Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Final Episode

Takeda, newly released, unites the Hiroshima area yakuza families into the Tensei Coalition and rebrands them as a political force. The move signals a shift from traditional gang activity toward political influence and public image. This founding step sets the stage for the coalition's control over the region.

Hirono's men clash with low level Tensei members, triggering a demand for yubitsume from elder figures Otomo and Hayakawa. The Coalition votes to delegate discipline to Matsumura to avoid the rituals connected with yubitsume. This preserves public image while maintaining control over the violent branch.

In 1966 Terukichi Ichioka's affiliated killing provokes Otomo to vow to confront him. Takeda warns that anyone who answers the provocation will be expelled from Tensei. The tension foreshadows a broader struggle for dominance within the coalition.

Police raid Tensei offices across the network and arrest Takeda. Earlier that day he convened an emergency meeting to pick an acting successor; Matsumura is his chosen nominee, while Hayakawa nominates Otomo. Takeda had orchestrated the vote to install a fresh face less tied to the old yakuza networks.

Immediately after the arrest, Otomo and Hayakawa sow discontent within the coalition. Otomo orders men to kill Matsumura, intensifying the power struggle inside Tensei. The leadership crisis threatens to fracture the organization.

In 1968 Otomo is released on bail and allowed to return to Tensei safety. Hayakawa lures Otomo into a meeting with Ichioka, and the two formally swear brotherhood the next day to take down Matsumura. The alliance signals a new front against Matsumura's leadership.

Masakichi Makihara is paroled in 1969 and both Tensei and Otomo/Hayakawa race to win his support. Toyoaki Mano and Ichimatsu Kubota switch sides to join the Tensei Coalition for a large payoff. The shifting loyalties deepen the coalition's instability.

Ichioka stirs trouble in Tensei turf while Mano falsely reports Matsumura has left town. Otomo learns Mano has betrayed him, and Hayakawa ignores Otomo's calls for help as public guns are brandished and Otomo is arrested. The episode intensifies the rift within the coalition.

Matsumura announces that the Tensei Coalition is no longer a political group and orders each member to swear loyalty to him as boss. Hayakawa refuses and retires, signaling a consolidation of power around Matsumura. The coalition's identity and leadership are now focused on Matsumura.

Takeda is released from prison in 1970 and resumes leadership, beginning to plan how to handle Hirono's impending release. The families grow tense as news of Makihara's murder surfaces, escalating factional pressure.

Authorities inform Hirono that he cannot return to Hiroshima unless he retires. Takeda offers to retire himself, but Hirono rejects the proposal. The retirement issue becomes a pivotal choice for his future influence.

Matsumura travels to Matsuyama to meet Hirono and proposes that if Hirono retires, his right hand man Atsushi Ujiie can join the Tensei Coalition. Hirono demands that dissenters be cleaned out before any decision. The scene underscores the coming generation shift in leadership.

In preparation for the formal installation as Chairman, Matsumura travels to Osaka inviting guests. Remnants of Otomo and Hayakawa shoot up his car, and Eda is killed; Matsumura is seriously injured. The assassination attempt reveals the real perils of a peaceful leadership transition.

Despite injuries, Matsumura proceeds with the installation ceremony. Hirono attends and asks for a seat for Ujiie, signaling his behind the scenes influence. Takeda hints at socializing later, but Hirono declines the invitation.

A member of Hirono's family is killed in retaliation for Makihara's murder, and Hirono witnesses the sister dressing the body. This brutal confrontation pushes him toward retirement and marks the end of his active leadership.