Chapter 1: Fate of a Kinslayer – Kazuma Kiryu and the Kinslayer
The first chapter of Yakuza Kiwami, “Fate of a Kinslayer,” sets up Kazuma Kiryu’s story in Kamurocho in 1995. Kiryu is a rising lieutenant in the Dojima Family, part of the Tojo Clan. He is shown as a strong enforcer about to start his own group. The chapter introduces the Japanese underworld and highlights Kiryu’s skills during a debt-collection job for Hirata of Peace Finance. It also marks the beginning of his long rivalry with Goro Majima from the Shimano Family.
Central to the plot is the deep emotional bond between Kiryu, his sworn brother Akira Nishikiyama, and Yumi Sawamura. All three shared an upbringing at the Sunflower Orphanage. Kiryu navigates the internal politics of the Kazama Family and struggles with Nishikiyama’s sister’s deteriorating health. Meanwhile, a darker conflict unfolds involving the Dojima Family patriarch.
The main event in the chapter is a serious break from yakuza rules: “kinslaying.” After Patriarch Sohei Dojima tries to assault Yumi, Akira Nishikiyama kills him in desperation. Kiryu then sacrifices himself by taking the blame for the murder to protect his brother. Because of this, Kiryu has to fight through Dojima Family members before turning himself in to Detective Makoto Date.
“Fate of a Kinslayer” is a sad beginning that takes away Kiryu’s rank and freedom. By accepting blame for Nishikiyama, Kiryu is expelled from the Tojo Clan and sent to prison for ten years. This selfless act changes his life and affects the power in Kamurocho. It prepares the way for the rest of the Yakuza Kiwami story.
