The premiere episode of "Like A Dragon: Yakuza" unfurls in the stark confines of Fuchu Prison, the calendar set to 2005. Here, we encounter Kazuma, whose spirited boxing jabs ripple through the air like whispers of defiance from behind iron bars. This poignant montage segues gracefully back to 1995, immersing us in the vibrant pulse of Kamurocho, Tokyo's underbelly.
In this bustling epicenter, Kazuma converges with his compatriots—Yumi, Nishiki, and Mijo—all orphans bound by destiny. Together, they harbor dreams of carving out a brighter future amidst the shadows of their shared past. The quartet finds solace within the walls of Sunflower Orphanage, a sanctuary nurtured by their benevolent guardian, Kazama.
As night descends, an audacious scheme unfolds: Kazuma storms into an arcade, seizing its coffers with bold precision. Unbeknownst to them, this gaming den is a den of iniquity controlled by the formidable Dojima Clan. Flush with triumph and the illusion of freedom, the group linger too long at Sunflower, their oasis.
That fateful evening, a gaudy parade of menacing goons descends upon the orphanage, demanding the return of their yakuza master's stolen funds. But, like a guardian angel, Kazama-san intervenes, smoothing over the tense waters. Upon discovering Kazuma's audacious plan, the group is ushered into the presence of the Dojima Clan itself.
However, Kazama's reception is anything but warm; the underlying reasons soon come to light. Once the second-in-command of the family, he has since distanced himself from their shadowy endeavors. Meanwhile, the hungry orphans are encouraged to feast on the clan's bounty, their stomachs growling in appreciation. Kazuma, unable to contain his desperation, implores the clan leader for a foothold within their ranks, volunteering to shoulder the blame alone.
With unwavering resolve, Kazuma vows to become the next Dragon of Dojima—a mythical figure in these parts, a formidable warrior whose underground battles cemented his legend, using brute strength to tame Kamurocho's chaos. As a child, Kazuma was captivated by the Dragon's battles and the menacing tattoo adorning his back, a symbol of authority and strength that ignited his own ambition to attain such lofty heights.Kazama's heart sank when he discovered that the debt stemming from the children's arcade heist totaled an astronomical 100 million yen. The girls faced a grim fate of toiling in Yoshiwara's brothels for three years, while the boys were destined for a five-year exile on a tuna-fishing vessel. Kazuma, driven by desperation, volunteered to step into the ring, hoping to work off his debt through his boxing prowess. Should he falter, he solemnly vowed to submit to the clan leader's whims without reservation. Intrigued by this bold offer, the boss granted Kazuma a fight that very night.
Kazama, his voice laced with disapproval, warned Kazuma that he was entangled in a world far beyond his comprehension. As a stark reminder, he unveiled his severed finger—a grim testament to the perils of crossing the Clan. He cautioned that even victory would not grant Kazuma freedom; instead, it would become a burden he would bear for years to come.
Back in the year 2005, Kazuma found himself visited by Date-san at the prison, who bore grim tidings. Members of the Omi Alliance had been discovered brutally murdered in a truck, abandoned in the heart of Lake Biwa. A staggering 10 billion yen had been stolen from the Omi's stash, and suspicion fell heavily on the Tojo Clan. Led by their formidable chairman, Ryuji Goda, the Omi Alliance reigned as Japan's largest yakuza organization, with a stronghold in the Kansai region.
Kazuma was about to be thrust into the epicenter of this unfolding drama, particularly as accusations began to circle around Yumi. Yet, Yumi was thriving; she had ascended to the position of madam at New Serena. Initially, Kazuma balked at the prospect of becoming entangled in this mess.
Back in 1995, Kazuma stepped into the ring with determination, vowing to Yumi that he wouldn't succumb to defeat, despite a bumbling start in the first round. In a hush, Kazama imparted words of wisdom to our protagonist, urging him that winning didn't necessitate boxing by the book. Instead, Kazama fought dirty, spitting blood and battling with every ounce of his being. A violent double-headbutt saw both combatants collapsing to the ground, resulting in an anticlimactic draw.
This fierce display caught the Clan's attention, convincing them to embrace Kazuma into their fold. As part of the deal, Yumi and Miho were destined to become hosts at Serena, while Nishiki, deemed a burden to the Clan, faced a grim fate. With his worthlessness emphasized, he was saddled with his debts and shipped off to the seafaring life. To demonstrate his earnestness and desperation, Nishiki, without hesitation, chopped off his fingers as a gesture of loyalty to the boss, hoping for a chance at redemption. This poignant display of commitment and desperation swayed the Clan leader, ultimately convincing him to reconsider and grant Nishiki a place among them.
Ten years later, in 2005, the scene shifts to the Millennium Tower, where Nishiki has ascended the ranks, now serving as the esteemed leader of the Tojo Clan. That fateful night, he scrutinized the surveillance footage from the truck heist, involving the Omi, and stumbled upon a potential breakthrough - Aiko, Yumi's sister, might be intricately involved in the whole saga.
As tensions escalated, Kazuma was freed from his prison cell, greeted by Clan members who hastily informed him that Oyabun Shimano sought an audience with him. A brawl ensued, but Kazuma swiftly overcame the assailants with minimal effort.
Determined to steer clear of Tokyo's turbulent waters, Kazuma resolved to leave the city. However, a phone call interrupted his plans, revealing the identity of the 10-billion-yen thief.
That same night, calamity descended upon Yumi as the Clan descended upon her with unyielding force. While driving, she encountered an assailant who met a swift demise at her hands, but more adversaries emerged, ultimately forcing her vehicle over the edge, plunging into the abyss below.
