Young Thugs: Innocent Blood

Riichi is a restless teen eager for gang status and social belonging. His hot temper and bold risk-taking push him toward confrontation, while his longing for stability clashes with a chaotic path toward adulthood. Relationships with Nahomi and Ryoko reveal his capacity for loyalty and volatility. He wrestles with the consequences of his actions as his world shifts around him.

Ryoko is a manipulative force within the group, using pranks and photographs to influence others and shape social status. Her actions expose the fragility of friendships and ignite conflicts that drive the story. Her motivations blend a desire for attention with genuine affection, adding complexity to the crew’s dynamics.

Yūji is a loyal friend whose presence anchors the group; he navigates relationships and family pressures while sharing plans for a better future. His unexpected death during the road trip marks a turning point, forcing the others to confront the consequences of their behavior.

Kotetsu serves as a foil to Riichi, often pushing the group toward bold but reckless decisions. His mixed loyalty and street-smart instincts highlight the tension between wanting to grow up and giving in to danger.

Nahomi becomes Riichi’s girlfriend and provides a counterpoint to the group’s chaotic bond. Her reactions to Riichi’s choices reveal the strain between personal loyalty and the urge to protect oneself from violence.

Masae visits and yells at Riichi for making Ryoko cry, then begins spending more time with Yūji, eventually becoming his girlfriend. She enters the circle amid the shifting relationships and adds emotional complexity to the group.

Sada is the rival who challenges Riichi, testing his resolve and loyalty. His presence amplifies the pressure to prove oneself and fuels the ongoing conflicts within the group.

Tomoda is the young schoolboy who owns the memorable protractor; his moment ties memory and loss to the group’s world, underscoring the fragility of the youths’ plans.

Isami helps the group by lending Kotetsu a different car, illustrating how adult figures provide aid inside the teens’ turbulent circle without fully steering them away from danger.