Yakuza Tour Guide (18+)

8. Utsukushī Akage

*Additional info and translations in the comments!

As I'm busy getting my hair done, Tatsu is walking into the headquarters of the Habochi-zai clan, a small business office that's ten stories high and in the business district of Tokyo. Most of their dealings are in shady businesses, high-risk investments, and loans, so this location of headquarters makes sense. The men at the guarding the lobby know him and he's immediately led in and up to the tenth floor, where Shiroo Ottawa, the Oyuban of the clan, has his personal office.

The interior of the building is decadent, with solid wood and leather furnishings, as well as big, open views of the rest of the business district and the streets below. Despite all of this class, the majority of the men clustered in the area outside of the boss' office are sitting around with rolled-up sleeves smoking cigarettes and playing shogi with each other. When they see Tatsu, some of them, the ones who have been around for a while, stand up and bow.

There are a few raised eyebrows from the younger underlings who don't know any better. Why is everyone bowing to this guy who they've never seen around the headquarters before? Is he even a member of the clan? Tatsu unzips his jacket and informs one of the men, who is wearing an all-black suit, with a black shirt, black tie, and black sunglasses, that he's here to meet with the Oyuban and is expected. One of the Yakuza underlings walks by with a cup of tea and Tatsu stops him, leaning in and smelling it.

"It's too weak, you're gonna lose a finger if you give him that," He says, taking the saucer away and rolling his eyes at the guy in all black. "Tell the Oyuban I'll be in just a minute, I'm preparing him some tea."

A little while later, Tatsu enters the office of a surprisingly kind looking man. He is old, but still has thick gray hair that is quaffed nicely and big, round glasses that make him appear gentle and wise. He sits behind his large desk and smiles at Tatsu. "You know, I have people for that?"

"People who couldn't brew a cup of tea to save their life," he says, bringing over the tea, bowing deeply, and then standing at full attention.

"Sit and we will discuss our business, Tatsu." He waves Tatsu to the chair before his desk and has a sip of the tea. Hissing slightly, he sets it down and lets it cool down. "Too hot, just the way I like it."

Tatsu sits and pulls out a cigarette, lights it, and offers one to the Oyuban, who refuses.

"You quit?"

"Doctors orders. No smoking, no drinking, no red meat."

"The first two, I could see. The day you give up short ribs will be the day you really do die, though."

The Oyuban chuckles. "So, what have you learned?"

"They're paying protection money to Yagamoto. I'd say, considering they had at least five guys guarding the place, they've all but jumped ship. If you try to press them about any more collection money, they'll tuck their tails and hide behind Yagamoto."

"I see. Their alliances have shifted? That is... unfortunate. Did you make a scene?"

"Yeah. Nobody's dead though and it can't be traced back to us. They probably think it was a botched robbery. How are you gonna play it?"

The Oyuban makes a small grunting sound and takes a sip of his tea before removing his glasses. "What, in the grand scheme of things, is one massage parlor to an empire?"

"Will it be just the one? Tokyo is our turf. What if Yagamoto keeps pushing?"

"Then we will deal with it then. It is a free market."

"Boss, who gave them their start-up money? Who got all the paperwork for their 'massage parlor' the stamp of approval? Who keeps the cops out of their hair?"

"Tatsu!" There is a long silence as the Oyuban has another sip of his tea. "I understand your frustration. I know your firm put up the money, personally. Allow us to reimburse you for the inconvenience."

"Appreciated, but it's not about your money... It's about respect. There's a way you're supposed to do business."

This makes the old man smile. "Unfortunately, not all of the clans would agree."

"So, it's a free market," Tatsu says, leaning forward and pausing to think as he has a long drag on his cigarette. "Why don't we send a message that Yagamoto's service can't compete with ours?"

"You have an idea?"

"I was there today. They're definitely using underage girls. Find a beat cop looking to make their reputation - one of our guys - and tip him off."

"Mmm... not a bad idea."