Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War

Patriarch of the Hirono family, Hirono is blunt, authoritative, and willing to push aggressive agendas to expand his clan's influence. His decisions drive the alliance shifts and confrontations that thread through the story, revealing a leader who is both protective and ruthless. He clashes with Uchimoto over succession, highlighting his willingness to threaten traditional loyalties for power.

The sworn brother of Sugihara and a rising force within the Hirono faction, Uchimoto harbors ambition and insecurity in equal measure. He seeks to consolidate influence, but his actions reveal a volatile mix of bravado and fear, making him susceptible to strategic manipulation. His evolving relationship with Yamamori and Hirono drives much of the conflict.

Former boss of the Muraoka family who steps into leadership and merges the Muraoka and Hirono factions under his watch. He is pragmatic and calculating, using alliances to stabilize the landscape while pursuing a stronger hold over western Japan. His maneuvering foreshadows the consolidation of power against rival groups.

A young delinquent brought into Hirono's fold, Kuramoto embodies impulsive violence. His brutal act against a drunken yakuza and subsequent death illustrate the brutal costs of loyalty and the ruthlessness underlying the power struggles. His presence marks the brutal, sometimes reckless path of youth within the clan system.

A key figure connected to the Akashi Family in Kobe, Iwai serves as a strategic ally who influences major decisions at the top. His role underscores how inter-family diplomacy intersects with open conflict, shaping the broader battle for dominance. He exemplifies the political side of organized crime.

Hirono's adviser who orchestrates behind-the-scenes moves to secure power. Okubo's influence and willingness to threaten standing within Hiroshima show how manipulation and intimidation function within the yakuza hierarchy. He operates as a master schemer whose plans influence the balance of power.