Hello! I was planning to kick this off like a week ago but IRL stuff kicked me instead D: Anyway for tonight and for the next who-knows-how-many weeks, I’ll be posting about one of the main stories in RGG Online / RyuOnline, “Yellow Dragon Wandering Chronicles”, aka “Goda Ryuji’s Travel Log”, aka “The Yakuza 0.5 K-Drama you never knew you wanted: The Tale of the Two Most Conspicuous Koreans in Japan”! This story has a total of 6 chapters split into 39 parts (40 if you count the Side Story linked above), and seeks to answer the question, “What does it mean to live?” I’ll be posting the chapters in whole weekly / biweekly / if IRL permits on Saturday nights like this, to avoid cliffhangers. I’ve got ~75% per chapter finished, so hopefully I finish these before December lol
Spoilers: While you can read this after playing Y2/YK2, it is preferable that you have finished (or at least have knowledge of) the mainline Yakuza Kiryu games Y0 to Y6 to fully appreciate it. Since this is about Ryuji going on a roadtrip around Japan, this will also serve as a roadtrip down memory lane, especially since he visits familiar places and conflicts in Y5 and Y6 :D (some Y7 stuff is also mentioned but it’s minimal and probably not spoiler-y, tho I wouldn’t know since I haven’t played Y7). I’ll be putting notes at the end of the parts, in line with this :D
[Chapter 1: Yakuza Expulsion]
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CHAPTER 1-1
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|In this country, there are two yakuza organizations competing for supremacy in the underworld. One is the Tojo Clan, the largest organization in eastern Japan. The other is the Omi Alliance, the largest yakuza organization in western Japan. The Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance . . . with equilibrium between these two major organizations, order in the underworld is maintained.|
|And then, 1999. Omi Alliance direct family, the Go-Ryu Clan. Chairman Goda Jin is on the verge of being named the Fifth Chairman of the Omi Alliance. Together with that, it is rumored that Jin would nominate the next Chairman of the Go-Ryu Clan. Meanwhile, there is a man considered the most promising candidate for the next Go-Ryu Clan Chairman. The man’s name is—|
Yakuza: “Goda Ryuji!! Today will be the anniversary of your death!!”
Ryuji: “Then bring it on quickly. Heh . . . hurry up or my death anniversary will be over!”
[ 4th generation of the Omi Alliance, direct subsidiary family Go-Ryu Clan Acting Captain: Goda Ryuji ]
Yakuza: “Riding on your parent’s influence has made you conceited . . . ! Die!!”
{Ryuji kicks the guy’s butt.}
Yakuza: “Hi-Hiiiii . . . St-Stop! No more—”
Ryuji: “Oraaa!!”
Yakuza: “Puhaagh!!”
{The yakuza collapses from Ryuji’s final punch.}
Ryuji: “Hmph . . . boring.”
Ryuji’s Entourage A: “Incredible, Aniki! Strong as an oni, as always!”
Ryuji’s Entourage B: “Hehe, look at this idiot. His eyes have turned white.”
Ryuji’s Entourage A: “He’s a hundred years too early to be picking a fight with Aniki. This total idiot!”
Ryuji’s Entourage B: “That’s right. This person is the son of the next Omi Chairman!”
Ryuji: “Hold it.”
Ryuji’s Entourage B: “Eh . . . ?”
Ryuji: “You sayin' all I am is the next Chairman’s son?”
Ryuji: “I benefit from my parent’s influence, you say?!?!”
Ryuji’s Entourage B: “Ugiyaaah!!”
{Ryuji’s entourage collapses from Ryuji’s punch.}
Ryuji’s Entourage A: “Hi-Hiiiii . . .”
Ryuji: “. . . . . . tch.”
{Footsteps are heard as someone approaches.}
Man in Black: “It’s good to see you, young master.”
Ryuji: “. . . What is it.”
Man in Black: “Oyaji is calling for you.”
Ryuji: “Aah . . . ? What for?”
Man in Black: “He wants to tell you in person. Oyaji is waiting at Headquarters. Heh. It must be good. Probably about being the next Chairman of the Go-Ryu Clan. As long as Oyaji is the Chairman of the head family, he cannot serve as the Go-Ryu Clan Chairman at the same time. Is it possible he’s taking the opportunity to remove the ‘acting’ from the young master’s title of Acting Captain? To be the Captain for a while, and eventually become Chairman . . . I’m sure that’s Oyaji’s idea.”
Ryuji: “. . . Hmph. Took him long enough.”
Man in Black: “A car is available. Right this way . . .”
----
Ryuji: “Calling me all the way to Headquarters is as expected of ya, Fifth Chairman.”
Jin: “. . . You came?”
[ 4th generation of the Omi Alliance, direct subsidiary family Go-Ryu Clan Chairman: Goda Jin ]
Ryuji: “You met with me, it seems like you’re finally willing to give it up?”
Jin: “. . .”
Ryuji: “Hmph. Yakuza have old-fashioned ideas. Saying I’m too young—until recently I’ve been content with the half-hearted position of Acting Captain. If it’s true, I’ll immediately take charge of the family even if I have to put up with being Captain for a while.”
Jin: “. . . Too young.”
Ryuji: “Ah . . . ?”
Jin: “That’s why you’re too young. Ryuji.”
Ryuji: “Did you call me here for a sermon?”
Jin: “. . . I have something to tell you.”
Ryuji: “. . . Haw. Then say it.”
Jin: “Ryuji. I have a directive. Today, in this place you—are excommunicated.”
Gonna skip my usual intro because I’m putting a lot in the notes below ^^. Thank you to @tragicdeity, @arysthaeniru, @howlinvixen, @milktrician-hell, @majimemegoro, @konnanjanai and @chaoszonenate (can’t tag you for some reason :< ) for voting!
Story: Kashiwagi wants to help out the owner of his favorite noodle shop from losing his land, but unfortunately the landgrab is being done under Dojima's orders.
Kazama: “If there’s a butt out there, I will wipe it.”
Kashiwagi: “. . . Please tell me you mean that figuratively.”
Notes:
1) 鬼柏 – “Oni Kashiwa”. “Oni” here as in the ogre and “Kashiwa” from Kashiwagi’s name. Idk if this title is supposed to be A) a pun on “Onigawara” which they already did with Detective Kawara in Y2 (“Demon Kawara” in the localization and “Oni-kawara” in the OG Japanese); B) implying what Kashiwagi’s tattoo might be; or C) referring to the strength, scary face and Trese-like demon horns hairline of Kashiwagi.
2) “Kumicho” – usually I translate this as “Head” in other stories, but here it’s used too often as a suffix for it to sound not awkward. I still left “Boss”(Oyaji) and “Captain”(Wakagashira) translated tho
3) 錦の御旗 – “nishiki no mihata”. Refers to the flag of the the royal court’s army, but as an idiom it means “worthy cause”. Just funky info :D
4) “Dogeza” –kneeling on the ground and bowing with head touching the floor to show deference
5) “If there’s a butt, I’ll wipe it”- a funnier version of the idiom “if there’s a mess, I’ll clean it up”, I assume, and not just Kazama being weird XD
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CHAPTER 1
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|Before the “Empty Lot uproar” that stemmed from the Kamurocho redevelopment plan shook the city . . .|
Punk A: “That’s why! Quit ripping us off! Hey!”
Yakitori Shop Manager: “I’ll be in trouble . . . ! I’m already indebted to the Kazama Family . . . !”
Punk B: “Huhh? Kazama Family . . . ? Hehe, you must be new, right? Your lie is too poor. I’ll teach you. The Kazama Family is at the height of its power and the star of the Dojima Family.”
Punk A: “The Kazama Family wouldn’t be the type to partner with a broke store like this~!”
Punk B: “Kyahaha! Right, right!”
?: “A broke store . . . ? I don’t understand.”
Punk A: “Ah . . . ?”
Kashiwagi: “Try out the gizzard here with some highball next time. You’ll find it irresistible.”
Punk A: “Uugh . . . ! Wh-Who are you?!”
Kashiwagi: “I’m the enforcer for this shop. You can see it clearly if you look.”
Punk B: “A-Amazing power . . . ! Damn! From which family are you?! Huh?!”
Punk A: “I-I-It’s the first time I’ve seen his face . . . !! I-I wonder if I can get an autograph . . . ?!”
Punk B: “Stupid guy! I want it too . . . !! . . . . . . Haha~. I get it.”
Punk A: “Wh-What is it?”
Punk B: “They’re trying to deceive us . . . ! They have the nerve to make up a story together! Think carefully! Kashiwagi-san wouldn’t come out for a place like this . . . !”
Punk A: “I-I see . . . ! Is that the case . . . ? Alright, let’s continue!”
Punk B: “Heh, hehehe . . . would Kashiwagi of the Kazama Family be so forbidding . . . ?”
Punk A: “Nice try, you bastard! Do you think we’re scared?!”
Kashiwagi: “Then hurry up and bring it on. I don’t want to be doing this either.”
Punk A: “Uh . . .”
Kashiwagi: “You’re not scared of yakuza?!?! Bring it on quickly then!!!!”
Punk A and B: “Hiiii!! Sorry!!!!”
Punk A: “. . . Huh! I apologized involuntarily . . . !!”
Punk B: “Oi! That’s enough! This guy seems absolutely strong! Let’s bounce!!”
Punk A: “Don’t be scared! Let’s really do it!!!!”
Kashiwagi: “That’s the spirit!! I’ll let you spar with me!!!!”
{Kashiwagi wipes the floor with the punks.}
Punk A: “Hiiii! U-Unreasonable strengthhhh . . . !!”
Punk B: “Th-There’s no mistake . . . ! He’s real . . . !! The real Kashiwagi Osamu . . . ! It’s ‘Oni Kashiwa’ . . . !!!!”
Kashiwagi: “This shop is under my jurisdiction. If you have any complaints, come anytime.”
Punk A: “No!! We’ve learned our lesson!! Thanks!!!!”
Punk B: “I’m a big fan of Kashiwagi-san!! It’s an honor to meet you!!!!”
Punk A and B: “Then, please excuse us!!!!”
{The punks run away.}
Kashiwagi: “. . . Who were they? Are you alright, Shop Manager?”
Yakitori Shop Manager: “Ye-Yes . . . thank you very much! Th-is doesn’t happen often . . .”
Kashiwagi: “That’s why I’m always saying not to worry. My Boss has me striking fast. I’ll come back next time. Let me eat good food again. See ya.”
{Kashiwagi leaves.}
Yakitori Shop Manager: “Yes . . . Kashiwagi, thank you very much! Kashiwagi-san of the Kazama Family, huh . . . Well, I yearn to be in the same line of work like him . . . !”
----
Kashiwagi: “Yo.”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Welcome. What’ll it be for today?”
Kashiwagi: “Extra large.”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Oh, is your work over?”
Kashiwagi: “Yeah. Thanks to that I’m starving.”
{A bowl is placed in front of Kashiwagi.}
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Okay, the cold noodles special you waited for.”
{There’s a lot of slurping as Kashiwagi digs in.}
Kashiwagi: “. . . Phew~. Doesn’t that bring me back to life. I saw the light was on so I entered here . . . Chief, isn’t today a regular holiday?”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “. . . Yup. That’s right. I couldn’t pay the rent.”
Kashiwagi: “. . . Rent? This land belongs to you.”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “. . . A while ago, it was seized by the Noto Family because of debt.”
Kashiwagi: “What . . . ?! Oi, if you had consulted me . . .”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Sorry. But I couldn’t bother you with this . . .”
Kashiwagi: “. . . Did you say Noto Family? A third-tier subsidiary of the Tojo Clan?”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Yup. Originally there was no problem because it’s almost the same as market price . . . Last month, they said they’d suddenly increase the amount . . . It’s double what it was before.”
Kashiwagi: “It doubled . . . ? That’s messed up. Did you hear the reason why?”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “No . . . only that they raised the price . . . Well, that’s what the landowner says . . . I have no choice but accept it to protect this place.”
Kashiwagi: “Even so, working without holidays . . .”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “. . . Well, it’s a job I like to do. Besides, I have memories here with my wife too . . . I can’t just let it go.”
Kashiwagi: “. . .”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Haha, well, isn’t that why Kashiwagi-san sometimes asks for expensive sweet and sour pork.”
Kashiwagi: “Chief . . . another month with no holidays?”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Because it’s for the restaurant . . . Cold noodles and water, coming right up.”
Kashiwagi: “No, I just came by to see how you were today. I’m telling this for your own good, it’s better to take a break—”
{The door opens.}
Noto Family Kumicho: “Hello~ it’s the Noto Family. Doing your job, Chief? Impressive, impressive.”
Kashiwagi: “. . . This guy.”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Ku-Kumicho-san . . . What are you doing here?”
Noto Family Kumicho: “This is a notice of a rent increase. It will be 600,000 yen starting next month. Nice to meet you.”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “6 . . . ! 600,000?!”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Hmm? If you don’t agree, you know you can leave, right?”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Th . . . That’s . . . But this is really messed up . . . !”
Noto Family Kumicho: “If you have any complaints, then out with it! You want to be beaten up?!”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Hiii!”
Kashiwagi: “That’s enough.”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Aah? What the hell . . . !! Kashiwagi of the Kazama Family . . . ?!”
Kashiwagi: “This shop is close to me. I can’t overlook this anymore.”
Noto family Member: “Boss . . . ! This is bad . . . No way we can go up against that Kashiwagi . . .”
Noto Family Kumicho: “. . . Heh. I don’t need to be scared. This is for a worthy cause. Hehe, Kashiwagi-san. You shouldn’t say such things. Are you poking your nose into this matter? If you get in the way . . . you and Kazama will be ruined.”
Kashiwagi: “Ruined . . . ?”
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-END-
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CHAPTER 2
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Kashiwagi: “Ruined . . . ? That’s a huge claim.”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Hehe, do you think it’s a false threat? This matter . . . it’s the intention of Dojima-kumicho.”
Kashiwagi: “Dojima-kumicho’s . . . ?”
Noto Family Kumicho: “This land. Dojima-san wants it very much. It’s certainly a prime location. So if you get in the way . . . you are as good as going against Dojima Sohei. Kashiwagi-san, it’s not just you. Kazama-oyabun will not be separate. At any rate, you are under Dojima-kumicho. There’s reason to moderate your behavior. It’s not just demotion from Captain . . . maybe even excommunication . . . ?”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Ku-Kumicho-san . . . did you intend to crush this restaurant from the beginning?!”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Oi, oi, don’t say I’m a bad person. Don’t get hurt, Chief. Isn’t the 600,000 yen money going to Dojima-san, not us? ‘If I pay this much earnings, will you pardon the shop?’ you said. Am I not trying to protect this shop in my own way . . . ?”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “I-Is that true?”
Noto Family Kumicho: “It’s true. So do your best, okay? Well, have a good day.”
{The Noto Family kumicho leaves.}
Kashiwagi: “Wait, this isn’t over.”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “No, Kashiwagi-san!! Stay! What if something happens to Kazama-san?!”
Kashiwagi: “. . . . . . I’m sorry, Chief.”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Don’t worry. I’m still young. I need to show how much I want to protect my castle!”
Kashiwagi: “. . .”
----
Dojima Sohei: “Isn’t it unusual for you to come all this way to see me? . . . Huh, Kashiwagi.”
Kashiwagi: “Sorry for taking up your time.”
Dojima Sohei: “And? What do you require.”
Kashiwagi: “The landgrabbing of a Chinese restaurant that the Noto Family is doing . . . can you cancel it?”
Dojima Sohei: “. . . Aah, that place?”
Kashiwagi: “Instead, I can prepare another piece of land you can have. It’s much larger than that one and is in a good location.”
Dojima Sohei: “. . . It’s useless. It’s not just that land. I’m going to demolish that whole area and redevelop it.”
Kashiwagi: “. . . If it’s money you want, I can prepare it.”
Dojima Sohei: “Foolish. 1 billion yen is not enough.”
Kashiwagi: “. . . Is there no way for it to be cancelled?”
Punk A: “Huh! You can’t afford it?! I’m looking forward to you crying and apologizing!!”
{Kashiwagi beats the punks up.}
Punk A: “Hiiii~! Sorry! Please forgive us . . . !!”
Kashiwagi: “Scram.”
Punk A and B: “We’re sorry~!!”
{The punks run away.}
Kashiwagi: (. . . Do I go see how the Chief is doing?)
----
Kashiwagi: “Sorry to disturb, Chief—"
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Uugh . . .”
Kashiwagi: “! Chief! What happened!”
{Kashiwagi helps him up.}
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “. . . Sorry, Kashiwagi-san. You had to see me in an awful state.”
Kashiwagi: “Would anyone else work until they collapse?”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “But . . . if I can’t pay 600,000 yen, the shop will . . .”
{The door opens.}
Noto Family Kumicho: “Hello! I came to collect the rent~. What’s this, are you taking a break?”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “I’m sorry, I haven’t got the money yet . . .”
Noto Family Kumicho: “. . .”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “If you wait a little longer, I’ll definitely prepare it! So—"
Noto Family Kumicho: “A~ah. Geez, I wonder why you can’t pay 600,000. Well, even if you could pay it~ I was planning to increase the cost and evict you next month.”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Eh? Wh-What do you mean? The promise was that if I pay, I won’t be kicked out . . .”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Did you seriously believe that? Heehee, congratulations on falling for it! I chose to lie so I could squeeze money out of you! It’s a definite matter that you’re getting kicked out!”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “I-I see . . .”
Kashiwagi: “. . . Bastard.”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Hiii . . . Kashiwagi? Wh-What is it . . . calm down! Should you lay your hands on this . . . ?”
Kashiwagi: “This . . . brute!!”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “No!! Kashiwagi-san!!”
Kashiwagi: “Don’t stop me, Chief!”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “No, you can’t!! You can’t get involved in this!! I can’t stand it if you and Kazama-san are inconvenienced for me!! So please . . . ! Kashiwagi-san . . . !”
Kashiwagi: “Chief . . .”
Noto Family Kumicho: “. . . Thanks to the Chief, I narrowly escaped death from Kashiwagi-san! One week from now. This store will be dismantled by the whole family. If you leave by then, you’ll miss it. But if you want to stay . . . I’ll make you feel at home with the store.”
{The Noto Family kumicho leaves.}
Kashiwagi: “Damn . . .”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Thank you Kashiwagi-san, that you stopped.”
Kashiwagi: “We have a week. I will move to find a way. So—"
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “. . . It’s okay. I’m giving up the shop. So Kashiwagi-san doesn’t have to . . .”
Kashiwagi: “Chief . . .”
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-END-
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CHAPTER 3
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|And a week later. Store dismantling day . . .|
Noto Family Kumicho: “It’s regrettable saying goodbye to this store. But we should be enthusiastic in dismantling!”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “. . . !”
Noto Family Kumicho: “The Chief wears such a gloomy face. Can’t accept reality? You guys! Get started!!”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “. . . !! W-Wait—”
Kashiwagi: “Wait!!”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Ah . . . ? isn’t that Kashiwagi-san? What are you going to do this time?”
Kashiwagi: “I want you to stop dismantling the store.”
Noto Family Kumicho: “From the start I told you it’s impossible— No. Hehe, that’s right. Speak to Dojima-kumicho for me, see if you can get past. But hey, it’s hard to persuade that Dojima-kumicho, right? Although . . . you’re very arrogant, aren’t you? Kashiwagi-san.”
Kashiwagi: “. . . . . .”
{Kashiwagi drops to his knees and bows low to the ground.}
Noto Family Kumicho: “Heh . . . hehehehe . . . I didn’t think you would perform dogeza. Isn’t it a nice view~? . . . Kashiwagi!!”
{The Noto Family kumicho kicks Kashiwagi.}
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “!! Kashiwagi-san!!”
Kashiwagi: “Don’t worry about me, Chief.”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Heeheehee . . . ! Still resisting? You know what that will get you . . . ?! Hey, you guys do it too!!”
Noto Family Members: “Yes, Boss!!”
{They beat Kashiwagi with wooden planks until the screen goes black.}
Noto Family Kumicho: “Haa . . . haa . . .”
Kashiwagi: “. . . What’s wrong . . . are you done . . . ?”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Tch . . . ! You’re still talking? What a stubborn guy . . .”
Noto Family Member A: “Bo-Boss, what are we going to do? At this rate, the sun will set.”
Noto Family Kumicho: “. . . Start dismantling the store. This guy is beaten so much he can’t move.”
Kashiwagi: “. . . Bastard . . .”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Kashiwagi-san . . . !!”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Crawl there and watch the shop fall to pieces!!”
?: “Isn’t it quite selfish? . . . Kashiwagi.”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Ah?”
Kashiwagi: “!! . . .”
Kazama: “When you don’t inform your parent. Heh. Isn’t it lonely?”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Ka-Kazama . . . ?!”
Kashiwagi: “Boss . . . ! Why . . .”
Kazama: “I was allowed to investigate the situation. Kashiwagi . . . If there’s a butt, I’ll wipe it. You should do as you want.”
Kashiwagi: “But . . .”
Kazama: “Do you like the cold noodles in this restaurant? Heh. Me too. The flavor of this restaurant must be preserved at all costs. Don’t make a fuss anymore. Stand up, Osamu. . . . Brace yourself!!”
Kashiwagi: “! . . . . . . yes sir!!”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Da-Damn it . . . for Kazama to come out . . . !! Aren’t these guys scared of Dojima . . . ?!”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Sh-Shut up!! The Noto Family isn’t backing down!!!!”
Kashiwagi: “I see. Then . . . from the guy near death . . . bring it on!!!!”
{Kashiwagi defeats the Noto Family members.}
Noto Family Kumicho: “I-It can’t be . . . you should be the one all beaten up . . . all the members alone . . . this is Kashiwagi . . . !!”
Kashiwagi: “. . . You’re the only one left.”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Hi-Hiii!”
{The Noto Family kumicho runs away.}
----
[Phone Booth]
Noto Family Kumicho: “Hello! This is Noto from the Noto Family! It’s an urgent situation!! I’m asking for Dojima-kumicho!!!! . . . . . . Ah, Dojima-kumicho! Heh, hehe . . . I’m saved . . . !! Please listen!! Kazama and Kashiwagi are interfering with the landgrabbing . . . !!”
Dojima Sohei: “There is no talk of that land anymore. I no longer need it.”
Noto Family Kumicho: “. . . . . . Eh? What does that mean . . .”
Dojima Sohei: “Heh . . . you’re not lucky.”
{Dojima hangs up.}
Noto Family Kumicho: “Do-Dojima-kumicho . . . !! Dojima-san!! Oi!! Dojima!!”
Kashiwagi: “It looks like the ladder has been removed.”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Hiii . . . He-Help . . .”
Kashiwagi: “Do you want to return the land to Chief?”
Noto Family Kumicho: “I . . . I understand . . .”
Kashiwagi: “Starting today, that shop is my territory. Don’t drop by ever again.”
Noto Family Kumicho: “Ye-Yes . . .”
Kashiwagi: “That’s right. Thank you!!”
{The Noto Family kumicho collapses.}
Kashiwagi: “Phew . . . aah . . . I’m hungry.”
----
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “For absolutely everything . . . Thank you, Kashiwagi-san. Truly . . . how can I thank you . . . !!”
Kashiwagi: “Heh. Then today is a treat from the Chief.”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “. . . Yeah. Yeah!! I’ll bring you the best cold noodles!! Please wait!!”
Kashiwagi: “Oi, don’t be too enthusiastic and cut your hands.”
Kazama: “That’s one matter settled.”
Kashiwagi: “Boss . . . I’m sorry!!”
Kazama: “Heh. Really. When I heard that you went to see Patriarch Dojima, I was surprised. Kashiwagi . . . rely on me more. We are parent and child.”
Kashiwagi: “! . . . I thank you . . . !! . . . Um, Boss.”
Kazama: “Hm?”
Kashiwagi: “That Dojima . . . how did you persuade him?”
Kazama: “Heh. Don’t ask about a boorish matter. Even if I’m a minor figure in the yakuza, I have a lot of negotiation material for such occasions.”
Kashiwagi: “But . . .”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Sorry to have kept you both waiting!! Special cold noodles, big mugs of beer, gyoza and fried chicken!!”
Kazama: “Hehe . . . this is irresistible. Well, the matter has concluded. Isn’t this quite a feast we’ve come by?”
Kashiwagi: “. . . Yes!”
{They dig in.}
Kashiwagi: “Phew~ . . . ! The cold noodles here are the best after all . . . ! Thank you for your continued support, Chief!”
Chinese Restaurant Manager: “Yup . . . ! This shop and the flavor you defended . . . I’ll protect it for the rest of my life!”
Nanba, Adachi, & Saeko - Get Back to Sleep [RGGO] - Ch. 3-4, Epilogue
Part 1 / Part 2
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Previously: With Saeko joining Ichiban’s Besties(TM) , Nanba finds himself unable to sleep for reasons unknown. Adachi brings him to a cabaret club to learn how to hang with the ladies, but it doesn’t work. After Saeko confronts them and says she wants to help, Nanba leaves to wee and ends up passing out in the back of some shady people’s truck and getting unknowingly kidnapped, much to the dismay of his friends.
Note: Everything written “ l i k e t h i s ” is said in English. (” B e a u t i f u l E y e s ” and all that jazz lmao)
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CHAPTER 3
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Saeko: “. . . . . . Huh? Nan-chan?”
Adachi: “. . . Eh?! Nanba? Ce-Certainly not . . . where on earth is that guy . . .”
{The truck drives past Adachi and Saeko.}
Saeko: “. . . ! Adachi-san! The truck bed! I spotted Nan-chan just now . . . !”
Adachi: “What did you say?! Nanba is on that truck?! Oi! Stop that truck!! There’s someone on the bed—”
???: “Oi! Hold it!!”
Large Punk: “. . . You did a hell of a job earlier. So I brought some friends to return the favor.”
Adachi: “These are the guys who tried to pick you up a while ago . . . ! This is bad timing!”
Saeko: “You guys! Let’s postpone this confrontation! It’s not important right now!”
Large Punk: “Heh, to do this later . . . I don’t think we’ll give you that much consideration! You’ll regret going against me!!!!”
{Adachi and Saeko kick their butts.}
Large Punk: “Even with this . . . we can’t win . . .”
{The punks collapse.}
Adachi: “Haa . . . haa . . . damn it . . . getting in the way.”
Saeko: “The truck with Nan-chan on it . . . we can’t see it anymore . . . Well, when they notice him they’ll drop him off safely . . .”
Adachi: “. . . No, that’s not always the case. Let’s look for a taxi and chase them.”
Saeko: “. . . Eh?”
Adachi: “The drivers of that truck . . . I’m concerned because they don’t look like civilians . . .”
Suspicious Man A: “Oi, let’s go quickly. Or those who are waiting at the wharf will turn numb.”
Adachi: “I’m worried about the ambiguous way he said that . . . Perhaps the mover is hiding that he’s involved in some sort of black trade.”
Saeko: “Then . . . if they realize Nan-chan is in the back . . .”
Adachi: “. . . He might be killed depending on what they trade.”
Saeko: “Killed?! That’s dreadful . . . we have to help him quick . . . !”
Adachi: “Yeah . . . but we can’t hail a taxi at all . . . is it because it’s midnight . . . ? Fuck . . .”
Saeko: “. . . . . .”
{Saeko slips away for a moment.}
Saeko: “Adachi-san! Let’s travel with this!”
Adachi: “Eh? Is that . . . a rental bicycle?”
Saeko: “Yup! There are many stoplights on the way to the wharf, but with this e-bike we can traverse the back alleys . . . If we’re having a hard time hailing a taxi, this should be faster!”
Adachi: “. . . . . . I see. That may be true. Alright, let’s go quickly!”
----
Adachi: “Haa . . . haa . . . that bastard e-bike . . . running out of battery on the way . . .”
Saeko: “Haa . . . haa . . . my legs are already at their limit . . . b . . . but . . . we managed to get to the wharf. The truck that took Nan-chan . . . th-there! Over there!”
Suspicious Man A: “Sorry to have kept you waiting. . . . Come on, get the goods out.”
Suspicious Foreigner: “. . . Yeah. Here’s what is requested.”
Suspicious Man A: “A refrigerator, a brush case, and a bed . . . ? Will you show me what’s inside?”
Suspicious Foreigner: “Yeah . . . of course. Each one is just like this . . .”
Adachi: “What the hell . . . a pistol is hidden in the furniture . . . they’re handgun smugglers . . . !”
Saeko: “To think they were such bad guys . . . wouldn’t it be bad if Nan-chan was caught on the bed?!”
Adachi: “. . . Yeah. It seems Nanba is still on the bed, and if he stays there he’ll seriously be killed . . . But we can’t get near to the truck . . . their line of sight is too great for us to sneak up . . . If they spot us, they’ll use the guns, and we won’t be able to get close . . . We can’t get near without being discovered . . . but what should we do then . . . ?”
Saeko: “. . . Adachi-san. Under that truck . . . isn’t that a manhole?”
Adachi: “. . . ! It is a manhole! That means if we go through the sewers . . .”
Saeko: “. . . Let’s go, Adachi-san! We have to get there before Nan-chan is found and killed!”
Adachi: “No, but Sa-chan, if you went through the sewers wouldn’t your clothes get ruined?”
Saeko: “That doesn’t matter! Nan-chan’s in a pinch!”
----
Adachi: “It smells . . . ! This is dangerous . . .”
Saeko: “Hurry, Adachi-san! Let’s get below the truck before it’s too late!”
Adachi: “. . . Yeah! Let’s go now!”
Saeko: “Stay safe . . . Nan-chan!”
.
-END-
.
CHAPTER 4
.
|The truck that took away Nanba on the bed was actually a truck used by handgun smugglers. Saeko and Adachi came to the wharf to help out Nanba who might be killed when found—and went through the sewers to avoid discovery by the handgun smugglers as they try to get closer to the sleeping Nanba on the truck . . .|
Suspicious Man A: “Now, shall we start loading the goods on the truck quickly . . . ?”
Suspicious Man A: “Wh-Who’s this glasses guy?! He wasn’t on the truck bed before . . . !”
Suspicious Man B: “. . . He didn’t witness our transaction, did he? What do we do . . . ?”
Suspicious Foreigner: “Risk factors should be eliminated . . . Fortunately this is the wharf. Kill him and make him sink.”
Nanba: “Zz . . . ? It’s noisy . . . Wh-Who are you guys?!?! Th-That gun . . . is that real?!”
{The foreigner points the gun at Nanba.}
Suspicious Foreigner: “. . . G o o d m o r n i n g . And, g o o d b y e .”
{The heavy scraping of a manhole cover being opened is heard.}
Suspicious Foreigner: “. . . ? That sound . . .”
Adachi: “Oraa!”
Saeko: “Haaa!”
{Adachi and Saeko attack the foreigner.}
Suspicious Foreigner: “Goagh!”
{The foreigner collapses.}
Nanba: “Saeko?! Adachi-san?!”
Adachi: “Phew . . . looks like we managed to make it on time.”
Saeko: “You may not be able to drink in the situation yet, but we’ll explain it later! Let’s knock them down first!”
Suspicious Man A: “Guh, the smell . . . who are you guys . . . are you the homeless companions of the glasses guy?!”
Saeko: “Who’s homeless?! I just came through the sewer!”
Nanba: “. . . !”
{Nanba runs over to Saeko.}
Saeko: “. . . Oh no! This guy’s still able to move?!”
Suspicious Foreigner: “This . . . f u c k i n g b i t c h !”
{The foreigner rushes at Saeko.}
Saeko: “Kyaa!”
Nanba: “I won’t let you!!”
{Nanba gets in front of Saeko and hits the foreigner.}
Nanba: “Guh . . .”
Suspicious Foreigner: “Ogough . . .”
{The foreigner collapses again.}
Saeko: “Nan-chan . . .”
Adachi: “Are you alright?! Saeko! Nanba!”
Nanba: “. . . . . . What the hell happened, you two? You’re moving groggily. Saeko is covered in muddy water, your white clothes are ruined, and your hair, which is always orderly, is messed up . . . Adachi-san too, the jeans are soaked . . . you smells so bad, like sweat all over your body . . .”
Suspicious Man A: “Oi, you! They attacked your companion! Kill them!”
Suspicious Foreigner’s Companions: “Uooooh!”
Nanba: “Both of you . . . you went through quite the hard time to help me.”
Saeko: “. . . What. You’re not about to say we should leave the rest to you and run away, are you?”
Nanba: “Heh, I won’t say that. If I think about it, there’s no way I can do this alone . . . ! Adachi-san! Saeko! They’re coming . . . brace yourselves and give it your all!”
Saeko: “Yup! Leave it to us, Nan-chan!”
Adachi: “Yeah! Let’s push forward as many times as we like!”
{Nanba, Adachi, and Saeko kick all the smugglers’ butts until they collapse.}
Nanba: “Haa . . . haa . . . is this all of them . . . ?”
Suspicious Man B: “Aaaaah!!!!”
Nanba: “?!”
{Someone hits the last smuggler before he can lay hands on Nanba.}
Suspicious Man B: “. . . goagh . . . !”
{The last smuggler collapses.}
Saeko: “Haa . . . haa . . . that’s all of them . . .”
Adachi: “Heh . . . don’t let your guard down . . . Nanba . . .”
Nanba: “. . . . . . My bad. You saved me.”
Adachi: “Heh, I don’t mind . . . but I’m smelly . . . and my pants feel unpleasant, I should take a bath soon . . .”
Nanba: “. . . Yeah by the way, the odor and the dirt . . . how the hell did that happen??”
Adachi: “The sweat is from riding an e-bike to the wharf, and after that we went through the sewers . . .”
Nanba: “Are you serious . . . Saeko had to endure such a thing.”
Adachi: “Heh, they were both Saeko’s ideas.”
Nanba: “Eh?!”
Saeko: “It’s not that strange . . . is it? So what if you smell really bad, when your friends are in a pinch?”
Nanba: “Is that how it was . . . . . . thank you, both of you.”
Saeko: “Fufu, don’t say it so stiffly. We’re friends, aren’t we?”
Nanba: “. . . . . . Yeah. That’s right.”
Adachi: “But, Nanba. Why were you on that truck?”
Nanba: “How do I say it . . . the sofa on the bed certainly seemed comfortable and I just fell asleep . . .”
Adachi: “. . . . . . What. Only an insomniac could sleep in a place like that.”
Saeko: “Fufu, that’s for sure.”
Nanba: “It couldn’t be helped . . . because my sleepiness was at its limit.”
{The sound of sirens fill the air.}
Nanba: “. . . Police?”
Adachi: “Yeah. We called them.”
Saeko: “. . . I’m tired. Let’s talk to the police immediately and get back to the room.”
Nanba: “. . . . . . Right.”
----
Nanba: (Haa . . . I’m exhausted. I got into trouble because of sleep deprivation . . .)
Taxi Driver: “. . . Customer? Are you alright there?”
Nanba: “Hm? Yeah . . . have we arrived already? Saeko? Adachi-san? The cab fare . . .”
Saeko: “Zz . . .”
Adachi: “Ngh . . .”
Nanba: “. . . What? Did they fall asleep?”
Nanba: (. . . Well, they both came for me at the wharf by bicycle. They would be tired . . . Saeko whose always pristine clothes and hair are in tatters for me . . .)
Nanba: “Hey . . . will you help me carry them up to the room without waking them up? . . . Thank you. Both of you.”
Taxi Driver: “. . . . . . um . . . may I have the fare?”
Nanba: “Ah, sorry! Wait, I’ll bring you some money!”
----
Nanba: “Uguh . . . huff . . . . . . phew, finally done. Adachi-san is too heavy . . .”
Nanba: (Saeko is right next to me . . . I suppose I won’t be able to sleep tonight either. Haa . . . what is the reason why I can’t sleep . . .)
.
-END-
.
EPILOGUE
.
Nanba: “Zz . . .”
Saeko: “Ah, sorry Nan-chan. Did I wake you up?”
Nanba: “Wake me up . . . . . . . . . no way, I fell asleep?!”
Adachi: “Yeah, soundly. You could sleep even next to Saeko, so it seems the problem is solved.”
Saeko: “Right. Thank goodness, Nan-chan!”
Nanba: “. . . The problem is solved . . . but how . . .”
Saeko: “Fufu, does it matter? If Nan-chan can sleep, that’s it on that.”
Adachi: “Heh, you sure look awfully happy~ Saeko.”
Saeko: “Of course I am! We’re friends! And it was also my fault . . .”
Nanba: “Yeah . . . . . . is that so. I feel like I understand it now.”
Saeko: “Eh?”
Adachi: “. . . What did you figure out, Nanba?”
Nanba: “That’s why I couldn’t sleep . . .”
Adachi: “Ooh, what’s the cause after all?”
Nanba: “. . . It’s my vigilance. It’s because I didn’t trust Saeko.”
Saeko: “Because you didn’t trust me?”
Nanba: “. . . I’ve been homeless all this time, right? For the homeless, nighttime is a dangerous time—it’s dark and I could be attacked by anyone, so I was scared and couldn’t sleep, only sleeping in the daytime. Being scared of the night is engraved in my body.”
Adachi: “. . . I see.”
Saeko: “Homeless hunting is a thing, so it certainly is scary at night . . .”
Nanba: “The reason I’ve been sleeping at night lately is the sense of security from a decent house, and those staying with me—Kasuga and Adachi-san are honest friends to the homeless and are close to them.”
Adachi: “. . . Can’t deny that, as a result of our meddling.”
Nanba: “However, Saeko is a girl and cute, she doesn’t look like a homeless friend . . . therefore I was anxious that there was an outsider in my bed, my unexpected vigilance made it impossible to trust you—so I was so nervous I couldn’t sleep . . .”
Saeko: “. . . It can’t be helped. We just met. But since you managed to sleep, does that mean you could trust me now?”
Nanba: “. . . Yeah. Riding a bicycle to the wharf . . . getting dirty in the sewers and smelling terrible . . . Seeing Saeko who went that far trying to help me, I finally got rid of my apprehension. . . . Thank you, Sa-chan. And Adachi-san . . . thanks to you, I slept soundly.”
Saeko: “Fufu, that’s a relief.”
Adachi: “Right. Now, let’s start preparing for the part-time job.”
Nanba: “Aah . . . part-time job? . . . Hey, we still have a little more time before the part-time job, right?”
Saeko: “Well . . . about an hour . . .”
Nanba: “. . . Then I’ll go back to bed again. Wake me up when it’s time . . . good night~.”
{Nanba lies back down in the bed.}
Saeko: “Ah, but Nan-chan. Everyone should talk before we go to the part-time job . . .”
Nanba: “. . . snore . . . snore . . .”
Adachi: “He’s already asleep! You wouldn’t think he was afflicted by insomnia up until yesterday . . .”
Saeko: “. . . Fufu, but he has a happy sleeping face.”
Previously: The Jingweon Mafia orders Han Joon-gi to kill Ryuji to avoid conflict with the Tojo Clan 7 years too early. Now with 3 groups aiming for Ryuji’s death, they decide to work together. In between Ryuji and Joon-gi angsting, Takayama prodding the story into an actual BL drama, and Kuze just wanting to go home already, Ichiban takes action and turns Ryuji into swiss cheese and dumps him in the river, much to everyone’s shock.
Sorry for the delay! Urgent stuff IRL came up D: but we’re finally here! Final chapter alt title:”Greatness and freedom are sadly mutually exclusive”. No particular spoilers as far as I can tell, but throwbacks to what happened in previous chapters :D
Kasuga: “What the hell are you doing to your lifesaver, you idiot! Let go of him quickly!”
Ryuji: “. . . . . . You?”
Underground Doctor: “Uguh!”
{Ryuji drops the doctor to the floor.}
Kasuga: “O-Oi, don’t stand up! Why are you getting up . . .”
Ryuji: “You . . . did something so unnecessary . . . ?”
Kasuga: “If that’s how you see it, why not treat me to yakiniku then?”
Ryuji: “Looking down on me, you . . .”
Kasuga: “Is that wrong? What a shame.”
Ryuji: “Stop running your mouth . . . or I’ll do it for ya!!!!”
Kasuga: “Sorry Sensei, we’ll be making a bit of noise.”
Underground Doctor: “Geez . . . adding insult to injury.”
{Ichiban wipes the floor with Ryuji.}
Ryuji: “Guh . . . ! Shit . . . !”
Kasuga: “You’re still moving . . . ? The Omi is anything but a mere injured fellow. But—oraaa!!”
{Ichiban hits Ryuji one more time. Ryuji collapses.}
Kasuga: “As expected, I can’t lose to a dying opponent. Sleep for a while and cool your head. Stupid guy.”
Ryuji: “Ugh . . . shit . . . . . .”
----
Ryuji: “Ugh, guh . . .”
Kasuga: “Hmm . . . ?”
Kasuga: “Ooh . . . you’re up?”
Ryuji: “! Whose side are ya on . . . ?!”
Kasuga: “What, is it this again?”
Ryuji: “. . . . . . tch.”
Kasuga: “Sensei is out right now. Please apologize to him later.”
Ryuji: “. . . . . . Why did ya help.”
Kasuga: “. . . . . . Ah . . . that’s right. ‘Once the mind is made up on killing the enemy, I will track you down and kill you even to the utmost ends of the earth’ . . . that’s my motto.”
Ryuji: “. . . ah?”
Kasuga: “The ‘mind is made up’ is the miso. Who decides whether or not I should kill you? Is it Oyassan? Or those from the head family?”
Ryuji: “Oi . . . what are ya saying?”
Kasuga: “Well, listen. I’m not good at explaining. I always thought I play as the bullet, and someone else is the trigger. But that’s not the case. Before I left Tokyo, Oyassan said this to me. ‘See, listen, and think about whether to kill . . . you decide, Ichi’.”
----
Kasuga: “Decide for myself . . . ?”
Arakawa: “That’s right.”
Kasuga: “But Oyassan, if I think I don’t want to kill the target . . . ?”
Arakawa: “Then pretend you killed them properly and let them escape overseas.”
Kasuga: “. . . . . .”
Arakawa: “Ichi . . . this is the first time you’ve done a ‘killing’ job. So I wanted to tell you. We are being used and will be thrown away. That’s how it is. But—we are the ones holding the gun. Don’t become the bullet that only flies.”
Kasuga: “. . . !”
Arakawa: “See, listen, and think about whether to kill . . . you decide, Ichi. That is our creed.”
Kasuga: “. . .”
Arakawa: “In the end, if you decide to kill the target—”
Kasuga: “—kill him even to the utmost ends of the earth.”
Arakawa: “Heh. You got that?”
.
-END-
.
.
NOTES:
Miso = used to refer to “the main point” or “the important part”. Also fermented soybean condiment.
Technically I still have 1 more week of being tumblr AWOL, but since I’m still high off of getting to watch the miracle of life happen live twice yesterday in a bunny suit, I decided to finish tackling this despite the frustrating Kansai speak XD Like Kamulop’s, this story also falls under the “mostly canon” category, aka “canon up until Y6, a Y7 AU where Ichiban meets Minami”. There might be super mild Y7 spoilers (I say “might” because I don’t know enough about the plots of Y:LAD-Y7 and RGGO-Y7 to know where the two plots are similar and where they are different. I do know that RGGO Ichiban is a slightly different person from Y7 Ichiban tho). Thank you to @majimemegoro for voting Minami!
Story: Ichiban meets a certain disagreeable drunk in a ramen shop and somewhat unwillingly goes to karaoke with him.
Notes:
1) Not only does Minami use Kansai dialect, he also uses a lot of phrases and suffixes commonly used in Manzai, aka the “Boke and Tsukkomi Routine”, aka the “Straight Man and Wise Guy Routine” done in certain substories in Y2 and Y5. It doesn’t come across all that well in this translation because its all about tone, so i just made the Kansai more obvious. Just imagine his grandiose/exaggerated/comedic way of talking in Y4 :D
2) 餃子 - gyoza in Japanese, jiaozi in Chinese, potstickers/dumplings in English
3) I left in the Romaji lyrics besides the English translation to make it a bit more clear just how out of tune Minami is lol
.
CHAPTER 1
.
Kasuga: “Niichan, gyoza and beer for now!”
Store Clerk: “Yes sir.”
???: “Oi, Niichan! This beer here. Replace it immediately!”
Kasuga: “Hm? Who’s that guy?”
???: “Ah damn it~! What the hell, what the hell!”
Kasuga: “Tch, is he drunk . . .”
Store Clerk: “Yes! The beer will be a moment! . . . Sorry. That customer is in that condition all the time.”
Kasuga: “I see. You have your work cut out for you.”
???: “Damn it, I can’t be satisfied unless I sing a song. Oi, store clerk! Don’tcha have karaoke?”
Store Clerk: “Customer, don’t make a ruckus. This is a ramen shop, remember?”
???: “Shut up! In that case, let me sing without permission. Yeah? Huh?! ♪ Let’s! Get! To the Toooop!! ♪”
Kasuga: “Shut up, idiot.”
???: “Hmm? What, Niichan? Ya wanna sing along?”
Kasuga: “You’re being noisy. Idiot.”
???: “Huuh? Are ya stupid? Haw . . . you have guts. Ya lookin’ for a fight with me, Minami Daisaku?! Let’s take this outside!”
{Ichiban and Minami take it outside and have a manly brawl.}
Minami: “Wh-What . . . you’re hella strong.”
Kasuga: “Take this as a lesson to eat your meals silently.”
Minami: “. . . I can’t go without singing when drinking alcohol. With the Tojo Clan driven out by the Omi, this city has changed a lot . . .”
Kasuga: “What did you . . . are you yakuza? Of the Tojo Clan?”
Minami: “Are ya the same? . . . Then, ya understand why I can’t get by without drinking alcohol?”
Kasuga: “. . . Tch. If you want to forget your woes that much, go to karaoke by yourself.”
Minami: “Fool! I can’t go alone!”
Kasuga: “Why . . .”
Minami: “You see, if ya seclude yourself in a private room with no one to insert interjections, you’ll become miserable! Someone should go with me . . . hm?”
Kasuga: “What are you staring at me for?”
Minami: “He’s right . . . here!”
Kasuga: “Oi, oi . . . Why do I have to go out with you?!”
Minami: “Are we not friends after our fight? Huh? Sorry to bother ya.”
Kasuga: “You’ve bothered me enough already!”
{Ichiban gets slowly dragged away by Minami.}
Minami: “Just for a while, let’s go!”
Kasuga: “Oi, don’t pull at my clothes! Oi, damn it!”
.
-END-
.
CHAPTER 2
.
Minami: “♪ Me no mae ni wa kagayaku SHINING GAAAAATE!! Yume no GOAL e hashi~ ri~ da~ sou~ ♪” [♪ A shining gate sparkling in front of you!! Run to your dream goal~♪]
Kasuga: (Tone deaf . . .)
Minami: “♪ Kino yori! Takai! Bashoheee GET TO THE TOP! ♪ [♪ From yesterday! A higher! Location! GET TO THE TOP! ♪] Oi, make some noise! If ya don’t make interjections, it won’t be exciting!”
Minami: “Huh?! The sound disappeared . . . did the karaoke machine break down?”
Kasuga: “I disconnected it.”
Minami: “Huuh? What’s that?”
Kasuga: “Forgive me. I couldn’t bear to listen to it anymore.”
Minami: “Whaddya say? . . . Then you can sing too.”
Kasuga: “I’ll pass . . .”
Minami: “What? Is it because ya aren’t confident?”
Kasuga: “Stupid guy, don’t you know I have a beautiful voice?”
Minami: “Then play against me! A karaoke match!”
Kasuga: “. . . Fine.”
----
Minami: “♪ Let’s! Get! To the Toooop!! ♪ . . . Alright, I completed the song! I can easily beat your 83 points! The score is . . . koi! Koi!”
Minami: “This humiliation . . . I won’t forget it for the rest of my life!”
Kasuga: “I’ve already forgotten it.”
Minami: “What’s that? Ya wanna fight? Ya Frizzy Hair!”
Kasuga: “It’s noisy, this fake Kansai dialect.”
Minami: “. . . Fake Kansai dialect?”
Kasuga: “?”
Minami: “You touched on something ya shouldn’t have touched . . .”
Kasuga: “Fake Kansai dialect? What about it?”
Minami: “Shut up! I won’t forgive ya this time. I’m gonna kill ya! Prepare yourself!!”
{Ichiban and Minami fight once again.}
Kasuga: “You . . . why did you go berserk when I said it was a fake Kansai dialect?”
Minami: “Haa, haa . . . shut up! This is to show respect and imitate my patriarch.”
Kasuga: “Patriarch?”
Minami: “Yup, Majima-no-oyaji.”
Kasuga: “Majima . . . ?”
Minami: “That person, the head of the Tojo Clan direct line’s Majima Family, Majima Goro!”
Kasuga: (Is this guy really a Tojo Clan member . . .)
Minami: “I’m doing a Kansai dialect to follow my Boss’s example. To ridicule it is the same as ridiculing him. Haa . . . be that as it may, I’m really a no-good person. Losing in fights, losing at karaoke . . . If I’m like this, it’s impossible to protect this city . . . Haa . . . I can’t do it . . .”
{Minami leaves.}
Kasuga: “Oi, Minami! Tch, he left . . . Does he miss his patriarch? . . . Did I go a bit overboard?”
.
-END-
.
CHAPTER 3
.
Kasuga: (The other day, I was forcibly taken to karaoke by a guy named Minami, it was terrible . . .)
Omi Yakuza A: “Oi! He’s over there!”
Kasuga: “What . . . ?”
Omi Yakuza B: “There he is!”
Minami: “Rather struggle and go down flashily than be at your mercy.”
Omi Yakuza A: “Hmm, ain’t ya the only one qualified on the frontline?”
Kasuga: (That’s Minami . . . !)
Minami: “There may be people in this city like me. Chasing their dreams. In a place like this.”
Kasuga: “. . . This guy.”
Minami: “Because of that, everyone likes this city. The current Kamurocho, thoroughly! By the time Boss returns . . . I will have taken back Kamurocho!!”
Omi Yakuza A: “Kyahaha! You’re energetic. What d’ya intend to do in this situation?”
Kasuga: “. . . Jeez. You’re the only one who’d try declaring such spirited stuff.”
Minami: “You’re . . . ! What’re ya doing here!”
Kasuga: “Well, we have a common interest. It can’t be helped.”
Minami: “Haa? That’s vague, idiot.”
Kasuga: “You said your frontline was thin. Kamurocho . . . let’s take it back.”
Minami: “! You too . . . have the same purpose . . . ?”
Omi Yakuza A: “Must ya talk so much?”
Omi Yakuza B: “Everyone who opposes the Omi will die!!!!”
{Ichiban and Minami defeat all the Omi Alliance members.}
Kasuga: “Good grief. Acting so recklessly.”
Minami: “Hmph, that is my Boss’s teaching. Even if it kills me, my conviction will not bend.”
Kasuga: “. . .”
Kasuga: “Sorry. For saying shit about your Boss the other day.”
Minami: “. . . Hahaha! Ain’t ya being oddly straightforward?”
Kasuga: “Shut up!”
Minami: “Good enough. My heart is as wide and deep as the Pacific Ocean so~ you are forgiven! But, are ya also overthrowing the Omi’s companions? Then let’s go to karaoke and deepen our friendship!”
Kasuga: “Haa? Karaoke again?”
Minami: “What’re ya doing! Dawdle and I’ll leave ya behind!”
Kasuga: “To get involved with such a noisy guy . . .”
After the massive venture that was RyuHan, I am back to regular(ly irregular) unscheduled stuff :D Last month was RGG Online’s 3rd anniversary, and for that they celebrated it using Y:LAD, the one game that cannot be canon to RGGO’s timeline/universe. Why? Who knows, but their mindset seems to be that as long as Ichiban never physically appears in the Y:LAD stories, the barrier and space-time continuum between RGGO-Y7 and Y:LAD-Y7 remains stable :D
The main character is Nanba! I’ll be splitting this whole thing into 2 parts. Click on for the Prologue, Chapter 1-2, + Nanba’s Side Comments!
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Nanba’s comments on objects and places:
My weapon (Vinyl Umbrella) – “It’s my favorite weapon. To be clear, the endurance is quite low. But the biggest advantage is that you can find a replacement immediately.”
My armor (Clothes) – “It’s my favorite combination. I usually have the hood down, but when I pull it over, I’m in combat mode.”
Vending machine – “A valuable source of income for us. As you get used to it, you’ll generally know if coins have fallen before you look down to search.”
Mysterious stone [in-game item] – “A mysterious glittering fragment. By my intuition as a homeless person, I can tell . . . this is a good thing to take with you.”
Tricked-out dice [in-game item] – “In the homeless society, it’s illegal to deceive your companions. . . . But if you use this for someone other than your companions, it’s okay.”
Ijincho homeless shelter – “My headquarters. I don’t live here because I want to . . . I have a certain reason. Home is where you make it, even a place like this.”
Small restaurant – “A small restaurant run by Hamako-san. Well, it’s not cooking that’s being sold. It’s also a hideout of our party.”
Survive – “This is also our hideout. We received help thanks to the understanding master. But that master isn’t just a regular person . . .”
Nanba’s comments on people:
Ichiban – “A former yakuza who rolled in half-dead. He has a weird perm and his behavior is outlandish, but he’s strangely easy to get along with. You can’t hate the bastard.”
Saeko – “A strong hostess. She’s our only female companion. She huddles up together with us when sleeping and has nerves of steel. To be honest, I feel like escaping.”
Adachi-san – “The old man is a former detective. He foolishly rejected pension living and became a vagrant. But the strong sense of justice is truly that of a former detective.”
Blackmailing man [in-game enemy] – “We are socially vulnerable. We receive unprovoked violence. But I’ll do my best to fight the guy trying to steal money!”
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----
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PROLOGUE
|In the wake of the death of Nonomiya, the manager of Otohime Land, Kasuga and his party became friends with Mukoda Saeko. Pushing forward with the investigation, the death of Nonomiya seems to be related to Mabuchi’s hefty revenue source, ‘Yokohama Trading Company’—thus Kasuga and his party decided to sneak in as part-timers, and together with Saeko in preparation for the next day went to sleep in the hideout.|
Nanba: “. . . . . . It’s useless. I can’t sleep at all.”
----
Nanba: “Ugh . . . Saeko tempted me into drinking too much . . .”
???: “. . . What are you doing, Nanba?”
Nanba: “. . . . . . Adachi-san.”
Adachi: “Man, the way Saeko chugs liquor was amazing . . . I accidentally drank too much . . . So . . . did you come out to vomit too?”
Nanba: “No . . . I was so nervous I couldn’t sleep . . .”
Adachi: “Nervous? Even though you drank so much, you were nervous and couldn’t sleep . . . what on earth are you nervous about?”
Nanba: “. . . I’m concerned about Saeko. Maybe that’s why . . . I can’t sleep at all.”
Adachi: “You . . . didn’t fall in love with her, did you? Stop that, we can’t have a love affair within the group.”
Nanba: “I-It’s not like that! It’s just . . . well . . . I’ve never been together with a woman since I became homeless . . . That might be why I get nervous whenever a woman is nearby.”
Adachi: “When a woman is nearby, you’re nervous and can’t sleep . . . just like a middle school student.”
Nanba: “Shut up.”
Nanba: “Haa . . . but it’s difficult being sleepy but not able to sleep . . . what’s wrong with my body . . .”
Adachi: “. . . This is surprisingly serious. . . . We’ll be hanging out with Saeko from now on, it would be unpleasant if you continue being unable to sleep . . . Alright, it can’t be helped. Do you want to get used to a woman now, Nanba?”
Nanba: “Get used to a woman?”
Adachi: “Yeah. You can’t sleep because you’re not accustomed to women, right? Therefore, if you get used to socializing with a woman, you’ll be able to sleep soundly.”
Nanba: “Well . . . I know that, but where can I get used to a woman?”
Adachi: “Heh, at a cabaret club. A young woman sits nearby and talks, you’ll get used to socializing even if you don’t like her. Well, it costs money . . . but I found a nice and cheap club just the other day.”
Nanba: “. . . I think Adachi-san just wanted to go to one. But it sounds better than walking around without a plan . . . Adachi-san, lend me some money.”
Adachi: “Hehe, now you’re talking. Let’s go!”
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-END-
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CHAPTER 1
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Cabaret Woman A: “Ahaha! Adachi-san is so funny~!”
Adachi: “Hehe, is that so? Gahaha!”
Adachi: (Oops, not good, not good! I’m the only one enjoying myself here! We came to get Nanba accustomed to socializing with a woman, but Nanba isn’t comfortable . . .)
Nanba: “I’m . . . Na-Nanba.”
Cabaret Woman B: “I’m Ayu. Nice to meet you, Nanba-san.”
Nanba: “Ye-Yeah . . . nice . . .”
Ayu: “Fufu, maybe Nanba-san is nervous? I’m actually the same when meeting someone for the first time!”
Nanba: “Ye-Yeah . . . that’s right . . .”
Ayu: “Ri-Right . . . ahaha . . .”
Adachi: (Oh no, that Nanba. He’s so nervous and stiff . . . Even though the Miss is trying hard to find a topic, the air is dead because Nanba can’t speak . . . well, he can’t do it because he’s not used to being with a woman, but it’s also hard for the Miss to make conversation in this atmosphere . . . In that case . . . do I help out . . . ?)
Nanba: “. . . . . .”
Adachi: “Oi, Nanba! Don’t be nervous! Relax, relax!”
Nanba: “A-Adachi-san . . .”
Adachi: “Hey, Ayu-chan! Actually, this guy isn’t used to being around women. He feels nervous, so please be kind to him.”
Ayu: “Fufu, so that’s why you’re nervous. It’s so cute that you’re not used to girls ♪”
Nanba: “Cu-Cute? Me?”
Adachi: “Oi oi, Ayu-chan. The old man wearing glasses with such a thickly haired head isn’t cute~. Rather than him, aren’t I more cute?”
Nanba: “. . . No, that’s not true. I don’t think Adachi-san is even cute.”
Adachi: “What did you say? This white hair, bulging belly, aged face. Like a cute mascot, right?”
Nanba: “No! What mascot would have white hair, a belly and an aged face?!”
Ayu: “Ahaha! Surely there’s no such mascot~!”
Nanba: “Ri . . . Right? Haha.”
Ayu: “Nanba-san is so cute and funny! Are you an entertainer?”
Nanba: “No, I’m not . . .”
Ayu: “Eh~! Then you should become an entertainer! I’m sure it suits you!”
Nanba: “I-Is that so? Was I that funny?”
Ayu: “. . . Yes! I’d say about 30 points!”
Nanba: “No . . . isn’t that boring?!”
Ayu: “Ahaha! Nice tsukkomi~!”
Nanba: “Hehe . . . . . . thank you, Adachi-san.”
Adachi: “Heh, don’t worry about that. Do your best now.”
Adachi: (Alright . . . for now it seems I was able to create an atmosphere that’s easy to talk in. The conversation seems to have taken off and afterwards remained steady even without me.)
Drunk Customer: “What’s with that attitude! I’m a customer!”
Adachi: “Hm? What’s that?”
----
Waiter: “Customer! Please calm down!”
Drunk Customer: “Shut up! You seated such an ugly woman! Where’s my favorite woman . . . . . . oh?”
Drunk Customer: “Ooh, what’s that? A beautiful woman! Come to this seat, you!”
{The drunk customer grabs Ayu.}
Ayu: “Ow! Wait . . . please stop!”
Nanba: “. . . Oi, stop that, you drunkard.”
Drunk Customer: “Ah? What, bastard. Are you complaining?”
Nanba: “Just because you decided . . . doesn’t mean Ayu-chan likes it. Let go of her hand.”
Drunk Customer: “Heh, who’s going to make me—”
{Adachi steps close and twists the customer’s arm.}
Drunk Customer: “Ow . . . ow ow ow!”
Adachi: “Ayu-chan. Get away from here now.”
Ayu: “O-Okay . . .”
{Ayu quickly leaves.}
Nanba: “Nice one, Adachi-san!”
Adachi: “Heh, you were cool too, Nanba. So . . . how is it, drunkard? How do you find the pain of having your arm forcefully grabbed?”
Drunk Customer: “Damn it . . . I’ll get you back for this! I have a black belt in karate . . . I’ll make you regret going up against and attacking me!”
{Nanba and Adachi throw hands with the drunk.}
Drunk Customer: “Guh . . . you . . .”
Adachi: “Now! Nanba!”
Nanba: “Yeah! I reserved this for you!”
{Nanba punches the drunk one last time, making him collapse.}
Nanba: “. . . Phew. It’s unexpected for you not to do it, old man.”
Cabaret Club Ladies: “Kyaa! Amazing! So cool! The Onii-chan with glasses is strong~!”
Nanba: “. . . Hehe.”
Adachi: “Phew, let’s go back to our seats.”
Nanba: “. . . Yeah!”
----
Nanba: “. . . Iyaah~!! That was fun, Adachi-san!!”
Adachi: “That’s right. Wasn’t everyone head over heels for Nanba-san, the club’s hero?”
Nanba: “Now that you mention it? Ayu-chan’s eyes changed when looking at me after that . . . anyways, it was fun!”
Adachi: “. . . I was worried at first, but it seems you managed to get accustomed to a woman.”
Nanba: “Yeah! Thanks to Adachi-san for helping me out. I enjoyed talking with Ayu-chan because of you! I wasn’t nervous at all when Ayu-chan asked for my cellphone number at the end.”
Adachi: “Cellphone number?! Seriously?!”
Nanba: “But well . . . I don’t have a cellphone . . .”
Adachi: “That’s true . . . well anyhow, if you could talk to woman so much that she likes you, I think that’s okay.”
Nanba: “Yeah. I feel like I was able to get used to socializing with a woman perfectly! I think I can sleep well with this!”
Adachi: “Hehe, then let’s go back to bed.”
Nanba: “Yeah! Thank you, Adachi-san!”
----
Nanba: “. . . . . . I couldn’t sleep at all. I should have gotten accustomed to women at the cabaret club . . . so why?”
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-END-
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CHAPTER 2
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|Whenever Saeko is next to him, Nanba notices that he can’t sleep. Thinking that it was because he wasn’t accustomed to women, Nanba went with Adachi to get used to being in proximity with a woman. As a result, he succeeded in getting used to a woman, but for some reason he still couldn’t sleep until the next morning greets him . . . And then, the next night . . .|
Nanba: (. . . Seriously. I can’t fall asleep at all . . . it’s already the third day. It seems I can’t sleep even tonight . . . Yesterday I slept a little when I fainted at dawn, but I’m still fatigued because I slept so lightly and poorly . . . . . . . . . it’s dangerous to continue like this.)
Nanba: “Hey . . . Adachi-san. Can you come with me for a moment?”
----
Adachi: “Yawn . . . what’s wrong, Nanba? Should we go to the cabaret club again?”
Nanba: “. . . No, that’s not it. Actually, I haven’t been able to sleep even after we went to the cabaret club . . .”
Adachi: “. . . What did you say? You didn’t get used to women even after playing around that much?”
Nanba: “No, I don’t know . . . I don’t think so. Maybe there’s another reason why I can’t sleep . . .”
Adachi: “. . . I don’t want to talk here and be questioned by Saeko. Why don’t we take a little walk while we talk?”
Nanba: “. . . Sure.”
----
Adachi: “. . . But this is bad. Your body won’t last if you can’t sleep for three days, right?”
Nanba: “. . . . . . Yeah. To be honest, I still feel dizzy. I don’t think it’s strange that my mind is floating away . . .”
Adachi: “Are you nervous because you’re concerned about Saeko . . . ? If there’s a reason you can’t sleep other than not being accustomed to a woman . . . . . . it’s because you fell in love, isn’t it?”
Nanba: “. . . That’s wrong. I think Saeko is certainly cute, but I’m not in love with her.”
Adachi: “. . . . . . Then I wonder why.”
???: “Wa-Wait! Don’t touch me!”
Adachi and Nanba: “. . . hm?”
----
Slender Punk: “Hehe, you don’t have to be shy, Onee-san. You can’t sleep, that’s why you’re having a midnight stroll, right?”
Large Punk: “You’ll be able to sleep well if you hang out with us until morning.”
Saeko: “I’m saying I’m not looking for that kind of thing! You guys are sick . . .”
Large Punk: “What did you say? How about we kidnap you against your will then?”
Adachi: “. . . That kid isn’t one you can handle. You punks.”
Large Punk: “Ah?”
Adachi: “. . . That kid is our friend. Find someone else to badly pick-up.”
Nanba: “Oi oi . . . don’t agitate them too much, Adachi-san.”
Saeko: “Nan-chan . . . Adachi-san!”
Large Punk: “. . . Badly pick-up? What’s this, old man, you looking to start a fight with us?”
Adachi: “. . . Maybe. I’m sick of witnessing such vulgar language.”
Saeko: “. . . And isn’t it a fact that you’re bad at picking up girls? Try again after you’ve washed your arms and your faces.”
Nanba: “. . . Haa. I think I’ll go do that.”
Large Punk: “What did you say . . . both the woman and the old man looking down on us . . . Are you pissed off? I’ll show you pissed off!! Die!!!!”
{Nanba, Adachi and Saeko beat up the punks.}
Large Punk: “Guuh . . . you . . . this won’t be forgiven . . . remember this!”
{The punks run away.}
Adachi: “. . . Heh, there aren’t a lot of people who say that who are worth remembering.”
Nanba: “No! It’s not Saeko’s fault . . . it’s those punks from earlier . . .”
Adachi: “. . . By the way, why are you here Saeko? Couldn’t sleep?”
Saeko: “. . . Yup. Nan-chan didn’t seem able to fall asleep, I got worried about that and stayed up.”
Nanba: “. . . !”
Saeko: “So when I saw Adachi-san and Nan-chan going out, I was curious. Nan-chan . . . you can’t sleep, right?”
Nanba: “. . . Eh?”
Saeko: “You couldn’t sleep since the day I came, right? Isn’t it possibly my fault?”
Nanba: “No, th-that’s not the case . . .”
Saeko: “. . . really?”
Nanba: “. . . . . . Ye-Yeah. It was just by chance. A coincidence.”
Adachi: “. . . Hey, Nanba. Why don’t you talk to Saeko about it? Don’t hesitate from it, you’re friends.”
Nanba: “A-Adachi-san . . . . . . I understand.”
Saeko: “. . . What do you mean, Adachi-san?”
Adachi: “Since Nanba seems to be having difficulty saying it, I’ll say it. It’s true that Saeko is the reason why Nanba can’t sleep. It’s not like he’s looking at you with indecent eyes, but he gets nervous when you’re sleeping together.”
Saeko: “. . . Is that so. I’m sorry I never noticed, Nan-chan.”
Nanba: “No, Saeko didn’t do wrong . . . this is my problem.”
Saeko: “But . . .”
Adachi: “Heh, don’t worry about it, Saeko. It’s no big deal for a grown-up to not sleep for two or three days.”
Nanba: “. . . Yeah. Even when I was homeless, there were days when I couldn’t sleep.”
Saeko: “Oh . . . . . . okay. Then I won’t worry if you both say so! . . . But can I help Nan-chan sleep instead? It’s difficult seeing a Nan-chan who can’t sleep!”
Adachi: “Ooh, that would be appreciated. We were running out of ideas.”
Nanba: “I didn’t have the time to say it . . . but I actually need to pee . . .”
Adachi: “Haa . . . ? Then go quickly . . .”
Nanba: “I’ll be back in a moment!”
{Nanba runs off to do his business.}
Adachi: “Geez . . . well, while we’re waiting, can you think of a way for him to sleep?”
Saeko: “That’s . . . hmm . . . what’s good for insomnia . . . something like herbal tea or hot milk . . .”
----
Nanba: “That’s refreshing . . . I almost leaked there. Haa . . . why can’t I sleep when Saeko is nearby . . . even though I got accustomed to women . . . hm . . . it’s useless . . . my head is zoning out . . . as soon as I’m alone . . . the drowsiness . . . aah . . .”
Nanba: “. . . hm? A sofa . . . in such a place . . . it would be nice to lie down . . . but why’s the sofa . . . on a truck bed . . . I can’t go to sleep . . . but . . . just for a moment . . .”
{Nanba lies down on the sofa and immediately passes out.}
???: “Oi, let’s go quickly. Or those who are waiting at the wharf will turn numb.”
Suspicious Man A: “Hey, hurry up. You were in the restroom for a long time . . . !”
Suspicious Man B: “Isn’t that better than me shitting in the passenger’s seat? Stop complaining and let’s go.”
Suspicious Man A: “Tch . . . then drive fast.”
{The suspicious men get in the truck and start the engine.}
----
Adachi: “. . . . . . Who are those? Movers? They don’t look like civilians . . .”
Saeko: “. . . . . . Huh? Nan-chan?”
Adachi: “. . . Eh?! Nanba? Ce-Certainly not . . . where on earth is that guy . . .”
{The truck drives past Adachi and Saeko.}
Saeko: “. . . ! Adachi-san! The truck bed! I spotted Nan-chan just now . . . !”
Adachi: “What did you say?! Nanba is on that truck?!”
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-END-
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NOTES:
ナイスツッコミ= “nice tsukkomi”. When you point something out in a comedic manner, a witty comment in response to a joke. “Tsukkomi” refers to the “straight man” in a manzai comedy duo, in partnership with a “Boke” or “funny man”.
Scroll back up here and play this when you get to Ryuji’s part, to maximize the experience :D
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CHAPTER 6-9
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|And—|
Niihara: “. . . They seemed to have screwed up.”
Sera: “. . . Yeah.”
Niihara: “Fortunately, the ones who knew what was going on - Takayama of the Go-Ryu Clan, the Jingweon Mafia executive and Han Joon-gi – have all gone missing . . . There seems to be no worry that things will be revealed from their side. But still—do you want to get rid of your relatives?”
Sera: “. . .”
Niihara: “Kuze, Kasuga, and the Arakawa Family . . . I’ll tell the Nikkyo Consortium. It will all be done tomorrow. With this . . . the matter is forever in the dark.”
Sera: “. . . Let’s stop this already. Acting Chairman.”
Niihara: “What . . . ?”
Sera: “Passing the dirty work to those at the bottom, disposing of them when it’s done . . . building a castle in that manner . . . how valuable would it be? I am also a person who has been dyed in dirty work. I know their remorse better than anyone. As long as I take the helm of the Tojo Clan . . . I want to be the superior who is not ashamed of them. That’s why . . . Acting Chairman. Isn’t it time to pay the annual tribute? It’s a painful burden I’ve worked on for a long time. The rest . . . will you leave it to me?”
Niihara: “. . . . . .”
Niihara: “. . . Heh. The burden on my shoulders has dropped. I leave the rest to you . . . Third Chairman.”
----
Kasuga: “No penalty . . . right?”
Arakawa: “Yeah. Well, count ourselves lucky. However, we take this matter to the graveyard.”
Kasuga: “Yes . . . but I’m sorry! Oyassan!!”
Shopkeeper: “?!”
Arakawa: “Oi, oi, stop doing dogeza in the shop.”
Kasuga: “It was all my idea. But then it was an inconvenience to Oyassan . . . !! 10 or 20 fingers, I’ll offer up as many as you like! Please do with them as you please—"
Arakawa: “Knock it off, Ichi . . . ! I came here to eat lunch.”
Arakawa: “How was he . . . ? Goda Ryuji.”
Kasuga: “Eh . . . ? . . . . . . He was about the same age as me. But he’s insanely strong, it felt like his back was burning brightly . . . I think he’s the kind of guy . . . to have a lot of eyes on him.”
Arakawa: “. . .”
Kasuga: “But I figured I didn’t want to kill him—I can’t explain it well, but that person . . . I thought he was a good guy.”
Arakawa: “. . . I see. Ichi. You too are an admirable part of the ‘Killer Arakawa Family’.”
Kasuga: “For not killing?”
Arakawa: “Yeah . . . for not killing.”
----
Jingweon Mafia Executive: “Found you at last . . . Takayama.”
Takayama: “Oops. Just when you’re thinking of someone.”
Jingweon Mafia Executive: “Thanks to your plan, reinforcements from the mother country have been destroyed . . . If you hadn’t fought Goda Ryuji one-on-one and gotten rid of him quickly, it wouldn’t be like this . . . !”
Takayama: “Oi, oi, please stop making this difficult. Did ya not agree to the plan? And . . . I’m sure we couldn’t have won no matter how we fought. That Ryuji . . . fufu, he’s strong.”
Jingweon Mafia Executive: “What a stupid thing to say . . . ! I’ll have you die here. I was fortunate enough to at least have hopped onto the plan at my own discretion . . . I can explain away the annihilation of reinforcements. All I have to do is shut your mouth, and everything will be back to normal. Return to my mother country, and move to kill Goda Ryuji again in the future . . . !”
Takayama: “Hmm . . . the plan is still to get rid of Ryuji?”
Jingweon Mafia Executive: “What about it?”
Takayama: “Nothing. Just a little helping hand from me to Ryuji.”
{Takayama suddenly brandishes a knife and stabs the Jingweon Mafia executive.}
{Takayama stabs the executive again. He collapses.}
Takayama: “. . . Ha~a. Don’t ya hate persistent men?”
{Takayama collapses too.}
Takayama: “This is . . . my end point . . . . . . . . . well, this was fun. You can have fun too . . . Ryuji.”
----
Ryuji: “Chief. Give me one.”
Chief: “Come again!”
{Takoyaki sizzles away as someone approaches.}
?: “. . . You have a very good eye. The takoyaki here is excellent.”
Han: “Much like the raw oysters of Jingaicho . . . it is comparable to the ramen in Nagasugai.”
Ryuji: “. . . Is your wound better?”
Han: “Yeah. I slept in a bed for the first time in a long time and I am in very good shape. The journey with you was only camping out.”
Ryuji: “You don’t want to join my family.”
Han: “Thank you for your offer, but I should have declined it before. . . . Thanks to you, Ryuji-san. On a journey with you, I . . . I finally started to live by my own will. So . . . I want to know more about the world. With my own feet . . . as my will goes.”
Ryuji: “. . . . . .”
Han: “Heh . . . we will meet again someday. When that time comes, I may have to call you Chairman of the Omi Alliance.”
Ryuji: “. . . Hmph, expect it.”
Ryuji: “. . . Hey, Han.”
Han: “What is it?”
Ryuji: “Your real name . . . will ya say it?”
Han: “. . . . . . heh. That’s odd. Are you growing senile?”
Han: “I am Han Joon-gi. Given name, given voice, given face . . . But this is me. Everything is now by my choice. So please continue as before.”
Ryuji: “. . . . . . heh. Certainly. I was acting crazy. Stay healthy . . . Han Joon-gi.”
Han: “Ryuji-san . . . please take care.”
Han: “. . . By the way, did you go to the city just for takoyaki today?”
Ryuji: “No. I was settling some rather minor business.”
Han: “?”
Ryuji: “It is my principle to properly return what is borrowed.”
----
Biker Gang Member A: “Well~, it’s about time to work my part-time job.”
Biker Gang Member B: “You’ve been doing it seriously lately.”
Biker Gang Member A: “I don’t have money for a motorcycle. You can’t be a cool biker gang member without a motorcycle.”
Biker Gang Member B: “Don’t make mistakes. . . . huh? Oi. Uh . . .”
Biker Gang Member A: “Ah? . . . . . . ah. My motorcycle.”
.
-END-
(The answer to the question posed at the very beginning is, “Having the freedom to choose”.)
.
.
NOTES:
Since “given name” in general refers to the name you were given upon birth (the one on your birth certificate), plus the fact that it would be kinda weird for Han to be running around with a name that isn’t his after he leaves the mafia to go backpacking around the world, it can be assumed that this Han is the OG Han Joon-gi. As far as I know, people have interpreted that in several ways:
A) OG Han is different from Y6 Han. In a different Han story (which I sadly do not have the card of), the idea of passing down the “Han Joon-gi” name to successors is brought up, although the circumstances in which Y6 Han mentioned it makes the statement questionably true/false (long story short, everything else he says before and after the statement are lies to manipulate someone). Points in favor of this theory include his different mannerisms and even different way of smiling from Y6 Han. Benefit of this is that he is likely still alive even now and still enjoying himself traveling the world 🥺
B) OG Han is the same as Y6 Han. Personally I think this one is more likely, given that RGGO stories are about expounding on backstories which Y6 Han lacked in the mainline games. Plus the fact that they showed Takayama killing the Jingweon executive probably means the request for a new Han did not go through, leaving this Han free to rejoin the mafia in the 15 years between this story and Y6. Really, after the second Jingweon massacre in Y2 he's probably the only Korean still willing to go to Japan by Y6 lmao
C) Schrödinger's Han. Since the Ichiban that they encounter in this story is the Ichiban from RGGO-Y7 and not Y:LAD-Y7, it’s likely that this story is not in the same timeline as where Y6 happens. RGGO-Y7 was said to be just as canon as Y:LAD-Y7, just occuring in a diverging timeline. The stories we know canon to Y:LAD-Y7 are Y0-Y6, while the ones known to be canon to RGGO-Y7 are this one and Yakuza Kiwami 1 (yes specifically that. I’ll explain in the tags later why lol but its not important rn). So, given that we do not know if Y6 unfolded the same way in both timelines, this Han Joon-gi could be anyone unless confirmed by the creators, which they never will. Sooo he could be Y6 Han AND still alive <3
Previously: Instead of being promoted, Ryuji gets kicked out of the Omi Alliance by his father. Ryuji takes the opportunity to run away from home and ends all the way up north for some reason, where he learns how to man an ikayaki stall, how stingy people in Tsukimino are with favors, and how there’s a mysterious man who’s been tailing him all this time.
Tonight, Chapter 2! Alt title: “How to get an entire city raring to kick your ass. Step 1: become a construction worker”. Major Y2/YK2 spoilers ahead!
[Chapter 2: The Visitor]
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CHAPTER 2-1
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Ryuji: “Hey! Another serving of miso-katsu . . . no, that’s a hassle, make it 5 servings at once!”
Employee: “Ye-Yes! Thank you very much!”
Ryuji: “Phew~. Is this the Kineicho specialty miso-katsu . . . ? Quite filling, ain’t it?”
Silver-haired Man: “. . . . . .”
Ryuji: “Why’re ya making such a face? If you’re hungry, you could ask for some too.”
Silver-haired Man: “. . . No, I’m fine.”
Ryuji: “Did you come just to say no, you’re fine? Won’t that make things awkward here onwards? Um . . .”
Han: “. . . it’s Han Joon-gi. Can you please start remembering it, Goda Ryuji-sama?”
Ryuji: “Heh. That’s right, Han. Han. Han Joon-gi. I have a bad memory.”
Han: “. . . tch.”
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|A few days ago.|
Han: “Goda Ryuji-sama, is it?”
Ryuji: “Ah?”
Han: “I was sent to pick you up.”
Ryuji: “Pick me up . . . ? I haven’t seen your face around in the Omi.”
Han: “Heh. No, I’m not a messenger of the Omi or the Go-Ryu Clan.”
Ryuji: “Ah?”
Han: “I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Han Joon-gi. I was tasked with an errand from the Jingweon Mafia, South Korean Headquarters.”
[ Jingweon Mafia Member: Han Joon-gi ]
Ryuji: “Jingweon Mafia . . . ?”
Han: “Yes. Your ‘real’ father was in charge of the Jingweon Mafia’s Japan branch.”
Ryuji: “. . . Haw. You’ve done your homework diligently.”
Han: “This is the perfect opportunity. I’ve done my homework on your current circumstances too, Goda Ryuji-sama. Supposed to be promoted from Acting Captain to Captain of the direct subsidiary family Go-Ryu Clan, but was instead excommunicated by Goda Jin—robbed a motorcycle from a biker gang that was hanging out in front of a convenience store in Sotenbori. Afterwards, you drifted to Tsukimino. You’ve been under the protection of the local yakuza Kitakata Taizo until now . . . How is that?"
Ryuji: “Hmph, 60 points.”
Han: “Oh. Why the point deduction?”
Ryuji: “I don’t owe old man Kitakata anything. I won’t let that ‘protection’ remark pass. And—I just borrowed this bike."
Han: “. . . Heh. Pardon me for that.”
Ryuji: “So? Why did ya come all the way from South Korea?”
Han: “Because with the annihilation of the Jingweon Mafia’s Japan branch—that is to say, ever since your father was killed in a Tojo Clan ambush, that means . . . the resumption of activities in Japan has been a long-cherished hope of the organization. Therefore, we paid attention to you.”
Ryuji: “You have a discerning eye.”
Han: “Apologies. You inherited the blood of the Japan branch’s elite. What’s more, currently you are the adopted child of the next chairman of the Omi Alliance, a large organization in Japan. You might be excommunicated now, but you are a talented man who can be a bridge between the two.”
Ryuji: “Taking over the Omi from the inside, is that your scheme?”
Han: “How perceptive. But the most important part is that you have inherited Jingweon blood.”
Ryuji: “. . .”
Han: “The Jingweon Mafia values blood ties above all else. No one can defy it. . . . In other words, from the moment you are born, you are destined to serve the organization.”
Ryuji: “Hmph, that’s an exaggeration.”
Han: “Please come to the headquarters in South Korea with me first. The ceremony to join the two organizations will be held there.”
Ryuji: “Haw. To South Korea . . . that sounds fun.”
Han: “Everything is already prepared. After the ceremony is completed, you will officially be a member of the organization. Subsequent orders will be given by the boss. Are you ready? First we’ll head to Kyushu, and then we’ll cross by sea from there.”
Ryuji: “Since I came to a stop in the north, I should head south next. I’ll be riding this. Um . . .”
Han: “It’s Han Joon-gi.”
Ryuji: “Right, Han. Han. Han Joon-gi. How are you travelling?”
Han: “Do not worry. I also came by on a motorcycle. I will accompany you to your destination.”
Ryuji: “Heh. I see. Then let’s depart!”
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NOTES:
Miso-katsu = Nagoya specialty where a miso-based sauce is poured over fried pork cutlet
