

- Is Little Hirono in?
- Little Hirono?

Who are you calling Little Hirono?

Come on in. Don't be afraid.

Their idiot of a boss
used to be a student of mine.

He was going to give himself up
to the police,

but he said wherever he went,
he'd be retaliated against.

That's why he asked for my help.

Since you're both my students,
it's like you're the big brother.

Please help him.

I understand.

The guy was hurt,
but he didn't die.

I'll settle the problem.
Don't worry about it.

Oh, that's fine.
You're lucky, Kuramoto.

Say thank you. Go on, say it!

Now, then... about his future.

Could you let him train under you?

He's a firecracker, but he might
have a future in your world.

I recommend him.

That's hardly the way
I expect educators to talk.

What were you?

A welder in Osaka.

You can't support yourself
as a welder?

I don't care about money.

Then why don't you live
an honest life?

I don't know.

Maybe I shouldn't air
his dirty laundry,

but his father was a yakuza
in Fuchu

and was killed fighting.

Really?

That's the kind of father
he grew up with.

So, his mother seems to have
given up on him already.

You're his mother, right?

If he becomes a yakuza,

he has to desert his own mother.

Is that okay by you?

Yes, half the responsibility
for his sins lies with me.

So please take care of him.

Your bellyband is also inside.

Turn her sandals around!

Thank you.

Be patient.

Say good-bye and see her off!

Mother!

That summer, Shoichi Eda
was released from Hiroshima prison.

As one of Muraoka's underbosses,
he played a key role in the family's rise.

UNDERBOSS OF MURAOKA FAMILY
SHOICHI EDA

Soon, at Uchimoto's suggestion,

Uchimoto, Hirono and others

exchanged vows as sworn brothers
with underbosses of the Muraoka family,

and Uchimoto stood at the top
of a new generation in Hiroshima.

What's this about Boss Yamamori
hauling away some scrap?

He said you'd approved it.
Took two truckfuls.

Two truckfuls?

It'll cost five million yen.

I wasn't sure I believed him,

but I couldn't refuse
an order from your boss.

I can't have you hauling away scrap
without my approval.

You could ruin my reputation.

Don't get all angry.

One of my friends
couldn't pay his bills,

so I had to help him out.

Then I'll go and talk to him.
Who is he?

Mind your own business!

Don't forget who got you
this job guarding scrap.

I did!

If you're gonna complain,

I can get your ass fired
any time I want.

Listen, Shozo.

The boss is your guarantor.

If you so much as speak against him,
you'll be thrown in jail again.

Forget it.

He trusts Uchimoto
more than he trusts me.

What a joke!

That idiot Uchimoto already fancies
himself as Muraoka's successor.

There's no way that bastard's
gonna be the next boss.

Tell him it's ten years too soon!

Go to Hiroshima.

- You're an eyesore here in Kure.
- Oh, yeah?

If you mess with my job again,
I'll take care of things my own way.

Beat it!
I can't stand the sight of you.

What's all the shouting about?

Mr. Eda came to see you.

Thanks for taking care of my men
while I was away, boss.

Eda, thanks for coming.

Now that you're back,
everything will be fine in Hiroshima.

Here's a little something to celebrate
your release. Take it.

That's very thoughtful of you.

Come on. Come on inside.

Thank you.

Hirono, you come in, too.

No, thank you.

KOBE, JUNE 1961

That June, Hirono visited the Akashi
family in Kobe with Uchimoto

at Uchimoto's insistence.

Hirono also knew
that helping Uchimoto now

could be a crucial step
in ensuring his own future.

The Akashi family approved
Uchimoto's proposal.

BOSS OF AKASHI FAMILY IN KOBE
TATSUO AKASHI

Shigeo Aihara, the sworn brother
of Boss Tatsuo Akashi,
SWORN BROTHER TO AKASHI FAMILY BOSS
SHIGEO AIHARA

became a sworn brother to Uchimoto.
CAPTAIN OF AKASHI FAMILY
TERUO MIYAJI

That autumn,
a big celebration was held.

One obstacle stood in the way
of Akashi dominance across Japan...

Their major rival in Kobe,
the Shinwa Group.

The struggle in Western Japan
became more and more violent.

SHINWA CHAIRMAN, UNOKICHI KUMASHIRO
& SHINWA UNDERBOSS, GIICHI ITAMI

OSAKA

JUNE, 1961
OSAKA GIYU FAMILY INCIDENT

Out of the way!

NARA

JULY, 1961
ISHIKAWA FAMILY BOSS STABBED TO DEATH

KYOTO

AUGUST, 1961
BRAWLS IN CENTRAL KYOTO

Where are you guys from?

TOTTORI

OCTOBER, 1961
HIYAMA FAMILY BOSS SLASHED TO DEATH

FUKUOKA

MAY, 1962
HAKATA INCIDENT IN KYUSHU

In a battle that became
known as the Hakata Incident,

the Akashi family sent Iwai
and some 300 men to Kyushu.

Due to police mobilization,

the conflict was held in check.

But the gangland strife
did not cease.

Under these conditions,

Hiroshima became a flash point

for both the Akashi family
and the Shinwa Group.

I heard it was a big event in Kyushu.

Iwai went to help them
and was jailed.

I just came back
from the jail in Fukuoka.

He said he needed your help.

I see.

So I came to consult with you.

Will Uchimoto
be Mr. Muraoka's successor?

I can't really say yet,

but I intend
to do what I can to help.

Good.

And one more thing.

What connection
does Uchimoto have with Muraoka?

Why?

Mr. Muraoka is his boss.

Fully formalized?

Yeah, but why?

The impudent son of a bitch.

He wants to swear loyalty
to Mr. Akashi as boss,

and he's got somebody talking
to Mrs. Akashi about it.

Which is fine,

but he's gone
behind my back to do it.

Who in the world would hide such
an important issue from me,

his sworn brother?

First of all,
in this yakuza society of ours,

you never swear loyalty
to two bosses at the same time.

What does he think
a loyalty oath is?

He's a yakuza,
but he's also a businessman.

Please forgive his rudeness.
I apologize on his behalf.

Excuse me.

Hello, Mum.

Is it okay for you
not to be working?

I'm here with my boss.
He's talking with someone in that shop.

American cigarettes.

Thank you.

Give these to your friends.

Takeshi, take care of yourself.

Sure, sure.

What do you want? Tell me.

Well, as a matter of fact,

the boss has finally
decided to retire.

Yeah?

I suppose it's about time.

We talked with the boss last night,

and we're gonna ask Yamamori
to be his successor.

What do you think?

Yamamori?

That's not a good idea.

Make a man like that boss
and you're sure to regret it later.

Why don't you ask Uchimoto?

Between you and me,

the boss is angry with Uchimoto

because he became a sworn brother
with an Akashi man.

The boss thinks
he sold out Hiroshima to Kobe.

I helped Uchimoto in that deal,

so I can say nothing.

Why don't you guys figure it out?

Look.

We don't want a fuss over this.
We'd just like you to talk to the men.

If not Uchimoto,

why don't you choose someone
from the Muraoka family?

Why not you?

Eda did all that time in the joint,
so I can't very well step up.

Then how about Eda?

He's too much of a ladies' man,
and the boss doesn't agree.

How about you?

I've got health problems,

plus I don't have
the kind of record a leader needs.

We won't accept Yamamori
as boss forever.

Eventually, one of us
will take over, maybe even you.

But for now, we thought it'd work better
if Yamamori took the post for a year or so.

What? What are
the three of you talking about?

Hello.

Hirono.

You opened your big mouth to Aihara.

What do you mean?

You said I'd sworn loyalty
to Muraoka as boss.

Yes, I did.

Idiot! Fuck you!
You should've said you knew nothing.

But it's true. I don't know
how to say anything but the truth.

You had to shoot off your trap,
and now Aihara's pissed.

The ceremony with Mr. Akashi
is put off indefinitely.

How will you restore the face I lost?

You know, bro,

you really shouldn't be
selling yourself cheap

- here, there, and everywhere.
- What're you talking about?

Getting in with Mr. Akashi
will raise my prestige.

Then I can sell myself higher.

If you've ruined my chance to get ahead,
you're gonna answer for it.

Why should I?

If you want prestige, then you should
make things right for the late Sugihara.

That's how you earn prestige
in yakuza society.

I'm not interested
in your hick opinions.

Keep your nose
out of my business next time!

Fine! I won't say a word
even if you ask me!

Should we have told him?

He told me to butt out, didn't he?
Fuck him.

He's turned out to be
a real disappointment.

I'll try talking to Mr. Yamamori.

Better the devil you know
than the angel you don't.

Two months later,
the Muraoka family in Hiroshima

and the Yamamori family in Kure
joined forces.

Yamamori became boss of the newly
combined family with 200 members.

CHAIRMAN OF TOYODA FAMILY IN YAMAGUCHI
RYOHEI TOYODA

Hello, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you for coming.

- Makihara.
- Hi!

BOSS OF HAMAZAKI FAMILY IN IWAKUNI
SHIRO HAMAZAKI

Congratulations.

I heard you've been having trouble
with Komori in Iwakuni.

Don't worry.
We're taking care of it.

Really? That's good.

This way, please.

Hirono.

You scheming asshole.

- Boss!
- It's okay.

I was born to be a boss.

I'm a lucky man.
Now that I control Hiroshima,

we're not gonna have outsiders
meddling in our business.

That's fine, but you don't want
to make too many enemies, either.

Yes. By the way,
your family's growing too.

Yes, thank you.

We have an excellent boss, and
our young men work hard for the family.

That's right.

Without good men at his side,
a boss can't do much.

In our family,
this Takeda is the best,

and has about 60 million yen.

This guy here is next,
with about 40 million yen.

Eda here just got out of prison,

so next would be this guy,
who's got 30 million -

no, more like 27 million.

The others are about the same.

And how much do you have, boss?

Me?

I have your two favorite
golden balls.

The guest over there
is asking for you.

Bro, that's Komori.
The one we've had trouble with.

Okay, keep quiet.

You asked for me?

You and that Hamazaki
are sworn brothers, right?

What about it?

There's been some friction between
Hamazaki and Komori here in Iwakuni.

Since Komori is my sworn brother,

I'm planning to mediate,
and I don't want you meddling.

I'm not so old yet
that I need your help.

So long as they can settle things
without trouble.

What's this, Mr. Uchimoto?
When did you get here?

Why not come see the boss
and our guests from Kobe?

You come too.

Very well.

I'm sorry.
I had another guest to see to.

Do you have a more important guest
in Hiroshima than me?

He has no common sense, you see?
That's why Mr. Muraoka gave up on him.

Now, now.
Let's all be friends.

Did you hear
what Mr. Aihara said, Uchimoto?

Why don't you come work for me?

If you're asking me to swear loyalty
as an underboss to you, I refuse.

I regard Mr. Akashi as my boss.

Who said anything about that?

All I'm saying is I'll take you on
if you want to be one of my water carriers.

Do you believe this guy?

Have you ever seen such an idiot?

He's so devoted to Mr. Akashi, he bows
toward Kobe from morning till night.

But fool that he is,
I do hope you'll take good care of him.

Are you crying?

Come now, don't cry.

Here, drink up. Go on.

I think we'll be excusing ourselves.

Wait. Uchimoto,
why don't you invite us all to your bar?

My wife has a bar.
Please stop by there first.

Very well.

You come too.

Stay with Uchimoto.

Listen.

He's got the Kobe people with him.
Just grit your teeth and come along.

Leave me alone! I'm not drinking
with a black-hearted schemer like you.

What're you talking about?

You keep calling me a schemer.
What did I do?

Don't you understand?

No, tell me.

Fine, I'll tell you.

You knew Muraoka would retire,

but you kept quiet to me
while you kissed Yamamori's ass.

It was Mr. Muraoka's decision.
I didn't know a thing about it.

Besides, you told me to butt out.
Remember?

Even if I'd supported you,

you were claiming you didn't owe
loyalty to Muraoka then.

If you aren't loyal to him now,
what qualifies you to be his successor?

You just wait!
I'm gonna smash Yamamori eventually,

and you'll be first on my list
for payback!

Why wait?
You wanna kill me, kill me now!

Hirono, stop it.

You don't need an appointment.

Come for me anytime you like.
I'll be waiting.

Bro.

A few days later, Uchimoto's
vehement rancor against Yamamori

led to the outbreak of the proxy war

SEPTEMBER 1962
IWAKUNI MARINE CORPS AIR STATION
BAR DISTRICT

between the Komori and
Hamazaki families in Iwakuni.

This struggle naturally aggravated
the Yamamori family in Hiroshima.

Boss, we're all here now.

Where's Takeda?

He's in the hospital
with his chronic problems.

I called you here for a word about
the fight between Hamazaki and Komori.

Regard that fight as our own.

Hamazaki is a sworn brother
to Makihara,

so we'll destroy Komori

and squash that piece of shit Uchimoto.

He fancies himself a mediator,

but he's entirely on Komori's side.

First of all, for tomorrow's funeral,

send a detachment of trucks loaded
with men from each of your families.

Makihara, you're in charge.

That's all. Dismissed.

Hold on a second.

Our two families
have only recently merged.

We need more time to consolidate
our strength.

Komori has ties to the Toyoda family,

and Uchimoto is supported by Kobe.

Do you seriously
want to pick this fight?

This is great.

I've never had one of my water carriers
offer me advice before.

And a fine one he is!

I guess that shuts me up.

If you don't want to do it, fine.
I'll do it by myself.

I've suffered Uchimoto's insults
long enough.

And for the sake of all the young men
from the Muraoka family, too,

there comes a time
when you have to make a stand.

Can't you see how I feel?

Don't cry, darling! You mustn't.

Not in front of all these people.

You had to open your big mouth.
Now apologize!

I was out of line.

I'll listen to others from now on.

Please forgive me.

All right, then.

So long as you understand.

I'll remain in overall command,
so come talk to me anytime.

I've got a lot of experience
under my belt.

Now let's go eat!
Come on.

I'll get the trucks.
You prepare the troops.

What a crock!

Today's tears certainly weren't
one of his better performances.

What do you mean?

He'll cry on you every time.

The boss wants to see
Makihara become a man

so he can put the screws
on the rest of us.

That's why he's pushing
this stupid fight on us.

It's fucking bullshit, man!

Hi, bro!

Thanks for coming all this way.

We'll support you.
You hold your ground.

We'll go to Komori right now!
Let's go!

Hold on.
What's your plan when you get there?

We'll crush him!

Who's "we"?
We're not joining you.

Uchimoto is our sworn brother.
We can't fight him.

What can I do on my own?

One leader is enough, no?

If you're killed,
we'll see you're buried with honor.

Please go crush them.

Then I'm not going either!

Bro!

If the leader calls it off,
then no need for us to go.

Let's go back to Hiroshima.

Hey, Hirono!

Please wait! Please!

They talked big
but didn't take any action.

I knew from the start
I couldn't trust them.

Let's change the plan.

What are you going to do?

Don't you know
why I come here so often?

Boss.

Are you going to fight
the Uchimoto family?

You needn't worry.

My husband Hayakawa

isn't so loyal to Uchimoto.

He oversees the younger members
only because he was asked to.

He always says
you're the only boss in Hiroshima.

I knew it.

Makihara here was going to kill
your husband, but I stopped him.

I've never killed a man.

I'm such a kind little poppa.

Boss!

Hey, Hayakawa, come join us.

Mr. Yamamori has something to tell you.
He's waiting.

Listen to him carefully.

Hurry up.

Hello there.

He's going to take Hayakawa
over to his side?

He oversees most of the young men
in the Uchimoto family.

Our boss said if we get him
on our side,

the Uchimoto family will lose
without so much as a fight.

Then what's Hayakawa going to do?

He'll leave it to us.

That's ridiculous!
Think about it.

We say we don't want to fight,
but we steal Uchimoto's young men

then turn and crush him?

We'll be the laughingstock
of the yakuza world.

Hayakawa's an idiot.

The moment he's unhappy with one boss,
he looks for another.

I don't like a guy
who's always working the odds.

If you take him in,
I leave the family for sure.

Well, let me tell you all something.

Our boss says you refuse to take action
'cause you're Uchimoto's sworn brothers.

We can't trust you! That's why
we're gonna take Hayakawa in.

It's not about whether we take action.
This is your sworn brother's fight,

so you can go crush Uchimoto
by yourself.

This isn't my fight!

This fight is between
Hirono and Uchimoto.

Every time something happens,
you lay it at my door!

If that's how you feel,
I'll sever ties with Uchimoto

and confront him.

But just don't be sneaking away later
when the Akashi family confronts you.

Hey, cool down!

If you're gonna go after Uchimoto,
we have to be ready too.

What are you guys doing?

- What is it?
- A bomb!

It's a smoke bomb!

Hey, watch out!

Relax!
It says "smoke bomb."

Fools!

Those punks scared us.

Those jerks work
for that damned Uchimoto!

How would I know?

I can't take responsibility
for what a couple meatheads do.

Besides, no one was hurt.

I see.

Moving on to another matter,
Mr. Uchimoto...

I've been in your good graces,

but you should treat me
like a stranger from today on.

We're all returning these,
including Takeda.

Well, we'll be going now.

Can we get a few more bets?

We're ready.

- Ready here too.
- Game!

Three.

No, don't get up.

What do you want?

My boss cut off his finger.

I was asked to deliver it to you.

Shit! That moron!

A finger or two isn't enough.

If he asks for his life,
tell him he has to come in person.

But he's been missing
since this morning.

He was tired and ran off to Kobe,
leaving his men here.

Really pisses me off!

What kind of boss runs away
and leaves his men?

I'm gonna sever ties with him.

You heard him, boss.
Please help him out.

Now that Uchimoto's run off,

why not take charge
and disband the Uchimoto family

and join ours?

That's one idea...

Boss Yamamori...

would you support me if I became
boss of the Uchimoto family?

I'll kill Komori. I promise.

Hayakawa.

Are you a man or a mouse?

Henchmen should fight
even when their boss isn't there.

If you're so eager
to be on our side,

you have to kill Uchimoto first.

Isn't that how it works?

You shut up!

Don't waste your time with this guy!

If this reaches Kobe's ears,
you know what'll happen.

Yes, that's right.

I see.

Who was that?

The Akashi family.

They have something to ask us
about Uchimoto.

Aihara and Miyaji
will be coming here soon.

Don't look at me!

You're the ones
who severed ties with Uchimoto.

You deal with Akashi.

It's too late.

We have to fight Akashi, right?

I'll start making preparations.

Me too.

I'll be getting back too.

Boss.

Listen.

Keep a watch out.

Hello.

Yes.

Boss, Mrs. Yamamori
wants to speak to you.

Hello? Yes, it's me.

Shozo, you must come over, and hurry!

There are some men
in front of our house,

and they're speaking in Kobe dialect.

I'm sure they've come from
the Akashi family to kill my husband.

Please come quickly!

I'll be there as soon as possible.

Get your weapons and follow me.

Mrs. Yamamori!

Shozo?

Yes, it's me.

Shozo, thanks for coming.

It's all right.

It was just some drunken sailors
kicking up a fuss.

Really?

I was so scared.

I called Makihara and some others.

They said they'd come,
but no one did.

You're the only one
I can count on, Shozo.

Don't worry anymore.
I'll leave a few of my men with you.

Shozo, will you put your life
on the line for my husband?

He says he can't trust
anyone these days.

He doesn't sleep well,
and his appetite's been poor.

What's wrong?
Just when I was sound asleep!

Dear, Shozo said he'll risk
his life for you,

so you can get a good night's sleep
and stop worrying.

Who said I couldn't sleep?

I was just angry with that damned
Hayakawa and had some thinking to do.

What about Hayakawa?

I'm really angry with him.

That idiot went to see
Uchimoto in Kobe

because he heard that the Akashi family
supported Uchimoto.

That traitor! Next time I see him,
I'll slice him in two!

The battle hadn't yet flared
at that point,

but a few days later,

the underbosses of the Akashi family
asked to see Hirono secretly.

I'm sorry for the short notice.

I wanted to speak with you frankly.

About what?

Are you going to oppose us
or support us?

Which will it be?

With an attitude like that,
what am I supposed to say?

If you oppose me, I'll oppose you.

Now, now, let's talk calmly.

We all know each other here.

Listen, Hirono.

Could you make peace with Uchimoto?

Make peace?

As for the fight
between Komori and Hamazaki,

we went to see
Mr. Toyoda in Yamaguchi

and persuaded them to reconcile,
with Uchimoto acting as go-between.

But for that,
if you don't reconcile with Uchimoto,

it makes us look bad.

I see.

I can't make that decision on my own.

I'll discuss it with my men.

Frankly speaking, at this point

you're the only one
opposing us in Hiroshima.

Makihara came to
a Buddhist service yesterday

in Mr. Yamamori's place.

He said some of Yamamori's men
are acting like renegades

and causing Yamamori trouble
in waging this battle.

And as for Makihara,
he begged to join us, the Akashi family,

and promised to quit
the Yamamori family at any time.

Eda called me

and explained that
he's not going to oppose us.

And I heard Matsunaga
is off having fun in Shikoku.

None of them are gonna fight.
You're the only one.

You could wind up fighting Yamamori,
Uchimoto and the others on your own,

only to lose in the end.

Boss, it's time.

I received word
from Mr. Toyoda in Yamaguchi

that Hamazaki is to be reconciled
with Komori, with Uchimoto as mediator.

You guys should attend.

How did you arrange it
with the Akashi family?

Well, I went to Kobe
and we agreed

that we, the Yamamori family, will have
nothing to do with the Hamazaki family.

That would be handing
Uchimoto a victory.

That's only a matter
for Uchimoto's sworn brothers.

The Yamamori family doesn't win
or lose one way or the other.

I can't listen
to this bullshit anymore.

So you just swallowed the Akashi
family's deal hook, line and sinker?

Who says I did?

Right in front of
the Akashi underbosses,

I said that our boss
is the best in Japan.

Makihara.

What exactly took you to Kobe?

Some business for the boss.

What kind of business, boss?

Well, I was told
there was a Buddhist service.

You make us oppose them alone

but you reconcile with them
by yourself?

Hurry up!

The boss is having trouble with some
young renegades. Is that what you said?

Just who's a renegade here?

Did you say that?

No, I didn't.

I heard from Aihara and Miyaji

that you begged to join them
and promised to leave us at any moment.

I heard there's some other
shady dealings going on too.

If you want to save your lives,

you'd better reconcile
with Uchimoto and get out.

That's the only honest thing to do.

I want no part of this fight!

Come now, you guys work it out.

The reconciliation ceremony
for Komori and Hamazaki

was held at a restaurant
in Yamaguchi soon thereafter.

At the ceremony, Hirono and others
apologized to Uchimoto

and went through the motions
of making peace.

Forgive me if I insist
on formalities.

You missed out
on being named successor.

But I was named captain.
I hope I'll continue in your favor.

This ceremony was a de facto defeat
for the Yamamori family.

And that autumn,
the ambitious Uchimoto

became the 61st sworn brother
of Tatsuo Akashi,

boss of the Akashi family,

signaling his clear opposition

to the Yamamori family.

At the end of the year,

Yamamori secretly visited underboss
Akira Takeda in the hospital.

That damned Uchimoto won't even
say hello to me on the street.

The way he struts around!

One of the young men told me.

This is all Hirono's fault.

He always disturbs my well-laid plans.

He's much more Akashi's pawn
than Uchimoto's.

I can't relax
until he's forced out of Hiroshima.

He seldom visits us.

Takeda, I'm going to revive the post
of captain of the younger ranks,

which was abolished in the merger.
It'll help control the family.

Would you take on that role?

It's too much for me.

No, you're the only man for the job.

Matsunaga always sides with Hirono,
Eda won't lift a finger,

and Makihara doesn't have the guts.

You're the only one
who can stand up to Hirono.

I'm begging you.

You have to help me!

You see how desperate he is that
he even visits you on your sickbed?

You needn't beg.
I understand.

Really? Will you do it?

But if I take the position,
I have my pride to uphold.

I must do it my way.

Of course, whatever you like.

I'm thinking of naming you
successor anyway.

Getting right to business,

someone brought a proposal

to form an alliance
with the Shinwa Group in Kobe.

It seems a good chance
to defeat Uchimoto

and put some spine in our family.

That's well and good,

but is the Shinwa Group powerful?

No one can face the Akashi family
on equal footing

except the Shinwa Group.

JANUARY 1963
NEW YEAR'S MEETING
OF YAMAMORI FAMILY UNDERBOSSES

Please continue your favors
this year again.

As I said before,
Takeda has recovered

and will now lead you as captain.

Please give him your support.

I appreciate your support.

Getting right to business,

we're going to form an alliance
with the Shinwa Group of Kobe.

I'll fill you in on the details later.
I hope for your cooperation.

So that's that.

Happy New Year.
Please continue your favors toward us.

Beer.

Listen...

I'd like to ask Mr. Toyoda of Yamaguchi
to serve as go-between

in order to form an alliance
with the Shinwa Group.

But I don't know him.
Would you go with me?

- I can't support this plan.
- Why not?

If our family forms an alliance
in its current sad state,

it'll only mean trouble for the Shinwa
Group and Mr. Toyoda in the future.

Don't say that.

I intend to whip
this family into shape.

Just how are you going to do that?

You speak of an alliance with
the Shinwa Group, but look over there.

Who do you think those women are?
They're all from Hayakawa's bar.

Our boss is trying to use Makihara
to lure Hayakawa over to us,

and Hayakawa's all ears because
the Akashi family doesn't treat him well.

Hey, Matsunaga!

Watch it!

If the captain says we're gonna do it,
cooperate with him.

If you guys say so, it's okay by me.

But it'll get me in trouble
with the Akashi family,

so I'll have to see
how I feel then.

I see.

There's nothing I can do about that.

But until the situation becomes clear,

don't meet with the men
of the Akashi family.

Why not?

The boss acts freely.
Why should my hands be tied?

Since he won't take a clear stand
one way or another,

I have to find safe ground myself.

Then why not just let the Akashi family
take you under their wing?

Hey! You're brown-nosing Takeda
'cause you hope to succeed him.

We don't have it so easy.

Listen here!

When did I say anything
about being successor?

Stop it!

Back off!

Good evening.

Happy New Year.
You ladies are lovely.

Die!

What are you doing with that?

The safety's still on.

Boss, who was that punk?

I've got a pretty good idea.

Are you a sworn brother of the boss?

Not yet.

You should be soon.
Just have to show your devotion.

Yes, I see.

How about you and me
working together?

Working together?

The boss was just attacked.

That was Makihara's doing.

The boss doesn't want to cause
Mrs. Yamamori grief by striking back.

Why don't we get him?

Let's prove we're men
and earn some points.

All right, bro, I'm with you!

I have a little problem
with my hand...

but I can take you to Makihara.

Why don't you do it?

- You're hurting me!
- Come on, hurry up!

He's in that room. Go on.

No, I won't.

I can't pull this off
without your help.

He doesn't know about us.

Just pretend you know nothing.
It's a one-time thing.

Hurry up!

Keep it to 30 minutes, eh?

Good evening.

Good evening.

Aren't you going to hold me?

It's cold.
Let's get it over with.

The light.

Your pants.

That hurts! Watch it!

No!

That's enough!
You don't listen!

The boss wants to talk to you.
Will you meet with him?

Fine with me,

but I heard Hirono's squawking.

Don't mind him.
He'll be out of the picture soon.

While you were gone,
he tried to force me to disband our family.

Hirono did that?

I was right there.

That bastard!

I'll give him a taste of my mind!

Makihara!

Congratulations on
your release from prison.

I'm only out on bail.

I've still got the trial coming up.
What a drag.

By the way, is it true that
the Yamamori family

is going to form an alliance
with the Shinwa Group?

Takeda and the boss say so,
so it'll probably happen.

Can't we stop them?

I can't do it by myself.

I've been on the outs
with the family recently.

In that case, would you consider
being reconciled with Uchimoto?

That way, the Akashi family
could make inroads in Hiroshima.

I'm not sure...

Hirono, this is
a moment of truth for you.

If Yamamori forms an alliance
with the Shinwa Group,

you'll be a thorn in their side
'cause you're close with us.

I heard Yamamori tried to kill you.

How about this?

What about you driving
Yamamori into retirement

and taking control of Hiroshima?

We'll support you.

The truth is...

we let Uchimoto hold our flag,
but we're not really counting on him.

Iwai...

I'm happy here in Kure.

No one gets a bed of roses
in yakuza society.

It's a dog-eat-dog world.
Am I wrong?

I see.

But how can I betray my boss?

How do you expect
to drive him out if you don't?

You just gonna sit there
and do nothing?

Anyway, would you mention
Uchimoto to Takeda and the others?

There's no turning back now.
I'm counting on you.

Hello. Yes, it's me.

Yes, he's here.

What?

Boss!

Goddamn you!

Fucking idiot!

Damn you!

Who the fuck told you to do that?

He said he acted on his own.

Shithead!

You want to bring down
our whole family single-handedly?

Don't you know my situation?

Boss, give me another chance.

I'll kill him next time.

You fucking idiot!

You got shit for brains or what?

Shithead!

Get up!

Boss!

- Please stop!
- Let the fuck go of me!

You'll kill him, boss!

Then let the bastard die!

How is he?

The fever's gone down.

It's okay. Don't get up.

Wiping out your rivals doesn't mean
you win the game these days.

Just get that through your head
and I'll be happy.

Boss, Mr. Takeda wants you
on the phone.

Takeda?

I heard you met with Iwai
from the Akashi family.

What did he have to say?

You got a network of spies or what?

He didn't say anything in particular.

He's out on bail from Kyushu
and dropped by to say hello.

Is that all?

All right.

Listen, Takeda.

I've given it some thought.

I agree to the alliance
with the Shinwa Group.

I'll go see Mr. Toyoda with you.

You will?

That'll be a big help.

Please do that.

See you tomorrow.

Boss, if you help them do this,

how will the Akashi family react?

I'm gonna drive Yamamori out.

Mark my words.

That June,

the Yamamori family
and the Shinwa Group from Kobe

formed an alliance of equals,
with Toyoda as mediator.

One week later,

the Akashi family formed
an alliance with the Kojima family,

the biggest yakuza gang in Okayama,
revealing their confrontational stance.

Moreover, Akashi underbosses were
sent to Hiroshima shortly thereafter

to try and pressure
Yamamori family underbosses

to be reconciled with Uchimoto.

Hirono.

I heard

you knew about Iwai's proposal
that we reconcile with Uchimoto.

Why didn't you mention that?

What difference would it have made?

You were busy with the alliance
with the Shinwa Group.

I see.

In any event, we can't
be reconciled with Uchimoto.

Will you go tell them that?

If you tell me to, I will.

The rest of you okay with that?

It's too late to listen
to the Akashi family!

They're trying to cripple our alliance
with the Shinwa Group.

What are you gonna do?

I'll convey your decisions,

but I myself may not be able to refuse.

I'll think it over there at that time.

You can't be so selfish.

I can't permit it as captain.

Then why don't you all go
and refuse together?

Then I'll go with what you decide.

But if we go to refuse their offer,

you should know that
it may come to blows on the spot.

Welcome.

Come in, please.

Thanks for coming all this way.

Though I asked
my colleagues' opinions,

they refuse to be reconciled
with Mr. Uchimoto.

What happened?

It's a blackout.
I'll get some light.

Make it snappy!

I'm sorry it took so long.
Here you are.

We'll speak our piece first.

This all started with the conflict
between Komori and Hamazaki.

You severed your ties
with Uchimoto because of that.

In response,
Mr. Uchimoto cut off his finger,

yet even then you have not been
reconciled to him. Why not?

If you won't be, we can't keep the peace.
What do you think?

We already apologized once
to Uchimoto,

so we thought
that was already settled.

Yes, you made up for that,

but the fact Mr. Uchimoto cut off
his finger hasn't been addressed.

You need to be reconciled
and become sworn brothers again.

That's the yakuza way.

Given our situation,
that's the one thing we cannot do.

Well, then...

our ties will be completely severed.

Matsunaga,

you sure that's what you want?

I didn't exactly say I refused.

I was just following
my boss and captain.

Mr. Eda, what do you think?

Well...

I haven't really
given it much thought.

Well, it seems the captain's
the only one who opposes it.

Mr. Takeda,

are you feeling bad
because of the Shinwa Group?

As a matter of fact, I often speak
with the Shinwa Group in Kobe.

They made it quite clear
their alliance with Mr. Yamamori

was little more than a business matter.

In other words
should you really need their help,

they won't be easily moved to action.

If you'd like,

I'll call Mr. Itami
of the Shinwa Group to confirm.

You needn't do that.

I understand what you're saying.

The blackout came
at an awfully inconvenient time!

Mr. Okubo.

You young men
are always up to something!

So, did you come to a decision?

Thank you for joining us.

Mr. Takeda,

we had asked Mr. Okubo
to come act as go-between,

assuming you would
be willing to reconcile.

With Mr. Okubo's participation,
Mr. Yamamori is sure to say yes.

We can accept your decision,

but if you cause
Mr. Okubo to lose face,

you'll lose standing in Hiroshima.

Sir, I leave it entirely up to you.

Well, then, in that case,
I'll be happy to help you.

We're in your hands.

Allow me to say something!

I'll be reconciled with the others,
but not with Hirono!

Are you still harping on that?
That's enough now.

I'm no one's puppet!
I don't do things halfway!

Besides, I know Hirono
caused trouble for Hayakawa!

I refuse!

Come now.
We'll discuss this some other time.

Our business here is finished.

Let's go some place a bit brighter
and have some fun. Okay, Mr. Okubo?

Yeah, it's gloomy in here.
Let's go flirt with the ladies.

Let's go.

No, I'm not going.

I'm staying here.
Leave me alone.

He tried to...

Inviting Mr. Okubo
was your doing, wasn't it?

There's no way the Akashi family
could have known him.

You knew what was going to happen,
yet you brought us here anyway.

That's why you cooperated to form
the alliance with the Shinwa Group.

Believe that if you like.

I see I can't win.

Wait.

Takeda...

I'm not trying to put you in a bind.

I'm going after Yamamori.

Hiroshima can never be united
while he's at the top.

So...

I'm going to drag him into the struggle
between Akashi and the Shinwa,

leading him to irreparable shame
and forcing him to retire.

Why don't you be Yamamori's
successor when he retires?

Then I'll support you wholeheartedly.

If we're gonna be burned
by the sparks,

let Yamamori roast in the flames.

The Akashi family,
who sought to penetrate Hiroshima

by means of Uchimoto's resurgence,

convinced Uchimoto to expel
the dissenting Hayakawa

and then enacted a reconciliation,
as planned.

On the other side,
when the Shinwa Group heard the news,

they sent vice chairman Itami
to call Yamamori to account.

Everything transpired
just as Hirono expected,

and Yamamori was backed
into a corner.

However, after Toyoda
was brought in as mediator,

the state of affairs took
an unexpected turn.

Takeda has come

with the decision of the Yamamori family
and the Shinwa Group.

They request you retire
and give up this life.

Give up this life?

Yes, the Shinwa Group agreed
on that condition.

They're resolving this
by sacrificing you.

You say it's been decided.

But if I refuse, what will they do?

That's why I told them
Hirono's not about to give up this life.

Then they handed me this.

LETTER OF EXPULSION

You have to make up your mind.

This guy says he'll support you.

Listen, bro.

I agree with Mr. Okubo.

You're close with the Akashi family.

If we join forces,
we could take Kure easily.

It's about time
we show that bastard Yamamori!

Everything went just as you planned.

Dragging Mr. Okubo into it
was a nice touch.

You dragged him into this first.

It serves you right.

I was wrong to trust you.

The family can only work
if we're united.

Only thing a guy like you can do
is get out.

Serves you right!

Don't like it?
Then put up a fight!

I just might do that.

Bring Yamamori along
and challenge me anytime!

Prepare to die!

Move!

I'm gonna kill you!

That bastard!
Aren't you gonna do anything?

Go on! Get him!

Leave it to me. I'll kill him.

Matsunaga, I hear
you're real tight with Hirono.

Whose side are you gonna take?

Whose side?

I have no grudge against either side.

I'll be neutral.

I don't allow neutral around here.

If you don't side with us,

you have to retire

and never come back here again.

Tokyo? Why?

It's better than dying in the fight.
Would you run away with me?

No.

Where you gonna get
the cash anyway?

You won't come
'cause I have no money?

I'd never go with you.
I'm with Kuramoto now.

You...

What is it, sir?

Take this. You'll need it.

Hirono was expelled
because of you,

so you have to sever ties with those guys
from the Yamamori family.

Please see to it right away.

Why should I be
involved in the struggle

between Yamamori and Hirono?

If you don't get involved,

we can't help Hirono.

It's a direct order
from the boss in Kobe too.

Which side?

What do you mean by that?

We're gonna fight Uchimoto and Hirono.

If you fight for us, you can join
our family. What do you say?

I'd be happy to join you.

Very well.

Then let us see some proof
of your commitment.

Darling.

Get ready!

AUGUST 26, 1963
AKASHI FAMILY UCHIMOTO BRANCH

Shoot! Kill!

The police!

Bro!

Hayakawa, Yamamori's ally, attacked
the Uchimoto Family, Akashi's ally.

The Hiroshima Battle began.

What?

I see!

It's finally happened!

That bastard Hayakawa attacked
the Uchimoto office.

Really? All right, then.

We'll crush him!

Tell the office
to begin preparations.

Boss, Mr. Makihara is watching a movie
at the Chuo Theater.

I see. Good work.

The Chuo Theater.

Here it is.

Oh, it's me. What's the rush?

One of Hirono's men is on his way.

Keep an eye out.

I'm leaving for Tokyo now!

Get in!

The police cut him up.

They took out everything inside
and sewed him up again like a sack.

Where are his insides?

There, there.

Takeshi!

Boss!

It's hot!

When a battle begins,

young men are always
the first to lose their lives,

yet their deaths have
never once been honored.

Fatalities keep piling up

as the battle
among the yakuza of Hiroshima

escalates into
an ever more violent struggle.

THE END