Chapter 1: Kiryu and the Phantom Ruby
I do not own any of the characters, series, or anything involved with the story/overall arc. All of the characters, series, etc. belong to their respective owners.
This is a work of fanfiction. Any resemblances to actual people, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Furthermore, there is actual source material from the games that I've been using to write, but have been rewritten to avoid strong spoilers for the sake of story. Be warned that there's partial TRUE spoilers in there. I've also written fake spoilers just to be safe.
Additionally, This fanfiction does reevaluate the relationship between Kiryu and Haruka. It exceeded my expectations as far as family relationships goes…This work is just a re-interpretation of Yakuza/Like a Dragon.
On top of that, the cover for this fanfiction is from an earlier idea that didn't make it into the final story. The cover itself is still relevant to the final story.
Thank you for reading this disclaimer, apologies for it being long, and enjoy the story!
After Kazuma Kiryu had met Akame-san's Hideout in Sotenbori at night, Kiryu decided that before he goes to sleep on the couch to rest up for tomorrow in order to find Hanawa, he wanted to walk out and drink for a bit at Stijl bar.
While walking at the Bishamon Bridge, he encounters Dr. Eggman. Dr. Eggman sees Kiryu and asks, "Hey, excuse me sir? Are you…Kiryu Kazuma?".
In an attempt to deny his identity out of his children's safety in Okinawa and under the orders of the Daidoji Faction, Kiryu dismissed, "Sorry…you must've mistaken me for somebody else. I'm not actually the Kiryu Kazuma that you're looking for.".
Dr. Eggman didn't buy his answer and told him, "But Kiryu-san, I know who your children are…they've taken good care of me in the Morning Glory Orphanage. I am Dr. Eggman-sama and I am grateful for not only Haruka taking care of me, but Ayako, Taichi, Koji, Mitsuo, Riona, Eri, Shiro, Izumi, and even Haruto. Your dog Mame just hated me.".
Kiryu looked stunned and didn't know how to respond to Dr. Eggman's gratefulness of being taken care of by his children, never mind his entry to the Morning Glory Orphanage although he DOES have questions about Dr. Eggman's involvement with the Morning Glory Orphanage.
Dr. Eggman continued, "I also know some of your friends Yuta, Aragaki Mikio, Nakahara, and Saki. They're all in the Ryudo Family. Not only Nakahara-san is the patriarch of the Ryudo Family, but he's the landowner which the Morning Glory Orphanage is built on top of. Recently, the Daidoji Faction has destroyed the Ryudo Family who don't want them on their land for loitering around the orphanage, scaring the dog, and children becoming more cautious of their lives. The truth is, you have to get out of the Daidoji Faction Kiryu-san. Your children don't think that you're dead because of a targeted-attack on the Ryudo Family.".
Kiryu looked really shocked and this time, he asks, "...What did the Daidoji Family want from the Ryudo Family?".
Dr. Eggman sincerely replied, "I…I don't really know. I honestly thought they were really coming after me…I used to work at the Daidoji Faction before managing to escape from their invasive grip on my privacy…I wanted to turn my original universe into 'Eggmanland' where I'm the brainchild of my heart and soul! Not only that, I was hoping to integrate another universe as part of my plans to open up 'Eggmanland', but it's all no good thanks to that blue hedgehog…and those police officers…".
Kiryu sternly questioned, "I'm not interested in hearing about your plans to turn a universe into 'Eggmanland'. What I'm interested in is about your connection to the Daidoji Faction and why did you actually escape from them?".
Dr. Eggman replied, "I…I confessed my theory to Tsuruno, hoping that it was enough for the Watase Family from the Omi Alliance to be thrown off by my actual plans. I was caught by him at Isezaki Ijincho and he wanted to know the same thing about my connections to the Daidoji Faction. I told him my same story on how I ended up at the orphanage and why the Daidoji Faction is connected to you. Haruka suggested that you might be connected to them because you owe them debt and they're worried that they're gonna be targeted once again, stunning the children's growth for the future.".
Kiryu understood what Dr. Eggman said, but he pressured Dr. Eggman by asking, "Look, I'm glad that Haruka knows that I'm still around and that my children are starting to become adults and teenagers. Please, Dr. Eggman-san, I'm going to ask you one more time: What made you actually leave the Daidoji Faction? Why did you tell Tsuruno-san about where I actually am? How did you actually end up in the Morning Glory Orphanage? Give me a straight answer and stop beating around the bushes Dr. Eggman-san.", and Kiryu started to look frustrated.
Dr. Eggman angrily answered him, "I refuse to elaborate here! How about I knock you out and come with me to escape from the evil Daidoji Faction's grip on you!? How dare you disrespect me by not calling my actual name, Kiryu-chan!? Time to teach you a lesson on respecting your elders!", and he's started to give his fighting pose to him.
Kiryu then does his fighting pose, gives a fierce look, and tells him, "Alright then, let's see if I can get more answers out from you Dr. Eggman-san! Come at me!".
The battle at the Bishimon Bridge is on and the two were moving around, trying to find an opening to hit each other. Dr. Eggman made his first move, trying to punch Kiryu in the face. Dr. Eggman does a triple punch, but Kiryu shielded himself from damage.
Kiryu then does the rush combo as an agent, does a punch, and a kick with a blue streak being seen fighting as a double finisher in an Agent Style towards Dr. Eggman. Dr. Eggman was knocked onto the pavement very hard.
Dr. Eggman gets back up and he sees Kiryu using his Serpent Gadget. Kiryu is using his pair of shoes equipped with a small jet spray mechanism and was about to be tackled by him. Kiryu misses him. Dr. Eggman once again gives his rush combos of 3 punches. It landed on a blow towards Kiryu's back, causing him to fall down.
Dr. Eggman then kicked Kiryu before getting up. Kiryu then switches from his agent style of fighting to his yakuza style of fighting. Kiryu then does the rush combo once again to Dr. Eggman, landing a successful hit. Then he manages to do an uppercut, a roundhouse kick, and a flying spinning kick, thus giving him the Triple finisher under the red streaks of light.
Dr. Eggman had flown down from Kiryu's attack. Dr. Eggman had enough and he had emitted a very red aura around him. Dr. Eggman was ready to tackle and ram Kiryu towards the wall of Cabaret Grand. Dr. Eggman then runs. Unfortunately for Dr. Eggman, Kiryu does the Ultimate Counter behind Dr. Eggman's back by punching him through the side. Dr. Eggman got knocked off, causing him to fly for a moment and fall near the Kinryu Ramen Restaurant.
Dr. Eggman then stood back up, trying to punch Kiryu's face, but Kiryu managed to dodge in time. Kiryu to then give him the essence of Finishing Blow, causing Dr. Eggman to scream, "NNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!", and the battle between the two has ended in Kiryu's favor.
Dr. Eggman got up covering his stomach with his right hand, looking very tired, and having blood in his mouth. Dr. Eggman exclaimed, "Okay! Okay! I'll talk more about my connection with Daidoji Faction, but can we talk about it somewhere quiet then Kiryu-san? Please?!".
Kiryu calmly replied, "Alright, we can discuss this inside the Stijl Bar, Dr. Eggman-san, and I'm expecting you to have your answers ready for my questions.", and they both went into the Stijl Bar to get a drink. Dr. Eggman is still clutching his stomach while walking to the bar.
Kiryu and Dr. Eggman were drinking some alcohol together. Kiryu then asks, "Alright, here's the question: What made you actually leave the Daidoji Faction in the first place Dr. Eggman-san?".
Dr. Eggman answered, "Well…I joined forces with the Daidoji Faction in 2014 when I worked with that beast…I couldn't believe that his son had worked with the Tojo Clan to destroy my plans of putting 'Eggmanland' in not only his universe, but my universe as well, and have his minions joined in the 'real world' to go do some plan of plotting a coup...".
Kiryu drank and commented, "Wow…I didn't think Daidoji had serious interest in your…wait, what kind of project is 'Eggmanland' about anyway Dr. Eggman-san?".
Dr. Eggman drank for a bit, and then said, "Finally, you're now interested to hear about 'Eggmanland' Kiryu-san. Good. Make sure you listen, okay? Here it goes: It's a robotic utopia that I wanted to build as my capital city for the Eggman Empire that I'll establish to take over the world, Kiryu-san! When I saw the Tojo Clan making a move with the assistance of the robbers, I decided to make my move to find the opposing group of the Tojo Clan besides police officers.".
Kiryu then finished off with, "So that's how you've decided to meet with the Daidoji Faction?".
Dr. Eggman replied, "Yes. Specifically, I was looking for someone to fill up my war chest against that beast and his son. I've then met up with a guy named Hanawa Kihei…I've proposed this idea to Hanawa-san about how building 'Eggmanland' could help destroy the Tojo Clan's control of Japan. Hanawa-san bought the idea under one condition: I have to pay them money which…as you can guess, I don't have it or at least, I don't have their currency. I decided to propose 3 things for them: I'll give my knowledge of tech to them so that they can use it to their advantage for free, I'll kidnap a girl for their pleasure, and I'll take the Princess away from her universe by kidnapping. I was hoping it's a done deal with Daidoji Faction…but I was mistaken.".
Kiryu commented, "Oh? And what would cause you to regret that decision later on?", looking quite intrigued about Dr. Eggman's regrets.
Dr. Eggman asked the bartender for a refill. The bartender then refills it for him and Dr. Eggman pays more of it to the bartender. The Bartender accepts the cash and Dr. Eggman drinks some more before stating, "...I've failed to kidnap the princess and the girl for the Daidoji Faction. I was hoping that maybe I could be providing tech for their long-term goals for about 2 more years. It really wasn't enough for them and as a result of it, I unintentionally trapped myself with a huge debt from them for a long time…until I managed to break out before I met you, Kiryu-san. You're probably wondering how I've escaped from that?".
Dr. Eggman and Kiryu drank some more before Dr. Eggman continued to tell, "If there's one thing I never told the Daidoji Faction about my secret ability: I can make fake powerful jewelry for a reason. In my earlier years, I have kidnapped a girl and a bird. The bird has that powerful jewel that I need to power a living creature. I made a fake one when I was in a space station. I've developed my secret powerful jewel under their noses. It was a success! I know you haven't heard of me before, but that's because I've managed to escape from the Daidoji Faction before you even came into the picture Kiryu-san!".
Kiryu drank and commented, "Wow… I only heard about the Daidoji Faction when I was in Onomichi looking for my daughter. I had no idea you'd already escaped from them with a powerful jewel. What exactly does the powerful jewel do anyway Dr. Eggman-san?".
Dr. Eggman happily responded, "I'm glad you ask Kiryu-san, I have managed to develop one of the powerful jewels that I used to have in my possession and it's called the Phantom Ruby. I've developed a prototype version of it while I was trapped in the Daidoji Faction in secret. When I managed to do so after I'd refined it very carefully to not bring attention to anyone, I was able to lose them and transport myself back to another universe with that prototype and finish it in the Mystic Jungle.".
Kiryu drank for a moment before commenting, "Okay…so you've managed to transport back to your universe, but I don't understand why you end up at the Morning Glory Orphanage? Did you use your Phantom Ruby to transport you there Dr. Eggman-san?", and he started to look quite stern about his motives.
Dr. Eggman drank more and said, "Kiryu-san, I'll admit that I've been knocked out once again by that blue hedgehog and I've used the original source of the Phantom Ruby's last power to transport myself somewhere before I've managed to land myself in an unknown ocean. I…I almost died at night when according to Haruka, she took me in with the kids. That's how I ended up meeting with everyone at the orphanage that night and the following day.".
Kiryu nodded and asked the bartender to fill up more drinks for the two of them. Kiryu drinks, then asks the following question, "How long did you end up staying at the Morning Glory Orphanage Dr. Eggman-san?".
Dr. Eggman drank some more before answering, "2 years Kiryu-san. I've helped everyone out in the Morning Glory Orphanage and Haruka requested me to search for you within my technical prowess. Haruka also tells me to find a job to not only help feed the children, but to also help with the maintenance costs for the Morning Glory Orphanage and so, I've straight up joined the Ryudo Family with Nakahara-san being the boss for me. They wanted the Ryudo Family to have the technical prowess skills of mine with the alliance from the Hirose Family from Onomichi, Hiroshima thanks to the connection that Yuta-san have.".
Kiryu drank and commented, "Well…I'm glad that you're supporting the children of the Morning Glory Orphanage…did you happen to notice any of the Daidoji Faction in the last 2 years?".
Dr. Eggman quickly replied, "Yes. There were Daidoji Factions in Okinawa and Onomichi Kiryu-san. The 2 families and I were working together to get rid of them. Recently, there were more people from the Daidoji Faction coming to those 2 places. I was worried that I'm being targeted this time. I tried to find the sources of Daidoji Faction and I found out that they've recently been targeting Isezaki Ijincho. I headed there and I had to make my secret hideout under the parking garage at southwest Ijincho.".
Kiryu guessed that Tsuruno and/or the Omi Alliance was there because of his encounter. Kiryu then stated, "You told me earlier that you've confessed this mess towards Tsuruno-san?".
Dr. Eggman nodded and said, "We first met when the Omi Alliance parked their cars in the parking garage, loitering, and smoking in there when Tsuruno got into my secret hideout. I introduced myself the same way I introduced myself to you. I called him rude because they're smoking near my hideout, Tsuruno invading my space, and telling him off regarding my name. As a result, Tsuruno-san and I fought and…", Dr. Eggman looked and sounded disgusted before continuing, "You know what happened Kiryu-san.", and stopped because Dr. Eggman wasn't too proud of it afterwards.
Kiryu figured it out and told him, "And that's how you ended up confessing to Tsuruno-san, right Dr. Eggman-san?".
Dr. Eggman drank more, sighs, and grumbly replied, "...Yes. I've confessed to Tsuruno-san about everything that we're talking about right now Kiryu-san except the Phantom Ruby obviously. It was either the children or the powerful jewel, so I obviously chose the former. I don't want him using the power of my tech prowess for them.".
Kiryu became quite bitter. Dr. Eggman defended, "However, I did tell him about my theories of YOU being in the Daidoji Faction somehow and they bought that idea. Of course, I'll admit it was a lie towards the Omi Alliance Captain so I can plan my escape and it was a success while they were out, trying to get you!", and he laughed at that moment.
Kiryu doesn't want to have a drink with him anymore and he politely said to Dr. Eggman, "My children had nothing to do with the Yakuza business, Dr. Eggman-san. Leave them out of it. If I heard that you've mentioned my children towards another yakuza family again, I'll refuse to work with you for the rest of my days. If you'll excuse me, I have to go to bed right now Dr. Eggman-san. Good night.", and he left the bar without paying, causing the Bartender to tell Dr. Eggman to pay up for the drinks and he screamed at that.
Kiryu was outside of the Suijl Bar, walking back to Akame's Hideout while angrily thinking, "Dr. Eggman-san, if I see you trying to bring up my children in a context of scapegoating them to avoid facing your consequences within the yakuza, especially to ANY of the families, I'll beat you up to a pulp, to the point that you won't be walking freely anymore…".
Kiryu then takes a taxi from the northwestern to the southeastern end of Sotenbori where he's able to quickly get back to Akemi's Hideout in preparation for going to The Castle soon. Kiryu then takes a rest on the couch, calming himself down from what just happened tonight.
After some time has passed, Kiryu is at the VIP Lounge with Tsuruno and Dr. Eggman. Tsuruno had talked about his plans regarding the Omi Alliance to Kiryu. Tsuruno finishes off with, "...Then we'd be right back at square one.".
Dr. Eggman then added, "In addition to the plan, I've heard that Nishitani has a connection with the Daidoji Faction and Aoki Ryo. Aoki is a Governor of Tokyo who has connections to a lot of people via Bleach Japan. Bleach Japan is a group of people that wants to get rid of 'gray zones' by targeting prostitutes, foreigners, and the homeless people. They wanted to be seen portraying themselves as the good guys by allowing the Kamurocho 3K plan to be executed.".
Kiryu understood that concept alone. Dr. Eggman continued, "But behind the scenes Kiryu-san, they were allying with the Omi Alliance with of course, Nishitani and the Kijin Clan being connected to this with the support from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Superintendent General: Horinouchi Juro and of course, Daidoji Faction's manager: Hanawa Kihei. All of them are powerful figures that have connections to one another.".
Kiryu looked down at his feet, thinking that not only the TMPD Superintendent General was involved, but his manager as well. Kiryu bitterly asks, "Why does Hanawa and the police superintendent general want to work out with Nishitani? What would be the benefit for them?".
Dr. Eggman sadly replied, "Let's start off with the TMPD Superintendent General Kiryu-san. In summary, the general is corrupted because of payments being received by Aoki for ignoring the expansion of the Omi Alliance while ignoring the parts of the entire Kamurocho 3K plan which it's supposed to prosecute the yakuza. The Tojo Clan were one of them.".
Kiryu seems sad about it. Dr. Eggman continued, "Before I get to talk about Hanawa, I wanted to say that I'm sorry for referring your children towards the Watase Family. Kiryu-san, I didn't mean to put your children in any danger. I was hoping that they didn't know my secret about…".
Tsuruno finished off, "...your Phantom Ruby, and of course, we've figured it out from him thanks to the materials that the Watase Family has been researching for your belongings. Look, we know that your children really have nothing to do with any of our family-related businesses, but unfortunately…they've noticed about the Daidoji Faction and Dr. Eggman-san is part of the problem regarding the safety for your children in Okinawa.".
Kiryu is feeling quite frustrated that they have to bring up children as part of their business when it shouldn't be part of it. Kiryu really didn't like that out of concerns regarding their wellbeing. Kiryu then questioned, "Dr. Eggman-san, let me ask you this: were the Daidoji Faction going after you, the other family, the Phantom Ruby, or after my children in the Morning Glory Orphanage?".
Dr. Eggman sheepishly answered, "All of them are correct Kiryu-san…I'm sorry. Just please let me tell you what happened at the orphanage recently and how I used my Phantom Ruby to save them from danger. I'm sure you'll understand my approach soon enough, Kiryu-san.".
Dr. Eggman stayed silent for one moment before starting off with, "To begin with, after I've left the Suijl Bar, I had to come back to the Morning Glory Orphanage to tell the children, Haruka, and Haruto that you're still alive via my Egg Mobile that I've built for as my vehicle. A lot of them were concerned about the people who were outside the orphanage.".
Kiryu then questioned, "Was it the Daidoji Faction that happened to be there?".
Dr. Eggman responded, "Yep. They were at the orphanage a few days ago. Haruka tells me about her worries regarding how the Daidoji Faction might jeopardize the children of the Morning Glory Orphanage's future. It's clear that they're tired of dealing with the past from the yakuza thanks to you. Haruka doesn't hold a grudge against you Kiryu-san, but other children are very worried about their reputation. They've already been cast-aside in society.".
Kiryu lowered his head down out of shame that he couldn't completely prevent his adopted children from encountering the dealings of the yakuza. He did this for a few moments before he raised his head back up, asking Dr. Eggman, "...How badly have the children dealt with the Daidoji Faction?".
Dr. Eggman nervously replied, "Well…your children usually seem to be tolerant of the yakuza, but lately, there's a growing issue of their reputation being known in Okinawa. Haruka asks me if the Ryudo Family would do anything about this. I went to their headquarters, telling them about the situation. The Ryudo Family asked for alliance with the Hirose Family so that they have enough men to deal with the Daidoji Faction. Long story short, we've managed to defeat the Daidoji Faction in Okinawa…with the loss of Nakahara, Matsunaga, and…Usami Yuta-san.".
Kiryu stayed silent for a moment, looking quite sad in the process. Dr. Eggman then stops to catch his breath before continuing, "Saki & Mikio were heavily injured when trying to protect the children of the Morning Glory Orphanage from those bastards. The children believed that they're really in danger to the point that they've asked me to use the Phantom Ruby to transport them out of trouble before it gets to the point where they'll receive irreversible damage towards their future goals & dreams thanks to the Daidoji Faction.".
Tsuruno looked shocked and questioned, "Are you serious Dr. Eggman-san?". Kiryu felt quite gloomy about hearing all of it.
Dr. Eggman replied, "I'm very serious, Tsuruno-san. I was hoping I'd use it on myself to get out of here, but it's clear that the kids weren't my enemies compared to the Daidoji Faction…and that blue hedgehog…and those police officers…anyway, with Haruka's approval, I transported everyone to another universe. I also transport Haruka with Haruto to another universe. I did the same thing to Saki and Mikio a few days later. I hope that everyone has been transported into the same universe. At the very least, they should be safe from the Daidoji Faction and that blue hedgehog by now. I hope that you understand how serious this is Kiryu-san.".
Kiryu was so stunned by what he had just heard about the Morning Glory Orphanage that Dr. Eggman decided to say, "...Kiryu-san? I-uh, have some good news about it though. It's no consolation, but there's a video that I got from a camera that's been monitoring your 'grave'.", and he shows him the video towards Kiryu which got him intrigued about it at least.
After Dr. Eggman shows a video to Kiryu, Kiryu tries his best to not cry at all considering where he's at and who he's with. Kiryu asks Tsuruno, "May I ask you to get me some drinks please Tsuruno-san?".
Tsuruno was silent for a few moments before saying, "Uh, I'll give it my shot, but please try to keep it together Kiryu-san. This is serious business after all and I haven't even started talking more about Nishitani.", and Tsuruno ordered the waiter for some drinks while Kiryu had managed to keep himself together.
Dr. Eggman lowered his head down towards Kiryu and told him, "Look, I'm very sorry that it has to happen this way. I'd be willing to call the police regarding this incident, but Horinouchi, the TMPD Superintendent General would force them to look away from crimes, thus having Hanawa be the man to enforce that rule and letting Nishitani get away with his crimes.".
Kiryu replied to Dr. Eggman in a somber tone, "I understand Dr. Eggman-san. At least my children don't have to really worry about what I'm going through with these kinds of people.". The waiter then got some drinks for them before Tsuruno continued to talk about Nishitani…
After some more time had passed, they were about to walk out of the Omi Alliance HQ in Sotenbori when suddenly, a black limo arrived at the front of an entrance to the Omi Alliance HQ. It was revealed that Dr. Eggman is driving in it while Akame is in there with him.
Dr. Eggman tells everyone, "Let's get outta here!".
Akame exclaimed, "I brought ya a change of clothes, Watase-san!".
Kiryu walked towards the limo, telling Dr. Eggman, "How awfully considerate…".
Dr. Eggman told everyone outside, "Come on, get in!", and he started to feel quite impatient. Akame isn't impressed with Dr. Eggman's behavior.
Dr. Eggman looked inside the car and commented, "This car might be a tight fit...", and they've gotten inside the limo. When everyone's in there, Dr. Eggman had driven away from the Omi Alliance HQ at full speed.
After some more time had passed, Dr. Eggman was talking to Seonhee about his plans to take over the world in the surveillance room, which Seonhee finds hard to believe. Then, Kiryu came inside the surveillance room which he brought Kasuga and his friends with.
Seonhee turned around to see Kasuga and his friends and greeted them with, "Good timing.".
Kasuga replied, "Seonhee.".
Seonhee tells Kasuga, "This guy had a request. He wanted us to look into something that's gonna happen in Ijincho before it hits. ".
Kasuga questioned, "Before it hits?".
Seonhee confirms it and discusses the situation that Kasuga and his friends are currently facing. It's clear that it had importance to them.
Kasuga finishes off, "...That's his next move? Are you sure?", and he turned towards Kiryu.
Kiryu answered, "I told you to think it through, just like Dr. Eggman-san here.", and he showed Dr. Eggman to Kasuga and his friends.
Dr. Eggman replied, "Hello, I'm Dr. Eggman-sama, the greatest scientific genius in the world! I'll be happy to give you some advice here: If you are unsure about it, don't give up. Just remember that even if you're wrong, it's just a bit of a setback. Now, if you can do a favor for me while you're at it, find that blue hedgehog and kill him for me, will ya?", and smiles towards him.
Kasuga and the rest of the gang are not impressed with Dr. Eggman's request regarding killing a blue hedgehog. Kasuga answered, "No. We're not going to kill Sonic the Hedgehog. He's not our enemy.", and the rest of the party agreed with him. Dr. Eggman looked disappointed.
Even Kiryu is disgusted at Dr. Eggman's selfishness. Kiryu turned to Kasuga and questioned, "After everything you've seen and heard, would you drop it if I said I wasn't sure?".
Kasuga didn't respond to that for a moment. Kiryu then answered, "Personally, I don't think you're that kinda guy.".
Kasuga then countered, "Fine. In that case, do you two mind giving us a hand? It'd be pretty great having guys like you on our side.".
Kiryu replied, "I can't do that.".
Dr. Eggman answered, "Neither can I Kasuga-san.".
Kasuga looked stunned and questioned, "Huh?".
Kiryu added, "Kasuga. This is as far as I can take it. Anything more than this would already be further a breach of contract that I'm currently dealing with.".
Dr. Eggman also added, "Me too. I'm already dealing with my own troubles and having associations with a lot of people that are quite shady.".
Kasuga questioned, "Sure, by who though?".
Seonhee replied, "The Fixer's men.".
Kasuga kept asking, "The Fixer? Who the hell are they?".
Seonhee asks both Kiryu and Dr. Eggman, "Can't you two just tell him the story?".
Kiryu turned towards Kasuga and told him, "Kasuga. Everyone has things or people they treasure in life. You understand that?"
Kasuga thought about it and disappointedly replied, "Yeah…".
Kiryu continued, "I accepted that I would have to disappear in exchange for what I treasure. In other words, I'm not supposed to exist anymore. So, if I get too involved, or reveal my identity…I can't say I disappeared anymore.".
Kasuga looked stunned and questioned, "What do you mean?".
Dr. Eggman said, "From my experience dealing with this, the military had breached a contract with my grandfather, causing him to go mad. This situation's already just messed up dealing with people who'd collude with the yakuza and corrupt government officials, Kasuga-san.".
Kiryu then asks Kasuga, "When you fought me, what did you feel?".
Kasuga then answered, "Well, uh…I could feel how strong you were. That you're the real deal.".
Kiryu then added, "Heh. Thanks. I got a feel for you too. For now, you've got ways to go…But someday, you'll become 'the Real Deal'. I didn't fight you there to be a winner or a loser. It was to find out if we'd be able to trust each other.".
Kasuga partially understood this. Kiryu continued, "So trust me. Keep trusting your friends. Trust an offer from Dr. Eggman in the form of a temporary alliance. And keep moving. The path will lead you to becoming 'the Real Deal'.".
Kasuga still felt like he only partially understood. Kiryu then said to Kasuga, "This is goodbye. It's all in your hands now.", and he walked away from Kasuga and his friends.
Dr. Eggman also walked away, telling Kasuga one last thing, "Kasuga, if you can maintain your sanity, then you'll have an easier time dealing with insanity in the long run…", and walked out of the surveillance room.
After they walked out of the room, Zhao commented, "Seonhee. You know more about them than you're letting on. I can only really understand where Dr. Eggman-san is coming from, especially dealing with the fact that his grandfather is dealing with the loss of his granddaughter from the military. All that stuff about the damn Fixer…".
Seonhee replied, "You heard what they said. The former is a dead man walking. The latter is just 'some genius' who wants to build some 'amusement park' as a way to 'take over the world'. So we didn't see anything, and there's no good reason to tell anyone. The latter's appearance is just plain unbelievable to say the least. Isn't that good enough?".
Kasuga had thought for a moment before answering, "Yeah, that works for me.".
Zhao commented, "You're giving that one up surprisingly quick, aren't you?".
Kasuga replied, "Really? Still…I think we're gonna make progress if we follow their lead.". Kasuga and his friends were heading out of the surveillance room for their business.
After some more time has passed, Kasuga and his friends have defeated Shin Amon in the Arakawa Family office, and they've left the Millennium Tower for a second time. Shin Amon was sitting down in pain. Kiryu and Dr. Eggman walked up behind him.
Kiryu asks, "What'd you think? He was no pushover, right?".
Amon got up and commented, "...I suppose. I can see why you two respected him.". After he got up, Amon questioned Kiryu, "So you mean to pass on your legacy to him, then?".
Kiryu replied, "No need for that. He's not me. He's the man of his own making. And as to where he goes from here, it's up to him to forge his path. He's not my successor or my replacement. Kasuga Ichiban is Kasuga Ichiban. And if he makes the most out of an honest life, that'll be enough.".
Amon retorts, "Heh…I suppose you're right.". Amon then turns to Dr. Eggman and comments, "Well, I hope you understand the necessity of close combat Dr. Eggman-san. You'll be prepared in the long term if you want to defeat your worst enemy.".
Dr. Eggman grumbly answered, "Yeah, I guess you're right for once Amon. I just don't know for sure if I can properly approach that blue hedgehog without the fear of being constantly defeated in close combat without the assistance of my machines…he's a very fast blue hedgehog.".
Amon said, "Well…having something is better than nothing Dr. Eggman-san. You'll end up feeling prepared to fight back since I've defeated you before Kasuga came by with his friends. I hope that clears up any mishaps that you had in your mind.".
Dr. Eggman didn't look pleased, but Kiryu tells Amon, "Alright, we'll be heading to the top of the Millennium Tower if you need anything. See ya later…Amon Shin.", and both Dr. Eggman and Kiryu get out of the Arakawa Family Office.
At the top of the Millennium Tower, they're both standing on a helipad and Kiryu requested, "Alright Dr. Eggman-san, please use your Phantom Ruby to transport me to my children from the Morning Glory Orphanage!".
Dr. Eggman proudly holds the Phantom Ruby and…a ruby was "acting strange" and Kiryu ends up feeling quite trippy as a result. Kiryu all of a sudden, had felt the rain, the scent of that familiar atmosphere, and had been seen kneeling himself on Kamurocho's sidewalk. Kiryu saw people from 1988 walking under an umbrella.
Then, a mysterious man approaches and asks Kiryu, "Can you stand?".
Kiryu looked up to the mysterious man and was shocked to see him for the first time in 31 years. Kiryu exclaimed, "Tachibana-san!?". Kiryu had felt a mixture of emotions, but the majority of it was happiness and sadness.
The ruby was generating a form of augmented reality manipulation and then instigating the space-time altering powers that cause it to warp the fabric of space-time. Kiryu was screaming in the process, causing himself to disappear. The ruby then explodes and the piece where shattered before disappearing itself from existence.
Dr. Eggman commented, "...Good luck, Kiryu-san.", and he laughed afterwards.
Kiryu was transported into the real world where it was nighttime in the city. Kiryu was still kneeling and saw a lot of people walking through.
Kiryu wondered, "Where am I? Where did Dr. Eggman-san transport me to…? T-Tachibana-san? Where is he?...I don't see him anywhere now. That Phantom Ruby is something else after all…".
Kiryu quickly got up, looked for anything on where he might be, and tried to hide his sadness surrounding it. Kiryu then walked down the street. Kiryu was walking south and he looked to his left, he saw the Don Quijote Store, getting the sense of nostalgia in his mind. Kiryu thought, "D-Don Quijote, I haven't seen it in 3 long years! I gotta check in there and ask where I am!".
Kiryu went to the cashier and asked, "Hey, excuse me? I've kinda got lost in a city so…can you tell me where I am?".
Some of the customers seemed baffled by Kiryu's questions. The cashier said, "You are in Kabukicho, Shinjuku sir.".
Kiryu questioned, "Kabukicho?".
The cashier expanded, "Yes, it's according to the sign if you exit out of the Don Quijote Store and go straight to your right until you see the gate. Kiryu-san, Arigatogozaimashita.".
Kiryu then ran out of the Don Quijote store as fast as he could out of embarrassment of somebody knowing his name. The customers who were baffled to see Kiryu questioning the cashier, laughed at what they've seen, knowing Kazuma Kiryu.
Kiryu ran as fast as he could away from the store, still believing that he's undercover. Kiryu's running towards the sign that the cashier's talking about. When he got to see it, Kiryu read it as, "Kabukicho Ichiban-gai". Kiryu thought to himself, "How do I always end up back in this damn city, let alone another dimension…or is it called…another universe?".
Kiryu didn't feel too impressed on where he ended up. Kiryu then starts looking around to see where he can get more info. Kiryu found a colorful bar and he got some drinks. Kiryu noticed that it's expensive, but was willing to give it a shot. Kiryu wondered if the money he has would work in an alternate dimension/universe. Kiryu paid for it and he got some nice drinks.
Then a drunk guy got rowdy and long story short, Kiryu managed to defeat that rowdy drunk, but not before the police arrived and arrested both the rowdy drunk and Kiryu for assault, and they're taken away from the bar.
After the police realized that Kiryu, all of a sudden appeared in public without a lot of documentation, they decided to give him one under his real name thanks to having his last and first name ready. Long story short, Kiryu got a temporary I.D. on him.
The police officers ask him to find a home to live in and come back to them once they can determine the address. Kiryu agreed about this, but asks to spend in a hotel first just to get prepared for searching for an apartment. The police officers are fine with that.
Kiryu then left the Police Koban (Police Box) and he immediately went to Hotel Gracery where the Millennial Tower used to be at according to Kiryu and he registered to stay in the hotel room for a while. Kiryu was feeling quite tired about the situation that he's dealing with.
Will Kiryu ever find an apartment to live in Kabukicho? How will he spend those days living in the real world? Can Kiryu handle it long enough to search for his children? Find out next time on LIke a Dragon: A Hawaiian Trip!
Thanks for reading!
Author's Note: Since Yakuza/Like a Dragon usually takes place in Japan, referring to Sonic's Main Villain as Dr. Eggman is more appropriate than Dr. Robotnik. However, I'll acknowledge that other characters calling him "Dr. Eggman-san" is awkward.
When translated, it's Mr. Dr. Eggman and…that name existed in Sonic Prime. Also, the reason why Dr./Doctor stays as part of the name (in English on part of his Japanese name, mind you) instead of just being the title because SEGA of Japan doesn't really translate the title of Dr. Eggman and instead treats him as part of his name. The executives of SEGA of Japan must've had issues dealing with the Sonic series regarding their characters.
My sources for that were the Legend of Localization regarding how Dr. Robotnik turns into Dr. Eggman name in Japanese Sonic Adventure and a video of the Japanese Sonic Adventure gameplay in that same site, showing a cutscene where Dr. Eggman refers to himself as "Dr. Eggman-sama". It translated into Lord/Master Dr. Eggman. Again, SEGA of Japan is different from SEGA of America when dealing with characters.
Also, Seong-Hui is really Seonhee due to translation issues regarding a Korean name from a Japanese-developed game translated into an English name. It was shown as one of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Spotlight Trailers.
Finally, I'll address one more thing: I'm aware that the Phantom Ruby does virtual reality manipulation, but I addressed it as augmented reality. It accurately describes it when another reality is laid on top of another, whereas virtual reality is when an entirely new one is made. I got that from the trivia of Sonic Wiki in case anyone wants to know.
Alright, I do apologize for my notes being so long, but I had to address discrepancies. Thank you for reading this patiently.