Original subtitles

TOEl COMPANY PRESENTS

In 1945, among the burned-out rubble of Kure City in Hiroshima,

SHOZO HIRONO FUTURE BOSS OF HIRONO FAMILY

a band of repatriated soldiers led by Shozo Hirono,

fired by youthful ambition,

embarked on a quest for dominance in the violent world! Of the yakuza.

However,

BOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY YOSHIO YAMAMORI between Boss Yoshio Yamamori's crafty maneuvering,

and bitter struggles for power among the younger bosses under his wing,

one young leader after another was consigned to his grave.

In 1962,

Yamamori succeeded in taking over

Hiroshima City's most powerful yakuza family, the Muraoka family.

BOSS OF UCHIMOTO FAMILY NOBORU UCHIMOTO Stung by this turn, rival sub-boss Noboru Uchimoto

BOSS OF AKASHI FAMILY TATSUO AKASHI swore loyalty to Kobe's Akashi family,

which held sway over much of western Japan.

CAPTAIN OF YAMAMORI FAMILY AKIRATAKEDA

At the urging of Captain Akira Takeda,

CHAIRMAN OF THE SHINWAGROUP KUMASHIRO UNOKICHI Yamamori allied himself with the Akashi family's rival, the Shinwa Group.

Hiroshima thus became the battlefront

in the struggle for power between Western Japan�s two largest syndicates.

To defuse the crisis,

FAMILY ELDER KENICHI OKUBO Hirono joined with Kure's Kenichi Okubo

UNDERBOSS OF AKASHI FAMILY SHINICHI IWAI and Shinichi Iwai of the Akashi family

to scheme for Yamamori's retirement.

But he ran afoul of Takeda, who was determined to defend the family,

and was expelled from the Yamamori family.

The Akashi family retaliated

by expelling Hideo Hayakawa,

FORMER UNDERBOSS OF UCHIMOTO FAMILY HIDEO HAYAKAWA an Uchimoto family under boss who had cozied up to Yamamori.

Hayakawa promptly joined the Yamamoris and attacked the Uchimoto family.

Thus it was that the two cities of Hiroshima and Kure became the stage

for a bloody war between

the Uchimoto and Hirono families, under the wing of the Akashi family,

and the Yamamoris, affiliated with the Shinwa Group.

BATTLES WITHOUT HONORAND HUMANITY POLICE TACTICS

Original Story by KOICHI IIBOSHI

Screenplay by KAZUO KASAHARA

Cinematography by SADAJI YOSHIDA

Music by TOSHIAKI TSUSHIMA

Cast:

BUNTASUGAWARA

TATSUO UMEMIYA

TOSHIO KUROSAWA KUNIE TANAKA

HIROKI MATSUKATA

AKIRA KOBAYASHI

Directed by KINJI FUKASAKU

In the fall of 1963, with the Tokyo Olympics a year away

and Prime Minister Ikeda'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 outtakes syndicates.

Move it!

Out of the way!

Out of the way!

I said 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-

UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY SHOICHI EDA 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!

UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY MASAKICHI MAKIHARA

Hirono's having lunch with Ueda on Naka Avenue Go 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 an earlier day.

The cops' detectors will never sniff'em out this way

Not a chance!

Fuck! Someone's coming!

Act like you're taking a leak! No, over here!

Don�t suppose this'll make'em rust, do you?

Watch where you're aiming, asshole!

What's with the shaved heads?

With war coming, we thought we'd purify body and soul

We're giving up women too, so stay away from us

You're probably just shaking in your shoes and can't get it up

Watch it, bitch!

Come back here!

MEMBEROF HAYAKAWA FAMILY HIROSHI SUGIMOTO

Bro!

What are you doing here in your condition?

- Hello, boss - Well, well, Matsui!

- I heard about the troubles - Take a load off!

I thought they had you hospitalized back home

I heard there was a fight brewing I couldn't sit still

I figured I could still stop a bullet or two, if nothing else

You should be looking to your health and taking it easy

Haven�t seen you around here in a long time, Mieko

It's been three years

That long?

Have a drink

Did ya get it?

Hop in a sec

Nice heft

Try it

If there's a war, I'll need more Hope I can count on you again

Have you heard, Fukuda? Mieko's back in Hiroshima

Mieko?

That's right: Mieko Your old squeeze

A friend of mine saw her in Hiroshima

Who could it be?

Gotta go I've got some people waiting

- I'll be back for more - Anytime

Wonder if she was a good piece of ass

What're you daydreaming about? Get moving!

MEMBEROF HIRONO FAMILY SHIGERU TAKEMOTO

MEMBEROF HIRONO FAMILY KIYOSHI KAWANISHI

- Who is it? - Me.

Boss

I had some business in Hiroshima, so I thought I'd stop by

Could you have a look at this? Something's wrong with the firing pin

Sure Then you'd better take this

I'll be okay

You never know when you might need it

Be careful about accidents

Whatcha got there?

Cyanide

Dust a case shot with this and one shot is all it takes

Now that we've got the hardware,

how about you send us to ice Makihara?

Don't be so antsy

He may be our enemy now, but he and I were brothers under Yamamori

I can't just go waltzing in and knock him off

And the cops are snooping around for an excuse to revoke your parole,

so you got to think about that, too

Right You guys be careful, now

If you have to go out, take someone with you

I'll be going, then

Hirono had been convicted of murder 14 years earlier,

and was still on parole from his 20-yearsentence.

Welcome!

Is Uchimoto here?

UCHIMOTO FAMILY

Hold it right there! Where do you think you're going?

I'm Hirono from Kure

- Sorry, sir - Don�ts care me like that

Welcome!

Where the hell's he from? Needs to learn some manners

Just got out of the joint He's a bit on edge

I see

Hey there

This is Kawada from the Westside He's gonna stand with us,

BOSS OF KAWADA FAMILY HIDEMITSU KAWADA so I'd like to take him along

I'm Kawada It's a pleasure

We just got a call from Okajima He's waiting for us

I guess we better get going

The man they went to see that day was Tomoji Okajima,

the head of the Gisei Group, which had long controlled gambling

CHAIRMAN OF GISEl GROUP TOMOJI OKAJIMA in Hiroshima's western suburbs.

Okajima was a temperate man, always maintaining his neutrality

in the frequent flare-ups between families.

But he was also a man of influence, whom Hirono needed on his side

if he was to gain the upper hand in Hiroshima.

The boss will be right in

All us younger members favor fighting on your side,

so go ahead and press him hard

UNDERBOSS OF GISEl GROUP SHOICHI FUJITA

Thanks I appreciate it

How's your health been?

Reasonably good, thanks

You know him well?

Yeah

We were in the joint together

He has chest problems, so I looked out for him

Now he's trying to return the favor

You know, if Okajima balks,

I really see no point in twisting his arm

I've got Kawada collecting around here for baseball gambling,

but lately Okajima's been showing signs of interest

Sure, it'd be nice having him on our side,

but I wouldn�t want him horning in on Kawada's turf

Look, Uchimoto

We'd all have it a lot easier if you could protect your own neck

I didn't pick this fight

You disrespected Yamamori and got us into this

Why don�t you hurry up and knock him off?

Don�t worry, Kawada Okajima won't do anything uncalled for

You needn't worry about me

Sorry to keep you waiting

Excuse me

Fujita here has filled me in on what you�re here about,

but I'm afraid I can't commit myself to either side

I'm a sworn brother of both Hirono here and Yamamori's captain, Takeda

Has Takeda been to see you?

No

And if he had, my answer would be the same

If you go ahead with this fight, where's it going to leave you?

You blow a wad of money and lose a bunch of men, and what do you gain?

Why should I want to take sides, only to have the other at my throat?

Can�t you settle this peacefully somehow with Yamamori?

I've been saying we should talk to Yamamori,

but Hirono won't listen to me

Won't listen? What exactly did you intend to say to Yamamori?

I'm on his team for 18 years, and he just kicks me out?

Don�t forget how things got to this point

Every time we try to make peace, we get stabbed in the back

And you're no exception, Okajima

You don�t say anything, so Yamamori keeps skimming off your take

If we back down now,

you think Yamamori will still stay off your turf?

There's a war coming, Okajima,

whether you like it or not

If you're not clear on who your friends and enemies are,

you're the one who's gonna get hurt

You can claim neutrality all you want,

but hotheaded young toughs don't have time for fine distinctions

What do you say?

Try to see stairway

The Giants are coming up to bat.

MEMBEROF KAWADA FAMILY HIROSHI YAZAKI

With a three-run homer in the third, the Giants are off to a good start.

Sorry it's taking so long

Who's winning?

The Giants are up 3-to-0

What handicap did you guys go with today?

Three points on Hiroshima

We held it at two Guess it wasn't enough

You'll have to teach me more about handicaps

Since we're going to be brothers and all

Thanks

Your boss sure does like to hem and haw

Someday he's gonna weep for it

Stop getting so friendly with outsiders!

All right, Hirono, I understand

If you think I can be of service, count me in

But on one condition:

I have some thoughts of my own,

so promise me you won't do anything rash

Sure thing

I'll be grateful for your help

Meanwhile, in Kure,

blood was already being shed.

Hirono family under boss Kiyoshi Kawanishi

was gunned down in the street.

After a brief argument with several members of the Makihara family,

he had drawn his gun and pulled the trigger three times,

but the gun misfired every time, at which point one of his antagonists

SEPTEMBER 10, 1963 KIYOSHI KAWANISHI DIED shot him dead.

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 decides to raid 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 the bastard anyway

Kawanishi died in my place

If I'm gonna repay his sacrifice, I've got to 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 will 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 you expect to make peace with Yamamori?

His view of things is simple: Kill or be killed

You got to move first, or you�ll never get the upper hand again

Look what happened to Kawanishi

Got killed because I was preening 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 fucking shit about honor anymore!

I'll happily kill myself after I take Yamamori down

Then 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 hell asked you?

I never expected a bunch of outsiders to fight my battles for me!

BOSS OF UEDA FAMILY TOSHIO UEDA Take it easy, bro

Mr. Iwai, Hirono's got us, so he can do without Akashi's backing,

but we need a clear signal from Kobe: Are you more interested

in keeping egg off your own faces or supporting us here in Kure?

Your answer will affect our plans

Look, Hirono

I'm in an awkward position here

The family's been having some 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, will you?

Ueda

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!

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 up and go

All right, then

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

TAKEDA& CO

Goddamn punk! Buy your own drinks, asshole!

Quiet!

Sorry

Asshole!

What was that about?

One of the reinforcements from Osaka wanted more pocket money

Who the fuck's he think he is?

If he comes again, give him a good working over

Boss Yamamori sent these around

Hotel bills for the reinforcements?

Let the boss pay them

He refuses

The hotels are threatening to go to the police

Restaurants

Geishas

Drinks

They sure are having a good time living on someone else's purse

What's this one for 180,000?

The tab from the noodle shop Boss Yamamori takes them to

They say the more the merrier,

but I'd call it too much of a good thing

The massive costs of supporting the visiting troops

was a bigger headache than the feud itself.

Sensing this,

the police kept a close eye on collections activity

and sought to disrupt the families cash flow.

Hold it!

You won't getaway with it, punk!

I am not doing nothing

You're coming with us!

Let me go!

- Come on He didn't do anything - Run!

Stop!

Makihara here's been completely shutout of Kure

You need to mount a joint attack and crush Hirono

It's not that simple

Hirono has the Akashi family behind him

We need to find the right moment

I'm working on a plan

We knew about the Akashis all along Why should that stop us now?

That's right

You've got it easy sitting back here in your safe zone,

but consider my situation

You think we've got it easy?

In that case,

you won�t mind paying these goddamned bills!

That's what our visitors are costing us

When have you ever paid a yen?

Let's not quibble about money, Takeda

Look, boss,

my war chest is down to Yen100 mil,

and collecting is getting tough

How am I supposed to fight a war with that?

What are you worrying about money for, bro?

Boss Yamamori is chairman of the Boat Racing Association

He's rolling in money

That's right He can cover the bills

Right, boss? Tell him you'll pay

The Racing Association isn't like my other businesses

I may be chairman, but it's not my money

Right, honey?

Then at least listen to me

Give us a minute, ladies

Here's how I see it

We're on the defensive here

Outsiders attacking us can run and hide,

but our own troops are sitting ducks for the cops

If the Akashis attack after our soldiers have been rounded up,

how are we going to fight back?

We might have won a battle, but we�ll lose the war

So what do you suggest?

We all need to talk to our men

and make sure they keep their cool and stay put

Our strategy is to divide and conquer

Divide and conquer?

We'll pull their alliance to pieces

I've already put the squeeze on Okubo so he can�t move

Uchimoto's not likely to do anything anyway

Which leaves Okajima the only one Hirono can turn to

Okajima

I noticed he's here tonight

Fucking bastard! Comes to my club and acts all innocent!

Have one of your men drag him into the office!

Leave Okajima to me

Could you all move?

Aiko's into me for at least Yen2 million in advances, damn it!

And he sneaks in here like a thieving cat to make nice with her

She's supposed to be my girl,

but she won�t even let me touch her pussy hair!

Mr. Yamamori's here, you know

Don�t worry

They hit me when I'm with you and I'll die happy

Don�t talk like that!

You live in the same city Why do you have to be such enemies?

Actually,

ever since I sided with Hirono,

Yamamori's been spinning his wheels and the war's been on hold

Give me time and I'll mediate a truce

Don�t worry

Pull over

You guys wait here

I got to go borrow some bread from Boss Uchimoto

If you're gonna see 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're you?

Is the boss in? Tell him I wanna borrow some scratch

Get lost, you fucking drunk! What do you think this is?

I am not 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,

SAVAGE VIOLENCE the public and the media

HITS ORDINARYCITIZENS broke their frustrated silence

NO MORE GUNS! And demanded police action.

CITIZENS UNITE TO PROTECT OURCITY! The police established a command center

GANG VIOLENCE ERADICATION COMMAND CENTER and launched a crackdown on gangs.

Let me speak

Witnesses should help us determine a suspect soon

Aren�t you going to investigate the Uchimoto family?

If it's part of a gangland feud, why aren�t you arresting Yamamori?

They're making you look like monkeys!

Stop pussyfooting around!

No self-respecting paper can ignore this stuff

We've got to hit them with blanket coverage

Any crime involving a gangster gets reported, no matter how trivial

Even where there's no crime, I want expos�s of their tax schemes

and business rackets

I want you digging deep like your life depends on it

Got it?

Hey, it's Hayakawa

All right! Everybody come to my club!

Get in!

Let's go, fellas!

Fucking reporter!

What paper you from, you bastard?

STOPTHE THUGGERY! MAKE A CLEAN SWEEP OF SENSELESS VIOLENCE!

Idiots! How could you let them get that picture?

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 fucking trying to 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 the situation with Representative Kuwabara,

so try to use your fucking heads while I'm gone!

That block on your shoulders!

How's Matsui doing?

I don�t think he's got much longer

A lot of good he did coming back

Please just let him die in peace

I need to do a little shopping Excuse me

Boss Uchimoto's still got money, so he doesn't want to fight

But how can we hold our heads up if we let Hayakawa walk all over us?

- Fucking right! - Damn straight!

Fried noodles, please And hurry

- Fukuda? - I thought it was you, Mieko

What you been up to?

You're looking good

You too

It's been so long, I almost didn't recognize you

It's been three years I've grown up-

especially after getting rid of a fool like you

Where the hell did you run off to, anyway?

Did ya lose some weight?

I still haven�t forgiven you for selling me

to that strip joint

Sorry about that

I was just a foot soldier then I didn't know any better

Could we have some beer over here?

Bro!

Hayakawa's car is parked just up the street

Hayakawa?

Go find out where he went

I'll blow his head off

But what�ll Boss Uchimoto say?

The boss is in Tokyo

We're just taking care of business while he's gone

Let's go!

I suppose you heard about that Hayakawa bastard

The boss expelled him, so now he's got itchy fingers

You just watch

I'll show you what kind of man I've made of myself

Speaking of which,

you've turned into a real knockout

I've got to be going

Can I see you again?

Sure

Get your things together and move into my apartment if you want

Really?

Really

Where's Boss Hayakawa?

He went to see a friend

Some of Uchimoto's men are looking for him

You better go tell him not to show his face

Who told you about Uchimoto's men looking for the boss?

Nobody

I saw them myself

Did you see Fukuda?

Don't be ridiculous!

What're you doing?

Matsui comes back to die, and this is how you treat him?

Get out!

So what?

Hayakawa and Uchimoto have nothing to do with me!

I haven't done anything wrong!

What the fuck?

Move it!

You fucking scum!

Just so you know, it's Mieko who sold you out!

Serves you right!

SEPTEMBER 17, 1963 YASUKI FUKUDAOF UCHIMOTO FAMILY DIED With this killing as the trigger,

the rank and file of both camps set all hesitation aside

and exploded in open warfare like a dam bursting.

Let's get outta here!

Move it!

Get in!

Fucking assholes!

That'll teach'em!

Take this, shitface!

Go ahead and kill me!

You better believe I'll kill you!

Hey, men

It's not nice to make'em suffer,

so either kill'em or send'em home

I'll do it Let me do it!

SEPTEMBER 20, 1963 -TSUTOMU MORITA OF THE UCHIMOTO FAMILY DIED

ANTl-VIOLENCE COALITION Fed up with the constant violence,

the citizens of Hiroshima rose up en masse

to drive violence from the city.

MASARU MARUYAMA, MEMBEROF TAKEDA FAMILY, SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS

As family members were flushed out of their territories,

HAYAKAWA FAMILY MEMBER HIROSHI SUGIMOTO SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS the police made one arrest after another.

Stop it or we'll haul you in for obstruction of justice!

What are you talking about?

We're just cleaning house!

If you don't like it, you can 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

MEMBEROF AKASHI FAMILY SHIGEO AIHARA as they sought a foothold in Tokyo,

which left them unable to come to Hirono's aid.

Seeing this, the rival Shinwa Group

SECOND CHAIRMAN OF SHINWAGROUP GIICHI ITAMI installed strongman Giichi Itami

as its second chairman,

striving to establish a balance of power.

Boss, you have a call from Takeda

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

So what's this? They've got you caged in,

so you figured you'd call and give me grief on the phone?

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 to 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 you've got to bring Yamamori with you, too

Look, Hirono

Think about it

At this rate, the police and press are gonna do us in for good

Don�t you think?

Welcome

Hey, Hirono

Mr. Okubo's friends on the city council

tried talking to the Kure police,

but the police won't pull off their cordon

They won�t, huh?

I wish I could be your arms and legs and help out,

but Mr. Okubo absolutely forbids it

Meanwhile, Yamamori's been traipsing around

with no one paying him any heed

He and Eda plan to attend the installment 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 installment ceremony?

I'm ready

What's going on? Open up!

Open up!

Let's go!

What're you stopping for?

Boss

we really don�t think you should go to Kobe

Me and Iwami here can ice Yamamori for you

You should go on back to Kure

What're you giving me grief for at a time like this?

Get moving!

You know, boss

cut a snake in pieces, it'll recover if it keeps its head

But if its head gets chewed up,

then it's a goner

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 hand

Now get this thing moving!

What the fuck?

Sorry, but while you two are talking,

I need to go take a shit

Again? You having stomach trouble?

These suckers chill my stomach

and give me diarrhea

My stomach's feeling bad, too

So it's group shit time, is it?

A couple of stinking buddies, aren�t you?

The snake's head, huh?

Takemoto!

Iwami!

Where are you?

Answer me!

Those shitheads!

SEPTEMBER 25, 1963 SHINWAGROUP 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 knuckleheads, Iwai

Fine, but I can't go back to Hirono empty-handed

Isn�t there anyway we can send him some 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.

Hey there

Did you wait long?

I hear things are kind of touchy right now

Is it wise to always meet in the same place?

This place is safe because 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

Yo, 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's been telling my men to stay outfights,

yet the men who've been killed are all my men

Still want to save your hide, do you?

Okay, I'll let you off

But first you'll have to give us a nice little show with your girlfriend

Hurry it up Get your clothes off

You can�t mean it!

Take their picture, Eda, and we'll send it to the Akashis

Have a heart

Go get a camera

Boss Yamamori,

I don�t care about myself, but please don't torment this man

It would be too cruel a blow 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 you 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 fuck's alive, we have a chance to make peace

Knock him off, and who're 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

Am I right?

Spill it!

Save your neck, dear Tell him

All right, then

Let's hear the whole story

KNOCKOUTVIOLENCE BUILD A LIVABLE COMMUNITY

To all Hirono family members,

we have you completely surrounded

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

This is a waste of tax money

Boss!

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 action.

Yamamori and Makihara promptly returned to Kure.

With the tables now turned,

bloody retribution followed

against members of Hirono's family.

We've got company!

Run!

OCTOBER3, 1963 MASUO IWAMI CRITICALLYWOUNDED

Stop it!

SHIGERU TAKEMOTO OF HIRONO FAMILY SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS

The fuck!

- Give me my fucking money! - Let me go!

I want my money, damn it!

Stop it!

What the fuck's going on?

I had Yen1,000 riding on that home run!

Fucking bastard claims I only get Yen500 back!

I calculated it right!

Who the fuck do you think you are?

I'm with the Gisei Group Got a problem with that?

Yazaki

you doing this all on your own?

Uh-huh

To stay under the cops' radar

You'll never last if you let them give you shit

Here, take this

Anybody complains, teach him a lesson

Thanks

I sure didn�t figure on Hirono getting hauled in

It changes the whole picture in our war with Yamamori

Takeda's trying to stop bleeding money

by sending home all the troops from outside

Since Uchimoto's obviously useless, how about you and I join up

for a showdown with Yamamori?

I don't have the troops for a fight

We got our hands full just collecting baseball bets

Used to be Uchimoto took care of us,

but lately he's just been squeezing our balls

So I don�t figure I owe him a thing anymore

I'd heard a little something about that,

so I brought you this

to tide you over-Yen5 million

I'd like you to take it

I don�t owe a thing to either Uchimoto or Akashi,

but if we just let them keep pounding Hirono's men,

then you know they'll come after us next

That's why I'm asking for your help

Please

I'll do what I can

You've taken on a new glow since coming to this bar

Then maybe I should break up with Okajima and play the field again

Good idea! I'll be your first candidate

Time to trade in for a new model

But seriously, I can�t thank you enough, Mr. Takeda

If I'd stayed where I was,

Boss Yamamori would have hounded me out of Hiroshima

If Okajima realized I owe it all to you,

I just know he wouldn't go on standing against you

But promise me you won�t tell him I got you this gig

I wouldn�t want him to take it wrong

Just be sure

you call me every day to tell me where he is

I need to know so I can protect him

There's too many guys angling to knock him off

I will

Well, if it isn't Okajima!

How long has it been?

Join us! Sit down!

Where've you been keeping yourself?

Here, have a drink!

How've you been?

What've you guys been up to?

Welcome

These are friends of mine from grade school

My goodness!

You know, Okazaki, we should have a class reunion

We can invite old "Knuckle Trumpet"

Who in the world is that?

Our teacher

Bottoms up!

Hello?

Takeda? Just a moment

Boss, there's a call from that Aiko who used to work for you

She's asking if Takeda's here

Aiko?

Tell her you�re one of Takeda's men See what she has to say

KABE HOT SPRINGS, HIROSHIMA

You used to rap me on the head with your knuckles

You said only the reformatory could straighten me out

Did he really?

So I turned into a reprobate,

but do you suppose I've straightened out just a little?

I think my face just turned red

Watch your step, sir

You don't need to treat me like a doddering old man yet

Hello there

- You're Okajima, I believe? - That's right

Believe it You saw it

OCTOBER 11, 1963 -TOMOJI OKAJIMA, CHAIRMAN OF GISEl GROUP, DIED

Takeda flew into a rage

when he heard of Yamamori's unilateral action.

Takeda knew there could be no winning if the public was against them,

and his bitter differences with the hawkish Yamamori and Eda

led him to pull back from the forefront of the feud.

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, damn it!

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 cab company owner? Which do you wanna be?

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 cab 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 what I said make good sense?

You guys hang in there now

- Boss! - Mr. Uchimoto

Bro!

For a time the feud seemed to be dying down,

but the flames flared up again

when the younger men in the various families grew disgruntled

with their bosses' political maneuverings.

OCTOBER 15, 1963 "HAREM" CABARET BOMBED

Take cover!

THAT SAME NIGHT- EDA FAMILYOFFICE BOMBED

WAR ESCALATES TO BOMBINGS

CABARET BOMBED

Is this the police?

What? This is Yoshio Yamamori

What you mean, "What's up?"

I keep calling to ask for protection,

and you guys don't do squat!

Bombs are flying,

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 he want?

Wants to know-how refuse to protect an upstanding citizen

Is he kidding?

You shouldn�t even be taking his calls

Until we can bring charges, we have to treat him like anybody else

Boss Yamamori called the police, so you guys 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 go gate�s - 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 'cause 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

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

Yen20 million or so?

What moron lends money to his enemy, you dimwit?

- What gives, Takeda? - Ueda!

What made you think you could protect the boss here without any defenses?

What're you talking about? There's a police cruiser outside

None that I see Go 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 fellas 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!

- Who the hell are you? - You're with Uchimoto!

Take it easy!

Stop it! We're in the same boat here

Fucking asshole!

You're lucky you got away

Damn straight

What happened was the car broke down,

so everybody got out to push

You pushed, too?

Yeah

But then when I stopped to think,

I realized, why should I be helping them?

So I ran away.

What a moron!

But you know what Takeda said?

It was Boss Uchimoto who squawked about our raid

- The boss himself? - Uh-huh

No wonder we�re always being taken for fools!

That pisses me off! Let's attack again!

Yeah, let's hit them again!

Uchimoto's goons are walking the streets again

Fucking bastards! Let's go get them!

Where ya think you're going, punks?

Get lost, you fucking assholes!

Just try and make us, shithead!

Fucking bastard!

OCTOBER 17, 1963 -GUN BATTLE IN SHINTENCHI 2 DEAD, 3 CRITICALLYWOUNDED 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! - What?

Get in!

UCHIMOTO & CO

KAWAHATA HOSPITAL

No! Don't do that! Stop!

- Out of my way! - What's this about?

Yamamori, I have a warrant for your arrest!

What possible charge could you bring against me?

Two years ago, you punched an employee of the Boat Racing Association

I have Potts disease I have to stay off my feet

Go ask the doctor

The only thing keeping you off your feet is too much pussy!

The reporters are here too, dear, 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, Iwai flew to Hiroshima

to begin rebuilding the Akashi camp there,

centering on the Gisei Group's henchmen 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 right 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, asshole!

- 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 he's from Kobe

Don't forget that

Fine

You guys take care your spit doesn't blow in your own faces

Got that?

Now get out of here!

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 BOSS AKASHI'S RESIDENCE BOMBED The Akashi family assumed

SHINWAGROUP they'd been attacked by the Shinwa Group

and retaliated immediately.

THAT SAME NIGHT- SHINWAGROUP OFFICE ATTACKED

The fire jumped to Hiroshima the very same night,

and gun battles erupted

between Takeda's and Iwai's men.

THAT SAME NIGHT- TAKEDAOFFICE ATTACKED

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.

OCTOBER 21, 1963 BOSS OF YOSHIKURA FAMILYATTACKED

Stop!

Fucking bastard!

OCTOBER 22, 1963 BOSS OF HAYAKAWA FAMILYATTACKED

Iwai and his troops from Kobe are putting themselves out there

If we let outsiders do all the work,

how can we ever lift our heads high again?

We're gonna join the battle

Could you send your men out too?

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!

Bro

I'll go talk to Uchimoto,

so don�t worry about it, okay?

Move it!

- Bro! - Listen to me

Don't get itchy trigger fingers

until we have a clear answer from Kawada

Forget that bastard, bro We can do it ourselves

I don't intend to die

without avenging Okajima's death

Kawada's a little strange

Don't get on his bad side

or you�ll regret it later

I won't last much longer

Bro!

HOWTO BUILD A BOMB

GUNPOWDER

Hello

I see

All right

I have to go That was Boss Kawada

He hit it!

All right!

Now we�re sitting pretty today

There you are, Yazaki

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

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 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 here 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, Yazaki,

don�t you think it's time to start acting like a man?

An opportunity like this may not come again

MOTOMACHI IN HIROSHIMA AKA"THE A-BOMB SLUMS"

Turn the television 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?

Yazaki?

What're you doing here at this hour?

Bro!

OCTOBER 25, 1963 SHOICHI FUJITAOF GISEl GROUP DIED

What's going on?

Where's your son?

Has he done something?

He's wanted for murder

- There he is! - This way!

Stop!

HIROSHI YAZAKI OF KAWADA FAMILY SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS

Hirono

Iwai

Hirono

the Gisei Group's Fujita got offed

Fujita?

Yep

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

And that's not all

The family in Kobe

accepted police mediation and made peace with the Shinwa Group

I've been called home

Hirono

I hate to do this, but I have to pull out

I'm really 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 about what I'd expect of him

Hey

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

You want to stay a yakuza or turn legitimate businessman?

Which is it going to be?

I'm sure you're aware we can cancel your business license

I've been thinking about that for a long time

But when you're out there in yakuza society,

you have to live with your shields up

So I couldn�t say anything, you know

Are you going to disband or not?

That's why I'm saying!

Since being in here,

I've finally made up my mind

All right?

Regarding the charges of tax evasion and illegal possession of firearms,

I'm negotiating with the prosecutors,

so the less you say, the better

But try not to be so contrary

Maybe they'll let you out sooner

The city's talking about taking over the boat-racing business

for a billion yen

We'll be set for the rest of our lives

You can turn everything over to a successor

Here's your asthma medicine

Asthma?

Hey, this medicine sure works great!

Iwai left this for you

Bosses like you get to feast on fancy food,

but all the grunts get is prison garbage

Poor bastards

When you're a yakuza, only the boss gets the perks

Even in war, they don't lift a finger The grunts do all the dirty work

Truth is, they're probably afraid of dying

We live by a different code! Shut the fuck up if you don't know!

- Don't give me that rap! - Oh, yeah?

If you cared a damn about your men, you'd be the first to die!

Soon, Hirono's parole was revoked,

and he was sent to Hiroshima prison.

The following January,

he was re-sentenced to seven years and four months in prison.

Hirono

How long they put you away for?

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 whatnot,

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 papers have pounded me so ruthlessly,

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

Well, then, Hirono,

you hang in there

Yeah, 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.

But this is not to say that

violence itself, nor the societal contradictions that drive people to it,

have disappeared from the world around us.

THE END