Per wiki policy, Spoilers Off applies here and all spoilers are unmarked. You Have Been Warned.
"You gave me my life. I'm very grateful."
"A story about the unluckiest but happiest people in the world."
Kasuga's story is one of a Found Family, which not only grows in this game, but is accompanied by the search for his biological mother, a woman beloved by the man he looked up to. Meanwhile, Kiryu's story is one of finding meaning in a life that may be cut short by illness, and seeing the difference he has made in all of the lives that he touched.
Expect your heartstrings to get tugged.
Story
- At the start of the game, Ichiban gets into a fight with Sasaki after denying him a job at Hello Work and pointedly rejecting his bribe. After winning, Ichiban looks like he's charging at Sasaki to finish him off, only to leap over him and into Yokohama's river to recover and return the money Sasaki dropped in the scuffle. Remember, Yokohama's river is fucking filthy, since it's where the city's sewage ends up. And Ichiban jumps in without hesitation to help someone who was belligerent towards him earlier and straight-up attacked him later, even getting a condom on his head and permanently ruining his suit in the process. This act of kindness inspires Sasaki to clean up his attitude and try again.
- Ichiban helping out Eiji in the plane to his wheelchair. He didn't have to do it, but it's the thought that counts and is a wonderful reminder of him being a sweetheart despite his looks. The most heartwarming part is that Ichiban most likely used his experiences from being Masato's caretaker back when he was confined to his wheelchair. It turns out that this single act of kindness would end up benefiting Ichiban in the long run when Eiji decides to support Ichiban because he was the only person who did something kind for Eiji.
- Of course, the fact that Eiji turns out to have been in cahoots with Ebina the entire time and was looking to trap Ichiban in reality does sour things quite a bit, but Ichiban turns it right back around in the very end when he finds him at his lowest point by saying that, despite everything Eiji's done to him, he still considers Eiji his friend and remembers the good times they had together in Hawaii. It's enough to move Eiji to tears, and he agrees to turn himself so that he and Ichiban have an opportunity to start over.
- After Ichiban loses his job thanks to the fake story against him, he's horrified to hear that Adachi and Nanba have lost their respective jobs by association with him. He immediately takes the blame for everything and assumes the Pose of Supplication, putting the feelings of the others above his own despite his dire predicament. But Adachi and Nanba have none of it, with both saying they've been through worse and reassuring Ichiban that this is in no way his fault. A lovely reminder of the trio's True Companions status.
- In Chapter 3, when Ichiban and Kiryu return to Akane's house, they notice Yamai's approaching goons and try to flee, only to be stopped by Tomizawa, who's brandishing a gun. Ichiban's first response is to ask if Tomizawa is recovering from Yamai's attack. Even after Kiryu notes that Tomizawa probably can't hit them, Ichiban walks right up to Tomizawa and continues to offer help - both to treat his injuries and protect him from Yamai.Ichiban: Yamai won't harm a hair on your head. You have my word.Tomizawa: Why would you do that? After I tricked you... Even after I tried to kill you?Ichiban: (Brief laugh) I know it's hard playing the tough guy. There was a time I was scared nearly shitless. "Someone, anyone, please help," I thought... Trouble is, I couldn't find the strength to ask. I felt alone. I know exactly where you're at, better than most. It took someone else's sacrifice to get me back on my feet, and for nothing in return. And now's the time I pay it forward. 'Least I think so.
- Ichiban waking up on the beach naked becomes this when it's revealed Chitose was the one who did it. How? Ichiban told her that he's wearing a necklace filled with Arakawa's ashes to give to Akane later... and it's the only thing Ichiban still has on him.
- At the end of the Chapter 11, Yamai encourages Ichiban to talk with Akane, and he finally gets a moment to chat with his possible birth mother. He thanks her for bringing him into this world and presents her the necklace filled with Arakawa's ashes. She breaks down in tears, thanking him.
- The final night before the raid on Nele Island sees Kiryu and Ichiban talking together about the future. Kiryu reflects on what he has to do to handle the past sins of the Yakuza but asks Ichiban to handle what is to come. This is someone who has for the longest time not stopped fighting and doing everything on his own terms, not even an open bullet wound could stop him before. With all that has happened and Ichiban's tenacity, success and good character he entrusts his future will to Ichiban, who recognizes he wants the same as Kiryu in his own way. Ichiban accepts so long as Kiryu doesn't stop fighting in another way...for his life. The talk between the two dragons feels a little like Kiryu is handing the torch to him.
- On the same note, the Heroes of Tomorrow, plus Kiryu, Akane and Lani reuniting in the castle and sharing a good time, after the hellstorm they had to survive the last few days, they deserve that break. Bonus points for the homeless leader bringing in drinks for the adults and softs for Lani.
- Just before Team Kiryu starts their raid on the Millenium Tower, Kiryu expresses reticence at the idea of everyone risking their lives for his sake. Everyone then emphatically declares that they're with him to the end, not because he's the Dragon of Dojima, not because he's the 4th Chairman of the Tojo Clan, but because he's Kazuma Kiryu: their friend. This visibly touches Kiryu, who's been operating as a lone wolf for most of his life, even to the point of giving up his identity.Nanba: They say you're some legendary yakuza, but, for me, that just doesn't fit the bill. The Kiryu I know? He loves good booze and karaoke, and he throws a hell of a punch. He's also a friend like no other. That sound about right?
- Kiryu's final fate, as bittersweet as it is. His cancer has left him wheelchair-bound, but thanks to Ichiban's advice, he's decided to live for his own sake and starts getting treatment. The Daidoji have restored his name, thus allowing him to spend the rest of his days not as Joryu, not as Taichi Suzuki, but as Kazuma Kiryu, no longer forbidden from connecting with his family as shown in the final scene, revealing Haruka visiting the hospital with Haruto. The Dragon of Dojima may be no more, but Kazuma Kiryu finally gets to live on, being able to be at peace at last and spend his remaining time with those he love and cared for.Doctor: Could you please state your full name, sir?Kiryu: [with a soft but firm voice] Kiryu... Kazuma Kiryu.
- As a bonus is the achievement that pops up to spell it out for you if the meaning got blurred with everyone calling him Kiryu during the game: "The Man Who Regained His Name", implying the Daidouji have let him free to live once more and he will not be punished for reuniting with Haruka. He's finally free and Ichiban is there to look after the future for him.
- During that scene, we finally see Haruka's face again, who now looks more like her mother Yumi thanks to her new hairstyle. In addition, Haruto refers to Kiryu as "grandpa".
Side Content
- For the first time since Yakuza 0, JUDGEMENT ~Shinpan~ makes a return as a karaoke number that Kiryu can perform. It bears noting that ever since the events of the first game, Kiryu hasn't ever found a reason to sing the song again due to the grief of losing Nishiki on both fronts. So seeing him sing it once more (now with Ichiban in Nishiki's place, appropriately enough) in this game brings a certain kind of warmth to one's heart since Ichiban couldn't be any more like how Kiryu knew his long-deceased old friend from his glory days.
- Additionally, once Kiryu reunites with Kashiwagi at Survive, any time Kiryu sings JUDGEMENT ~Shinpan~ at Survive, Kashiwagi once again appears playing the keyboard just like he did 35 years ago.
- The "A Love As Sweet As Lemons" substory has Ichiban helping a little boy sell lemonade so he can buy a tiara for his teacher before she moves.
- "The More, The Plumeria" substory. Ichiban encounters a girl named Aina who has a crush on her friend Yuri. His friend Jessie is moving soon, so she wants to make a blue plumeria lei for him to confess his feelings, as legends says it's supposed to bring couples together. Ichiban helps her, only for things take a funny turn when it's revealed "Jessie" is actually a married guy and Yuri's dance teacher. Despite the misunderstanding, Yuri places the lei on Aina's neck, showing that he does return her feelings.
- The "Rise and Grind" substory features Ichiban encounter a comedian turned cafe owner named Mameoka following internet slander and is being harassed by journalists. Eventually, Ichiban discovers the culprit behind the journalists was Mameoka's old partner Sorata, and after a tense fight, Ichi watched the two partners reconcile, with Sorata pointing out the cafe's name was Soramame after their old double act. The story ends with the partners working at the cafe and they have named a coffee blend in honor of Ichiban.
- Remember Nancy the Crawfish? Tuns out, Ichiban has been keeping her as a pet ever since the events of Like a Dragon (despite his rather limited means), and he even decides to take her along with him on his trip to Hawaii to see his mother. The little crustacean seems overjoyed to go on a trip with her master, and Ichiban is pretty happy to have Nancy along as well. The substory "Coming Out of Her Shell" also has her get a girlfriend, a hermit crab named Olivia. They're even available as a Poundmate duo!
- At the other's behest, Kiryu is recommended to a certain Ijincho weapons merchant. Understandably, Kiryu and Lau Ka Long come to blows after the fact, but when a defeated Lau tries to reveal he did in fact survive his presumed death in 2009, Kiryu simply reassures the former triad boss that their past is behind them.
- Remember Munan Suzuki? The guru of the phony religion that Majima had to save a young girl from in 0? Well, he's returned in this game and seems to be back to his old tricks, even after he infiltrated the cult alongside Kiryu in 6. Except he's actually demonstrating cult tactics for an educational online channel he now runs. Everything that's happened with both Majima and Kiryu has had such an impact on him that now he fights cults by making sure people don't fall in with them in the first place. Now that's a Heel–Face Turn!
- Several of Kiryu's Life Links sidequests has him (either on his own or with Date's assistance) coming across several friends and allies he's made over the course of the series and seeing how he has impacted their lives for the better. These include:
- As confirmed in Gaiden, Taichi is now a firefighter in Okinawa and has inherited Kiryu's desire to protect the innocent. He explains to Date that whenever he has to run into danger, he thinks about Uncle Kaz and what he would do before he charges in, and Kiryu (in disguise) is touched by the sentiment.
- Kazuki and Yuya saved Stardust from the Jingweon Mafia and restored the club to its former glory, and they give all their thanks to Kiryu wherever he may be. Yuya is even saving a bottle of top-shelf booze just on the off chance Kiryu walks through the door one day.
- Yuki, Koyuki, and Youda took over Four Shine after Kiryu left Sotenbori, starting a fifteen year reign as the #1 Hostess Club in the city before Yuki and Youda retired. Koyuki is overjoyed to see Kiryu again in Kamurocho (unaware that he's supposed to be dead) and happily shows off the new Kamurocho branch of Four Shine she's in the process of opening.
- Shizuko (the little girl whom Kiryu comforted as Ono Michio in Yakuza 6) survived her surgery and is now a bright young woman looking to start a career in medicine, which she owes all to Kiryu and Ono Michio.
- Pocket Circuit Fighter is now the President of the Pocket Circuit League, and it's shown he still carries around a photo of him and Kiryu from the 80s in his pocket. As Kiryu watches from an alley, the Fighter wishes that Kiryu would return one day and they could race and have fun again like they did in the old days.
- The Hirose Family are now respected members of the Yomei Alliance, enough that Matsunaga and Tagashira are chosen representatives from Hiroshima to investigate the Seiryu's plans. They miss Kiryu and Yuta, but they are proud to have known the former and are happy the latter has found his happiness with Haruka down in Okinawa (and it's implied they see right through Kiryu's Paper-Thin Disguise and enjoyed one last drink with him).
- The mere existence of the Life Links alone is heartwarming. Date knows that the Daidoji would be pissed if Kiryu started mingling with people he knew before he faked his death, but he still goes through with getting in touch with everyone. Why? Because he's Kiryu's friend. Date knows full-well that he's taking a massive personal risk by doing this. But he wants to see Kiryu get closure before the end, and realize the impact his life has had on other people.
- Nanba's Drink Link focuses on him talking about the job he lost thanks to the Tatara Channel drama, a girl he was friends with during his time there named Miyabi, who was working there after getting fired as a secretary, and how through his talks with Kiryu he slowly realizes there's probably more to the story than that. Eventually he confronts the man who fired him, and learns the real reason behind it.note Nanba starts laughing it off, and reveals the real reason why he wanted the truth. Not to get his job back, not to get Miyabi's secretary job back (though that was certainly a factor, and he makes sure to get that done too). No, the reason he was so determined was so that he could confidently tell Ichiban that it wasn't his fault Nanba got fired. Nanba knew that Ichiban would never accept that unless Nanba could prove it truly had nothing to do with him, so he set out to get that proof.
- He also revealed to Kiryu in the final Link that his head knew full well that (even if it is related to Tatara Channel) none of this is Ichiban's fault, but he is also afraid that he might unintentionally take it out on Ichiban someday. When everything is settled, he cried and told Kiryu: "I am so glad that I did not blame Ichiban! He is innocent after all!" This job meant a lot for Nanba and it is only human to be resentful of the situation that he is caught in. Even so, Nanba treasured his friendship with Ichiban above all else.
- Kiryu's drink link with Saeko epitomizes heartwarming. Kiryu is essentially a Shipper on Deck for Ichiban and Saeko. The talk between Kiryu and Saeko is incredibly scripted not because he's trying to defend Kasuga's terribly worded proposal but rather telling Saeko that time won't wait for her to acknowledge whether she reciprocates Ichiban's feelings.Kiryu: I've spent a lot of time with Kasuga in Hawaii. His awkwardness aside, I do admire his passion. And by now, after having a few drinks with you… I can imagine what sort of date you went on and what you guys talked about. I'm sure he was spinning his wheels, trying so hard to convince you. Unfortunately… Every point he made to win you over all meant the same thing: that there won't be a single con. And that wasn't what you wanted to hear when he was proposing, was it? But you can't bring yourself to tell him that you wanted to hear something else. Because of that, you've spent all this time not talking to Kasuga.Saeko: You really think so? Actually, maybe you're right. Maybe that's what this is all about.Kiryu: I can't answer that question for you, but I do have one piece of advice for you.Saeko: Okay?Kiryu: Nobody knows when their life will be over. One day, you might be told your days are numbered.Saeko: Kiryu-San…Kiryu: When you're young, you think you have all the time in the world. But the clock's ticking. I don't recommend you ending things the way they are.
- After Kiryu's advice to Saeko she likens Kiryu to her grandfather. Kiryu is a bit embarrassed to be seen as a grandfather to an adult woman older than his surrogate daughter Haruka but accepts the compliment regardless.
- While overwhelmingly heartwarming, the talk Kiryu gives to Saeko also kind of crosses into Tear Jerker territory when you realize Kiryu is giving Ichiban and Saeko the chance to develop the relationship he was never able to with his first love Yumi and his second love Kaoru.
- Jo Amon's parting words to Kiryu on it's face may seem like another threat to kill him, but he follows up and says that illness shouldn't be the one to end him. Then asks Kiryu to remember that. In their own roundabout way the Amon clan is telling Kiryu to fight and not to let cancer take him.
Gameplay/Trailer
- The Dondoko Island trailer starts with Ichiban affectionately petting the back of a dolphin.
- In another part of the trailer, we see Nanba, Adachi, and Saeko strolling along the beach with Ichiban, ready for another adventure.
- Choosing to take a tour at Alo-Happy to acquire a new class shows Ichiban and the current party members having fun on said tour, cutting loose and obviously having a great time.
The Big Swell DLC
- In Premium Adventure, the Heroes of Tomorrow are having a vacation in Hawaii with all members from both Ichiban and Kiryu's parties finally together after being separated for most of the main story. After all of the things the party went through, they deserved to have fun as they continue to improve their bonds and getting stronger by fighting through the eponymous Big Swell dungeon.
