Original subtitles

TOEl COMPANY PRESENTS

The yakuza battles in Hiroshima

that began during the black-market period

following the end of World War II in 1945

grew into all-out gang warfare in the summer of 1963,

resulting in 17 dead, 26 seriously wounded,

and more than 1,600 arrests.

This third round of gangland violence

brought a tremendous outcry from the public,

and a police crackdown finally began to take hold in 1964.

The Uchimoto family disbanded,

SHOZO HIRONO HEAD OF HIRONO FAMILY IN KURE and its leading under boss, Shozo Hirono,

was sentenced to seven years in Abashiri prison.

Meanwhile, in the opposing Yamamori camp,

Chief Under boss Akira Takeda was released on a technicality,

and he called on families around the Hiroshima region to unite,

shed the image of gangsters,

and drastically alter the nature of their organizations

by reconstituting themselves as a political body, the Tensei Coalition.

In spite of its new political status, however,

this body, too, became the cause of further bloodshed.

BATTLES WITHOUT HONORAND HUMANITY FINAL EPISODE

AUGUST 6, 1965 -ANNIVERSARY OF THE DROPPING OF THE ATOMIC BOMB

2ND CHAIRMAN OF TENSEl COALITION AKIRATAKEDA Tensei Coalition Platform: We resolve to work toward a more perfect republic,

VICE CHAIRMAN KATSUTOSHI OTOMO founded on the principles of democracy,

and fostering a spirit of patriotism.

MANAGING DIRECTOR TAMOTSU MATSUMURA We respect the code of honor,

SECRETARY-GENERAL HIDEO HAYAKAWA and follow the traditions of chivalry.

We dedicate ourselves to righting injustice.

TENSEl DIRECTORSHOICHI EDA We act with the knowledge that the judgment of heaven is stern,

OTOMO FAMILYCAPTAIN TOYOAKI MANO

and we seek to contribute to the growth of a benevolent state.

Original Story by KOICHI IIBOSHI

Screenplay by KOJI TAKADA

Cinematography by SADAJI YOSHIDA

Music by TOSHIAKI TSUSHIMA

Cast:

BUNTASUGAWARA

KINYA KITAOJI

HIROKI MATSUKATA

KUNIE TANAKA NOBUO KANEKO, JO SHISHIDO

AKIRA KOBAYASHI

Directed by KINJI FUKASAKU

Welcome

What's with those getups?

You been at some grade-school field day?

- Didn�t you hear? - We were on a march with Tensei

That's good of you

It's only to give the big shots some exposure

The chairman probably wants to run for the prefectural assembly

Hey, look who's here

Who are they?

Some of Hirono's men

Having yourselves a good time, I see,

while your boss is off in Abashiri eating prison swill!

Whoa, did I hit a sore spot?

Hurry up with the beer!

What do we owe you?

That's Yen2,000

You leaving?

Thanks

- You asking for trouble? - You should place it more carefully!

Watch your mouth, asshole!

Hurry! Go get Mr. Matsumura!

Please stop!

Break it up!

I said break it up!

Doesn't look too bad

Help him up

I suggest you be a little more careful

It's a bit too soon for you guys to be fooling around in Hiroshima

Sorry about the mess I'll take care of the damage

Didn�t anybody listen to the new coalition rules?

If you ask me,

the fucks who started this fight should all be ordered to cutoff a finger

We may have a fancy new name, but our troops are a bunch of riffraff

You got to chop off an arm or two if you want discipline!

I agree We�ve got to clamp down hard

Young recruits these days are a bunch of softies

Where do you stand on this, Chairman?

Matsumura's in charge of troop discipline

I'm against punishments

like cutting off fingers or arms

We formed the Tensei Coalition to distance ourselves from the yakuza image

I think we need to avoid practices identified with yakuza

That stands to reason

I agree 100 percent

How about we leave this matter to Matsumura?

Not so fast!

You wanna turn them into spineless wimps?

How about we take a vote?

All right Those in favor of leaving it to Matsumura

Hear, hear

That's exactly half,

and I'll add my vote

Matsumura,

let us know what you decide before the day is out

Next item on the agenda

HEAD OF ICHIOKA FAMILY IN KURE TERUKICHI ICHIOKA

HIRONO & CO

HIRONO FAMILYCAPTAIN ATSUSHI UJIIE

Welcome, Boss Ichioka

Come on in

Hey, pop a couple beers

Ujiie

I hear some of your young men got diced up by Matsumura's men

I told them to stay out of Hiroshima,

but some just don't listen

Is that anyway to hold the fort while your boss is away?

Why didn�t you hit them right back?

The fault was ours

Who gives a fuck whose fault it was?

You hear Tensei, and suddenly you're all chicken shit

Where's your balls?

Perhaps you're not aware of our situation,

because you just got out of the joint

If you're so afraid of tangling with Tensei

because they might bust you up,

why not just go bowing and scraping and ask them to take you in?

We have to be careful until the boss gets out

Fucking wimps!

Your boss is weeping in Abashiri

Look

a strong offense is your best defense

It's payback time

Just watch I'll light the fires for you!

So don't be chicken shits!

If any of those Tensei assholes come to Kure,

give them what they deserve!

The same old Ichioka

I hear some people say

that's the way a gangster ought to be

He acts like everything's the same as ten years ago

Fuck that shit!

MAY 23, 1966 TAKEYA DISTRICT, HIROSHIMA

Sugita!

MAY 23, 1966,TENSEl COALITION ASSOCIATE SAKICHI SUGITA DIED

Tensei associate Sakichi Sugita had run an underground loan operation.

He had served as financial advisor to Tensei president Takeda

and had been an important source of funds.

- My condolences - Thank you

Please come with me

Ichioka must be behind this

He's said all along he'd pick a fight with Tensei

Better hold your tongue, Otomo, until we really know

If you sit around doing nothing, it'll be your turn next

Ichioka's not one to hold back

We've got to go after him before he comes after us

FORMER HEAD OF YAMAMORI FAMILY YOSHIO YAMAMORI

Get a load of that ass

Is that the widowed daughter Tamotsu's making it with?

That's right

Her husband died in a car wreck soon after they got married

She's been handling the books for Sugita Enterprises ever since

A real looker, isn�t she?

She's a fine, fine

You're drooling, boss

Am I?

Better watch out

Everything's set for tomorrow

I really appreciate all your help

I know how worn out you must be Just leave everything to us

That's what the chairman said, too

What do you think, Tamotsu?

Was it really Ichioka?

It's hard to say yet,

but one of the witnesses did say he recognized Ichioka's thugs

I see

Chief

I thought I might be early, but I came to offer up some incense

You must be his daughter

I'd like to offer my condolences

Please don't lose heart

Thank you for making time

in your busy schedule

Please come in

Thanks

SHOZO HIRONO TERUKICHI ICHIOKA

Ichioka!

You've got some nerve coming here!

Cough it up! You ordered the hit, didn�t you?

Mr. Otomo!

I know it was you! It couldn�t be anyone else!

Careful, Otomo!

I suggest you watch your tongue!

Calm down, boss!

You wanna fight?

If that's what you want, just say so

- I'm ready for you anytime! - That does it!

Settle down!

Ichioka

you've had your chance to offer incense

Now get out of here

You know, Mr. Takeda,

with crazies like him running around,

I'd say your coalition's days are numbered

Boss!

Hold him!

- No, boss! Don't! - Let go of me!

You take me for a fool?

Don�t you know who I am?

I've been slicing and dicing on the streets since you were knee-high!

Put the fucking bullets back in and give it to me!

I'll teach you!

- Did you get enough? - You

Take it easy, Mr. Otomo!

That's enough!

Apologize!

Mr. Otomo,

please accept his apology

Look, Takeda, those bastards came here to pick a fight!

You want us to just sit around jacking off?

This is no time to be getting into fights

As vice chairman, you need to stop and think before you go off half-cocked

It's only been two years since we formed this coalition,

and we've finally started to alter public perception

Just one bullet could send all that down the drain!

So you finally show your true colors

Very well

I'll take on Ichioka by myself!

I'll show you how a real yakuza defends his pride!

Ah, what stirring valor!

You're truly a man among men!

Today's youngsters should take a page from your book

A paragon of yakuza chivalry

Let me make one thing clear

If anybody here responds to Ichioka's provocations,

he's finished with Tensei

Keep that in mind

In June 1966,

the Hiroshima police and district attorney's office

made note of the rising discord within Tensei

and took out a warrant to search the group's offices

on suspicion of illegal gun trafficking.

Fearing the outbreak of a fourth bloody gangland feud,

the police determined to break up the Tensei Coalition

by arresting Takeda and the group's other leaders.

Found them!

TENSEl OFFICES SEARCHED 24 HANDGUNS FOUND

All right!

What's the matter, honey? Have you gone nuts?

They're putting the screws on Takeda

This says it's only a matter of time before he's arrested

That means I can get the chairmanship back!

I get to be Hiroshima's big boss again!

Then will you buy me an Omega watch?

Of course I will Come here, Mitsuko

Damn it! Be more careful!

What you think you're doing?

Boss, Mr. Hayakawa is here

It's time to get going, Otomo Hurry up and get ready

I'm not going

Just looking at that horse's ass makes me sick I'll send Mano instead

That's not a good idea

You don't want to miss this emergency meeting

Takeda intends to name his successor

What?

If the cops grab Takeda, we'll need an acting chairman

Takeda wants to name Matsumura,

but it's so sudden, he hasn't had time to firm up support

Look, Otomo This is your chance to become king of the hill

I called this meeting today

because now that I've been chairman for a year,

I think it's time we decide who'll be next in line

And to make sure we don't have disagreements later

over what we decide today,

I've asked Mr. Okubo and Mr. Kono to join us

Gentlemen

after considering the matter carefully,

I'm recommending Managing Director Tamotsu Matsumura,

as the next chairman of Tensei

I'd like to move directly to a vote

Hold on, Mr. Chairman

I object

Both for his stature and the respect he commands,

I think Vice Chairman Otomo is the best candidate

I know Mr. Otomo would normally be the logical choice

But the thing is,

he brings a lot of baggage with him from before

If we consider what the public and the police will think,

I don�t think he's the best man to represent us publicly

This wasn�t an easy decision for me,

but I hope you'll all understand why I decided as I did

Don�t you think Matsumura's awfully young for this?

If you ask me,

Matsumura's the perfect choice

Takeda's not saying we should make Matsumura chairman right away

He's only going to be chairman-elect

Unlike the rest of us, Matsumura is a child of the times

He's the man who can lead our coalition into the future

For his age, he's shown himself to be of very sound character,

and if we all rally around him, he'll do a fine job of leading us

Very well said, sir

When you put it that way,

I'd have to say Matsumura has my wholehearted support

How about we take a vote?

Our choice is between Mr. Otomo and Matsumura

All right, we'll take a vote

Those in favor of Matsumura, raise your hands

It had all been scripted in advance by Takeda and Okubo.

Takeda was determined to build Tensei into a new kind of yakuza organization.

By naming his trusted confidant Matsumura as his successor,

he had successfully weathered this challenge to his vision.

Come on, Matsumura Shake the chairman's hand

Don't just sit there

Listen, everyone

If anything should happen to me,

I want you to rally behind Matsumura and keep building the coalition

We've only barely firmed up our foundation,

and we're in heavy debt both to our members and to society

I'll be leaving Matsumura with a tremendous burden

Matsumura,

it's not going to be easy, but I'm counting on you

Gentlemen, I look forward to your support

What a charade!

That same night, Takeda was taken into custody

on charges of smuggling and illegal possession of handguns.

What's going to happen to the Tensei Coalition now?

When will you announce your retirement?

I don't intend to retire, nor will I disband Tensei

So you're passing the reins to a successor?

I didn�t say that

Who's going to be chairman?

The police claim Tensei is a yakuza group What do you say to that?

Tensei is not a yakuza group

It's a political coalition

Remember that, Tamotsu I'm counting on you

All right I'll take care of it right away

What the hell's going on with these people?

The minute Takeda gets nabbed, they all go soft on us

Those assholes Otomo and Hayakawa are stirring them up,

spreading mud and vicious lies They're driving me crazy!

Same here

Kuwa in Tokuyama called, wondering if this might be a good time

to quit the coalition!

Fucking idiot!

Tamotsu,

we need to do something pretty quick,

or the coalition's gonna start falling apart

We could lose everything we've been working for

Chief

Sorry to take so long

It's good of you to come

Well, if it isn't Miss Sugita

I was so grateful for everybody's help at the services

We all admire how you stepped right into your father�s shoes

and carried on the business

I've divided these up

Securities, liabilities,

and these are bond certificates and pledges

What's all this stuff?

Financial documents Chairman Takeda had entrusted to Mr. Sugita

All his assets, essentially

But he said he had nothing but debts

Don't forget what he always said:

You borrow in order to distribute favors

I see So the big man had figured on that from the start?

He really doesn�t miss a beat

This looks like a list of gambling loans

My name's not there, is it?

Man, I'm breaking out in a cold sweat

It's time for a showdown

Eda, Tsuneoka, I'll need your help too

Doing what?

Making money talk

We'll rake this money together and slap them all in the face with it

Slap who in the face?

I'm not under any illusions

I know too well that I'll have to struggle for control of the coalition

That's why I said it's time for a showdown

Just you watch

You should go have a soak, too

I already did

I heard

it really was some Ichioka men that did it

that killed my father

I hear they got picked up in Osaka

That's what I heard, too

I suppose Ichioka himself will still get off scot-free

Let's go to bed

Tamotsu,

I'm thinking of giving up the business

Why would you do that?

I've been thinking about my father

He didn't particularly like being a yakuza banker

Then, after doing your people's bidding all those years,

he gets snuffed out like some insect

Of course, you'll say it wasn't your fault,

but I just don't have it in me to work for you anymore

I can't have you quit now

I need your help now more than ever

So I don�t want to hear any more talk like that, okay?

I've even been thinking we should get married, you know

You never think

of anyone but yourself, do you?

Please! Don�t make me stay tonight

Listen to me. You may think I'm not doing right by your father,

but even if it had been my own father,

I couldn't just flip out and gun the bastards down

Don't!

Just be patient

When the time comes, I'll avenge your father

All right?

Please come again

What the hell's going on?

What the fuck? It's Kanazawa!

Bro! I've got Kanazawa, from the Otomo family

Tie him up!

Chief!

We've got them both, chief!

Chief! Are you hurt?

You were fucking napping on the job!

Sorry, chief!

They're Otomo men What should we do with them?

With all the ruckus, the cops should be here any minute

Just dump them out front

It's amazing how hard it is to hit something with a bullet

ABASHIRI PRISON, HOKKAIDO

Shozo Hirono was in the final year of his seven-year sentence.

In a prison memoir, he wrote up a candid account

of the events that had brought him there,

and he closed with the following, addressed to no one in particular:

"When foolish men stand at the top,

the men under them suffer and shed blood needlessly."

Hirono, did you say you were having stomach trouble?

I'll take you to the infirmary

You have a visitor

Bro!

Ichioka!

How long you been out?

About six months

I wanted to come right away, but it took some time

You're looking well

I'm managing

So, how is everyone?

Pretty much the same

So long as I'm there, I'll make sure everyone's taken care of,

so don�t worry about that

Yeah, thanks

I don't have much time, so I'll get right to the point

A couple of Otomo's men turned their guns on Matsumura

Matsumura escaped unharmed, but it's really shaken up the coalition

Otomo's being investigated for inciting murder,

but he'll be out on bail soon

At any rate, the group's split clean in two,

and Hiroshima's got a war on its hands

This is your big chance to take Hiroshima for yourself

I'll lay the groundwork between now and when you get out,

so you can be looking forward to a jolly good time

What?

Something wrong?

I was just remembering the past

It's kind of depressing

to think of other guys having to go through

what I've been through

Don't give me that, bro

We've got plenty of young recruits just itching for a fight

We're not gonna come up short on ammunition

They have no idea what it takes to clean things up after a fight

Those of us who do need to let them know

That doesn�t sound very much like you, bro

I think you've caught the big-house sickness

Time's up

Well, I'll be going

Look, Ichioka

Don�t worry, bro

A little outside air and you'll get your old self back

Don�t worry about a thing

Don�t worry

In the fall of 1968,

Otomo was released on bail.

Despite everything, acting Tensei chairman Matsumura,

allowed him to return as vice chairman of the coalition.

There was widespread derision of Matsumura's weak-kneed decision,

and the Otomo faction grew cockier than ever.

There it is Pull over

It's their grand opening today

They invited us, and especially wanted you to come

Whose place is it?

You'll see in a minute

Welcome

My name's Hayakawa

He's waiting for you in back

Aren�t you an eyeful

Right this way, please

Welcome, Mr. Otomo

Come right on in

Hayakawa, what the hell's this about?

Now, now, I'm sorry I kept you in the dark,

but Mr. Ichioka insisted on seeing you

I'm leaving

Wait!

Excuse me, but the boss has a bad liver

The doctor's told him not to drink We have to go

He's got something important to discuss with you

Thirty minutes is all it'll take Please sit down

Please You must

Why should I listen to anything this asshole has to say?

Don't get so hot under the collar, Mr. Otomo

We can fight anytime we want,

but we don�t often get to share a drink

This could even be our first and last time

Let go

You think you're so smart

All right I'll drink with you

Come right on in

Yo! Ichioka!

I've got a score to settle with you

That wobbly-kneed Takeda punk stopped me,

but you escaped me killing you by the skin of your teeth!

- You realize that? - Right, I owe you one

And Mr. Otomo,

I'd like to repay that debt now

I suggest you choose your words carefully

I think no more of killing a man than yanking a rotten tooth

That's exactly why,

I thought I'd put my life in your hands

Mr. Ichioka is saying

he wants to exchange vows of brotherhood with you

The fuck!

Look, Mr. Otomo

I have great respect for you

Hiroshima's crawling with yakuza, but only a handful are the real thing

I'd be happy to become brothers with you

Bro, Mr. Ichioka's a resolute man just like yourself

Why don�t you take him up on this?

Hayakawa!

Did you and Ichioka cook up this scheme together?

I see right through you!

It must be your imagination

The fuck it is!

What you two really want is to pick a fight with Matsumura

If you want a marriage of convenience,

then why not just say so?

You got me there

Mr. Otomo

even if it is a marriage of convenience,

I don't imagine you have any objection to taking Matsumura down

If this marriage can benefit us both,

why not go along with it?

Fine, Ichioka

But aren't you taking the vows of brotherhood too fucking lightly?

Even cow shit has different grades, you know

Are you saying you and I are equals?

Don't insult me!

The following day, Otomo and Ichioka

exchanged vows of brotherhood.

All who heard of the match doubted their ears.

Just a moment, please

Boss

This time it's Matsumura himself

Perhaps you should take the call

Pesky bugger

Why should he care who I exchange vows with?

Tell him if he doesn't like it, he can just expel me

- But, boss - Do it!

It'd be a mistake to underestimate Matsumura

He's been keeping it cool lately, but he used to be a real fireball

When did you fucking become Matsumura's whore?

Let go of me!

If you're so smitten with Matsumura, go swear loyalty to him!

Sorry to keep you waiting,

but the boss is a bit under the weather right now

He says he'll stop by headquarters when he's better

All right

Then maybe you can come instead

8:00 pm atom�s Sushi

You know, Mr. Makihara, you really got out at a good time

We've got a viper and a python poised to strike together,

HEAD OF MAKIHARA FAMILY IN KURE MASAKICHI MAKIHARA (NEWLY PAROLED)

So we've got to strengthen our guard

It's a real relief to have you back We're counting on you

Good-bye

Sorry to keep you waiting

I think I better be going

I have several more stops to make

Mr. Makihara,

I'll be very grateful for your help

Don�t mention it

Mr. Makihara, we'll be throwing a big welcome-home party for you soon

- Very kind of you - Lots of sexy broads

See him to the door

Tamotsu

that Makihara bastard's always looking for the best deal

We can�t trust him

I'll put a tail on him

That shitface Eda has turned himself completely into Matsumura's whore

Spends all his time kissing Matsumura's ass

There's plenty of guys hopping-mad about it,

so one option would be to declare war

But it'd be a shame to break up the coalition

So we have a plan

At the next council meeting,

I'm gonna make a motion for a vote of no confidence

We'd like you to second it

Once Mr. Otomo becomes chairman, we'll make you vice chairman

And Takeda?

What about him?

He's got two more years of time to serve

He's not an issue

I'll think about it

Hold on, Makihara!

We've laid all our cards on the table

We need an answer now

Look, Mr. Otomo

This is Kure's own Masakichi Makihara you're talking to,

and I have a hard-earned reputation to uphold

You think I'd sit idly by

while that pimply-faced Matsumura plays high and mighty?

Mano

I understand you're brothers with Kubota in Hayakawa's family

I want you to tell him what I just told you

And I say it not just for you and Kubota, but for everyone

I think a lot of our guys are chafing under Otomo and Hayakawa's ways

For one thing, they're a whole different generation

They just don�t think the way we do

So spread the word, will you? Here's something for your trouble

But this is a lot of money!

Just take it

If it's not enough, I'll get you whatever you need

Tamotsu, just as I suspected

That horse's ass Makihara went to see Otomo and Hayakawa

We've got to move quick

That same night, Matsumura and Eda

slipped quietly into Kure and paid Makihara a visit.

Holy shit!

Tensei's Matsumura just went into Makihara's office!

Matsumura?

That's them, all right

Let's hit them, bro

- Who's got some hardware? - Bro!

That's not worth shit, you dufus We need firepower

There's that shotgun back at the office

- How about a spear gun, bro? - Spear gun?

My brother-in-law has one It's got real power

- They live around the corner - Good! Go get it!

Go with him, Tadashi!

What exactly is this?

A homecoming gift

A contract for work

It gives you the rights to Kure Industries' scrap metal,

and to supply labor for Muto Trucking

They're both under contract to us for the next two years

You just got out of the joint and maybe want to rest up,

but this would let you start easing back into things

It's a very generous gift, Mr. Makihara

They're both first-rate companies

You can probably expect Yen2 mil a month

So then,

what is it you want me to do?

Oh, no, it's nothing like that

Maybe it sounds presumptuous, but I'd just like your support,

working for the good of the coalition

That's all

All right

What the hell kept you? They could come out any minute!

Pull this trigger and the spear shoots out

You do it, Akio

Comes a time when we all have to put it on the line for the boss

Right?

I'll do it!

Akio knows how to handle it!

Be a man, Akio

Here they come!

Watch your back, Tamotsu

Otomo's a crafty son-of-a-bitch

Go!

I said go!

Yo, what's the matter?

This is a spear gun

The fucking idiot shot himself in the foot!

Chief! This is one of Hirono's dimwits!

What?

I think he was gunning for Matsumura

On your feet!

Who sent you here with this spear gun?

Spit it out and we'll take you to a doctor!

Who sent you?

Fucking bastards!

Chief! This punk's one of Hirono's men too!

Want us to work him over?

Never mind Let them go!

- Shitheads! - Fucking assholes!

Next time it'll be your lives!

SEPTEMBER 15, 1969 NEAR NAGAREKAWA IN HIROSHIMA

Several days later, Ichioka learned of the Matsumura-Makihara alliance.

He headed straight for Hiroshima to take back the initiative.

Scatter into the shops around here and have yourselves some fun

Break out the Napoleon! A bottle for each of us!

Open up!

Isn�t anybody home?

Isn�t anybody home?

Anybody!

Mr. Otomo's here, boss

Thanks for coming, bro

- Take a load off - Welcome

You're kicking up quite a ruckus, bro

How many men you got out there?

50 or 60

They're scattered all over, so I don't really know

You really are a reckless fuck

Are they packing heat?

Nah, just throwing their weight around

They'll keep at it till that candy-ass Matsumura comes out to fight

If you hear anything, bro, I'm counting on you

The problem is, Matsumura's away at the moment

Isn't that what you said, Mano?

I heard he went to Osaka on business

The fuck!

That sure throws cold water on my party

Guess your timing�s a bit off

Bro! I feel like getting drunk all over Come on

Suzue, you come too

How about we go to Mon Ch�ri?

Nah, I know a place just up the street

They're coming out Otomo's with them

They're heading toward Yagenbori

All right

That's where Otomo's woman runs a club called Tazu

Circle on ahead

Be seeing ya, bro!

Boss, you need to get in the car!

Please get in the car!

Get him home safely

Thank you

Thank you so much Please come again

Take care

Ichioka!

Darling!

Someone, help!

Boss! Don't!

Let go of me!

SEPTEMBER 15, 1969 TERUKICHI ICHIOKA DIED The incident was more than ample warning to the anti-Matsumura faction.

Meanwhile, Otomo had determined to avenge Ichioka's death

and asked for help from Hayakawa and Makihara,

but neither of them responded.

Boss!

I have a message from Chief Mano!

What'd he say? Isn't he coming?

Let me see that!

Throw it away

Tear it up and throw it away

TO KATSUTOSHI OTOMO

Otomo's own captain, Toyoaki Mano,

had declared he could no longer support Otomo,

and had gone over to the Matsumura side.

Don�t try to resist!

Let go of me!

SEPTEMBER 16, 1969, KATSUTOSHI OTOMO ARRESTED-SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS

Ichioka's death followed by Otomo's arrest

dealt a fatal blow to the anti-Matsumura forces.

But the police also took Matsumura into custody

and began an investigation into the recurring gangland killings.

Spill it, Matsumura

You ordered the hit on Ichioka, didn�t you?

Don�t make this harder than it has to be

We've been watching, waiting for you to show your true colors

No matter how you deny it, we've got your number

Fine! Sit there like a rock if you want!

We're fully prepared for a long siege!

We'll bring you in as often as it takes to make you come clean

You call yourselves a political group and talk about community service,

but yakuza are yakuza, and murderers are murderers!

Count on it, Matsumura I'm gonna have you hanged

You and Tensei are going down together!

Welcome back, Mr. Matsumura

Come on, everyone Let's hear some banzais

What're you standing way back here for?

Come on!

That day, Matsumura held an emergency council meeting

and pushed through two explosive reforms.

He declared to the Hiroshima board of elections

that the Tensei Coalition was renouncing its political status,

and he demanded that all members of the coalition

take new vows of loyalty to himself.

As a result, the former council members became under bosses,

and their captains as well as all their henchmen

all swore direct loyalty to Matsumura.

Predictably, these reforms met with resistance,

but the powers of persuasion

of Matsumura's trusted aides, Eda and Mano,

ultimately brought everybody into line.

The one exception

was Hideo Hayakawa,

who announced his withdrawal from the Tensei Coalition

and appeared at police headquarters

to formally declare his retirement and the disbanding of his family.

We hope you'll work with us now for the betterment of Hiroshima

as a law-abiding member of our community

I indeed look forward to working with you

Thank you very much, chief

Thank you all

Law-abiding citizen, huh?

Time to rewrite the chart again

We should be glad for every name we can erase

Except that it's all a charade

We've received word that his under boss, Kubota,

has formed a new family and applied for Tensei membership

On top of that, Kubota's assistant, Kaga,

has exchanged vows of brotherhood

with Mochizuki of the Shinpu Group

Isn't Shinpu affiliated with the Akashi family?

I thought Akashi and Tensei were sworn enemies

That's right He's got an exit strategy come what may

That's how Hayakawa likes to operate

So it's still business as usual for him

We'll have to be on our toes

Just come with us You'll be glad you did

You got balls, don�t you? Stop being a sissy!

What's going on?

We brought you some new recruits

They say they want to join the family

Come here

Step forward!

Did you guys volunteer to join up?

Stop shivering in your shoes and speak up

They said if we didn't join,

they'd pound us to pulp

It's been a tough time for the family lately,

especially since Boss Ichioka got killed

Makihara's punks have been swaggering around like they own Kure

We figured we needed all the help we could get

Chief!

Idiots!

You lamebrains aren�t even full members yet yourselves!

Pull something like this again and I'll kick you out myself!

You fellas can go now

Go home

You guys need to keep a closer eye on your juniors

Chief,

we feel pretty much the same as those guys do

What's that?

The shape we're in now, how're we gonna face the boss when he gets back?

Even a foot soldier has his pride

If we don't start standing up for ourselves,

we�ll just be laughingstocks

I understand how you feel,

but until Takeda gets out, we just have to wait and see

The question is what attitude Takeda takes toward our boss

I won't be sitting still if I don't like what I see

Meanwhile, concerns about Takeda's release from prison

were roiling within the Tensei Coalition as well.

Doesn't it get your goat, Tamotsu?

- Excuse me - You shouldn't have, Mrs. Matsumura

Please help yourself

Think of all you�ve done to strengthen the coalition

If it were me, I couldn't just hand the chairmanship back

not even to Boss Takeda

How about if you appoint Boss Kono

as your successor before Takeda gets out?

I don�t think Takeda would object to a choice like that

Especially since you're de facto chairman already

I'm ready to serve

Tamotsu,

we're all family here, so be candid with us

When you had everybody renew their vows,

wasn't that to shore up your position as chairman?

Everybody's first loyalty now-including Takeda's brothers'-is to you

Thins will get really strained if Takeda comes back as chairman

No, you have to keep that separate from this

That was when I'd been hauled in by the police

and everybody was feeling shaky, so I thought it was necessary

But in the end, the chairman is my boss

That means everybody in Tensei is either his child or grandchild

I've only been acting as chairman in his place,

and I'm satisfied that I've done my duty to him

When he comes back to us,

I plan to go back to being managing director like before,

and I'd be grateful for your support

You know, dear,

I thought you were a man who'd do whatever it took to get what he wanted

But it sounds like you're going back to being Mr. Takeda's gofer

Are you sure

you want to give up the chairmanship so easily?

Enough of your jabbering! Stay out of this!

Takeda was released from prison in June 1970.

With the men's personal ambitions on the verge of collision,

the thorniest problem on the returning chairman's mind

was how to prepare for the impending release of Hirono

three months later.

It's the Akashi family we need to worry about

They're gonna take Hirono's release as a chance to return to Hiroshima

That's what Mr. Kono in Fukuyama says, so it's reliable information

Just kill him

And we might as well do it while he's still in Hokkaido

The fucking bastard's a ticking time bomb

No telling what damage he could do if we let him live

Are you volunteering?

Why should I have to be the one to do it?

You and Hirono are both from Kure

I'm sure he's been a thorn in your side

I'm not the only one here who's had bad blood with Hirono!

The chairman goes without saying, and for Matsumura there's the Ichioka thing

And you've had your own problems, Eda

Enough already, Makihara!

What you mean by that?

Mr. Chairman, I suggest we send someone

to inform Hirono of our terms before he gets to Hiroshima

And what should those terms be?

Our real problem isn't Hirono It's the Akashi family

So if he agrees to break off with Akashi and go straight,

we can let him return to Hiroshima

Otherwise, we can't guarantee his safety

That's the way I see it

And you think

there's actually a chance he'd accept those terms?

Whether he accepts them or not,

that's where Tensei stands,

so I don�t think we should yield an inch

Sounds to me like you're trying to pick a fight

I don�t see any other choice

Matsumura

you served well in my stead

while I was away

But I need to ask you one thing here in front of the council

What possessed you

to renounce our coalition's political status?

Have you forgotten why I formed this group?

I haven�t forgotten

I did it because I had no choice, for the good of the coalition

After you left,

the rank and file acted like they'd lost their bearings,

and others started stirring up trouble

Whatever we call ourselves, yakuza are yakuza!

I decided the only way to keep discipline was through force

That's why I made everybody pledge loyalty to me

But I can't deny

that I betrayed your wishes

So do what you want with me

All right, you've had your say

For the time being,

I'm going to reserve judgment on both you and the Hirono matter

I know Hirono better than anyone else,

and I'd like more time to consider

One more thing

Everything we've discussed today stays in this room

Got that?

But before the day was out,

what transpired at the meeting had spread all over Hiroshima.

Good to see you, boss

Welcome

To what do we owe the pleasure?

Boss Yamamori and I decided we should come give you a little prodding

You know, Makihara,

this is no time to be twiddling your thumbs

That Hirono punk's release date is just around the corner

If you don't hurry and secure your position, you could be in for trouble

I'm aware of that

You don't know shit

Boss

Look, Makihara

This is your perfect chance to become top dog in Tensei

Matsumura talks a good line,

but his real aim is to use Hirono's return to dump Takeda

And for his part,

Takeda's been thrown by how strong Matsumura grew in his absence

and sees him as a real thorn in his side

Tell him Matsumura wants to kill him, and they'll be at each other's throats

While they're tearing each other down, you naturally rise to the top

You don't have any competition

What you say, Makihara?

Make your move!

I'll back you up

And I've got the Shinpu Group behind me

We're not talking some half-baked scheme here

Hayakawa

I thought you retired

My men have shed their blood in this city

We deserve something good from their sacrifice

That's right

Tensei's only going to get better

Do it, Makihara!

If it comes to that, I'll get out front myself

I've still got plenty of life left in me

Meanwhile, in Kure, Hirono's impending release

had injected Hirono's men with new vitality,

and they skirmished repeatedly with Makihara's men.

Welcome home

Listen, dear, Akio says he's willing to help out with the store

He has a driver's license, so I think he could be a big help

He brought these as a gift

He remembered how much you like Coke

- Have some, dear - I don't want any

I'll set it here

I think I'll have some

Akio,

you can stay tonight, can�t you?

It's a small house, but we can always squeeze one more in

Right, dear?

How much did you get?

- There must be Yen50 or Yen60 thousand - Great!

We can get an American 45

You don�t suppose my sister's family could have died, do you?

They'll be fine Nobody dies from sleeping pills

Get on!

JULY7, 1970 NAKAAVENUE SHOPPING DISTRICT, KURE

Welcome Just a minute, please

What's the matter?

Let's do it some other time

Please stop! Stop it!

JULY7, 1970 MASAKICHI MAKIHARA DIED

This incident only hardened

the Tensei Executive Council's attitude toward Hirono,

making things impossible for Takeda,

who had hoped to find a peaceful resolution.

SAPPORO PRISON, HOKKAIDO

Hirono had been transferred to Sapporo prison by this time

and was secretly released ahead of schedule, in the early morning.

Only two of his own henchmen were permitted to meet him.

Meanwhile, some 50 Akashi family members waited in vain at the main gate.

They had been completely outfoxed by the prison authorities.

Having thus left Sapporo under heavy security,

Hirono spent three days resting in Tokyo.

Hirono

Don�t worry I'm not carrying

Long time no see

How'd you find me?

Send a thief to catch a thief

Can we talk in private?

You guys wait here

Makihara's funeral was just yesterday

His wife was wailing so hard I didn't know what to do

Afterwards, we had a council meeting,

and we reached an agreement about you

Here's the deal

As far as Tensei is concerned,

we can't let you return to Hiroshima unless you formally retire

If you choose to come, you're a marked man

That's the way it is

So it's just as I'd heard

What?

I had a phone call from someone

As I heard it,

Matsumura's been stirring things up at Tensei,

trying to persuade everyone you have to kill me at any cost

You got it wrong That's not how it was

I might feel different if it were anyone else,

but I can't sit still while the man who killed Ichioka talks like that

Ichioka was my only brother

Who was it-this caller of yours?

What does it matter?

I've had calls from all over- everybody making a show of kindness

It's a trap

Whoever it was wants you and Tamotsu to get each other

How about you, Takeda?

Doesn't it piss you off for an upstart like Matsumura to get ahead of you,

taking advantage of your absence to take over your defenses?

Rumor has it he even planted poisoned needles in your chair

I have faith in Tamotsu

And meanwhile,

Matsumura mocks you and me behind our backs, saying we're over the hill

Let them mock if they want

Hirono

do me a favor and retire

Otherwise you'll meet the same fate as Ichioka

Fine! Come and get me if you can!

I won�t fall as easily as Ichioka

That's not what I'm talking about!

If I retire, will you retire too?

Sure, you've got your little nest egg

That's got nothing to do with it

It was Makihara's death that opened my eyes

The punks who did him are two generations behind us

Somehow, I just finally got fed up by it all

I'm tired of all this "kill or be killed" shit

You know what I mean?

I don't believe you

Out here in the real world, I don�t even trust green lights

How can I know what's really in a man's heart?

Hirono

At any rate, I'm not gonna retire

Not the way things are

Ichioka said the outside air would make me my old self, and maybe it has

I'd like you to go now

The next day, Hirono traveled to Matsuyama, on Shikoku Island,

and sought shelter with Shuzo Mikawa of the Akashi family.

In Hiroshima, a rumor went around about a joint Hirono-Akashi attack,

sending the Tensei leaders into a frenzy.

Hydrofoil ferries traveled between Matsuyama and Hiroshima

in under an hour.

Three days later, Matsumura crossed to Matsuyama without telling Takeda

and visited the Dogo Hot Springs, where Hirono was resting.

It's been a long time, Mr. Hirono

It's good to see you again

What did you want to talk to me about?

What kind of stunt is this?

If you're here to talk, you've no use for that

I thought you might need it for your reply

Mr. Hirono

Chairman Takeda announced his retirement this morning

He wants me to succeed him

Oh, yeah?

So he finally retired?

But I haven't decided yet whether I'll accept

It depends on your reply

Because if I can't prevail over you,

I can�t expect to prevail over a whole city

What are you trying to say?

Stop beating around the bush!

I've always thought the coalition doesn�t mean much

unless it includes all the groups in Kure and Hiroshima

If you start bringing in your Kobe friends like before,

we'll just wind up fighting a proxy war again

Are you accusing me of something?

You people are getting up in arms all by your fucking selves

Please hear me out!

If you would retire,

I propose to have your Ujiie and my Oda swear loyalty as brothers

and make Ujiie managing director of Tensei

I'm hoping you'll be willing

to accept those terms

Is that supposed to be some kind of ultimatum?

You can take it that way if you like

Haven�t you forgotten something?

What do you have to say about Ichioka?

The men who did it

are already doing time

That's not what I'm asking!

Your people killed Makihara too!

There are two sides to every fight!

If you think I'm the only one at fault here,

then take this gun and shoot me

You trying to send me back to the slammer

in exchange for your fucking life?

Matsumura,

you talk proudly about your house of Tensei,

but your kitchen's a fucking mess

You've got so many wanting to be in charge,

you spend all your time squabbling among yourselves

From what I've heard,

there's no telling when even you might get shot in the back

That won�t happen!

Listen to me

I can�t send Ujiie into a snake pit like that

If you want him,

you'll have to clean up your kitchen first

I'll give you my reply after that

All right

I'll come again after my installation ceremony

I'll expect your answer then

Matsumura's formal installation as chairman of the Tensei Coalition

was scheduled for September 20

at the Chofuro Restaurant.

Matsumura headed east along Route 2 on a tour of courtesy calls.

Matsumura's backer, Kono, personally took the wheel,

Kubota of the disbanded Hayakawa family rode shotgun,

and Eda and Mano flanked Matsumura in the back seat.

They called on interested parties all along the route

as they drove toward Osaka,

unaware that they were followed by another car.

This car carried four men, including Kaga of the former Hayakawa family,

and Kondo and two others from the former Otomo family.

All four of them were of junior brother status

to Mano and Kubota in Matsumura's car.

Their aim, of course, was to kill Matsumura.

They set up ambushes twice along the way,

but both times the Matsumura car

altered its route due to traffic congestion and escaped harm.

Pull out

AMAGASAKI CITY, HYOGO PREFECTURE

Boss

Long time no see, Kaga!

Bro, we need someone to be our guide in Osaka

What for?

We're gonna ice Matsumura

He's coming to Osaka?

He'll be here this evening to call on Sumida in Nishinari

We have reliable information about that,

but the streets around there are too tangled up for us

All right I'm with you

Thanks

Hey

That sounds like my kind of fun

MIYAJI SENNO, TRAVELING GANGSTER Mind if I come along?

SEPTEMBER 18, 1970 NEAR IMAIKE STATION IN NISHINARI

Here they come!

- Get in the car, Kaga! - Let me have that!

Hurry up!

- Get in the car! - Wait up!

Fucking shit!

No, you idiot! Get back in!

SEPTEMBER 18, 1970 TENSEl VICE CHAIRMAN EDA DIED

Eda!

Matsumura had switched seats with Eda to take a nap

and escaped with his life.

The gunshot wound in his chest was quite serious,

but after receiving first aid,

he was rushed back to Hiroshima, together with Eda's body.

Thermometer

Before first light the following morning,

Matsumura was carried into the Kawabata Surgical Hospital,

with Takeda and the other officers standing guard.

Meanwhile, some 200 men, mainly from the Shinpu Group,

arrived to lift the spirits

of the anti-Matsumura forces,

led by Hayakawa.

Boss, there's another call from Hayakawa

I told you to say I'm not here

Why are you refusing to take his calls?

This is the perfect chance to destroy Tensei

I'll take it

What's his problem?

That's why he's trapped in this fucking backwater!

He knows what he's doing

One false move now with Hayakawa

and we'll go the way of the Ichioka and Otomo families

Matsumura remained in a coma for a full 24 hours

with a temperature over 104.

Darling

What day is today?

The installation

The installation ceremony

No, darling!

Get out my crested kimono

- You mustn't! - Chief!

Get my crested kimono!

Darling!

Kaoru, a yakuza's wife should know

to stay the fuck out of her husband's business!

No, darling!

What the hell do you think you're doing, Tamotsu?

He insists he's going to the installation ceremony!

Please stop him!

Listen to me, Tamotsu

If you die, everything goes down the drain

Give yourself time to recover and start over

I'll back you

You can start over

Boss

if I let this deter me, Tensei will fall apart for good

That's why today's ceremony has to go on

I have to show the bastards who did this to us,

that I won't lie down and roll over

Tamotsu

brace yourself

Under pressure from the cops, Chofuro canceled our reservation

And all the bosses we invited have been calling

to say they can�t attend

Boss

we'll have the ceremony with just our local people

I don�t care if it's in a cheap flophouse or even outside

Please make the arrangements

I beg you!

And so the installment ceremony was moved

to an inn frequented by traveling salesmen on the outskirts of the city.

Among the last-minute invitees

were some who arrived wearing windbreakers and sandals.

Mr. Hirono is here

Hirono

Matsumura

could you find Ujiie a seat in your ceremony? A corner is fine

It would be an honor

The honor would be mine

Looks like it's about time

A few hours ago,

Tamotsu was on the brink of death

Neither of us could pull that off anymore

Right?

Takeda

you've got a good man there

Are you being sarcastic?

Not at all

At any rate,

since our days are over,

how about we have a drink sometime?

I won't drink with you

Why's that?

I'd feel guilty for all those who died

In that moment, both were struck by the same ominous thought:

The ceremony about to take place was merely a changing of the guard.

The flames of battle were sure to flare up again.

SEPTEMBER 25, 1970 NAKAAVENUE IN KURE

Hey, bro! They're playing "The She Gambler"

Here

Hey there, sweetheart

What you see in her, anyway?

Die, motherfucker!

I'm gonna kill you!

Akio

you walk strong and tall now,

and don't lose heart along the way

And try not to stray from the path

this time

Hirono couldn't even remember

the face of the young boy who'd been killed.

But on this day,

he finally decided to retire.

A quarter century had passed

since he'd cast his lot with the yakuza amidst the postwar turbulence.

With the passage of time, one group begat another,

and with each new group came new seeds of conflict.

Thus much young blood had been shed.

Will the bitter battles that arise from the strong preying upon the weak

ever be banished from this earth?

THE END