Original subtitles

Just as the Japan Sea has two extreme faces of being harshly cold and turbulent in the winter...

...and being warm and calm in the summer...

...the men and the women of the Hokuriku region hold within themselves passionate characteristics...

...that you cannot imagine from their simplistic appearance.

Fukui, among the three Hokuriku prefectures along with Ishikawa and Toyama...

...is the center of commerce and industry.

This place has spawned many yakuza in its history.

Every yakuza-related conflict that's ever taken place there was so fiercely violent...

...that even a yakuza from Hiroshima or Kyushu would look away.

Hokuriku Proxy War

1 968, Sanri-ga-Hama Beach, Echizen Coast

Noboru!

I'm your Boss! Your Boss!

And you call yourselves yakuza?

Don't you follow the way of loyalty?

If you're a Boss, act like one!

I put my trust in you and suffered alone!

That deed has long since expired! And I've had the last straw!

Wait! Noboru!

Let's talk once more!

You'd understand if we did!

The hell with talking!

Say you'll step down!

Wait!! Wait!!

Noboru! I agree!

I'll give you the bike race and the speedboat race! Take everything!!

Quick, quick!

It's really terrible! I'm done! I'm finished!

Oww! Hot!

Dear! Hurry and cool it!

Enough! Out of the way!

Out of the way. That's enough.

Ahh! It's good!

Brother, you said you'd hand over the bike race to Noboru?

If I hadn't, I'd have been killed by now!

What a trouble he is!

He's a peasant from Mikuni and an acquaintance of Gyoicho.

I can't take him any more!

Mantani, kill him! Fuckin' kill him!

Dear! You'd get yourself in trouble if he heard you talk like that!

Then, expel him! Expel him! Expel him!!

Meanwhile back, Noboru Kawada had a residence in...

...Mikuni, a fishing port on the Japan Sea about 30 km away from Fukui.

The old man gave me this when I went to kill Yamada after the trouble with the boat race five years ago.

It says clearly that he'd hand over the speedboat racetrack when I came out of jail, you see?

But no, it was completly bogus.

My men had a squid snack stand at the track and they had to pay him what they made!

Brother's just jealous. You're powerful in Mikuni these days.

Powerful? You're kiddin'!

You think we can feed ourselves only with earnings from the food stand and the bar these days?

Anyway, what you did last night was over the top.

I understand how you feel, but a yakuza shouldn't step out of the code.

You need a little more patience.

Brother's getting old. He won't be living off of kickbacks forever.

To hell with him!

I wonder if he isn't plotting my murder by about now?

As a proof, in Osaka, I hear Kanai's men are hanging around Yurakucho.

You're involved in it in some kinda way, aren't you?

Don't be stupid! I'm doing what I can to cover for you.

Brother wants to expel you and I'm the one stopping him from doing so.

Expulsion suits me fine! I've already counted that in.

Come on already, Noboru!

Oh, Mr. Mantani, good to see you!

Oh, Mama! Sorry to bother you so early.

I'm sorry to oversleep. I had a little too much to drink, you know.

Well, well, you look good just waking up, too.

Uncle, I'm going to Fukui now.

For what?

I'm gonna return him my cup of bonding.

Idiot! You'll end up killing each other if you do that!

I have no choice. The medicine is advanced nowadays and old folks don't die so easily.

If I waited in line, I'd end up dying first.

Don't be absurd! Noboru!

I'll try to talk with Brother one more time.

I promise to make an arrangement that lets you support yourself, okay?

Meanwhile, Kanai Group, the shock troop for Japan's largest syndicate Asada Group in Osaka...

...was extensively invading the area from Central San'in to Hokuriku, with a branch office in Suruga.

It's about 50km from Fukui to Suruga.

Kanai Group

Hello! Hello!

Well, sorry I'm late.

Well, it's been a long time, Boss Kanai.

A long time, everyone.

Mantani.

Boss Kanai was very concerned for us...

...and went through the trouble of taking the first morning train out of Osaka.

Mantani, I hear Kawada's all huffy saying he's gonna butcher Mr. Yasuhara.

Oh no, sorry for making you worried.

The truth is, it's a trivial parent-child fight almost embarrassing to even mention.

Well, it's been all settled, too.

Brother, Noboru regrets it very much.

You know he'd never try to kill you for real.

I have a car waiting for us. Why don't we excuse ourselves now?

Mr. Yasuhara asks us to eliminate Kawada.

Brother!

I hear a Hokuriku yakuza has to overcome his boss to be a man.

And that's why a boss gives it ten years to determine the personalities of his disciples...

...and eliminates anyone who shows a potential to become powerful.

Just now Mr. Yasuhara told me the story and I was getting a big kick out of it.

Well, it's really funny.

I like that. Elimate Kawada according to your own code.

Soon.

Can't you manage to make two rooms available?

Groups? Put them all in the back room!

What are you gonna do about this? We don't run an inn for groups of tourists!

Shut up! Complain to Noboru if you need to.

Sister, the visitors are asking to eat Echizen crabs.

Gotta be joking asking for such expensive stuff! Tell them it's not in season!

Yes.

Ah, I managed to get rooms for them somehow.

But Brother, I throw up my hands!

I thought we'd have a couple of assassins visiting and what, we get 50 of them!

Brother, why did you cry for help to Kanai?

I had no choice. He came uninvited and offered help.

What else can you do but to keep a grin on while looking at his face?

This is the beginning of Kanai Group's invasion of Hokuriku.

I hear no grass grows in Kinozaki or Tottori or wherever Kanai passes through.

Even if you have Noboru taken out, what's good about letting him take it all?

It's your fault, all of you!

None of you in the family have the guts to straighten Noboru out, do you?

Shiranami House

Hey! There's a lot of yakuza from Fukui and Osaka here!

Run! Hurry up! Here's money.

They won't find you in my hometown of Wajima.

Thanks.

Hurry up! If you're slow, they'll come bursting in here!

Come here!

We can't be doing such a thing!

No, no, if I'm gonna die anyway, before I die I wanna.

Stop it!

Maki and the others are here.

Brother!

What is it?

Mr. Mantani's car outside.

What?

Hey, Noboru! You there?

I'm here!

What is it, Uncle?

I need to talk to you. Come downstairs.

Alright! Come inside and wait for me.

Listen, if he refuses, slap him or whatever and pull him out.

Yes.

Listen up.

If I do this... shoot this at their feet.

Yes. - Dear...

It'll be fine.

Maki, what's going on? We have at least 20 men.

No can do. They ran away.

What do you wanna talk to me about?

Noboru, I'm sure you already know this but there are 50 men visiting from Osaka.

There's no use putting up a fight.

I'll mediate for you, so cut off your finger and apologize to Brother.

I hear it hurts a lot to cut off a finger so I won't.

It's the Kanai Group we're against here.

Do you wanna get yourselves wiped out?

Noboru, don't shoot!

Don't lie to me! This is a trick to get me killed, isn't it?

No, you're wrong! Your real Brother's waiting for you at the Hairuya!

Brother, to the car!

Stop it, Noboru!

Hurry up!

Who the fuck are you? - Noboru! What the hell are you doing?

We have here Boss Kanai!

Calm down!

Mr. Kanai, this is the leader of our men, Noboru Kawada.

Why don't you come in.

Wait here!

What the fuck are you doing?

Shut the fuck up! I'm gonna fuckin' kill you!

Make him stop!

Please bear with us.

We're extremely shy with strangers.

I'm sure you know that.

It's alright.

If he won't sit and talk, let's leave him be.

But listen, Kawada.

If we wanted to kill you, we wouldn't go beating around the bush like this.

Then what did you come here for?

I offered to mediate between you and Mr. Yasuhara.

Mr. Yasuhara told me what happened.

And frankly you're the one at fault here.

Kawada, why don't you apologize and settle the matter happily, huh?

I'll be your witness.

I hear they say I'm a killer...

But that's not true at all. I prefer to settle things peacefully if I can, see?

If that's your intention, please withdraw yourself, Mr. Kanai.

What?

Only Fukui folks can handle Fukui matters.

Noboru! Don't be so rude!

Boss Kanai went through the trouble of taking the first train of the day out here for us.

Pops, I came here 'cause I heard you wanted to see me.

This is ridiculous!

Why don't we set another date and settle it then, okay?

Mr. Kanai, sorry for your trouble of traveling a long distance.

Please think of it as a vacation, eat good food and relax.

I'll send some gorgeous women your way later.

Uncle! Bill everything to me.

Excuse me.

Boss! - No.

He's full of energy, just as I heard.

You're right.

He's really reckless and wild.

I've known him very well since he was a juvenile delinquent, and he hasn't changed a bit.

Mr. Kanai, he was born into a poor family that ran a temple in Mikuni...

...and when his father hit him he got angry and...

...chopped off the head of the Buddha statue in the main hall.

Such a sinful one!

So now he's grown up he's after your head, is he?

Mr. Yoshitane from Kyoto is here.

Yoshitane? - And an executive from Osaka.

Be careful, will you? The incident seems to be snowballing. I'm worried.

Thank you for coming such a distance.

Thanks for your hospitality.

Mr. Okano of Asada Group heard about the incident, and took the trouble to send for Mr. Kubo here.

It's an honor.

Mr. Kawada...

Our executives are concerned that associating with you won't sit well if Kanai supports Yasuhara.

As you know, Kanai ignores what bosses or managers want, and does what he pleases.

So, he sticks out even in Osaka.

What do you say, if you wanna fight, we're ready to back you up in any way we can.

Among Asada Group, manager Mr. Okano is a man above the rest.

Kawada, don't you agree it's wise to depend on him if you wanna go for it?

Thanks but I don't want anyone's help for my fight.

If you stay like that, you'll end up being a lone wolf and kicked out of the circle around here.

It pisses me off to see the old man and Mantani flirting around with a guy like Kanai.

In Hokuriku, we've always had to work under those from Tokyo and Osaka in order to survive.

Well, corporates or merchants would spend money locally.

But yakuza's only suck it up, so we're too poor to let outsiders come in.

Oh, our company is good that way.

Unlike Kanai, they consider the locals' benefits.

Mr. Kawada, it's not like old days now with the developed networks of highways and transportation.

You don't wanna be so oblivious saying it's Hokuriku or it's Fukui, you know.

Thanks but I decline.

Stubborn, aren't you!

That's too bad.

I've always thought highly of you.

Well, if you change your mind, we'll help any time.

By the way, just one thing...

Don't tell anybody that Yoshitane of Kyoto coordinated a meeting between you and Mr. Okano.

Promise me.

Excuse me, please.

Dear, Mr. Mantani's on the phone.

Uncle?

Noboru, Brother wants to see you.

Alone, of course.

You know how we had to deal with Kanai.

The time and place is up to you.

Huh? "Taiyo"?

Ah, the coffee shop along the highway.

Noon, tomorrow?

Alright, got it.

Welcome!

4 coffees.

Kawada!

Dear!

Stop! Stop it!

Stop already! No!

What are you doing, you morons!

Leave us alone! I'm taking care of him!

Stop! No! Stop!

I'm told he's been in a critical condition for a week.

I don't think he's gonna make it.

You're glad, aren't you? To have gotten rid of an obstacle.

What are you saying?

Noboru is my dear nephew.

I used to carry him on my back and he'd pee on me.

He's such a fool! He didn't understand how Boss felt.

That's a harsh thing to say after all this.

You've always had a weakness in holding on to money.

Had you only let him have security business at the speedboat track, all this wouldn't have happened.

It's the fault of young people being greedy.

They don't need to take it away from old people.

They have the future ahead of us.

But our damage is extensive.

Shinmei and guys aren't gonna be released for at least 7 or 8 years, are they?

Ahh, alright, alright! I'm sick of this all.

I'm handing the business over to you.

Are you sure?

Dear!

But spare me the profits from the bike track, will you?

Yeah.

You're also gonna need to save Osaka's face.

Feels like I'm receiving an empty jar of rice.

It's alright if you don't wanna do it.

No! - I'm still sharp, you know!

No, leave it to me.

But I never dreamed I'd be the second boss for the Tomiyasu Family.

Hey, he's dead at last.

Fukui's gonna be a peaceful place now.

Be patient. Won't be long.

Where are we going?

To Wajima, our hometown.

Kawada, the papers gave you a big headline.

"A typical Hokuriku yakuza." I kept it for you.

You're a hero in Mikuni now.

Cheer up.

Your life's been saved at least.

We've gotta thank Buddha for it.

Welcome!

Thanks for traveling the distance.

No problem.

Thank you so much. Please come in.

Wajima, Deep Noto

I'm told they had the ceremony to name Mantani as the new boss at Yawara today.

Mantani is now Kanai's bonded brother, so Fukui is virtually under Osaka's grip.

My boss is getting worried if Kanazawa's gonna be next.

Yanaka Group branched out from the Ryugasaki Group in Nagoya...

...so he thinks it'll be a mess if Kanai came there.

That's an opportunity for you.

You wanna make it big if you're a yakuza.

I wish I'd killed the old man back then.

Since I couldn't do it, I deserve to be called a loser.

Mr. Kawada, you better lie down.

Nobu, is the meal ready yet? I'm hungry.

Careful! Be more womanly, will ya?

I'm going to the market.

So will you give Mr. Kawada his medicine? Don't forget, alright?

Yeah.

Is that how a woman behaves?

The other day she came across some drunken fool and she almost killed him.

She's the black sheep of my family.

Yanaka Group in Kanazawa

It's cold...

Takashi!

Takashi.

I hear you're hiding Kawada.

Is that true?

Yes. Sister asked me to.

Do you know what type of person he is?

He'd give the Kanai Group a good excuse to come to Kanazawa!

That's not gonna be a problem. It's taken care of.

Idiot! I myself was informed by our men!

Make him leave right away.

Kick him out!

But he can't even move yet.

Don't you forget you're member of the Yanaka Group.

If you insist on protecting him, I'm gonna take care of him myself.

Boss!

Then, send him somewhere as far away as possible by tomorrow. Understood?

Guess we have no choice. You have a position, too.

The old man gets so easily scared. And he orders us about as he pleases!

So how's my man doing?

It'll still take a long time.

The wounds have closed up but his organs are damaged.

If he pushes it just a bit, he coughs up blood.

Nobu's taking good care of him. She's quite attentive, you know.

I'll manage to do something about him.

Thanks.

Welcome!

It was so hectic visiting everyone and everything.

It's been a long time.

Oh, Takashi, I hear you've become well known in Kanazawa.

Well, let me congratulate you on your promotion.

Yeah. Takashi, come on, why don't you join us?

Well, please excuse me today.

Well, Sister. - Be safe.

Visit us anytime!

Well, it's been a long time!

Wow, he's quite grown up while I was gone.

No, no, still a long way to go.

I'll help him learn sometime.

Thank you.

Mama. - Yes!

Well, why don't you come to my family already?

After I took over the business, it's been quite inconvenient 'cause it's an all male household.

You don't have to choose me when you've got so many suitable women around you, do you?

What am I to do? Won't you please?

Are you still seeing Noboru?

From time to time, at the graveyard.

Hey, don't even try it. I know he's alive.

Really? Do they see his ghost?

Well, I'm not doing anything about it 'cause I don't wanna chase after a man who's as good as dead.

But what if the Kanai Group finds it out?

They won't let anyone escape once he becomes their target.

You never know when I might change my mind, either.

Oh, I'm so scared.

But I'm glad to hear that.

I wanna see him even if he is a ghost.

Cheers to the ghost!

Oh, Nobu! Where is he?

Not around.

Where did he go?

He's been at the local shrine since this morning.

I'll go get him. - That's okay.

I'll go by myself.

Dear!

Is it safe to be out like this?

I'm fine. You came for something?

A big problem. Mantani found out.

He was going to sooner or later. So what?

You wanna move to another place?

Mantani is one thing but the Kanai's are watching, too.

I brought money. How about moving out to Tokyo?

Would you come with me?

I can't go.

Then I'll stay here, too.

But...

Kiku, look at them.

Isn't that inspiring?

Once upon a time when Kenshin Uesugi came to invade the area...

...the Noto folks drummed on those and deterred them, I hear.

Wait and see.

I'm gonna get back in the scene some day.

You can all go home now.

Yes.

I feel sick. I think I'm drunk in a bad way.

It's 'cause you drank too much.

I'm sorry but we're closed now!

Let me retire for the day. Please excuse me.

Give me some water.

You guys go home without me.

Go home without me.

Here.

You shouldn't enter a woman's room like this.

I brought you water. Here.

Thanks.

Mama, I'm desperately in love with you.

I know I'm not as good looking as Noboru.

But I have as much love for you as he does.

Mama! Alright?

No, stop it! No!

Mama! - No!

What happened?

Boss, will you keep the secret about Kawada?

What a woman you are!

That's why I love you.

Alright.

I'll do anything you want me to do.

So please be my woman.

Mama!

What on earth are you doing!?

Don't worry. It's my method of keeping myself in shape.

It feels warm to rub your body with the snow.

That's crazy! You'd die!

Get back in bed now! Quick!

I'm fine. I won't die.

You will!

Anyone would die from that! Quick!

Now, quick!

See what I mean!

Forcing your sick body like that!

Well, you're alive as long as you bleed.

Nobu...

I got your chest bloody.

You shouldn't die.

You shouldn't...

Tomiyasu Group

Ooh, it's cold! It's snowing!

What's the matter?

Some stranger was fuckin' peeping at us.

A man or a woman?

A man.

He looked kinda familiar, you know.

It's Kawada!

Brother, what should we to do?

Look for him!

Did he fuckin' return for revenge?

I'm sure.

I knew he wouldn't die so easily!

It's a blackout.

What's that?

Go and look.

Go and look now!

Where's Mantani?

I don't know!

Get up!

Help!

Really, I really don't know!

Hey, It's true, it's true.

Feels good, doesn't it?

You go like this, and soon the snow freezes up and we get an ice man, you see.

The ice is just about to form, I think.

Please spare me, Mr. Kawada!

I'm not supposed to tell anyone where Boss went!

Alright! Stop foolin' around!

I'll tell you! I'll tell you! Kyoto! Kyoto! It's Kyoto!

Yoshitane Group's gambling site in Kyoto

Three. It's three.

I'll make myself at home.

Please relax. Well, how about a glass?

Oh no, I'm cutting down on it these days.

Then how about a massage?

Boss, Mr. Kawada's here.

Kawada? From Mikuni?

Yes. He's alone with a girl.

I showed him to the reception room.

You think he's gonna blackmail us?

Where's Kawada?

He just left saying he was using the men's room.

Who is it?

Noboru, wait! Wait, Noboru!

Hold it!

Kanai twisted my arm! I'm sorry!

I'm truly sorry about what I did!

Out of the way!

Stop, Noboru! I'll cut my finger off. So spare me!

Noboru, please forgive me...

Stop it, Kawada!

If you take his life, I'll fight against you!

You've done this much. Can't you let it go now?

Excuse me now.

What a show off!

If this were Osaka, you'd already be dead.

What's that look?

If you've got the balls, fuckin' get me!

Kanai Group's Kanazawa Branch

Boss! We can't leave things be when it's happening right under our nose!

I wish Takei were here with us now.

Why don't you call Nagoya?

Stop rambling on and make that phone call!

Ask for the Chairman.

Ryugasaki Family in Nagoya

Oh no, don't react to it. They're trying to provoke you, so just ignore it.

Yeah, I got it. Leave it to me. I'll take care of it.

Kanai's been out of control and in a delicate position with the Asada Group.

Plus, the police is heavily watching his moves.

So he wouldn't do anything crazy so easily.

Yeah, later.

You'd be a fool to confront the Asada Group for country-side yakuza like them.

Mr. Mantani, what do you think the Kanai Group is gonna do with the Yanakas?

Well, there's probably no hope for you.

Ah, it itches! Can't stand this.

You better try and get used to it.

But our Boss is no good for anything by himself.

You suppose Kanai might leave him be?

You big dummy!

Don't you know what the Kanais like to do?

Quick to tame the big guys and smash the small guys.

That's how they do things. You'd better move on before too long, you know.

You say move on, but...

How about if I introduce you to the head of the Fukui branch office?

Now's the time to promote yourself.

But do you think I could get along with Kanai's men?

Takashi, are you a straight guy or a yakuza? Make up your mind!

Excuse me, sir. I'll go get some cigarettes.

Sister, give me a pack of Short Hope cigarettes.

You idiot!! Boss!!

Hamamatsu Prison

Kawada, got a minute?

Brother wants to talk to you.

What do you want?

Kawada...

I'm Toshimoto of Kanai Group in Gifu.

I thought I'd avenge my colleague who was killed at the gambling site in Kyoto.

Toshimoto! Quit it!

Bastard, stay out of it if you don't wanna lose your life!

Sorry I got you into trouble.

No, my Boss was killed by the Kanais, too.

Boss?

Forgot to introduce myself, I'm Takii of the Yanakas of Kanazawa.

The Yanaka boss was hit?

The family's all scattered.

My bonded brother, a guy named Nakai became the head of Kanai's branch office, I hear.

Takashi?

You know him?

Yeah, sort of.

I have no idea what's going on in the outside world.

We've gotta hold on until we finish serving our time.

You've got a long time to serve, too, right?

Kanai's men are all over Japan.

If you raise hell every time you run into one, you'll be wasting your life away. Right?

1 973

Takashi!

You go and pick him up when Kawada comes out.

He'll have his guard down with you. Rest assured.

I'll send able men to back you up.

What's the matter, Takashi?

You're a Kanai executive.

If you act so wimpy, the young ones won't follow you, now will they?

Will you or won't you?

If you won't, we'll have to come up with another plan.

I will.

Break a leg.

Get Noboru out of the picture and you'll be the boss in Mikuni, Kanazawa.

This speedboat track is a big one.

I'm thinking of moving to Fukui.

Someone's offering me help to open a small bar in Katamachi.

What's the name of the place?

You don't want me to do it?

Don't worry about me and do what you want to do.

To tell you the truth, I'm thinking of opening some business.

Are you going straight?

Yeah. Otherwise, they won't let me stay alive.

Sure, Mantani won't bother you if you're going straight.

But the problem is the Kanais. I'm sure they'll do something.

They probably won't.

The only ones who can hold down Kanai are Boss Asada and manager Okano.

Will you...

...try to meet with Mr. Okano and ask him?

You mean to beg for your life?

That's right.

Well, think of it as a farewell gift for me going clean. Please.

What's so wrong with expanding our territory?

Asada Group's headquarters in Osaka

Isn't it the way of the yakuza to prosper by eating up the weak?

Mr. Kanai, that's your own unique philosophy.

That philosophy has made the Asadas the enemy of the people and the police.

Lately, everyone's complaining they can't even handle the gambling or entertainment businesses.

No one's got the balls!

It's true I don't have the heart to act like a thief.

Boss...

Remember you told me once the fastest way to conquer the Kanto area...

...was to go straight through Hokuriku?

What I'm doing right now is just what you said.

Sometimes we need to act rough to do that.

Because we're rough, we can make money.

Ain't I right?

Listen, Kanai. Hey, what's so funny?

Listen, Kanai.

Boss and I fully recognize your accomplishments, of course.

But don't forget your success owes to the big umbrella of the Asada Group.

You'd end up ruining your own life one day if you keep going against the organization's policies...

...and going ahead at your own discretion.

Thanks for your kind advice.

But you can't stop me even if you want to.

And even if I did stop, the branches and leaves are growing fast on their own.

I'm prepared to accept it if you had to expel me for that.

I've learned something from the Hokurika yakuza...

...you're a boy until you overcome the man.

You understand what that means?

Chief, he's going rampant.

Better snip it while it's still a bud.

How do you do? I'm...

Ah, old man Yasuhara called to tell me about you.

I know well about Mr. Kawada. Well...

Yes.

I hear he's coming out next month. Congratulations.

Thank you.

But there's a problem with that.

The head of Kanai's branch office in Fukui has ordered his men to kill him as soon as he comes out.

There's no way he'll make it.

Can you lend your power and authority to save him?

Of course...

I have the power to do whatever I want with a man like Kanai.

I'm thinking of lunch now.

Will you accompany me?

Let's take some time to discuss the matter.

Hey, how did it go?

Kawada's already come out two hours ago!

What?

That bastard!

Shit!

Welcome!

Brother!

When did you get out?

This morning.

I see.

Sorry I didn't even come to pick you up.

How's your leg?

It's fine now.

Brother, go ahead.

It's such a mess!

I don't think we can sleep here.

Let's come back here another time.

Who's that?

What are you doing here?

How did you get in here?

When did you get here?

I called the police and they told me you're out on the 1 7th.

You mean you waited here for two days?

What's wrong?

You don't have to cry.

I was sure you'd scold me!

That's so nasty!

Kawada! Hold it!

Don't freak out. I just came to say hello to Mr. Mantani.

Mr. Mantani. It's been a long time.

Thanks to you, I came back safely.

I apologize for making such a big mistake back then.

You bastard!

Boss! Mr. Kawada says he's going straight.

Beating up a straight man will harm your reputation!

Don't be stupid! He cut my hand off! How can I trust this punk!

Do whatever you want with me. I'd understand if you cut off my arms and legs.

Get out!

Don't ever show your face again! If you ever do, I'll fuckin' kill you!

Well, I thought he was the toughest man in Fukui, but I'm disappointed.

Boss!

Nobuko! What are you doing?

I couldn't tell you until now but I'm marrying Nobuko.

What?

Alright?

Well, I have no objection...

...but it's quite a surprise, isn't it?

I'm shocked.

We'll let you know when we have our wedding.

So, how are you gonna make a living?

We'll manage.

You say you'll manage but...

Sis! I'll work.

See you.

Mama, is your little sister stupid?

Noboru is as good as a beggar.

What's she gonna do mixed up with a guy like that? Stop her!

Kawada, what do you want me to do after all this time?

Money? Or did you come to beg for your life?

Chief...

I want to make a new start.

I'll be targeting the Kanai for a while.

I want you to look away while I do, and that's what I came to see you for.

Targeting Kanais... Do you have a concrete plan that'll work?

I'm not too clever.

Originally, Fukui was gonna be given to me, so I will retrieve everything that's supposed to be mine.

You put it so blatantly.

You think you can fight against the Kanais without men or money?

I don't want men or money, but may I borrow the name of Asada?

What?

I'd like the Chief's cup of bonding.

Kanai's gonna get fatter and fatter if we let him be.

It's also in your interest to stop him while we can.

Don't meddle with our business.

Kawada...

You know what the cup is about?

You need to study a bit more about the yakuza.

Kawada, I see you're thinking about many things.

But it's gonna be a long time before I can give you my cup.

But listen, I won't try to control what you do.

Go ahead, give it your best shot.

Thank you.

We have just one condition.

Never mention the name of Asada or mine publicly.

Understood?

Yes.

Anyway, congratulations on your return.

Here you are. - Thanks.

So, how are we laying things out for Osaka?

Mr. Okano agreed to help me.

Asada Group's finances have been unstable.

I see.

So we can get on with our business soon.

Well, we need to get some money first.

I know what to do.

Kanai collects money on the 5th of every month.

That's two days from now, right?

In our times, we earned only as much as 500,000 from the bars and the fish market.

But I bet Kanai gets at least 5 million now.

How many men are at the office?

About 5 for the night shift.

What do you think? Sounds juicy, doesn't it?

Alright! Let's do them.

Kanai Group

Ready?

Who the hell are you?

Don't you get it, idiot? We're robbers!

Open the safe! Open the safe!!

Fool! What do you think this place is?

Get the fuck out of here, stupid fool!

Shut up!

Open the safe!

Shoot me if you want.

But you won't ever get the safe to open!

Now it's your turn!

Alright, alright! I'll open it! I'll open it

It's the men from the Yanaka Group.

They got of jail half a year ago.

The police say it's random robbery.

It wasn't anything breezy like that.

They were crazy.

They've gotta be yakuza to do something so cruel like that.

How is it? - No, not there!

Brother, they said Takei hasn't been back for a few days.

The hostess has seen him with a few visitors.

Don't you think it's suspicious?

Takashi, you stay with the men and keep watch around here.

Back up.

Clear... clear...

Stop the car! Stop!

Brother, it's Kawada! - What?

It's gotta be Kawada! I know his face when I see it!

Kawada's teamed up with Takei and doing all these things.

If we talk to the police, we'll know for sure.

Don't be stupid!

What can he do?

I bet it's some farmers from Nagoya or Tokyo!

You say that 'cause you're afraid of Kawada, aren't you?

What did you say? - Drop it!

Mr. Mantani, in any case, please take over this branch office for a while.

Nagai!

You gather the young ones and guard Fukui.

But how is the headquarters going to deal with this?

They're not gonna stay quiet, are they?

We're waiting for the result of the police investigation.

These days, Kanai Group has so many enemies on the inside and the outside.

Chairman, the Kanai Group is very unstable now.

Don't you think it's the perfect time to crush it?

Would you please help Kawada? I beg you.

So what do you want me to do?

I'd like to borrow about 50 men when we return to Fukui.

Fifty?

Don't do it. Whether you have 50 or 100, you won't even scratch Kanai.

Don't worry, Chairman.

Mr. Okano is backing up Kawada.

Mr. Okano?

Yes.

As soon as Kawada returns to Mikuni, the Asada Group is to sever their ties with Kanai.

Chairman, did you know Kawada and Mr. Okano exchanged cups of brotherhood?

Is that true?

Yes, he's made me his bonded brother the other day.

Chairman, I want to crush Kanai to avenge the old man, too.

I beg you.

But this is a major problem for the Ryugasaki's as well.

Let me say something to Mr. Okano first.

What the hell are you doing?

Chairman, we're asking you for help, not Mr. Okano.

I see.

I knew you were lying about the cups.

Takin' me for a fool. Throw them out.

Hey Chairman!

My Boss was killed 'cause you abandoned him.

You're my enemy's accomplice.

If I can't get to Kanai, I'll take your life to avenge Oya!

Hold it! I'll do it.

So are you gonna lend us men?

I am. I am!

No, Mr. Ryugasaki.

Unwilling men are worse than scarecrows, so I'll take back my word about that.

Instead, please lend us some tools.

Something far more powerful than pistols.

I'm told Kawada and Takei went to make a deal with Ryugasaki.

It's from a reliable source, so it's true.

As I suspected, Nagoya supported them.

That's like him. Kawada took you for a ride.

They were plotting this since the day they came out of jail.

Boss!

Kawada's back in Mikuni, Boss.

What?

He drove past our car in front of the bike race track.

They had the nerve to wave at us!

They had 5 or 6 cars that followed, with at least 30 men in them!

Thirty?

So he brought men from Nagoya. I bet they're Ryugasaki's men!

Idiots! Why are you so slow?

Hurry up and call Osaka!

Ask for manpower. If we move slow, Fukui's gonna be wiped out.

Hurry up! Hurry up!

Well, thanks for your help, everyone! Go ahead! Have a drink!

Here you go.

I wonder how Fukui's gonna react to this.

It's a big gamble.

If they take us lightly, we'll be on our way to the other side before the sun's up.

Brother, Boss Yasuhara's here!

What? Boss?

Noboru! I'm glad you're back!

Hello, Boss.

I was longing for the day you'd return.

Fukui is in need of someone as tough as you!

That's right, Noboru. Mantani's become Kanai's puppet.

He controls the speedboat race and the bike race, and doesn't give us a penny!

He wants to team up with you and come back on the scene again...

...so we all came here to show you our support.

That's right. Noboru, it's about time we show them what Hokuriku men are made of, really!

You're the talk of the town, you know!

You've got so many men. Ryugasaki went out of his way, didn't he?

Noboru, are they really back up men from Nagoya?

No. I gathered day laborers at the port with money.

What?

So they're just like scarecrows! How are you gonna fight against Kanai and Mantani?

It's a gamble.

Please sit back and watch the show.

Hello?

Yes, one moment please.

Kawada, it's from Osaka.

Here we go. I died once. You can't die twice.

Yes, hello?

Oh, Kawada, Kanai's beginning to make some move at last.

Yeah, we got the information.

Kanai's getting real stressed out, yeah. By the way...

We called the police. It's our early Christmas present!

Kanai's office in Osaka

We'll meet at the waiting room at Shin-Osaka Station at 10 o'clock.

Divide them in two groups and get them on to the last express train and the one before 10:40.

Don't buy tickets for Fukui.

Two groups will get off at Maibara and at Suruga, and will pay the fares at the destinations. Got it?

The cops! The cops!

Hey, where's Kanai?

He's not here. - What?

Hachiro Kanai, you're under arrest for charges of illegal possession and storage of harmful weapons!

Brother, who squealed on me?

Doesn't matter. Move!

Will you please telephone Okano for me?

Tell him I might lose a couple of men but I'll have fun when I come out.

Move!

There's the speedboat race track Kawada was talking about.

Pretty impressive. - Yes.

Thanks to you, I've been able to return to my hometown.

I'm more than just grateful to you.

No, no, Kawada! You did a great job!

That's true. I'm impressed.

Thank you. This is my wife.

I'm Okano.

You're the sister of Ms. Kiku Nakai, aren't you?

Yes.

She doesn't look so much like her sister.

Is she from around here?

Yes, she's from Noto.

Well, please start.

Hmm, before we do, I have a question for you.

What is it?

I hear you're going around telling everybody you're my bonded brother.

I said to you clearly not to mention the name of Asada or me, didn't I?

I'm sorry.

I'm ready to receive any punishment.

Alright.

Then receive my cup now.

I order you to become my bonded brother officially. I won't take no for an answer.

That's great! Chief can be a great judge delivering such a fruitful sentence.

I agree.

I gladly accept.

Who is that!?

Idiot! It's me! Where's Boss?

Home.

Brother! - Move! Boss!

What is it?

Kawada's become a bonded brother of Mr. Okano!

What?

They exchanged cups in a hurry yesterday.

Damn that punk!

The fuckin' punk ratted us out the police about me and Kanai.

Kawada's always been that kind of brat. I bet he's gonna invade Fukui.

Boss, let's make up our mind.

But we might have to confront Okano if things go wrong.

That won't be a problem.

If we kill Kawada, Okano will turn to our side.

Unlike Kanai, Okano is a political person.

I see. That's true.

Kiku, will you go visit Mr. Okano in my place?

Me?

You said you're friends with Mr. Okano. You'll save me.

I beg you, please!

Takashi, I don't care how you do it.

Just kill Noboru. Alright?

You aren't gonna do it yourself?

I can survive without doing it.

But you're the Kanai's orphan.

You've got nowhere to go any more, have you?

If you kill Noboru, you'll always be safe.

That's the only way for you to survive.

Hey, Nobu!

Brother?

I'm in a little trouble. Can you give me some advice?

Advice? - Yeah.

Can't you tell your brother where he is?

And you call yourself my sister?

Kawata doesn't care about a plain girl like you!

He slept with you in spite 'cause your sister ditched him.

Such a fool!

Oh, poor thing. Don't abuse yourself, sister.

Say it feels good. Did Kawata massage you like this?

Hey Nobu, talk to Kawata!

Tell him you don't feel well or something and make him come out.

Even you should know how to sweet talk, can't you? Here!

Dear! My brother wants to kill you!

Hey, give Kawata a message!

Tell him to come to my bar by himself if he wants to save Nobu! Alright?

Hey, alright, alright!

We'll take care of her until Kawata gets here.

Come on.

Kawata!

Listen! Don't touch Nobu.

She's your hostage. If you hurt her even just a bit, you'll pay for it! Got it?

Hey, hasn't your husband come for you yet?

He'll just tell you to change your undies.

But he's late, isn't he?

What's that car?

What happened?

That's him!

He's here!

Kawata!

What are you doing? Come inside!

Bastards! Drop your guns and come out!

Where's Nobu?

Upstairs! Upstairs!

Nobu!

Nobu!

Let go of me.

Let go of me!

I...

I gotta go to the police.

Nobu!

You know, I raised Takashi and Nobu like a mother in this house...

...until I was sold to Mikuni when I was 1 7.

They say every home has at least a Buddhist altar and a pack of Hanafuda playing cards in Hokuriku.

That's how long the winter is and I used to think a family tie was just as deep.

But I see it's different when it comes to man and woman relationships.

I have a renewed respect for Nobu...

...for her way of devoting herself to love.

Hey...

When she gets out of jail, will you please take her back?

She means more to me than life.

Really?

I won't lie about my feelings for her.

Thanks.

I had thought you married her to deceive Mantani and me.

Shall we go now?

It's gonna be you against Mantani now.

I don't think you'll give up Fukui. Am I right?

Are you gonna kill Mantani?

I won't kill him.

You're lying!

My enemy isn't Mantani.

It sure is cold in Hokuriku!

Welcome.

This is our Mama.

They call this a bar like it's decent business, but it's really just Okano's branch office in Fukui.

I'm sure he's got his men standing by for security, too.

You can't complain 'cause he's your brother.

I see they're all just like Kanai after all.

Noboru, look at that.

Mama has the real nerve, losing no time switching to Okano now that Mantani's on his decline.

She gets fatter every time she switches.

She is the daring woman of Hokuriku.

Poor Mantani, I wonder how he's feeling now.

Kawata, he wants you.

Noboru is something else, too.

He was rebelling against Kanai so hard, and giving it up for a big guy like Okano so easily.

That's the way of the modern yakuza, Takii. You've gotta learn to be like that, too.

Oh! This is my bonded brother, Noboru Kawata.

He's the up and coming, a real sharp guy.

Well, I intend to greatly expand our business in Hokuriku now that he's helping us.

Please everybody look after him.

Hey, open up! It's me, Yasuhara!

No, no! We're not here to raid you!

We came here to talk! Hurry up and open up already!

Mantani, what the hell's up with all this?

That's precautions.

We never know when Okano's men might come attacking us.

But isn't this a bit too much?

Noboru! What are you doing here?

You and I have nothing to talk about.

Noboru here has something to say to you about Okano.

What? - Uncle...

How can you stay quiet like this when they're flashing their knives right under your nose?

What are you saying?

You're letting them soil the carpets inside your home.

He's so right! You even let your wife leave you for them.

If you stay curled up in the corner and do nothing about it, soon you won't be working as a yakuza!

You gotta do it.

Uncle, no matter what happens, you're the boss in Fukui.

Noboru, I know what you're really thinking.

You want me to go against Okano, and get smashed.

I won't fall for that! - Don't worry.

I'll start the fire. All you have to do is to sit back and watch.

I'll smash those fat heads in Osaka.

Wait a second!

Noboru, come here a second.

Hey, what you're saying doesn't make sense. You and Okano are brothers.

Haven't you guys just exchanged cups of brotherhood?

Boss, brotherhood depends on the situation.

Home is more important than a cup of brotherhood.

You're really something, aren't you?

Uncle, we have a big enemy named Okano instead of Kanai.

Why don't we let our past go under the bridge and declare war in alliance?

Are you really gonna do it? - Yeah, I am.

If you tell me to take over once we start, I won't do it!

I know.

We're family.

If you can't trust me, who can you?

They say blood is thicker than water, you know. Huh?

Here.

What's the matter? Dig in.

Isn't this like that thing with a prisoner being executed?

What?

You're gonna kill us after we finish eating, aren't you?

Gotta be kidding. We won't gain a penny from killing you.

Honest?

Are you still doubting us? C'mon, eat up.

I'll take it if you don't!

By the way, we've got a job for you once your tummies are full.

If you get it done...

...we'll give you a million each and provide transportation for anywhere you wanna go.

Hey! Come back to claim it after the job is done.

I'll hold it until then.

Trust us!

You have no other choice, do you?

C'mon and eat now. Here.

Yeah, alright.

Welcome.

You guys! What do you want?

Are you the Mama of this place?

I heard we need a membership card to get in.

My membership card is this!

Hey! Do you know this place belongs to Okada of the Asada Group?

We're here to see that fool named Okano!

Hurry up! Do something about them! Hurry! Hurry!

Boss!

I'm sorry. It's negligence on my part.

I've caught the ones who did this, and I'll punish them squarely.

Who are they?

They're Kanai Group loyalists. They still hold grudges.

Isn't Mantani pulling the strings behind this? That punk hates Boss.

Yeah! That's possible!

Alright, let's meet with him.

Well, he had a heart attack and was hospitalized this morning.

Complete rest and no visitors allowed.

I don't care. Take me.

Yes. Excuse me.

Hey, how's Uncle?

He needs a complete rest and can't have visitors!

Move! - Please don't!

He's about to die!

Mr. Mantani, I'm Okano of the Asada Group.

Okano...

Well, hello!

Sorry to bother you when you're ill, but there's something I wanna ask you about.

Well, my bar in Fukui got damaged last night.

Might you have an idea what this is about?

No, no idea at all.

It's made to look like the Kanai loyalists are responsible.

But I suspect you're behind all this. What do you say?

Mr. Okano, it's not me.

Noboru did it on his own.

Noboru, apologize to Mr. Okano!

Kawata, what's going on? Explain to me.

Uncle, I wish you didn't hate me so much.

You know my relationship with Boss, don't you?

If you talk like that, I'd have to kill you and square it off.

Noboru, what a devil you are.

Uncle! Can you be clear?

Are you really saying I did it?

Tell me! Who did that to my bar?

Uncle, who did it?

I give up, I don't know!

"I don't know" won't do, you know.

Noboru, I don't care any more.

I quit, I retire. I'll hand over Fukui to you.

Mantani, you bastard!

Well, no, Mr. Okano, of course...

Mm, I'm in pain! Kiku, please rub my chest. Kiku! So much pain.

It hurts!

It hurts!

Hey, Kawata, where are the punks from last night?

Over there.

What's that?

The remaining Kanai thugs. Missus, you recognize them, don't you?

I sure do.

What do you say? We've punished them enough, haven't we?

In this cold, I don't think they'll last too long.

Kawata! How dare you cheated us!

Don't you dare forget this! I'll fuckin' kill you, you brat!

Stop it, Kawata!

What's that about?

They're probably just furious.

Shall we let them go now?

No, not yet. Not enough for Boss and the missus.

Maki, give them some more.

Brother, I'm sorry. I couldn't turn the wheel because of the snow.

You're so clumsy. Be sure to clean up the mess.

Kawata...

What's all this about?

Are you trying to scare me with these little tricks?

Boss, such has always been the way of Hokuriku.

I know your scheme now.

But what does the cup of brotherhood mean to you? Answer me.

Boss, cups or bowls don't make a difference to a hungry wolf.

He'd tear up his own parents or brothers if it's necessary.

So what are you saying? Are you gonna split up and start your own?

Depending on your response.

What?

Even if I can't win, I could bring you down with me.

Even a bug has an ounce of pride, they say.

Kawata, you bastard.

I got the message.

I'll come back another day, so don't forget what you just said.

I lose.

But that felt good!

You wanna ride home?

There's a saying that describes temperaments of the people in Hokuriku:

The Etchu region has thieves, Kaga has beggars and Echizen has racketeers.

What's common among these three...

...is the tenaciousness of the Hokuriku people who'd do anything in order to survive...

...and not care about how they might appear to others.

Translated by Ann Jiitsu Subtitled and Mastered by Cannibal King