In the second episode of "Like A Dragon: Yakuza," we are transported back to the serene confines of Sunflower Children’s Home, set against the backdrop of 1986. A harrowing near-miss unfolds as Nishiki and Miho narrowly escape being struck by a speeding vehicle, their lives saved at the eleventh hour by the audacious Kazuma, who leaps into action to confront the menacing gangsters.
Switching gears to 2005, we witness Yumi, miraculously alive despite the automobile's perilous plunge from the parking garage, finding herself in a hospital bed. With a steady hand, she discharges her firearm as a stark warning, sending shockwaves through the air. As the ambulance arrives on the scene, the hoodlums, likely affiliated with the Omi Alliance, scatter like cockroaches in the light. Meanwhile, Yumi succumbs to her injuries, her strength waning.
Kazuma returns to his abode, donning the iconic suit that has become synonymous with his character in the games. With a blend of ease and expertise, he dispatches a pair of thugs before filling us in on the developments that transpired during his incarceration.
Flashing back two years, we uncover a grim tale: the second-in-command of the Tojo Clan and his men were discovered slain in Kamurocho, their bodies marked with an inverted pentagram etched into their skin. This grim deed is attributed to the infamous Devil of Shinjuku, a shadowy figure whose hands may also be tainted with the blood of Aiko's heist. Given that Aiko is Yumi's sister, this grim saga holds a deeply personal significance for Kazuma.
Reverting to 1995, we delve deeper into Kazuma and Nishiki's induction into the Dojima clan, a milestone achieved after they proved their mettle. They serve as security personnel, maintaining a discreet presence and relishing the subtle perks of clan affiliation, particularly the respect accorded to them and the wide berth granted by those who cross their path in the bustling streets.
Yumi begins to grow increasingly comfortable with her role at Serena, yet her moral compass makes it challenging for her to exploit men who have already fallen on hard times. This conflict doesn't sit well with the others in the club, particularly the head hostess, who constantly reminds Yumi of her pressing need to work diligently to repay her debts. She isn't about to breeze through this challenge without a fight. Yumi is pressured to drown her hesitations in alcohol and open herself up to the clients, but this advice hits home in an unexpected way as Miho, overwhelmed, consumes too much and collapses.
The underlying cause of Miho's plight is intertwined with the ambitious Millennium Tower project, heralded in Tokyo as a lucrative venture for the club. The Dojima clan has set its sights on this prize, and Dojima seeks assistance from an American businessman named Edgar Beale. Beale's initial,粗暴的拒绝, prompts the Dojima clan to retaliate by turning to Kazuma and Nishiki. They enlist the duo's help in stealing the deeds from Beale, who keeps them securely locked in his safe. However, they need the hanko, a crucial sealed stamp, to finalize everything, which isn't inside the safe due to an earlier warning from Kazama. Surprisingly, Edgar has entrusted it to his sister, Alice, who is strictly instructed to keep it within her sight at all times.
Desperate for the hanko, Dojima turns to Majima and Taiga, newcomers with reputations for ruthless efficiency. The animosity between Kazuma and Majima runs deep, but Kazuma is warned to steer clear of them since the pair has been killing since childhood. Nishiki is left shaken by this turn of events. Speaking of being shaken, news breaks that night about Keiji Shibusawa of the Tojo clan being arrested for the murder of Edgar Beale.
The following day, Miho bounces back from her exertions at the club, while Kazuma faces scrutiny for his actions during the daring heist. Nishiki, having discovered Edgar's sister's whereabouts, pressures Kazuma to accompany him in securing the crucial hanko first.
Flashing back to 2005, Aiko awakens in her bed to find Kazuma gazing down at her. She feigns sleep, allowing him to depart without detection. His plate is already full, as evidenced by his appointment to meet with the Chairman at the grand memorial that afternoon. He warns of impending conflict and emphasizes the urgency of averting it. Nishiki steps forward, volunteering to quell the brewing storm. In return, he seeks the Chairman's endorsement to handle the Oyagorshi as he deems necessary.
As the episode draws to a close, Kazuma arrives at the manga store, a clandestine money-laundering hub. There, he encounters Aiko, who flees in haste upon the arrival of the Devil of Shinjuku, who wreaks havoc upon the scene. The young girl scurries into a bathroom stall for refuge, but fortunately, Kazuma intervenes, rescuing her from the devils' clutches. Nevertheless, a devastating explosion tears through the premises, leaving the fate of the occupants shrouded in uncertainty.
