TOEI COMPANY PRESENTS
BATTLES WITHOUT HONOR AND HUMANITY
THE COMPLETE SAGA
Original Story by KOICHI IIBOSHI
Produced by GORO KUSAKABE Screenplay by KAZUO KASAHARA
Cinematography by SADAJI YOSHIDA
Music by TOSHIAKI TSUSHIMA
Cast:
BUNTA SUGAWARA
HIROKI MATSUKATA KINYA KITAOJI, SHINICHI CHIBA
AKIRA KOBAYASHI MEIKO KAJI, TATSUO UMEMIYA
TSUNEHIKO WATASE SHINGO YAMASHIRO
Directed by KINJI FUKASAKU
KURE CITY, HIROSHIMA, 1946
A year after Japan's surrender,
the greater violence of war is over.
But a new kind of violence has replaced the old in lawless Japan.
It is every man for himself amidst the chaos.
Someone help!
SHOZO HIRONO (FUTURE UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY)
SHINICHI YAMAGATA (FUTURE UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY)
What the fuck are you doing?
Stop that!
- Don't make trouble with American Gls. - Let the girl get away!
Get away quick!
Hey, MPs! Run!
Welcome, welcome!
Form a line!
Put your money here.
Hey, pay up!
SHUJI YANO (FUTURE UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY)
MASAKICHI MAKIHARA (FUTURE UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY)
Bring some rice here.
Damn it! You punk!
Add it to the pot. Doesn't matter.
Hurry!
Hey, Makihara!
Hurry, move it!
They're back.
There they are!
UICHI SHINKAI (FUTURE UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY)
Fucking cops!
SEIICHI KANBARA (FUTURE UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY)
TETSUYA SAKAI (FUTURE CAPTAIN OF YAMAMORI FAMILY)
Cut that old-fashioned crap!
What? That's my favorite song.
Give me a cup of sake!
- What happened, Yamagata? - He's been cut.
Who did it?
I got into a fight with a yakuza at the black market.
He tried to stop it.
The yakuza came after him with a sword.
I'll take care of him.
I have a friend in the Yamamori family. Tell him to bring weapons.
Right.
- Hey, where's the fight? - At the black market.
Let's split up and go.
I'll show you how to kill a man. Join us?
You'll have to conceal that.
Hey, wait!
Help me get up.
- Thank you. - Pull yourself together.
Check that way.
There's been some trouble, huh?
Kanbara and Sugiya have been beaten.
Let's go and see.
Hang in there.
Are you all right? Did they get you?
Yeah. We took 'em on, but they were really tough.
We were trapped.
He was a hard-core yakuza.
Hard-core or not, it's just a fight.
Go after him yourself, then.
I don't know the guy.
We better go to the market for help.
What do you say I go after him?
It was my friend they hurt. Besides...
Won't you lose face if you go after him and lose?
- Do you have a weapon? - No. I'll get one somewhere.
Where's the guy now?
Acting up in a bar over there.
Hey!
If you're gonna take him on, take this with you.
What? You back again?
I'll kill you.
Why, you...
Hey, I shot him, all right.
Beat it!
- How long are you in for? - Twelve years.
With a term like that, you could get out on bail now.
Every prison is overflowing now.
For 12 years, you need 50,000 yen.
I don't have anywhere to get that kind of money.
I'm going to commit hara-kiri.
I need your help.
What's the point of cutting open your stomach?
The prison doctors can't patch me up.
They'll let me out on bail.
When the time's right, start shouting, "Suicide!” HIROSHI WAKASUGI (CAPTAIN OF DOI FAMILY)
If I screw it up and it looks like I'm in too much pain...
...just strangle me to death.
Got that?
Leave it to me.
Listen...
Let's be sworn brothers, shall we?
I'm Hiroshi Wakasugi, a captain in the Doi Family.
I knew that.
But I'm not in your yakuza world.
Nobody's born a yakuza.
Why don't you follow me?
I'm not one for fancy introductions, but the name's Shozo Hirono.
We can't toast with sake,
so we slit our arms and suck blood instead.
If I manage to get out before you,
I'll find someone who can put up bail for you.
Here goes.
Do I call them? Can I call them now?
I'm calling them!
Suicide in here!
Suicide!
Jailor, get in here! He'll die!
Here he comes.
Hey, congratulations!
Thanks for coming.
Glad you're safe.
Yamamori's here, too. He put up bail for you.
Let's go.
YOSHIO YAMAMORI (FUTURE BOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY)
Boss, this is Hirono.
Thanks for everything. I'll work hard to repay you.
Forget it.
You acted as a substitute for my man.
I should've known that earlier.
I had no idea until Doi told me.
Thanks for looking after Wakasugi in the nick.
He's still stuck in the hospital. I'm here to thank you on his behalf.
- This is just a token. - Please, Hirono.
You're great.
Boss Doi coming to meet you and all.
Let's go.
The Yamamori Family was formed that year.
The young men pledged their loyalty with sake.
We've simplified the ceremony to suit the times.
Doi, the boss of the Doi family, bore witness.
Kenichi Okubo, an elder of the underworld,
acted as go-between.
Please empty your cups at once, gentlemen.
Game's in play.
Place your bets.
1949
We're ready.
Game.
Get it together, dealer!
TORU UEDA (FUTURE UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY)
Where'd you crawl out from, the black market?
- What the hell! - Why, you!
Stop it!
Please, go back to enjoying yourself.
How about a beer?
Pour it.
Let's continue.
Bets, please. Place your bets, please.
What's this horse piss? Bring some cold beer.
Asshole!
Fuckin' punk!
If it's horse piss you want, we got it!
Just try it!
Get outside!
Welcome back.
How did it go?
What'd you have to do that for?
The guy he picked a fight with happened to be Ueda.
He happens to be a distant relation to Boss Okubo, your go-between.
I tried to find someone who could make peace between the two.
Ueda alone would be one thing, but with Okubo behind him,
everybody refused, saying it was too much.
What'll you do?
Apologize to the boss with money.
Getting carried away like that... Enough!
Why bother if there's no profit?
I'll cut off my little finger. Will that settle the matter?
Cut your finger off, huh?
At least that won't cost us anything. Fine!
I always knew the boss was cheap, but this is too much.
We'll fight Okubo with you anytime.
The boss has many business interests.
I'm sure he's got a different perspective.
Are you really going to cut it off?
Don't, you'll regret it for life.
I gave my word, so I have to.
But I don't know how to.
Does anybody know?
If nobody else does, I'll tell you how to do it.
I saw it once, back when I was in Osaka.
Is this the right way, ma'am?
Use the weight of your body to slice through in a single breath.
Are you all right?
- My hand's numb. - Take him to the hospital.
The finger's gone!
What?
Maybe it flew off into the garden.
What a disaster if it's lost.
Look for it.
It can't be far.
Found it!
Where?
Look how pathetic it is.
You didn't have to go this far, Yamamori.
It was just a quarrel between hot-blooded youth.
Besides, it was all Ueda's fault. Let's call it water under the bridge.
We appreciate your generosity.
Commit this finger to the earth in a lavish ceremony.
This should help you with the burial costs.
Well, that's too...
It's only a trifle.
I'd like to use this opportunity
to ask your help in making a man of Ueda.
As you know, I stay on the sidelines. I'm counting on you.
I'm happy to be of service to you anytime.
Gentlemen, I look forward to your guidance.
But, of course, neither Yamamori nor Doi were about to bury the hatchet.
News reached Hirono, hiding out in Hiroshima at Kaito's.
Wakasugi?
What brings you here?
We have to talk.
Step out with me a minute, will you?
What happened?
Doi plans...
to run the show in this town.
He'll be here to meet Boss Kaito soon.
Did Doi pull something?
Yeah.
He made that shithead Kanbara his henchman.
They're breaking into Yamamori's turf.
Boss, why didn't you let me know earlier?
If I made noises about it, Doi would've caught on.
Which is why I only told Wakasugi.
Wakasugi told you the truth.
I'm minding my own business.
But Doi barges in on whatever I do.
My husband is so furious.
He barely sleeps at night.
But why did you only talk it over with Wakasugi?
What about us?
I appreciate your concern, but what can I do?
If it turns into a fight, it'll affect my business.
We're well beyond the point of your worrying about your business.
Just kill them off.
Shozo.
You've got a point, you do.
We can't very well pull it off in Hiroshima.
What if the six of us here take the fight to Doi now?
Sounds good to me.
What about the rest of you?
You can count me in, but...
I haven't been feeling so well lately...
There must be some other way.
What do you say?
What's the matter, Makihara?
I'm not afraid to die, but...
...my wife is with child.
When I think about what might happen to her, I just feel so bad.
I get it.
You're out, then.
Go home and look after your wife.
Thank you.
Excuse me, then, boss.
Shit!
Useless piece of shit!
Fuck it all!
I'll just fight it out with Doi personally!
Dearest!
Only our family will be ruined.
Go your own way if I die!
Boss.
What's the big fuss over getting rid of Doi?
Don't worry.
I feel bad for Kaito, but I'll take him down in Hiroshima.
Shozo!
Brother, if this thing spreads to a fight between the families,
you're the key man.
Please remain here.
Shozo, you've already been convicted a couple of times.
This time, you might get the death penalty.
Maybe so, but...
Sakai isn't here. You're the only man who can get Doi alone.
Leave it to me.
I won't regret it, even if I am put to death.
I'm a yakuza, after all.
Shozo...
I'll owe you for this forever.
Make a man of me, I'm begging you.
Please, boss.
But should you get out of prison after serving time, say 20 years,
I'll give you my whole property.
I'm good at money-making.
I'll just imagine I'm making all the money for you.
He's telling the truth.
We have no children.
We're always talking about you, you know?
If anything were to happen to you, we'll look after your affairs.
Shozo, this is all the money we've got.
Go and enjoy yourself with it.
That's too much.
Don't worry. Take it.
It's all we can do for you for the present.
Forgive me.
I'll join you later on.
Shozo.
You're lucky to have such genuine people like the boss and the madam.
You're so fortunate.
That hurts!
Be more gentle.
I've got no time. No time!
OCTOBER 16, 1949
- Please come again. - Convey my thanks to Kaito.
Hold it!
Get out of my way!
Hirono, stop it!
Boss!
Hirono!
Send for a doctor, quick!
Brother?
I'm in a hideout the madam arranged for me.
How is Doi?
He was carried in to a hospital. He's still breathing.
I want to see you,
but the cops are everywhere.
Doi's men are after Boss Yamamori.
I'm worried about that, too.
Doi's men don't know where you are.
Hang in there till I get there.
I'll be seeing you. Goodbye!
Kanbara?
Boss Yamamori gave me a call a little while ago.
He wanted to get you out of here.
Did he?
The cops are all over him.
And the Kaitos are looking for him, too, so he's stuck.
The Doi's are up the street, but...
they won't recognize me, so he asked me.
Which is why I came alone.
You don't trust me?
How would I know about this place if he hadn't asked me?
You don't trust me? It can't be helped.
I'm going.
Hey. Wait a minute.
I'll get ready.
What's wrong?
The engine's busted. Give me a minute.
Kanbara!
Abandoned by everything and everyone,
his only path was to go back to prison.
Doi has died.
Yamamori's got the upper hand.
Sakai's back.
My duty's over.
I'm sorry for you, but I'm taking myself on a little trip.
You saved Yamamori from ruin.
So what if Sakai's back?
Please stay on with Yamamori.
But I'm starting to have trouble figuring Yamamori out.
Why did he send Kanbara to you?
What were his real intentions? He's crafty and impossible to read.
What did you think?
Time's up.
Take good care of yourself.
What is it you wanted from me?
I have to ask you a favor.
So it's you, Wakasugi?
Sorry.
I need you alone.
I'm going on a trip.
How's everything with the Doi family?
They're doing nicely.
Don't worry.
Now I'm relieved.
However, what would happen if you were gone?
DECEMBER 17, 1949 SEIICHI KANBARA DIED
It fits you perfectly.
You look exactly like my brother who died in the war.
- A bogus varsity boy, eh? - The cops won't know.
- What's that noise? - Pretend you're asleep, Mama.
Come over here.
Hurry!
What's up?
Go back to sleep, dear.
- Mrs Kunihiro! - Who is it?
Yes, just a second.
Who are you?
Wakasugi's here, isn't he?
No, he isn't.
Your lover, right?
Let's check.
The kids are sleeping. Please don't wake them up.
Hiroshi!
You yakuza punk!
DECEMBER 17, 1949 HIROSHI WAKASUGI DIED
The Korean War broke out in 1950.
The Yamamori family won a contract loading ammunition for the US military.
Even as they expanded, the men were getting out of hand.
What had led to their decline
was when they began dealing philopon, a drug popular at that time.
Get in line!
- Give me some! - Here's yours.
POLICE SEARCH YAMAMORI HQ SUSPECTED OF DEALING DRUGS
Boss.
Arita, I told you not to deal philopon.
TOSHIO ARITA (UNDERBOSS OF SHINKAI FAMILY)
You're sticking your nose in everything we do.
The police think we're birds of a feather.
We won't fuck it up.
- Brother! - Don't make any waves.
You fucking moron.
I'll teach you a lesson. Come.
You count all that up to the very last yen.
Nobody's making anything on the side. I'll let you have it if you do.
Brother, Arita here belongs to my family.
Whatever it is, you talk to me.
I told you, but you didn't listen.
What's your beef?
At your level, who gives a damn over a little drug business?
The boss wants him to quit dealing.
He's one to talk!
You guys take plenty off the top.
So we make a little on the side with drugs.
How are they supposed to make a living?
- Of course they deal drugs. - You serious?
This is my turf.
So go home.
If that's your attitude,
let's take this thing straight to the boss.
Till then.
What an asshole, always going on about the boss.
Is he his successor?
To be frank with you, boss,
I think he's got a point.
We have more men now.
Your rake-off is so high, they're pressed.
I talked the matter over with Ueda.
The rent of a gambling hall can be the same.
But pinball game shops and bars...
Well, let them be free from rake-offs.
I see...
You think the family can survive on that?
We'll try not to depend on you too much.
Each of us can become self-sustaining.
They do it that way in all the big families.
On a self-sustaining basis?
Is it really possible?
I've collected the little money you raise and invested it in bigger businesses.
That's how we got this far.
But you don't remember that.
You're on your own, then!
Boss,
I think he's right.
Your 70% commission is too high.
Riding around in your fancy foreign cars...
Give it over instead to the younger men.
What the hell!
I disagree, brother.
What are you saying, Shinkai?
You're the one that started this!
If we follow your plan, the boss will be in name only.
Only a few will wind up with the lion's share.
You referring to me?
The boss needs to stay the boss, just like he is.
Only the rest of the profits should be split equally among us.
Right, Yano?
I support what Shinkai said.
We've got to stay together, or they'll tear us apart.
What Yano says is right.
I'll leave it up to you to decide.
But for the record,
what kind of a yakuza son begrudges money to his father?
Shit.
Who's the one doing the begrudging here?
Right, let's get this decision over with.
Who's against my plan?
Only Shinkai and Yano, huh?
Then we go with my plan, all right?
Captain!
You didn't make the Yamamori family all by yourself.
Are you pissing on the captain's vote? You can fight me then!
Thus, the rivalry between the two factions was sealed.
The next morning...
Hello, sir. Please wait.
Move.
Who the fuck are you?
OCTOBER 29, 1954 TORO UEDA DIED
Upon hearing of Ueda's death,
Sakai rose to meet the violence of the Shinkai faction,
which devolved into a bloody struggle to the death.
NOVEMBER 16, 1954 SHINKAI MAN DIED
NOVEMBER 20, 1954 THREE SHINKAI MEN WOUNDED
NOVEMBER 25, 1954 TWO FORMER DOI MEN DIED
Go and fetch it.
Brother!
OCTOBER 11, 1954 UICHI SHINKAI DIED
Thus the strife between Sakai and Shinkai ended
in a one-sided victory for the Sakais.
Soon after that, being granted a commutation,
Hirono was put on parole from Gifu prison.
Brother!
- Brother! - Hey.
- Yano. - Hirono.
Thanks for the hard time you pulled.
The boss and his wife came to greet you.
They did?
Let's go.
Ueda and Shinkai are both dead.
Sakai has no rivals now.
He's even organized his own company.
He's completely ignoring me now.
That punk. He's planning to shake me loose and take over the family.
That violates the yakuza code!
Where's the honor in that?
I feel so pathetic, so sad...
Do you understand me?
Say, Shozo.
Right now, Yano is the only one who is still kind to us.
If you back us, the others will follow.
Besides, and you must be very careful about this...
Sakai doesn't like the way we're always talking about you.
He's running his mouth off about killing you.
It's exactly as she says.
Shozo, please help me out here and do Sakai for me.
I understand.
But I'm fresh out of prison,
and I don't have a clue what's going on.
I need some time.
It won't turn out badly for you.
So then you'll help me?
I knew you would.
So, about the future...
Times are hard for the family, and I can't pay everyone.
But I'll pay your monthly fee if you do what I tell you.
Go ahead, enjoy yourself.
This is for this month.
We have some other appointments,
so pay for this out of the monthly fee you just got.
- We're counting on you. - I'll see you.
Come and see me sometime.
Excuse me, I'm Hirono,
one of your late husband's friends.
Can I pray to his dead soul?
Please.
Your baby is Yamagata's?
Who's here?
Hirono.
Tetsuya.
Excuse me.
You got hitched with Yamagata's woman?
That baby's mine.
Yamamori came to greet me out of prison.
Nobody else did.
The old man told me...
What's to fight over in this tiny town?
I'm not fighting with him.
I'm...
thoroughly disgusted with him.
If he were a man of his word,
neither Shinkai nor Yamagata nor Ueda would've had to die.
But the boss is still the boss.
Guess we didn't know how to judge a good boss.
I'm going to establish a company soon.
A harbor transport business.
Makihara and the others will be involved, too.
We'll use this to go out on our own, to break away from Yamamori.
We'll join forces with the Kaito family in Hiroshima, too.
Join us, will you?
We'll go back to our original vision of doing whatever we want to do.
Well...
but...
the boss asked me to kill you, you see.
Hold it.
Hold it, Shozo!
Don't shoot me.
There must've been some misunderstanding.
Wait!
Sit down.
Were you really gonna kill me?
Can't even trust me now?
Tetsuya...
If brother Wakasugi was still alive,
I wouldn't be planning to re-join Yamamori.
But I thought it over in the pen.
Besides, we didn't become Yamamori's henchmen
to Kill each other off.
Isn't that right?
So he may not act much like a good boss...
but let's us survivors join forces to build up the family again.
Otherwise, those who died will have died for nothing.
I think the boss will understand that.
I'll take a little trip.
Will you talk the matter over with the boss while I'm gone?
I understand.
I understand exactly.
However, the cogwheels of war didn't stop turning there.
Hello, Yano!
How's it going?
Boss!
FEBRUARY 18, 1956 SHUJI YANO DIED
I thought you were more dependable.
I confided in you because I trusted you.
You spilled it all to Sakai, didn't you?
So he blackmailed me to announce my retirement.
He made it public on the occasion of his company's celebration.
Yano was killed when he tried to stop it.
In fact, you're the one who killed Yano.
I thought of killing you for him,
but Makihara stopped me.
You swallowed Sakai's crap!
What a fucking idiot!
The boss thinks there are limits to endurance.
He's determined to get Sakai.
If you feel bad for Yano, side with us, please.
Sakai's going to break our family, together with Kaito.
He's going to start the Sakai family.
Are you going to work for Sakai?
I'm not forcing you.
You see what I'm made of, don't you?
Don't come crying to me later.
Boss...
I want to be very clear about this.
Sakai may be bad, but you're just as bad.
- The pot calling the kettle black. - What?
I've had it with you.
I won't fall for your tricks anymore.
I'm turning in my pledge to you. So stop thinking of me as your man.
Hirono!
I'll settle my grudge with Sakai on my own.
You just stay away.
Long time no see, brother.
Don't move!
You came to kill me?
That's right.
Did Yamamori ask you to?
I broke with him.
- I came on my own. - Why?
Why don't you ask yourself that question?
Don't!
You and I are no longer brothers.
Go ahead, kill me.
I'll keep aiming at you if you set me free.
Shozo...
You're too idealistic.
You're dreaming.
The code of honor means fuck all to Yamamori.
Nothing can be done unless you have control over reality.
Get wise and help me.
You can be above me, if you want.
I don't give a damn whether it's the Hirono or the Sakai family.
The point is to crush Yamamori.
Would that bring Shinkai and Yano back?
If you can't listen,
I'll have to Kill you.
Your hands are already stained.
Kill me quickly.
Shozo...
Where did we go wrong?
I get sick of this life when I'm drinking at night.
I want to wash my hands of it.
When I'm with my fellas, the next morning,
I forget what I thought about at night.
Let me give you one final warning.
The hunter is stronger than the prey.
Keep your guard up.
Stop there.
I'll get out here.
Go wherever you want.
I can't kill you today.
Some other day.
FEBRUARY 19, 1956 TETSUYA SAKAI DIED
Tet-chan,
Are you happy with this show they're putting on?
Of course you're not.
Neither am ll.
- How dare you! - Stand back!
SHIGETO NAKAHARA
TSUNEO KAITO KENICHI OKUBO
Stop!
Do you realize what you're doing?
Yamamori...
I've still got some bullets left...
In 1950, as the Korean War broke out,
in Hiroshima City the Muraoka family had acquired immense power.
Under Muraoka's leadership,
a new post-war generation of violence was nurtured.
Bring him over here!
You bastard!
Drag him out here!
That's enough, boys.
He's a decent citizen.
Kill me.
SHOJI YAMANAKA, LABORER (FUTURE MEMBER OF MURAOKA FAMILY)
If you don't, I'll kill all of you someday,
because I'll never forget your faces!
How dare you, you bastard!
I'll kill you!
KATSUTOSHI OTOMO (SON OF MERCHANT OTOMO FAMILY)
YASUKO UEHARA (NIECE OF BOSS MURAOKA)
Mummy, can I go and play?
Don't go too far.
You asked for trouble.
Uncle.
TSUNEO MURAOKA (BOSS OF MURAOKA FAMILY)
HIROSHI MATSUNAGA (CAPTAIN OF MURAOKA FAMILY)
Otomo told me what happened. Is this the guy?
How is he?
The doctor says his temperature won't go down for a few days.
He has no family, no money.
If you keep him here with you, it'll cause a scandal.
I'll send my men over to take him to my place.
KUNIMATSU TAKANASHI (SWORN BROTHER TO MURAOKA)
Glad you're better. Sit.
Boss Muraoka is kind enough to be your legal guarantor.
So tell me.
You want to join us? Or do you want to be an upright citizen?
Tell the truth.
[, uh...
I want to kill all the men who beat me at the black market.
Let me join your ranks. Please.
I like your spirit,
but you can't fight without my permission.
Takanashi here is my sworn brother. Join his family temporarily.
Thank you for your consideration.
Your watch. I hear they broke it.
Got another one?
- I see.
Here, take it.
Be a man.
Lucky boy.
That's an expensive Swiss watch.
See how generous Boss Muraoka is?
Yasuko!
Let me rest in the hotel.
I drank too much.
Good evening.
Thank you.
You better get home.
Your daughter'll be waiting.
Sometimes I want to be alone, too.
I'll go home after a little nap.
Kiss me here.
I saved your life, didn't 1?
Don't you want to?
How dare you! Don't!
Be careful, Miyo.
Go, Miyo!
Mummy, come and count!
One... two... three!
Brother...
What is it?
I'll tell you later.
Don't you know your place?
Yasuko's husband is a war hero, enshrined in Yasukuni Shrine!
Boss Muraoka found out and he's looking for you with a sword.
What a fool!
Skip town before he finds you.
Take him to the station.
His letter.
Hurry or the boss will split you in two.
Hurry up!
IIZUKA, KYUSHU
Yamanaka became a guest of the Takehara family
in lizuka, Kyushu.
One year later...
What does Boss Takehara want?
He says he'll treat you to lunch here.
Go in.
Sir, may I take you to your next destination?
May I see Mr. Wada?
That's me.
Who are you?
The police never could prove Yamanaka was the murderer,
but his name was whispered with respect among yakuza.
Soon, Muraoka forgave Yamanaka
and let him formally join his family in Hiroshima.
Soon thereafter,
an incident broke out that threw Hiroshima into strife.
1955 HIROSHIMA VELODROME
The fuse was lit when security for a newly built bicycle racetrack
was contracted to the Muraoka family.
Who the fuck are you?
Stop those bastards!
Muraoka and I have been sworn brothers since after the war.
We opened the black market together,
but he quit and left me to run it alone.
Screw the market!
Soon rationing will be over, and we'll go out of business.
The racing business brings in one billion yen a year,
and directors get 96 percent of that.
They have lots of other sources of income, too.
Don't let Muraoka line his pockets.
He's a gambler. Racing is gambling, too.
A merchant mustn't get involved.
Gambler, indeed!
The hotel Muraoka runs is a brothel.
The Muraoka family gets rich selling pussy.
Listen, Dad,
merchant or gambler,
don't we all live to eat nice food and sleep with girls?
We need money to do it.
What's wrong with trying to make money?
Do you think you'll be able to beat up Muraoka's men?
Shut up!
Scared of them?
What a yellow-belly!
Why should we bow to them and die from hunger?
Hiroshima doesn't need two yakuza families.
We've got to kill them before they get rich and powerful.
Fool! It's no use talking to you.
Just one thing.
I'll let Kuramitsu be next chairman of the Otomo family.
You aren't my son anymore.
All right. What I want is Hiroshima.
Suit your fucking self!
MURAOKA FAMILY OFFICES, HIROSHIMA
Are you a man or what? Sit still!
- Again? - Good timing. Come and join us.
- I might decline... - Say yes or I'll expel you!
You really have a bad habit of dragging everybody in.
Is Yamanaka in?
I told him to clean the lavatory.
That's hot!
That lousy priest!
I'll shoot him to death.
- Raid! - Come out, Muraoka!
Stop!
Let's go!
Let's fight, Muraoka!
Muraoka!
There!
My gun!
MARCH 16, 1955 MURAOKA / OTOMO FIRST BATTLE 2 DEAD, 8 INJURED
Seeing that Katsutoshi Otomo had lost his last influential friend,
Muraoka proposed that his mediator, the elder Kageura,
hold a reconciliation ceremony.
Muraoka stipulated that
he would give part of his interest in the track
to Otomo's 2nd Chairman, Kuramitsu,
but that in exchange, Katsutoshi must disband his family.
After accepting the proposal,
Katsutoshi had to leave town to avoid police scrutiny.
But he didn't give up the idea of realizing his ambition.
Thank you very much.
You must be tired.
How about going to Tokyo to have fun?
No, thank you. I like Hiroshima.
I see.
Have you seen Yasuko since you've been back?
No.
Not even once.
Is that so?
Good evening.
I invited him here, Yasuko.
Come in.
Uncle...
Have a long talk about your future.
I've looked after her like my own daughter.
Make her happy.
I'm sorry I didn't even let you know my whereabouts.
He was very angry and kicked me out.
Got kicked out of the market, too.
So I became a geisha...
Boss!
Don't embarrass me.
She's so sweet.
I wish I could be her father.
I feel the same way.
The problem is my husband's family. They don't want me remarrying.
His family?
He died...
...as a member of the Kamikaze Corps.
They think I'll disgrace his name if I remarry,
unless I marry his brother.
I don't like him. That's why I live here alone.
Marriage doesn't matter.
We love each other.
You have to honor the memory of his death as a kamikaze.
I wanted to join the kamikaze, too.
Did you apply to join?
No. I was too young.
The boss wants me.
- What is it at this hour? - I don't know.
That night, Terada and two men
had gathered in their hideout under Katsutoshi's orders.
In accordance with their plan,
they would take over the Otomo family by killing Kuramitsu, its new chairman,
and fighting the Muraoka family again.
Who is it?
Sorry to bother you so late. I'm your neighbor.
It's been a long time.
Say your prayers.
No! Please!
Please don't kill me! Yamanaka, please don't!
Yamanaka!
SHOJI YAMANAKA LIFE SENTENCE FOR MURDER
What are you doing here?
Boring story.
My girl got involved with a man, so I slugged him.
I won't be in here long.
Has Muraoka come to see you since you got put away?
No.
I see.
After you've been imprisoned for life risking your neck for him?
Why do you say that?
I feel for you.
Did you hear about Yasuko?
What about her?
Nothing.
Never mind.
Kunimatsu Takanashi.
Shoji Yamanaka.
What about Yasuko?
Muraoka's sending her back home
to make her marry her dead husband's brother.
What?
She's fighting him on it,
but he won't listen.
I hear the day of the wedding has already been set.
- Yasuko! - Uncle...
How unreasonable you are, with the wedding date already set.
Go back to Uehara's at once. They're here to meet you.
I'll live my own life. You stay out of it!
You idiot!
Have you forgotten about Miyo? Think about your future.
You told me to talk with him about our future.
That was then.
When do you think he'll be getting out?
He's got a life sentence!
You're going to wait that long?
- [ Will. - Idiot!
No girl can wait for her man for more than three years.
Believe me.
Besides, you have Miyo.
A yakuza imprisoned for life, can he be her father?
Forget Yamanaka.
He's as good as dead.
All right?
What happened?
Take him to the infirmary!
Yamanaka escaped?
He was spitting up blood, so they took him to the city hospital.
He escaped out a bathroom window.
You really knew nothing?
We wouldn't lie to you.
Muraoka, the law is the law.
Don't try to shelter him, of all men,
or we'll have to search your place.
I wonder why he...
Bring Yasuko back from Uehara's.
I'll explain to them later.
He escaped prison to see Yasuko.
Someone inside told him about her.
Welcome back.
Yamanaka's here, boss.
Yamanaka.
Idiot!
What's the idea?
You think you're safe here?
You had a chance of being paroled
after 20 years or so.
I thought you were being a good prisoner.
Why did you go and escape?
Boss...
Darling.
Shoot me with this, boss.
I thought you'd betrayed me.
I thought you'd taken her away from me.
Takanashi told me that.
So I came here to kill you.
Now you realize it was a mistake?
Kill me!
I don't have to, now that you know the truth.
Boss.
Will you let me talk to him alone?
Yamanaka, come with me.
Come now.
Listen, Yamanaka.
Even if she were to remarry,
you should be happy for her.
That's what true love is.
What do you think you can do for her in prison?
You're just keeping her waiting.
Among yakuza there's nothing worse
than babysitting a woman who's waiting for her man.
You're so selfish!
Besides, you suspected the boss over her.
Shame on you!
Brother...
I understand now.
Time to grow up a little.
After you see Yasuko, go back to prison at once.
Within 24 hours, you'll be forgiven.
Brother...
I can't bear to live in prison any longer.
Let me fight and die.
I want to kill Katsutoshi.
Please.
You're needed, brother.
- What is it? - Katsutoshi caught Iwashita.
Katsutoshi?
Did you fight?
We ran across Katsutoshi and his men.
- I ran away. - Idiot!
Find Iwashita!
Take care of him.
Matsunaga... How is Yamanaka?
He wants us to let him do a job.
Yamanaka!
- Get over here. - Please stop!
Where's Yamanaka hiding?
I really don't know.
We'll beat you up instead of him.
Go ahead and talk!
Water!
Give me water.
I'll give you plenty of water.
Go on, drink.
Drink your fill!
- You clumsy fucker! - Easy, boss!
ANOTHER BLOODY INCIDENT IN HIROSHIMA
The incident became a target of public outrage.
The police set up a command center to investigate it.
Now's the time to attack the Muraokas.
They've weakened.
We better wait.
By then the guys who got arrested will be paroled and out of jail!
The directors are going to hold a meeting at the track tomorrow.
Let's dynamite them.
Let's blow up Muraoka and his race track together!
- Good idea! - Asano, get the guns.
Come on.
Come, Nakahara! Let's make plans.
My gun!
Nakahara!
Kill him, Nakahara!
What are you doing? Let me go!
Careful, he's got a gun!
MAY 25, 1955 LIFE SENTENCE FOR KATSUTOSHI OTOMO
Katsutoshi's arrest scattered the Otomo family
and put an end to the rash of conflicts.
After all the Muraoka family's enemies had been defeated,
the police became their enemy.
Yamanaka shot Katsutoshi, didn't he? Don't claim you don't know!
Capture him and ask him yourself.
- We know nothing. - Liar!
Muraoka...
The prefecture police have ordered us to shoot him.
Hand him over to us,
or we'll have to hold you responsible and arrest you.
How can you say that?
Have you forgotten you asked for my help with the Koreans after we lost the war?
Times have changed.
Don't belittle the police.
HIRONO FAMILY SCRAPYARD, KURE
It's been a while.
How have you been?
I knew I needed to pay my respects to you.
Come in.
Welcome!
Let me in.
Oh! It's so big. What is it?
This? It's my kamikaze plane.
Wow!
Let me see it.
Stop it!
Leave us alone.
Listen...
You're wanted by the police.
You really shouldn't do this.
Hurry and go to Tokyo. I'll ask my friend there to help you.
Mr. Muraoka will make the arrangements.
But I don't want to leave Hiroshima.
Think of Yasuko, too.
Wherever you are in Japan,
you'll be happy if you're with her.
I can't take her and leave Boss Muraoka behind.
I made an awful mistake about him.
I have to make up for it.
Is there a Mr. Yamanaka here?
What is it?
A call from Hiroshima.
Who is it?
Mr. Muraoka.
You're in Kure?
It's nothing special.
Takanashi got out of prison on parole today.
Takanashi?
In prison, he told you about Yasuko.
Did you believe his words?
Or mine?
Think it over.
He's got a big mouth on him.
Where is he now?
I understand.
Yamanaka, what's the matter?
Wait!
MAY 29, 1955 KUNIMATSU TAKANASHI DIED
Hey, you!
Stop!
Hello?
Anybody home?
- Hello? - Anybody?
No one's here.
Next door.
Attention, all residents.
An armed murderer is hiding in your area.
Vacate your homes and follow police instructions.
Evacuate immediately!
Make way, please!
Watch your step!
Quick!
Yasuko, where are you going?
Yasuko!
You have to do something for him!
Calm down.
We can do nothing now.
Go and help him!
He did everything on your orders.
It's only right you take his place now, Uncle!
Act like a man and give yourself up to the police.
Fool!
Don't get excited.
You won't help him either?
You're part of the same family, aren't you?
You've Killed just like him.
You're no better than him. You should give yourselves up!
We can't find him. Maybe he's run.
You idiot!
Search all the houses again till you find him.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SHOJI YAMANAKA
Place your bets, please.
Here you are.
I was impressed with Yamanaka.
He killed himself to avoid causing trouble for the Muraoka family.
Muraoka really had a good man.
The police were glad there was no shooting.
He was a man among men.
Yamanaka's name is still whispered
as a legendary Hiroshima yakuza.
But no one visits his grave now.
He wasn't the only one sacrificed
in the escalation of the struggles among the yakuza of Hiroshima.
BATTLES WITHOUT HONOR AND HUMANITY THE COMPLETE SAGA - INTERMISSION
BATTLES WITHOUT HONOR AND HUMANITY THE COMPLETE SAGA - PART TWO
Time passed, and by 1960,
the struggle against US security dominance, the Kishi Cabinet's demise,
Asanuma's assassination and other tumultuous events
reflected the actual chaotic conditions of Japan in those days.
Similar conflicts were simultaneously erupting all over the globe.
As all these wars reflected the interests of either the US or the Soviets,
such regional conflicts began to be referred to as "proxy wars".
These tendencies also began to appear in Japanese yakuza society,
as Japan gradually emerged from its post-war chaos.
HIROSHIMA, SEPTEMBER 1960
Bastard!
Move!
Out of the way!
Fuck!
Sugihara!
In September 1960,
Fumio Sugihara, a member of the Muraoka family,
the largest yakuza family in Hiroshima,
was shot to death in a bold daylight attack.
Sugihara was the sworn brother of the boss of the Muraoka family
and held the reins of the family
while Muraoka was under medical treatment.
He had been its virtual leader.
What's wrong?
Who the hell's that?
Kuriyama from Kyushu. He came to see our ailing boss.
Is that Kuriyama?
I heard Sugihara beat him badly over some gambling incident.
So that guy planned all this!
It's all his doing, and he dares to puke?
Mr. Uchimoto...
NOBORU UCHIMOTO (BOSS OF UCHIMOTO FAMILY) you have to handle this problem as a sworn brother.
If you do it, I'll help you.
Hirono,
he's Muraoka's guest.
AKIRA TAKEDA (UNDERBOSS OF MURAOKA FAMILY)
We are indebted to Mr. Sugihara.
If you do it, we'll pretend to know nothing of it.
Even so...
I can't revolt against my brother Muraoka.
Uchimoto is in second in line behind Sugihara
and his weak-willed attitude at this time
will cause complications in the Muraoka family succession later,
and will also be the future cause
of the biggest struggle in Western Japan.
KURE CITY, HIROSHIMA
Meanwhile, Hirono had set up a small family in Kure, Hiroshima,
guarding scrap metal.
Idiot!
MEMBER OF HIRONO FAMILY KATSUHARU SAIJO
You're supposed to be guarding against thieves, not stealing yourself!
How much did you make from the scrap you stole?
More than 200,000 yen.
You fucking shithead! Hand over the money!
But my woman asked me to buy a TV set...
- I bought it yesterday. - You dumb fuck! A TV set?
You damned idiot!
Boss!
Let me go!
BOSS OF UEDA FAMILY IN KURE TOSHIO UEDA
What's going on?
Hey, let him go.
What do you want?
Mr. Okubo's asking you to come to see him.
- Mr. Okubo? - Yes.
The chief parole officer and your sponsor are at his house.
At this time, Hirono was still on parole for murder,
and elder Kenichi Okubo, who had resigned,
was his only advisor.
Yasuda, your guarantor, has to take care of many other people besides you.
So I talked with Mr. Okubo about the situation...
ELDER KENICHI OKUBO
...and I asked Mr. Yamamori to be your guarantor. What do you say?
Mr. Yamamori?
He's trusted among members of the business community.
We can leave this to him without any anxiety.
Can we expect him to agree, even if we ask?
Yamamori suggested it himself.
He understands now that he needs a fellow like you for his family.
And it will constrain your world
to hold a grudge against him in such a small town.
And until you can get on in the world,
why don't you reconcile with him for your own future?
Boss...
What happened?
I told him to cut off his finger, but he said two or three fingers aren't enough.
We tried to stop him.
He cut off his own hand with a hatchet.
You shitbrain! That was a fucking stupid thing to do!
How you gonna fight now?
I have a weapon.
Let me go!
I'm sorry.
It was all because of me that he sold that scrap.
Forget it. Just take him home!
See that a doctor looks after that.
- Thank you. - Thank you very much.
Call Mr. Okubo.
The next day, Hirono returned to the Yamamori family
through the intervention of Kenichi Okubo.
Please come in.
A full house, eh?
Yes, thank you,
but it's a little flat.
Shout at them.
Left to themselves, they don't really fight.
Well done.
- How was the match? - I lost on a foul.
UNDERBOSS OF UCHIMOTO FAMILY HIDEO HAYAKAWA
Idiot! Does the audience like to see you losing to a foreign wrestler?
Fight him again in a grudge match.
But that's not allowed.
- What the fuck! - Now you've got your grudge.
We'll let you fuck Miss Hiroshima later. Now get your ass back out there!
Please.
Hirono.
Iwai, thank you for coming.
UNDERBOSS OF AKASHI FAMILY IN KOBE SHINICHI IWAI
- I'm just passing through. How are you? - I'm getting by.
- Here's a little something. - Thanks.
Have a seat, will you?
I hear Iwai's the leader of the Akashi family's shock troops.
You sure have a lot of friends. I envy you.
I traveled a lot when I was young.
So ll made friends all over.
All the guys I hook up with seem to get themselves Killed.
I feel like I haven't got anyone to turn to.
Hirono,
could you intercede for me and ask lwai
for someone from his family to be my sworn brother?
I'll ask,
but the Akashi family is much bigger than the families here,
So you better think it over before you ask.
I already have. Mr. Muraoka's in such a bad way,
he's gonna have to name a successor soon.
Who could manage the family besides me?
Having an Akashi brother would make me that much stronger,
and not a bad deal for the Akashis either.
Uchimoto, if you cozy up to outsiders just so you can be boss,
it could come back to bite you later.
You're so old-fashioned.
These days, you gotta have a wide circle of friends.
It's the age of international relations.
You gotta be smart.
Is that so? I'm content being simple-minded.
Mr. Yamamori must have his sights on Hiroshima, too.
Isn't that why he wanted you back, Hirono?
Hayakawa, you being sarcastic?
How should I know what he has in mind?
Damn it!
She ain't no Miss Hiroshimal! I'm leaving!
Wait a second!
Saijo!
I made him a promise, so get him a good-looking girl!
Pretend to be Miss Hiroshima”? No way!
You're always full of shit! I refuse!
You have to. It's mud on my face if you don't.
Miss Hiroshima.
No way!
I'm not letting that ugly monster fuck me!
His dick's just like all the others. Check it out.
- No way! - Hey, think of the boss's kindness.
- Come on. - Ouch!
What the fuck?
You got a problem, you fuck?
Bastard!
Stop! Stop it!
What are you looking at? This isn't a show!
You bastard!
I'll kill you!
TAKESHI KURAMOTO, LABORER (FUTURE MEMBER OF HIRONO FAMILY)
- Is Little Hirono in? - Little Hirono?
Who are you calling Little Hirono?
Come on in. Don't be afraid.
Their idiot of a boss used to be a student of mine.
He was going to give himself up to the police,
but he said wherever he went, he'd face retaliation.
That's why he asked for my help.
Since you're both my students, it's like you're the big brother.
Please help him.
I understand.
The guy was hurt, but he didn't die.
I'll settle the problem. Don't worry about it.
Oh, that's marvellous! You're lucky, Kuramoto.
Say thank you. Go on, say it!
Now, then, about his future...
Could you let him train under you?
He's a firecracker, but he might have a future in your world.
I recommend him.
That's hardly the way I expect educators to talk.
What were you?
A welder in Osaka.
You can't support yourself as a welder?
I don't care about money.
Then why don't you live an honest life?
I don't know.
Maybe I shouldn't air his dirty laundry,
but his father was a yakuza in Fuchu
and he was killed fighting.
Really?
That's the kind of father he grew up with.
So, his mother seems to have given up on him already.
You're his mother, right?
If he becomes a yakuza,
he has to desert his own mother.
Is that okay by you?
Yes, half the responsibility for his sins lies with me.
So please take care of him.
KOBE, JUNE 1961
That June, Hirono visited the Akashi family in Kobe with Uchimoto
at Uchimoto's insistence.
The Akashi family approved Uchimoto's proposal.
Shigeo Aihara, the sworn brother of Boss Tatsuo Akashi, BOSS OF AKASHI FAMILY IN KOBE TATSUO AKASHI
became a sworn brother to Uchimoto. SWORN BROTHER TO AKASHI SHIGEO AIHARA
CAPTAIN OF AKASHI FAMILY TERUO MIYAJI
That autumn, a big celebration was held.
One obstacle stood in the way of Akashi dominance across Japan...
Their major rival in Kobe, the Shinwa Group.
The struggle in Western Japan became more and more violent.
SHINWA CHAIRMAN, UNOKICHI KUMASHIRO & SHINWA UNDERBOSS, GIICHI ITAMI
OSAKA
JUNE, 1961 OSAKA GIYU FAMILY INCIDENT
Out of the way!
NARA
JULY, 1961 ISHIKAWA FAMILY BOSS STABBED TO DEATH
KYOTO
AUGUST, 1961 BRAWLS IN CENTRAL KYOTO
Where are you guys from?
TOTTORI
OCTOBER, 1961 HIYAMA FAMILY BOSS SLASHED TO DEATH
FUKUOKA
MAY, 1962 HAKATA INCIDENT IN KYUSHU
In a battle that became known as the Hakata Incident,
the Akashi family sent lwai and some 300 men to Kyushu.
Due to police mobilization,
the conflict was held in check.
But the gangland strife did not cease.
Under these conditions,
Hiroshima became a flash point
for both the Akashi family and the Shinwa Group.
Two months later, the Muraoka family in Hiroshima
and the Yamamori family in Kure joined forces.
Yamamori became boss of the newly combined family
with 200 members.
Ah, Hirono.
You scheming bastard.
- Boss! - It's okay.
I really was born to be a boss.
I'm a lucky man.
Now that I control Hiroshima,
we're not gonna have outsiders meddling in our business.
That's fine, but you don't want to make too many enemies, either.
Yes. By the way, your family's growing too.
Yes, thank you.
We have an excellent boss, and our young men work hard for the family.
That's right.
Without good men at his side, a boss can't do much.
In our family, this Takeda is the best,
and has about 60 million yen.
This guy here is next, with about 40 million yen.
Eda here just got out of prison,
so next would be this guy, who's got 30 million,
no, more like 27 million.
The others are about the same.
And how much do you have, boss?
Me? I have your two favorite golden balls.
The guest over there is asking for you.
Brother, that's Komori. The one we've had trouble with.
Right, keep quiet.
You asked for me?
You and that Hamazaki are sworn brothers, right?
What about it?
There's been some friction between Hamazaki and Komori here in lwakuni.
Since Komori is my sworn brother,
I'm planning to mediate, and I don't want you meddling.
I'm not so old yet that I need your help.
So long as they can settle things without trouble.
What's this, Mr. Uchimoto? When did you get here?
Why not come see the boss and our guests from Kobe?
You come too.
Very well.
I'm sorry. I had another guest to see to.
Do you have a more important guest in Hiroshima than me?
He has no common sense, you see? That's why Mr. Muraoka gave up on him.
Now, now. Let's all be friends.
Did you hear what Mr. Aihara said, Uchimoto?
Why don't you come work for me?
If you're asking me to swear loyalty as an underboss to you, I refuse.
I regard Mr. Akashi as my boss.
Who said anything about that?
All I'm saying is I'll take you on if you want to be one of my water carriers.
Can you believe this guy?
Have you ever seen such an idiot?
He's so devoted to Mr. Akashi, he bows toward Kobe from morning till night.
But fool that he is, I do hope you'll take good care of him.
Are you crying?
Come now, don't cry.
Here, drink up. Go on.
I think we'll be excusing ourselves.
Wait. Uchimoto, why don't you invite us all to your bar?
My wife has a bar. Please stop by there first.
Very well.
You come too.
Stay close to Uchimoto.
Listen.
He's got the Kobe people with him. Just grit your teeth and come along.
Leave me alone! I'm not drinking with a black-hearted schemer like you.
What are you talking about?
You keep calling me a schemer. What did I do?
Don't you understand?
No, tell me.
Fine, I'll tell you.
You knew Muraoka would retire,
but you kept quiet to me while you kissed Yamamori's ass.
It was Mr. Muraoka's decision. I didn't know a thing about it.
You just wait! I'm gonna smash Yamamori eventually,
and you'll be first on my list for payback!
Why wait? You wanna kill me, kill me now!
Hirono, stop it.
You don't need an appointment.
Come for me anytime you like. I'll be waiting!
A few days later, Uchimoto's vehement rancor against Yamamori
caused ripples in the yakuza world.
What are you guys doing?
- What is it? - A bomb!
It's a smoke bomb!
Hey, watch out!
Relax! It says "smoke bomb".
Idiots!
Those punks scared us.
Those assholes work for that fucking Uchimoto!
How would I know?
I can't take responsibility for what a couple of fuckwits do.
Besides, no one was hurt.
I see.
Moving on to another matter, Mr. Uchimoto...
I've been in your good graces,
but you should treat me like a stranger from today on.
We're all returning these, including Takeda.
Well, we'll be off.
No, don't get up.
What do you want?
My boss cut off his finger.
I was asked to deliver it to you.
Shit! That moron!
A finger or two isn't enough.
If he asks for his life, tell him he has to come in person.
But he's been missing since this morning.
He was tired and ran off to Kobe, leaving his men here.
Really pisses me off!
What kind of boss runs away and leaves his men?
I'm gonna sever ties with him.
You heard him, boss. Please help him out.
Now that Uchimoto's run off,
why not take charge and disband the Uchimoto family
and come and join ours?
That's one idea...
Boss...
Would you support me if I became boss of the Uchimoto family?
I'll kill Komori. I promise.
Hayakawa.
Are you a man or a mouse?
Henchmen should fight even when their boss isn't there.
If you're so eager to be on our side,
you have to kill Uchimoto first.
Isn't that how it works?
You shut up!
Don't waste your time with this guy!
If this reaches Kobe's ears, you know what'll happen.
Yes, that's right.
I see.
Who was that?
The Akashi family.
They have something to ask us about Uchimoto.
Aihara and Miyaji will be coming here soon.
Don't look at me!
You're the ones who severed ties with Uchimoto.
You deal with Akashi.
It's too late.
We have to fight Akashi, right?
I'll start making preparations.
Me too.
I'll be getting back too.
Boss...
Sensing the impending crisis, on Takeda's recommendation
the Yamamori and the Shinwa Group from Kobe formed an alliance of equals.
One week later,
the Akashi family formed an alliance with the Kojima family,
the biggest yakuza gang in Okayama, revealing their confrontational stance.
Moreover, Akashi underbosses were sent to Hiroshima shortly thereafter
to try and pressure Yamamori family underbosses
to be reconciled with Uchimoto.
Hirono.
I heard you knew about Iwai's proposal
that we reconcile with Uchimoto.
Why didn't you mention it?
What difference would it have made?
You were busy with the alliance with the Shinwa Group.
I see.
In any event, we can't be reconciled with Uchimoto.
Will you go and tell them that?
If you tell me to, I will.
Are the rest of you all right with that?
It's too late to listen to the Akashi family!
They're trying to cripple our alliance with the Shinwa Group.
What are you going to do?
I'll pass on your decisions, but I myself may not be able to refuse.
I'll think it over at the time.
You can't be so selfish.
As captain, I can't permit it.
Then why don't you all go and refuse together?
Then I'll go with what you decide.
But if we refuse their offer,
you should know that it may come to blows on the spot.
Welcome.
Please go in.
Thanks for coming all this way.
Though I asked my colleagues' opinions,
they refuse to be reconciled with Mr. Uchimoto.
- What happened? - It's a blackout. I'll get some light.
Hurry it up!
Sorry it took so long. Here you are.
We'll say our piece first.
This all started with the conflict between Komori and Hamazaki.
You severed your ties with Uchimoto because of that.
In response, Mr. Uchimoto cut off his finger,
yet even then, you've not been reconciled to him. Why not?
If you won't be reconciled, we can't keep the peace. What do you think?
We already apologized once to Uchimoto.
So we thought it was already settled.
Yes, you made up for that,
but the fact Mr. Uchimoto cut off his finger hasn't been addressed.
You need to be reconciled and become sworn brothers again.
That's the yakuza way.
Given our situation, that's the one thing we cannot do.
Well, then...
our ties will be completely severed.
Matsunaga, are you sure that's what you want?
I didn't exactly say I refused.
I was just following my boss and captain.
Eda, what do you think?
Well, I...
I haven't really given it much thought.
Well, it seems the captain's the only one who opposes it.
Takeda, are you feeling bad because of the Shinwa Group?
As a matter of fact, I often speak with the Shinwa Group in Kobe.
They made it quite clear their alliance with Mr. Yamamori
was little more than a business matter.
In other words, should you really need their help,
they won't be easily moved to action.
If you'd like, I'll call Mr. Itami of the Shinwa Group to confirm.
You needn't do that. I understand what you're saying.
The blackout came at an awfully inconvenient time!
Mr. Okubo.
You young men are always up to something!
So, did you come to a decision?
Thank you for joining us.
Takeda,
we had asked Mr. Okubo to act as go-between,
assuming you would be willing to reconcile.
With Mr. Okubo's participation, Mr. Yamamori is sure to say yes.
We can accept your decision,
but if you cause Mr. Okubo to lose face,
you'll lose standing in Hiroshima.
Sir, I leave it entirely up to you.
Well, then, in that case, I'll be happy to help you.
We're in your hands.
Allow me to say something!
I'll be reconciled with the others, but not with Hirono!
Are you still harping on that? Enough now.
I'm no one's puppet! I don't do things halfway!
Besides, I know Hirono caused trouble for Hayakawa.
I refuse!
Come now. We'll discuss this some other time.
Our business here is finished.
Let's go some place a bit brighter and have some fun. Okay, Mr. Okubo?
Yeah, it's gloomy in here. Let's go flirt with the ladies.
Let's go.
No, I'm not going.
I'm staying here. Leave me alone.
He tried to...
Inviting Mr. Okubo was your doing, wasn't it?
There's no way the Akashi family could have known him.
You knew what was going to happen, yet you brought us here anyway.
That's why you cooperated to form the alliance with the Shinwa Group.
Believe that if you like.
I see I can't win.
Wait.
Akira...
I'm not trying to put you in a bind.
I'm going after Yamamori.
Hiroshima can never be united while he's at the top.
Therefore...
I'm going to drag him into the struggle between Akashi and the Shinwa,
leading him to irreparable shame and forcing him to retire.
Why don't you be Yamamori's successor when he retires?
Then I'll support you wholeheartedly.
If we're going to be burned by the sparks,
let Yamamori roast in the flames.
The Akashi family, who sought to penetrate Hiroshima
by means of Uchimoto's resurgence,
convinced Uchimoto to expel the dissenting Hayakawa
and then enacted a reconciliation, as planned.
On the other side, when the Shinwa Group heard the news,
they sent vice chairman Itami to call Yamamori to account.
Everything transpired just as Hirono expected,
and Yamamori was backed into a corner.
However, after Toyoda was brought in as mediator,
the state of affairs took an unexpected turn.
Takeda has arrived
with the decision of the Yamamori family and the Shinwa Group.
They request you retire and give up this life.
Give up this life?
Yes, the Shinwa Group agreed on that condition.
They're resolving this by sacrificing you.
You say it's been decided,
but if I refuse, what will they do?
That's why I told them Hirono's not about to give up this life.
Then they suddenly handed me this.
LETTER OF EXPULSION
You have to make up your mind.
This guy says he'll support you.
Listen, brother.
I agree with Mr. Okubo.
You're close with the Akashi family.
If we join forces, we could easily take Kure.
It's about time we showed that bastard Yamamori.
Everything went just as you planned.
Dragging Mr. Okubo into it was a nice touch.
You dragged him into this first.
Serves you right.
I was wrong to trust you.
The family can only work if we're united.
Only thing a guy like you can do is get out.
Serves you right! If you don't like it, then put up a fight!
Yeah, I just might do that.
Bring Yamamori along and challenge me anytime!
- Prepare to die, then! - Out of my way!
I'm gonna Kill you!
That bastard! Aren't you gonna do anything?
Go on, get him!
Leave it to me. I'll take him down.
Matsunaga, I hear you're real tight with Hirono.
Whose side are you gonna take?
Whose side?
I have no grudge against either side.
I'll be neutral.
We don't recognize neutrality.
If you don't side with us,
you'll have to retire
and never come back here again.
Tokyo? Why?
It's better than dying in the fighting. Will you run away with me?
No way. Where you gonna get the cash anyway?
You won't come because I have no money?
I'd never go with you. I'm with Kuramoto now.
Bitch!
What is it...sir?
Take this. You'll need it.
Hirono was expelled because of you,
so you have to sever ties with those guys from the Yamamori family.
See to it right away.
Why should I be involved in the struggle
between Yamamori and Hirono?
If you don't get involved,
we can't help Hirono.
It's a direct order from the boss in Kobe too.
Which side? What do you mean by that?
We're gonna fight Uchimoto and Hirono.
If you fight for us, you can join our family. What do you say?
I'd be happy to join you.
Very well.
Then show us some proof of your commitment.
Dearest...
Get ready!
AUGUST 26, 1963 AKASHI FAMILY UCHIMOTO BRANCH
It's happened?
Hey, it's finally started.
That bastard Hayakawa attacked the Uchimoto office.
Really? Right, then.
Let's get them!
Tell the office to begin preparations.
Boss, Makihara's watching a movie at the Chuo Theater.
I see. Good work.
- The Chuo Theater. - Yes, sir.
Here you are.
It's me. What's the rush?
One of Hirono's men is on his way.
Keep an eye out.
I'm leaving for Tokyo now!
Get in!
The police cut my boy up.
They took out his insides and sewed him up again like a sack.
What have they done with his organs?
There, there.
Takeshi!
Boss!
It's hot!
When a battle begins,
young men are always the first to lose their lives,
yet their deaths have never once been honored.
Fatalities pile up, as the battle among the yakuza of Hiroshima
escalates into an ever more violent struggle.
In the fall of 1963, with the Tokyo Olympics a year away
and Prime Minister lkeda's rapid-growth plan in full swing,
as the heady intoxication of the economic boom took hold,
the public grew increasingly hostile to the yakuza families
disturbing the peace.
In answer to the growing outcry, the police mounted
a nationwide crackdown aimed at wiping out yakuza syndicates.
Move it!
Out of the way!
Move your ass!
Chief!
This is the only gun we can find.
A matchlock?
This sure as hell ain't what you been fighting with!
Despite the authorities' efforts,
central Hiroshima was divided down the middle, east and west,
the Yamamori family facing off against the Uchimoto family.
Reinforcements for the Yamamori side
began to pour in from across Western Honshu.
Yamamori ensconced himself in the cabaret he owned
and flamboyantly paraded to the bathhouse each morning
with an army of bodyguards.
Meanwhile in Kure, the Makihara family, under Yamamori's wing,
was embroiled in guerrilla warfare with the Hirono family.
We've got an emergency summons!
Hirono's having lunch with Ueda on Naka Avenue. Take him down!
Boss!
- What's up? - Get in! Makihara's men are coming!
Quick! In the car!
The rank and file of each family pulsed with renewed life,
just as Hirono and his cohorts had in earlier days.
Hirono family underboss Kiyoshi Kawanishi
was gunned down in a bloodbath in the street.
Boss Uchimoto, Hirono is upstairs with Okubo and Iwai.
I have urgent business in Hiroshima.
They were quite insistent. They want to discuss our next move.
Don't you know the cops are right outside?
I didn't come to a funeral to get nabbed in your fucking war!
What if the Yamamori family raids us now?
Who the fuck's gonna protect me?
Looks like Uchimoto's leaving.
They didn't stop him?
- Sorry, boss. - Forget it.
I was never really counting on that bastard anyway.
Kawanishi died in my place.
If I'm gonna repay his sacrifice, I've gotta do Yamamori myself.
Get ready to attack Hiroshima soon as the cops out front go home.
- Don't do it. - Why not?
From what I've heard,
the cops'll be waiting to nab every last one of you.
You can't fight a war if you're kowtowing to the fucking cops.
Hear me out!
Since Yamamori and Makihara have run for cover in Hiroshima,
all you have to do is lock Kure down.
Make it so they can't return, and they'll have to admit defeat.
Remember, most of Yamamori's money comes from here in Kure.
I agree.
If you go to Hiroshima, there's gonna be blood for sure.
Any chance of making peace will be gone.
Making peace?
How the fuck do you make peace with Yamamori?
His view of things is simple: kill or be killed.
You gotta move first, or you'll never get the upper hand again.
Look what happened to Kawanishi.
He got killed because I was dicking around.
But you can't do anything that would destroy your honor.
No matter what he's done now, Yamamori used to be your boss.
I don't give a shit about fucking honor anymore!
I'll happily kill myself after I take Yamamori down.
Have it your way.
But the Akashi family has its own honor to uphold.
We can't join a fight that makes no fucking sense.
Who the fuck asked you for help?
I never expected a bunch of outsiders to fight my battles for me!
Brother!
Mr. Iwai, Hirono's got us, so he can do without Akashi's backing,
but we need a clear signal from Kobe.
Your answer will affect our plans.
I'm in an awkward position here.
The family's had trouble out east, so Boss Akashi's gone up to Tokyo.
It means he hasn't had time for the brothers.
I need you to be patient.
Don't put me in an impossible spot with the other brothers and the boss.
Besides, you're only out on parole.
If you get nabbed and have to serve your term, everything falls apart.
Think it over.
Toshi...
What the hell do you think you're doing?
Who told you to speak up for Hirono?
- But, sir... - I've got businesses to protect.
If you want to help Hirono, you'll have to break with me first.
- When are you gonna get off my tail? - Did you talk to Hirono?
I told him to stay in Kure. What else can I do?
I shouldn't be seen with you, so hurry.
I see...
Very well, I'll go quietly today.
But if Hirono shows up in Hiroshima,
it's gonna be your head, no matter how precious it is.
Keep that in mind.
Pull over!
You guys wait here.
I gotta borrow some bread from Boss Uchimoto.
I'll go with you.
You know Boss Uchimoto?
Sure, we've been buddies since black market days.
We'll be right back.
Who are you?
Is the boss in? Tell him I wanna borrow some scratch.
Get lost, you fucking drunk! What do you think this is?
I ain't got no use for you. Where's the boss?
Stop!
Are you crazy?
That's one of the boss's legit clients, you fucking moron!
Quick! Clean it up!
The blood! Hose the blood away!
Get out of the way, idiot!
With one innocent civilian dead and one critically wounded,
the public and the media, in their frustration, demanded police action.
SAVAGE VIOLENCE HITS ORDINARY CITIZENS
The police established a special command center
and launched a crackdown on gangs.
How could you let them get that picture, you fucking idiot?
What kind of moron goes prancing around
when the cops and media are both on high alert?
Don't you know they're talking about revoking my business license?
Are you trying to fucking hang me or what?
Hirono's the one who started this feud.
It's not my fucking fight!
I'm flying to Tokyo to discuss this situation with Representative Kuwabara.
So try to use your fucking heads while I'm gone!
Stop it or we'll haul you in for obstruction of justice!
What are you talking about? We're just cleaning the house!
If you don't like it, move your fucking car!
Meanwhile, close surveillance by the Kure police
had effectively paralyzed Hirono.
To make matters worse, his backers in the Akashi family
had their own problems,
meeting resistance from the locals as they sought a foothold in Tokyo,
which left them unable to come to Hirono's aid.
Boss, you have a call from Takeda.
From Takeda?
That you, Takeda?
What's the matter? We've been ready, but you don't attack.
Look who's talking.
You said you'd kill Yamamori, but you haven't lifted a finger.
Uchimoto's ignoring you and Akashi's abandoned you.
- Pretty pathetic. - What of it?
They've got you caged in, so you figure you'll give me grief?
Eh? You fucking asshole!
You're in the same boat.
So let me make a suggestion...
Give it up and go straight.
I can't just take your word, so announce it in the papers.
Then I'll give due consideration to your circumstances.
Sure, I'll announce I'm giving up the life,
as long as you do the same.
And bring Yamamori with you, too.
Look, Shozo...
Think about it.
At this rate,
the police and the press will do us in for good, don't you think?
- Welcome. - Hey, Brother.
Okubo's friends on the city council tried talking to the Kure police,
but the police won't pull off their cordon.
I see.
I wish I could be your arms and legs and help out,
but Okubo absolutely forbids it.
Meanwhile, Yamamori's been traipsing around
with no one paying him any heed.
He and Eda plan to attend the installation ceremony
for the new Shinwa Group chairman,
with a free pass from the police.
Money really does talk.
So Yamamori's going to Kobe?
Say, when exactly is this installation ceremony?
I'm ready.
What's going on? Open up!
Open up!
Right, let's go!
What's up?
Boss...
We really don't think you should go to Kobe.
Me and Iwami here can kill Yamamori for you.
You should go on back to Kure.
Why are you giving me grief at a time like this? Get moving!
You know, boss...
cut a shake in pieces, it'll recover if it keeps its head.
But if its head gets chewed up,
then it'll stay dead.
That's why you need to stay in Kure.
Look, I have an 18-year grudge against Yamamori.
This is something I have to do with my own hands.
Now get moving!
What the fuck?
Sorry, but while you two are talking, I need to go and take a shit.
Again? You having stomach trouble?
These suckers chill my stomach and give me diarrhea.
My stomach's feeling bad, too.
It's group shit time, is it? A couple of stinking buddies, you two!
The snake's head, huh?
Takemoto!
Iwami!
Where are you?
Answer me!
Those shitheads!
SEPTEMBER 25, 1963 SHINWA GROUP INSTALLATION CEREMONY
There he is.
I told you to give it up, you stupid punks!
Sure, it'd be great to ruin the bastard's special day.
But our Boss Akashi will be attending, too.
Did you think about that?
Then how about afterwards, after Boss Akashi goes home?
At the station, or wherever. Please just let us do it.
Keep your fucking hands off him in Kobe!
You explain it to the idiots, lwai.
Fine, but I can't go back to Hirono empty-handed.
Boss, is there no way we can send him reinforcements?
The boss said no.
So what's the excuse going to be for contradicting the boss?
If you want an excuse, we've got one.
The plan Iwai had in mind
was to hold a grand memorial service for the murdered Kiyoshi Kawanishi.
Pressed by Iwai that the time for action had come,
Hirono immediately began preparations for the service,
along with plans to attack Hiroshima, as soon as the funeral was over.
Starting several days before the scheduled service,
men from the Akashi family and other families across the country
began arriving in Kure in droves,
soon reaching some 1,600 in number.
Did you wait long?
I hear things are tense right now. Is it wise to meet in the same place?
This place is safe, my men have a clear view out front.
Coffee.
Besides, even in wartime,
a guy needs a break now and then.
I said coffee.
Keep it quiet.
Come with us.
Hey, Uchimoto.
A fine sight you are!
You spend so much time chasing pussy,
it's made you soft.
Please...don't harm me.
I'm the one who's been telling my men to stay out of fights,
yet the men who've been killed are all my men.
Still want to save your hide, do you? Very well, I'll let you off.
But first you have to give us a nice little show with your girlfriend.
- Hurry up. Get your clothes off. - You can't mean it!
Take their photo, Eda, and we'll send it to the Akashis.
- Have a heart! - Get a camera.
Boss, I don't care about myself, but please don't torment this man.
It would be too cruel if his wife found out about us. I beg you.
Two-bit whores should mind their own business!
Only two-bit toughs have to get their man when he's with his lady!
Enough fucking lip!
Just watch this!
Hold on, Eda.
Kill him and all you do is make yourself the next target.
That's no reason to let him go alive!
That's right. Do it!
Sit down.
Boss...
So long as this fucker's alive, we have a chance to make peace.
Knock him off, and who are you gonna make peace with?
If what you want is all-out war,
that's fine with me, too.
But I can't take responsibility for what might happen.
So tell us, Uchimoto.
Hirono's planning a big fancy memorial service for Kawanishi,
but I'm guessing it's just a front for launching an attack on us.
Spill it!
Save your neck, dear. Tell him.
All right, then.
Let's hear the whole story.
KNOCK OUT VIOLENCE AND BUILD A LIVABLE COMMUNITY
To all the Hirono family members,
we have you completely surrounded by riot police.
Do exactly as we say,
or you'll be arrested for obstructing justice.
Shozo Hirono,
we have a warrant for your arrest. Come out peacefully.
I repeat. we have you surrounded.
Do exactly as we say,
or you will be arrested for obstructing justice.
Shozo Hirono,
we have a warrant for your arrest. Come out peacefully.
Boss, we'll hold them off. You get out of here!
There's a time for everything. What happens, happens.
You've got to save yourself, boss.
You know it's just some unrelated offense.
- I'll be back in no time. - Boss!
Put that hardware away!
No sense letting them confiscate it.
Hirono, the charge is assault and battery.
I see.
Last summer, you dragged a Makihara family member
to the Yamamori office and worked him over.
Is that right?
Supposedly Yamamori's the only one who knows about that.
- So he's your snitch, is he? - Come with us.
What a waste of tax money.
Boss!
Hirono was arrested for an unrelated offense,
but it effectively removed him from the field of battle.
Three days later, the service was held without him,
and the troops who'd gathered in Kure left without seeing any action.
Meanwhile, the opposing Uchimoto
spurned Iwai's repeated calls for action,
needlessly delaying resolution of the hostilities.
So are you going to take Yamamori out or not?
The thing is, with Hirono away,
if I take on Yamamori all by myself,
there's no way I can win.
What kind of talk is that from a yakuza?
Or are you just a taxi company owner? Which are you?
Well, if I have to choose,
I'd really just like to focus on my business now.
Fine. Do what you like.
We've got no use for a taxi company,
so you'll just have to walk your own path.
But I'm warning you, you've got a precipice ahead
and a precipice behind.
I suggest you watch your step very carefully!
Right? Doesn't it make good sense, what I said?
You guys hang in there now.
- Boss! - Mr. Uchimoto.
Brother!
For a time, the feud seemed to be dying down.
But the flames flared up again
SHOICHI FUJITA UNDERBOSS OF GISEll GROUP IN HIROSHIMA
when the younger men grew disgruntled with their bosses' political maneuverings.
OCTOBER 15, 1963 HAREM CABARET BOMBING INCIDENT
Take cover!
THAT SAME NIGHT, EDA FAMILY OFFICE BOMBING
WAR ESCALATES TO BOMBINGS
CABARET BOMBED
Is this the police?
What? This is Yoshio Yamamori.
What do you mean, "What's up?"
I keep calling to ask for protection, and you guys don't do squat!
Bombs are flying about, and I've got no place to hide!
It's your job to protect upstanding citizens!
If I get killed, it's on your shoulders! Ouch!
So, where are you right now?
All right. Stay where you are.
What does Yamamori want?
Wants to know why we refuse to protect an upstanding citizen.
That idiot! You shouldn't even be taking his calls.
Until we bring charges, we treat him like anybody else.
Yamamori called the police, SO you can scram.
Are you sure?
He's got more faith in the cops than in us. Enough of this shit. Go!
Yamamori's hiding out with Eda at Hayakawa's bar.
- You sure? - No question about it.
And Hayakawa and his men split, SO now's our chance.
- All right. Let's get them. - Right!
Follow me!
Yeah, it's me.
And?
Going after Yamamori?
Hurry it up!
Takeda here.
Yeah, what's up?
I'm telling you this because I owe you one for the other day.
Some of my men just rushed out,
saying they were going to ice Yamamori.
They were headed for Hayakawa's bar.
You better call him and warn him right away.
You fucking idiot! Why didn't you stop them?
Why should I have to stop them?
We're at war!
Look, if Yamamori survives,
could you get him to lend me 20 million yen or so?
What moron lends money to his enemy, you fuckwit?
- What gives, Takeda? - Ueda!
What made you think you could protect the boss here without any defenses?
What are you talking about? There's a police car outside.
None that I see. Go and look.
Takeda, I trust Ueda, and my life is in his hands.
- I have no use for you. - Is that so?
In that case, when the Uchimoto goons show up in a minute,
you can fight them off yourselves.
Hold on!
I'll go with you.
Come if you want,
but am I your man for this fight or not?
I never said you weren't.
Not that way! This way!
This way!
Move it!
Drive!
Cops! Clear the road!
Let me go!
Run!
The wild gun battle directly threatened ordinary citizens,
and anti-gang sentiment boiled over among the public.
Pressured from every direction, the police and district attorney
began rounding up all family leaders.
What kind of treatment is this?
- Boss! - Get in!
KAWAHATA HOSPITAL
What's this about?
Yamamori, I have a warrant for your arrest!
On what possible charges?
Two years ago you punched an employee of the Boat Racing Association.
I have Pott's disease, I have to stay off my feet. Go and ask the doctor.
The only thing keeping you off your feet is too much pussy!
The reporters are here too, so act like a man!
- Leave me alone! - Have you completely lost your spine?
Come with us.
Just give me a second!
I'll hold a press conference.
As soon as he learned of Yamamori's arrest, lwai flew to Hiroshima
to rebuild the Akashi camp, centering on the Gisei Group's men
left leaderless by Okajima's death.
Meanwhile, Takeda made peace with his former enemy, Otomo,
and called on other Hiroshima families to unite in common purpose
and meet Iwai's challenge head-on.
The yakuza in this city feel a certain pride.
The Shinwa Group from Kobe
wants us to raise their banner here, but we've turned them down.
Stay here yourself as long as you want,
but take down the Akashi family sign.
Hold on a second.
I belong to the Akashi family.
Why shouldn't I put up their sign wherever I am?
In that case, declare here and now that you'll break off with the Gisei Group.
When you come in here and open an office with these guys,
you're meddling in internal Hiroshima affairs.
And what kind of satisfaction can we expect for the murdered Okajima?
This is war. Killing's the name of the game.
Then you'll be our next target, so fucking bring it on!
Anytime, you fucker!
- Anytime! - Calm down.
Do I take what you said as your family's official answer?
I'm Iwai of the Akashi family.
All right.
Then just so you know,
we may not be very sophisticated here in Hiroshima,
but we never let visitors stand upwind of us.
We won't let so much as a cat get through if it's from Kobe.
Don't forget that.
Fine.
You guys take care your spit doesn't blow back in your own faces.
Got that?
Now get the fuck out!
Handle this with care.
Just make sure no harm comes to Boss Akashi.
It'd make things too messy.
Otherwise, blow up whatever you like.
- Just be careful. - Right.
TATSUO AKASHI
OCTOBER 20, 1963 AKASHI RESIDENCE BOMBED
The Akashi family assumed they'd been attacked by the Shinwa Group
and retaliated immediately.
THAT SAME NIGHT, SHINWA GROUP OFFICE ATTACKED
The fire spread to Hiroshima the very same night,
and gun battles erupted between Takeda's and Iwai's men.
THAT SAME NIGHT, TAKEDA OFFICE SHOOTING
Get him to a hospital!
Don't just stand there. Start cleaning up.
And so the feud in Hiroshima
grew into a battle between Hiroshima and Kobe,
a bloodletting that shook all of Western Japan.
Iwai and his troops are putting themselves out there for us.
But if we let outsiders do all the work, we'll never lift our heads high again.
We're gonna join the battle. Could you send your men out too?
HIDEMITSU KAWADA BOSS OF KAWADA FAMILY
You're barking up the wrong tree.
I owe my loyalty to Uchimoto.
When Uchimoto's sitting tight, I can't go joining fights on my own.
I understand your position,
but Boss Okajima was counting on you, that's why he gave you that money.
- You owe him. - Let's not bring money into this.
It's true I owe Okajima,
but as repayment, I've been sending part of my take to him every month.
You think money can repay your obligation?
You guys brought it up first!
Calm down.
Look, Kawada,
if you join the fight, so will Uchimoto.
Whether we can avenge Boss Okajima is on your shoulders.
You can make men of us.
Please!
Brother...
I'll go and talk to Uchimoto,
so don't worry about it, all right?
HOW TO BUILD A BOMB
GUNPOWDER
Hello?
HIROSHI YAZAKI MEMBER OF KAWADA FAMILY
All right.
I have to go. That was Boss Kawada.
He hit it!
All right!
Now we're sitting pretty today.
Ah, Hiroshi.
You've been helping out Fujita over at the Gisei Group a lot.
Why don't you give it up?
But I owe Mr. Fujita a debt of gratitude.
A debt? For what?
Those guys think they've got one up on us,
and they've been cutting into our territory.
The gas stations are all showing Gisei Group badges.
That may be true,
but if there's a war, we have to side with Gisei.
Think again. I'm not siding with anyone.
What are we so broken up about that we should have to help Gisei?
Leave the war to the warmongers.
Our first concern is protecting our own turf.
You know, Yazaki,
it'd sure simplify things if you'd do him for us.
Excuse me?
Fujita's in line to be the next chairman of the Gisei Group.
Without him,
Gisei's got about as much going for it as a pile of horseshit.
This is how much those bastards rake off our take.
With Fujita gone,
this would all be yours.
Think about it.
I know you've kind of become friends, so if you can't do it, you can't do it.
But you know, Hiroshi,
don't you think it's time you started acting like a man?
An opportunity like this may not come again.
MOTOMACHI IN HIROSHIMA AKA "THE A-BOMB SLUMS"
Turn the TV off. It's giving me a headache.
I told you to turn it off, you numbskull!
Get up, Hiroshi!
How long are you going to lie around and not work?
Get up!
Hurry up and eat your dinner.
I'll buy you a better TV.
More big talk!
Who's there?
Hiroshi?
What are you doing here at this hour?
Brother!
OCTOBER 25, 1963 SHOICHI FUJITA OF GISEI GROUP DIED
What's going on?
- Where's your son? - Has he done something?
He's wanted for murder.
There he is!
Stop!
HIROSHI YAZAKI KAWADA FAMILY, 20 YEAR SENTENCE
Shozo...
Iwai.
Shozo...
Fujita from the Gisei Group has been offed.
Fujita?
Some punk from the Kawada family did it.
It's brother killing brother now.
The Gisei Group's in tatters,
and I have no idea how to fix it.
That's not all.
The family in Kobe
accepted police mediation and made peace with the Shinwa Group.
I've been called home.
Shozo...
I hate to do this, but I have to pull out. Sorry.
I'm the one who should apologize.
I understand how you feel.
I appreciate everything you've done.
I just saw Uchimoto too,
and he said it was a relief to get thrown in the clink.
That's what I'd expect of him.
So long, then.
The world may be changing,
but there's more to life than just Kure and Hiroshima.
You should plan to come to Kobe. I'll be waiting for you.
I'll be counting on it.
Soon, Hirono's parole was revoked,
and he was sent to Hiroshima prison.
The following January,
he was resentenced to seven years and four months in prison.
Shozo...
How long did they give you?
Seven years and four months, including what I had before.
Is that right?
Not much different from some murder sentences.
Who knows?
By the time they figure in the Kobe bombing and everything,
I might be in longer than you.
Yeah?
Eda got five years,
and Makihara got about three.
Uchimoto got off with probation.
- What about Yamamori? - A year and a half.
He gets one and a half and I get seven.
I sure got the short end of the stick there.
I blew everything I had, so I'm penniless now.
And the newspapers have hounded me ruthlessly.
The only way I can survive is to turn my organization into a political committee.
I suppose that might be fine,
but it looks to me like our time is over.
Do this for 18 years, you grow used to certain comforts,
but the cold in here really gets to my bones.
No kidding.
Somehow I've got to find a way
to get through seven years of this.
Shozo...
Hang in there.
You too.
And so the Hiroshima feud
that led to 17 dead,
26 wounded,
and some 1,500 arrests
came to its fruitless end.
And the gangland violence
soon disappeared beneath an increasingly stable public order.
Twenty or more years have passed since the post-war chaos
when Shozo Hirono cast his lot with the yakuza world.
With the passage of time, one group begat another,
and these organizations in turn have sown the seeds of further violence.
And the blood of countless young men continues to be spilled.
Will the bitter battles that arise from the strong preying upon the weak
ever be banished from this earth?
BATTLES WITHOUT HONOR AND HUMANITY THE END