All language subtitles for final episode vo

TOEI COMPANY PRESENTS

The yakuza battles in Hiroshima

that began during
the black-market period

following the end
of World War II in 1945

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

resulting in 17 dead,
26 seriously wounded,

and more than 1,600 arrests.

This third round of gangland violence

brought a tremendous outcry
from the public,

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

The Uchimoto family disbanded,

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

was sentenced to seven years
in Abashiri prison.

Meanwhile, in the opposing
Yamamori camp,

Chief Underboss Akira Takeda
was released on a technicality,

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

shed the image of gangsters,

and drastically alter
the nature of their organizations

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

In spite of its new
political status, however,

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

BATTLES WITHOUT HONOR AND HUMANITY
FINAL EPISODE

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

Tensei Coalition Platform: We resolve
to work toward a more perfect republic,
2ND CHAIRMAN OF TENSEI COALITION
AKIRA TAKEDA

founded on the principles of democracy,
VICE CHAIRMAN KATSUTOSHI OTOMO

and fostering a spirit of patriotism.

We respect the code of honor,
MANAGING DIRECTOR
TAMOTSU MATSUMURA

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

We dedicate ourselves
to righting injustice.

We act with the knowledge
that the judgment of heaven is stern,
TENSEI DIRECTOR SHOICHI EDA

OTOMO FAMILY CAPTAIN TOYOAKI MANO

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

Original Story by
KOICHI IIBOSHI

Screenplay by
KOJI TAKADA

Cinematography by
SADAJI YOSHIDA

Music by
TOSHIAKI TSUSHIMA

Cast:

BUNTA SUGAWARA

KINYA KITAOJI

HIROKI MATSUKATA

KUNIE TANAKA
NOBUO KANEKO, JO SHISHIDO

AKIRA KOBAYASHI

Directed by
KINJI FUKASAKU

Welcome.

What's with those getups?

You been at some
grade-school field day?

- Didn't you hear?
- We were on a march with Tensei.

That's good of you.

It's only to give the big shots
some exposure.

The chairman probably wants to run
for the prefectural assembly.

Hey, look who's here.

Who are they?

Some of Hirono's men.

Having yourselves a good time, I see,

while your boss is off in Abashiri
eating prison swill!

Whoa, did I hit a sore spot?

Hurry up with the beer!

What do we owe you?

That's �2,000.

You leaving?

Thanks.

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

Watch your mouth, asshole!

Hurry! Go get Mr. Matsumura!

Please stop!

Break it up!

I said break it up!

Doesn't look too bad.

Help him up.

I suggest
you be a little more careful.

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

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

Didn't anybody listen
to the new coalition rules?

If you ask me,

the fucks who started this fight
should all be ordered to cut off a finger.

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

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

I agree. We've got
to clamp down hard.

Young recruits these days
are a bunch of softies.

Where do you stand on this,
Chairman?

Matsumura's in charge
of troop discipline.

I'm against punishments

like cutting off fingers or arms.

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

I think we need to avoid practices
identified with yakuza.

That stands to reason.

I agree 100 percent.

How about we leave
this matter to Matsumura?

Not so fast!

You wanna turn 'em
into spineless wimps?

How about we take a vote?

All right. Those in favor
of leaving it to Matsumura.

Hear, hear.

That's exactly half,

and I'll add my vote.

Matsumura,

let us know what you decide
before the day is out.

Next item on the agenda.

HEAD OF ICHIOKA FAMILY IN KURE
TERUKICHI ICHIOKA

HIRONO & CO.

HIRONO FAMILY CAPTAIN ATSUSHI UJIIE

Welcome, Boss Ichioka.

Come on in.

Hey, pop a couple beers.

Ujiie.

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

I told them to stay out of Hiroshima,

but some just don't listen.

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

Why didn't you hit 'em right back?

The fault was ours.

Who gives a fuck whose fault it was?

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

Where's your balls?

Perhaps you're not aware
of our situation,

because you just got out of the joint.

If you're so afraid
of tangling with Tensei

because they might bust you up,

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

We have to be careful
until the boss gets out.

Fucking wimps!

Your boss is weeping in Abashiri.

Look...

a strong offense is your best defense.

It's payback time.

Just watch.
I'll light the fires for you!

So don't be chicken shits!

If any of those Tensei assholes
come to Kure,

give 'em what they deserve!

The same old Ichioka.

I hear some people say

that's the way
a gangster ought to be.

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

Fuck that shit!

MAY 23, 1966
TAKEYA DISTRICT, HIROSHIMA

Sugita!

MAY 23, 1966
TENSEI COALITION ASSOCIATE
SAKICHI SUGITA DIED

Tensei associate Sakichi Sugita
had run an underground loan operation.

He had served as financial advisor
to Tensei president Takeda

and had been
an important source of funds.

- My condolences.
- Thank you.

Please come with me.

Ichioka must be behind this.

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

Better hold your tongue, Otomo,
until we really know.

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

Ichioka's not one to hold back.

We've gotta go after him
before he comes after us.

FORMER HEAD OF YAMAMORI FAMILY
YOSHIO YAMAMORI

Get a load of that ass.

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

That's right.

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

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

A real looker, isn't she?

She's a fine, fine...

You're drooling, boss.

Am I?

Better watch out.

Everything's set for tomorrow.

I really appreciate all your help.

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

That's what the chairman said, too.

What do you think, Tamotsu?

Was it really Ichioka?

It's hard to say yet,

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

I see.

Chief.

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

You must be his daughter.

I'd like to offer my condolences.

Please don't lose heart.

Thank you for making time

in your busy schedule.

Please come in.

Thanks.

SHOZO HIRONO
TERUKICHI ICHIOKA

Ichioka!

You've got some nerve coming here!

Cough it up!
You ordered the hit, didn't you?

Mr. Otomo!

I know it was you!
It couldn't be anyone else!

Careful, Otomo!

I suggest you watch your tongue!

Calm down, boss!

You wanna fight?

If that's what you want, just say so.

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

Settle down!

Ichioka...

you've had your chance
to offer incense.

Now get out of here.

You know, Mr. Takeda,

with crazies like him running around,

I'd say your coalition's days
are numbered.

Boss!

Hold him!

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

You take me for a fool?

Don't you know who I am?

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

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

I'll teach you!

- Did you get enough?
- You...

Take it easy, Mr. Otomo!

That's enough!

Apologize!

Mr. Otomo,

please accept his apology.

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

You want us to just sit around
jacking off?

This is no time to be
getting into fights.

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

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

and we've finally started
to alter public perception.

Just one bullet could send
all that down the drain!

So you finally show your true colors.

Very well.

I'll take on Ichioka by myself!

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

Ah, what stirring valor!

You're truly a man among men!

Today's youngsters
should take a page from your book.

A paragon of yakuza chivalry.

Let me make one thing clear.

If anybody here responds
to Ichioka's provocations,

he's finished with Tensei.

Keep that in mind.

In June 1966,

the Hiroshima police
and district attorney's office

made note of
the rising discord within Tensei

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

on suspicion of illegal
gun trafficking.

Fearing the outbreak
of a fourth bloody gangland feud,

the police determined
to break up the Tensei Coalition

by arresting Takeda
and the group's other leaders.

Found 'em!

TENSEI OFFICES SEARCHED
24 HANDGUNS FOUND

All right!

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

They're putting the screws on Takeda.

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

That means I can get
the chairmanship back!

I get to be Hiroshima's
big boss again!

Then will you buy me an Omega watch?

Of course I will.
Come here, Mitsuko.

Damn it!
Be more careful!

Whaddaya think you're doing?

Boss, Mr. Hayakawa is here.

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

I'm not going.

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

That's not a good idea.

You don't want to miss
this emergency meeting.

Takeda intends to name his successor.

What?

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

Takeda wants to name Matsumura,

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

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

I called this meeting today

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

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

And to make sure we don't
have disagreements later

over what we decide today,

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

Gentlemen...

after considering
the matter carefully,

I'm recommending
Managing Director Tamotsu Matsumura,

as the next chairman of Tensei.

I'd like to move
directly to a vote.

Hold on, Mr. Chairman.

I object.

Both for his stature
and the respect he commands,

I think Vice Chairman Otomo
is the best candidate.

I know Mr. Otomo
would normally be the logical choice.

But the thing is,

he brings a lot of baggage
with him from before.

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

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

This wasn't an easy decision for me,

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

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

If you ask me,

Matsumura's the perfect choice.

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

He's only going to be chairman-elect.

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

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

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

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

Very well said, sir.

When you put it that way,

I'd have to say
Matsumura has my wholehearted support.

How about we take a vote?

Our choice is between Mr. Otomo
and Matsumura.

All right, we'll take a vote.

Those in favor of Matsumura,
raise your hands.

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

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

By naming his trusted confidant
Matsumura as his successor,

he had successfully weathered
this challenge to his vision.

Come on, Matsumura.
Shake the chairman's hand.

Don't just sit there.

Listen, everyone.

If anything should happen to me,

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

We've only barely
firmed up our foundation,

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

I'll be leaving Matsumura
with a tremendous burden.

Matsumura,

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

Gentlemen,
I look forward to your support.

What a charade!

That same night,
Takeda was taken into custody

on charges of smuggling
and illegal possession of handguns.

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

When will you announce
your retirement?

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

So you're passing the reins
to a successor?

I didn't say that.

Who's going to be chairman?

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

Tensei is not a yakuza group.

It's a political coalition.

Remember that, Tamotsu.
I'm counting on you.

All right.
I'll take care of it right away.

What the hell's going on
with these people?

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

Those assholes Otomo and Hayakawa
are stirring them up,

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

Same here.

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

to quit the coalition!

Fucking idiot!

Tamotsu,

we need to do something
pretty quick,

or the coalition's
gonna start falling apart.

We could lose everything
we've been working for.

Chief.

Sorry to take so long.

It's good of you to come.

Well, if it isn't Miss Sugita.

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

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

and carried on the business.

I've divided these up.

Securities, liabilities,

and these are
bond certificates and pledges.

What's all this stuff?

Financial documents Chairman Takeda
had entrusted to Mr. Sugita.

All his assets, essentially.

But he said he had
nothing but debts.

Don't forget what he always said:

You borrow
in order to distribute favors.

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

He really doesn't miss a beat.

This looks like
a list of gambling loans.

My name's not there, is it?

Man, I'm breaking out
in a cold sweat.

It's time for a showdown.

Eda, Tsuneoka,
I'll need your help too.

Doing what?

Making money talk.

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

Slap who in the face?

I'm not under any illusions.

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

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

Just you watch.

You should go have a soak, too.

I already did.

I heard...

it really was some Ichioka men
that did it...

that killed my father.

I hear they got picked up in Osaka.

That's what I heard, too.

I suppose Ichioka himself
will still get off scot-free.

Let's go to bed.

Tamotsu,

I'm thinking
of giving up the business.

Why would you do that?

I've been thinking about my father.

He didn't particularly like
being a yakuza banker.

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

he gets snuffed out
like some insect.

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

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

I can't have you quit now.

I need your help now more than ever.

So I don't want to hear
any more talk like that, okay?

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

You never think...

of anyone but yourself, do you?

Please!
Don't make me stay tonight.

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

but even if it had been my own father,

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

Don't!

Just be patient.

When the time comes,
I'll avenge your father.

All right?

Please come again.

What the hell's going on?

What the fuck? It's Kanazawa!

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

Tie him up!

Chief!

We've got 'em both, chief!

Chief! Are you hurt?

You were fucking
napping on the job!

Sorry, chief!

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

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

Just dump 'em out front.

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

ABASHIRI PRISON, HOKKAIDO

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

In a prison memoir,
he wrote up a candid account

of the events
that had brought him there,

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

"When foolish men stand at the top,

the men under them suffer
and shed blood needlessly."

Hirono, did you say
you were having stomach trouble?

I'll take you to the infirmary.

You have a visitor.

Bro!

Ichioka!

How long you been out?

About six months.

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

You're looking well.

I'm managing.

So, how is everyone?

Pretty much the same.

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

so don't worry about that.

Yeah, thanks.

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

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

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

Otomo's being investigated
for inciting murder,

but he'll be out on bail soon.

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

and Hiroshima's got a war
on its hands.

This is your big chance
to take Hiroshima for yourself.

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

so you can be looking forward
to a jolly good time.

What?

Something wrong?

I was just remembering the past.

It's kind of depressing

to think of other guys
having to go through

what I've been through.

Don't give me that, bro.

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

We're not gonna come up short
on ammunition.

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

Those of us who do
need to let them know.

That doesn't sound
very much like you, bro.

I think you've caught
the big-house sickness.

Time's up.

Well, I'll be going.

Look, Ichioka.

Don't worry, bro.

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

Don't worry about a thing.

Don't worry.

In the fall of 1968,

Otomo was released on bail.

Despite everything,
acting Tensei chairman Matsumura,

allowed him to return
as vice chairman of the coalition.

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

and the Otomo faction
grew cockier than ever.

There it is. Pull over.

It's their grand opening today.

They invited us,
and especially wanted you to come.

Whose place is it?

You'll see in a minute.

Welcome.

My name's Hayakawa.

He's waiting for you in back.

Aren't you an eyeful.

Right this way, please.

Welcome, Mr. Otomo.

Come right on in.

Hayakawa, what the hell's
this about?

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

but Mr. Ichioka insisted
on seeing you.

I'm leaving.

Wait!

Excuse me,
but the boss has a bad liver.

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

He's got something important
to discuss with you.

Thirty minutes is all it'll take.
Please sit down.

Please. You must.

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

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

We can fight anytime we want,

but we don't often
get to share a drink.

This could even be
our first and last time.

Let go.

You think you're so smart.

All right. I'll drink with you.

Come right on in.

Yo! Ichioka!

I've got a score to settle with you.

That wobbly-kneed Takeda punk
stopped me,

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

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

And Mr. Otomo,

I'd like to repay that debt now.

I suggest you choose
your words carefully.

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

That's exactly why,

I thought I'd put my life
in your hands.

Mr. Ichioka is saying

he wants to exchange
vows of brotherhood with you.

The fuck!

Look, Mr. Otomo.

I have great respect for you.

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

I'd be happy to become
brothers with you.

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

Why don't you take him up on this?

Hayakawa!

Did you and Ichioka
cook up this scheme together?

I see right through you!

It must be your imagination.

The fuck it is!

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

If you want
a marriage of convenience,

then why not just say so?

You got me there.

Mr. Otomo...

even if it is
a marriage of convenience,

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

If this marriage can benefit us both,

why not go along with it?

Fine, Ichioka.

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

Even cow shit
has different grades, you know.

Are you saying
you and I are equals?

Don't insult me!

The following day,
Otomo and Ichioka

exchanged vows of brotherhood.

All who heard of the match
doubted their ears.

Just a moment, please.

Boss.

This time it's Matsumura himself.

Perhaps you should take the call.

Pesky bugger.

Why should he care
who I exchange vows with?

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

- But, boss...
- Do it!

It'd be a mistake
to underestimate Matsumura.

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

When did you fucking become
Matsumura's whore?

Let go of me!

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

Sorry to keep you waiting,

but the boss is a bit
under the weather right now.

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

All right.

Then maybe you can come instead.

8:00 p.m. at Tomi's Sushi.

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

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

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

so we've got to
strengthen our guard.

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

Good-bye.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

I think I better be going.

I have several more stops to make.

Mr. Makihara,

I'll be very grateful
for your help.

Don't mention it.

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

- Very kind of you.
- Lots of sexy broads.

See him to the door.

Tamotsu...

that Makihara bastard's always
looking for the best deal.

We can't trust him.

I'll put a tail on him.

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

Spends all his time
kissing Matsumura's ass.

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

so one option would be
to declare war.

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

So we have a plan.

At the next council meeting,

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

We'd like you to second it.

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

And Takeda?

What about him?

He's got two more years
of time to serve.

He's not an issue.

I'll think about it.

Hold on, Makihara!

We've laid all our cards
on the table.

We need an answer now.

Look, Mr. Otomo.

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

and I have a hard-earned
reputation to uphold.

You think I'd sit idly by

while that pimply-faced Matsumura
plays high and mighty?

Mano...

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

I want you to tell him
what I just told you.

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

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

For one thing,
they're a whole different generation.

They just don't think the way we do.

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

But this is a lot of money!

Just take it.

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

Tamotsu, just as I suspected.

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

We've gotta move quick.

That same night, Matsumura and Eda

slipped quietly into Kure
and paid Makihara a visit.

Holy shit!

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

Matsumura?

That's them, all right.

Let's hit 'em, bro.

- Who's got some hardware?
- Bro!

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

There's that shotgun
back at the office.

- How about a speargun, bro?
- Speargun?

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

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

Go with him, Tadashi!

What exactly is this?

A homecoming gift.

A contract for work.

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

and to supply labor
for Muto Trucking.

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

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

but this would let you
start easing back into things.

It's a very generous gift,
Mr. Makihara.

They're both first-rate companies.

You can probably expect
�2 mil a month.

So then,

what is it you want me to do?

Oh, no, it's nothing like that.

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

working for the good
of the coalition.

That's all.

All right.

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

Pull this trigger
and the spear shoots out.

You do it, Akio.

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

Right?

I'll do it!

Akio knows how to handle it!

Be a man, Akio.

Here they come!

Watch your back, Tamotsu.

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

Go!

I said go!

Yo, what's the matter?

This is a speargun.

The fucking idiot
shot himself in the foot!

Chief!
This is one of Hirono's dimwits!

What?

I think he was gunning
for Matsumura.

On your feet!

Who sent you here
with this speargun?

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

Who sent you?

Fucking bastards!

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

Want us to work him over?

Never mind. Let 'em go!

- Shitheads!
- Fucking assholes!

Next time it'll be your lives!

SEPTEMBER 15, 1969
NEAR NAGAREKAWA IN HIROSHIMA

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

He headed straight for Hiroshima
to take back the initiative.

Scatter into the shops around here
and have yourselves some fun.

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

Open up!

Isn't anybody home?

Isn't anybody home?

Anybody!

Mr. Otomo's here, boss.

Thanks for coming, bro.

- Take a load off.
- Welcome.

You're kicking up
quite a ruckus, bro.

How many men you got out there?

50 or 60.

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

You really are a reckless fuck.

Are they packing heat?

Nah, just throwing their weight around.

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

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

The problem is,
Matsumura's away at the moment.

Isn't that what you said, Mano?

I heard he went to Osaka on business.

The fuck!

That sure throws cold water
on my party.

Guess your timing's a bit off.

Bro! I feel like getting drunk all over.
Come on.

Suzue, you come too.

How about we go to Mon Ch�ri?

Nah, I know a place
just up the street.

They're coming out.
Otomo's with them.

They're heading toward Yagenbori.

All right.

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

Circle on ahead.

Be seeing ya, bro!

Boss, you need to get in the car!

Please get in the car!

Get him home safely.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.
Please come again.

Take care.

Ichioka!

Darling!

Someone, help!

Boss! Don't!

Let go of me!

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

Meanwhile, Otomo had determined
to avenge Ichioka's death

and asked for help
from Hayakawa and Makihara,

but neither of them responded.

Boss!

I have a message from Chief Mano!

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

Let me see that!

Throw it away.

Tear it up and throw it away.

TO KATSUTOSHI OTOMO

Otomo's own captain, Toyoaki Mano,

had declared he could no longer
support Otomo,

and had gone over
to the Matsumura side.

Don't try to resist!

Let go of me!

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

Ichioka's death
followed by Otomo's arrest

dealt a fatal blow
to the anti-Matsumura forces.

But the police also took
Matsumura into custody

and began an investigation
into the recurring gangland killings.

Spill it, Matsumura.

You ordered the hit
on Ichioka, didn't you?

Don't make this harder
than it has to be.

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

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

Fine! Sit there
like a rock if you want!

We're fully prepared
for a long siege!

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

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

but yakuza are yakuza,
and murderers are murderers!

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

You and Tensei
are going down together!

Welcome back, Mr. Matsumura.

Come on, everyone.
Let's hear some banzais.

What're you standing
way back here for?

Come on!

That day, Matsumura held
an emergency council meeting

and pushed through
two explosive reforms.

He declared to the Hiroshima
board of elections

that the Tensei Coalition
was renouncing its political status,

and he demanded that
all members of the coalition

take new vows of loyalty
to himself.

As a result, the former council members
became underbosses,

and their captains
as well as all their henchmen

all swore direct loyalty
to Matsumura.

Predictably, these reforms
met with resistance,

but the powers of persuasion

of Matsumura's trusted aides,
Eda and Mano,

ultimately brought everybody
into line.

The one exception

was Hideo Hayakawa,

who announced his withdrawal
from the Tensei Coalition

and appeared at police headquarters

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

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

as a law-abiding member
of our community.

I indeed look forward
to working with you.

Thank you very much, chief.

Thank you all.

Law-abiding citizen, huh?

Time to rewrite the chart again.

We should be glad
for every name we can erase.

Except that it's all a charade.

We've received word
that his underboss, Kubota,

has formed a new family
and applied for Tensei membership.

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

has exchanged vows of brotherhood

with Mochizuki of the Shinpu Group.

Isn't Shinpu affiliated
with the Akashi family?

I thought Akashi and Tensei
were sworn enemies.

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

That's how Hayakawa likes to operate.

So it's still
business as usual for him.

We'll have to be on our toes.

Just come with us.
You'll be glad you did.

You got balls, don't you?
Stop being a sissy!

What's going on?

We brought you some new recruits.

They say they want to join the family.

Come here.

Step forward!

Did you guys volunteer to join up?

Stop shivering in your shoes
and speak up.

They said if we didn't join,

they'd pound us to pulp.

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

especially since
Boss Ichioka got killed.

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

We figured we needed
all the help we could get.

Chief!

Idiots!

You lamebrains aren't even
full members yet yourselves!

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

You fellas can go now.

Go home.

You guys need to keep
a closer eye on your juniors.

Chief,

we feel pretty much the same
as those guys do.

What's that?

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

Even a foot soldier has his pride.

If we don't start
standing up for ourselves,

we'll just be laughingstocks.

I understand how you feel,

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

The question is what attitude
Takeda takes toward our boss.

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

Meanwhile, concerns about
Takeda's release from prison

were roiling
within the Tensei Coalition as well.

Doesn't it get your goat, Tamotsu?

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

Please help yourself.

Think of all you've done
to strengthen the coalition.

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

not even to Boss Takeda.

How about if you appoint Boss Kono

as your successor
before Takeda gets out?

I don't think Takeda
would object to a choice like that.

Especially since you're
de facto chairman already.

I'm ready to serve.

Tamotsu,

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

When you had everybody
renew their vows,

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

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

Things'll get really strained
if Takeda comes back as chairman.

No, you have to keep that
separate from this.

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

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

But in the end,
the chairman is my boss.

That means everybody in Tensei
is either his child or grandchild.

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

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

When he comes back to us,

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

and I'd be grateful for your support.

You know, dear,

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

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

Are you sure...

you want to give up
the chairmanship so easily?

Enough of your jabbering!
Stay out of this!

Takeda was released from prison
in June 1970.

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

the thorniest problem
on the returning chairman's mind

was how to prepare
for the impending release of Hirono

three months later.

It's the Akashi family
we need to worry about.

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

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

Just kill him.

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

The fucking bastard's
a ticking time bomb.

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

Are you volunteering?

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

You and Hirono are both from Kure.

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

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

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

And you've had
your own problems, Eda.

Enough already, Makihara!

Whaddaya mean by that?

Mr. Chairman,
I suggest we send someone

to inform Hirono of our terms
before he gets to Hiroshima.

And what should those terms be?

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

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

we can let him return to Hiroshima.

Otherwise, we can't guarantee
his safety.

That's the way I see it.

And you think

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

Whether he accepts them or not,

that's where Tensei stands,

so I don't think
we should yield an inch.

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

I don't see any other choice.

Matsumura...

you served well in my stead

while I was away.

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

What possessed you

to renounce
our coalition's political status?

Have you forgotten
why I formed this group?

I haven't forgotten.

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

After you left,

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

and others started
stirring up trouble.

Whatever we call ourselves,
yakuza are yakuza!

I decided the only way to keep
discipline was through force.

That's why I made everybody
pledge loyalty to me.

But I can't deny

that I betrayed your wishes.

So do what you want with me.

All right, you've had your say.

For the time being,

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

I know Hirono better
than anyone else,

and I'd like more time
to consider.

One more thing.

Everything we've discussed today
stays in this room.

Got that?

But before the day was out,

what transpired at the meeting
had spread all over Hiroshima.

Good to see you, boss.

Welcome.

To what do we owe the pleasure?

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

You know, Makihara,

this is no time to be
twiddling your thumbs.

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

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

I'm aware of that.

You don't know shit.

Boss...

Look, Makihara.

This is your perfect chance
to become top dog in Tensei.

Matsumura talks a good line,

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

And for his part,

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

and sees him
as a real thorn in his side.

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

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

You don't have any competition.

Whaddaya say, Makihara?

Make your move!

I'll back you up.

And I've got
the Shinpu Group behind me.

We're not talking
some half-baked scheme here.

Hayakawa...

I thought you retired.

My men have shed
their blood in this city.

We deserve something good
from their sacrifice.

That's right.

Tensei's only going to get better.

Do it, Makihara!

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

I've still got
plenty of life left in me.

Meanwhile, in Kure,
Hirono's impending release

had injected Hirono's men
with new vitality,

and they skirmished repeatedly
with Makihara's men.

Welcome home.

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

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

He brought these as a gift.

He remembered
how much you like Coke.

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

I'll set it here.

I think I'll have some.

Akio,

you can stay tonight, can't you?

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

Right, dear?

How much did you get?

- There must be �50 or �60 thousand.
- Great!

We can get an American.45.

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

They'll be fine.
Nobody dies from sleeping pills.

Get on!

JULY 7, 1970
NAKA AVENUE SHOPPING DISTRICT, KURE

Welcome.
Just a minute, please.

What's the matter?

Let's... do it some other time.

Please stop! Stop it!

JULY 7, 1970
MASAKICHI MAKIHARA DIED

This incident only hardened

the Tensei Executive Council's
attitude toward Hirono,

making things
impossible for Takeda,

who had hoped to find
a peaceful resolution.

SAPPORO PRISON, HOKKAIDO

Hirono had been transferred
to Sapporo prison by this time

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

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

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

They had been completely outfoxed
by the prison authorities.

Having thus left Sapporo
under heavy security,

Hirono spent three days
resting in Tokyo.

Hirono.

Don't worry.
I'm not carrying.

Long time no see.

How'd you find me?

Send a thief to catch a thief.

Can we talk... in private?

You guys wait here.

Makihara's funeral was just yesterday.

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

Afterwards,
we had a council meeting,

and we reached
an agreement about you.

Here's the deal.

As far as Tensei is concerned,

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

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

That's the way it is.

So... it's just as I'd heard.

What?

I had a phone call from someone.

As I heard it,

Matsumura's been
stirring things up at Tensei,

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

You got it wrong.
That's not how it was.

I might feel different
if it were anyone else,

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

Ichioka was my only brother.

Who was it - this caller of yours?

What does it matter?

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

It's a trap.

Whoever it was wants you
and Tamotsu to get each other.

How about you, Takeda?

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

taking advantage of your absence
to take over your defenses?

Rumor has it he even planted
poisoned needles in your chair.

I have faith in Tamotsu.

And meanwhile,

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

Let 'em mock if they want.

Hirono...

do me a favor and retire.

Otherwise you'll meet
the same fate as Ichioka.

Fine!
Come and get me if you can!

I won't fall as easily as Ichioka.

That's not what I'm talking about!

If I retire, will you retire too?

Sure, you've got your little nest egg.

That's got nothing to do with it.

It was Makihara's death
that opened my eyes.

The punks who did him
are two generations behind us.

Somehow, I just finally
got fed up by it all.

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

You know what I mean?

I don't believe you.

Out here in the real world,
I don't even trust green lights.

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

Hirono.

At any rate, I'm not gonna retire.

Not the way things are.

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

I'd like you to go now.

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

and sought shelter with Shuzo Mikawa
of the Akashi family.

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

sending the Tensei leaders
into a frenzy.

Hydrofoil ferries traveled
between Matsuyama and Hiroshima

in under an hour.

Three days later, Matsumura crossed
to Matsuyama without telling Takeda

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

It's been a long time, Mr. Hirono.

It's good to see you again.

What did you want
to talk to me about?

What kind of stunt is this?

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

I thought you might need it...
for your reply.

Mr. Hirono...

Chairman Takeda announced
his retirement this morning.

He wants me to succeed him.

Oh, yeah?

So he finally retired?

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

It depends on your reply.

Because if I can't prevail
over you,

I can't expect
to prevail over a whole city.

What are you trying to say?

Stop beating around the bush!

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

unless it includes all the groups
in Kure and Hiroshima.

If you start bringing in
your Kobe friends like before,

we'll just wind up
fighting a proxy war again.

Are you accusing me of something?

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

Please hear me out!

If you would retire,

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

and make Ujiie
managing director of Tensei.

I'm hoping you'll be willing

to accept those terms.

Is that supposed to be
some kind of ultimatum?

You can take it that way if you like.

Haven't you forgotten something?

What do you have to say
about Ichioka?

The men who did it

are already doing time.

That's not what I'm asking!

Your people killed Makihara too!

There are two sides to every fight!

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

then take this gun and shoot me.

You trying to send me back
to the slammer

in exchange for your fucking life?

Matsumura,

you talk proudly
about your house of Tensei,

but your kitchen's a fucking mess.

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

you spend all your time
squabbling among yourselves.

From what I've heard,

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

That won't happen!

Listen to me.

I can't send Ujiie
into a snake pit like that.

If you want him,

you'll have to
clean up your kitchen first.

I'll give you my reply after that.

All right.

I'll come again
after my installation ceremony.

I'll expect your answer then.

Matsumura's formal installation
as chairman of the Tensei Coalition

was scheduled for September 20

at the Chofuro Restaurant.

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

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

Kubota of the disbanded
Hayakawa family rode shotgun,

and Eda and Mano
flanked Matsumura in the back seat.

They called on interested parties
all along the route

as they drove toward Osaka,

unaware that they were
followed by another car.

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

and Kondo and two others
from the former Otomo family.

All four of them
were of junior brother status

to Mano and Kubota
in Matsumura's car.

Their aim, of course,
was to kill Matsumura.

They set up ambushes
twice along the way,

but both times the Matsumura car

altered its route due to traffic
congestion and escaped harm.

Pull out.

AMAGASAKI CITY, HYOGO PREFECTURE

Boss.

Long time no see, Kaga!

Bro, we need someone
to be our guide in Osaka.

What for?

We're gonna ice Matsumura.

He's coming to Osaka?

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

We have reliable information
about that,

but the streets around there
are too tangled up for us.

All right. I'm with you.

Thanks.

Hey.

That sounds like my kind of fun.

Mind if I come along?
MIYAJI SENNO, TRAVELING GANGSTER

SEPTEMBER 18, 1970
NEAR IMAIKE STATION IN NISHINARI

Here they come!

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

Hurry up!

- Get in the car!
- Wait up!

Fucking shit!

No, you idiot!
Get back in!

SEPTEMBER 18, 1970
TENSEI VICE CHAIRMAN EDA DIED

Eda!

Matsumura had switched seats
with Eda to take a nap

and escaped with his life.

The gunshot wound in his chest
was quite serious,

but after receiving first aid,

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

Thermometer.

Before first light
the following morning,

Matsumura was carried
into the Kawabata Surgical Hospital,

with Takeda and the other
officers standing guard.

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

arrived to lift the spirits

of the anti-Matsumura forces,

led by Hayakawa.

Boss, there's another call
from Hayakawa.

I told you to say I'm not here.

Why are you refusing
to take his calls?

This is the perfect chance
to destroy Tensei.

I'll take it.

What's his problem?

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

He knows what he's doing.

One false move now with Hayakawa

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

Matsumura remained in a coma
for a full 24 hours

with a temperature over 104.

Darling.

What day is today?

The installation...

The installation ceremony.

No, darling!

Get out my crested kimono.

- You mustn't!
- Chief!

Get my crested kimono!

Darling!

Kaoru, a yakuza's wife should know

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

No, darling!

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

He insists he's going
to the installation ceremony!

Please stop him!

Listen to me, Tamotsu.

If you die,
everything goes down the drain.

Give yourself time
to recover and start over.

I'll back you.

You can start over.

Boss...

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

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

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

that I won't lie down and roll over.

Tamotsu...

brace yourself.

Under pressure from the cops,
Chofuro canceled our reservation.

And all the bosses we invited
have been calling

to say they can't attend.

Boss...

we'll have the ceremony
with just our local people.

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

Please make the arrangements.

I beg you!

And so the installment ceremony
was moved

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

Among the last-minute invitees

were some who arrived
wearing windbreakers and sandals.

Mr. Hirono is here.

Hirono.

Matsumura...

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

It would be an honor.

The honor would be mine.

Looks like it's about time.

A few hours ago,

Tamotsu was on the brink of death.

Neither of us could
pull that off anymore.

Right?

Takeda...

you've got a good man there.

Are you being sarcastic?

Not at all.

At any rate,

since our days are over,

how about we have a drink sometime?

I won't drink with you.

Why's that?

I'd feel guilty
for all those who died.

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

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

The flames of battle
were sure to flare up again.

SEPTEMBER 25, 1970
NAKA AVENUE IN KURE

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

Here.

Hey there, sweetheart.

Whaddaya see in her, anyway?

Die, motherfucker!

I'm gonna kill you!

Akio...

you walk strong and tall now,

and don't lose heart along the way.

And try not to
stray from the path...

this time.

Hirono couldn't even remember

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

But on this day,

he finally decided to retire.

A quarter century had passed

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

With the passage of time,
one group begat another,

and with each new group
came new seeds of conflict.

Thus much young blood
had been shed.

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

ever be banished from this earth?

THE END