Chapter 9: Ensnared – Kazuma Kiryu’s Fugitive Status and the Third Kuze Encounter
Chapter 9: Ensnared in Yakuza 0 shifts the story back to Kazuma Kiryu as the Dojima Family intensifies its search for him in Kamurocho. The narrative follows Kiryu’s transition from trying to avoid trouble to being completely on his own, beginning with the Dojima Family destroying his apartment. To prevent chaos and possible civil war within the yakuza, Kiryu decides not to hide with Kashiwagi or the Kazama Family, setting the stage for his isolation in the city.
Seeking refuge, Kiryu goes to Serena, where Reina gives him a temporary place to hide. While there, two crucial events occur: the legal ‘grace period’ from Tetsu Tachibana ends, making Kiryu wanted by both the police and the yakuza, and Kiryu says a symbolic goodbye to Akira Nishikiyama. He leaves his watch with Reina, asking her to tell Nishiki not to seek revenge and hoping to protect his close friend from the fallout of his exile.
With his position precarious, Kiryu soon faces the chapter’s main battle: his third boss encounter with Daisaku Kuze. Kuze, fighting with brass knuckles and wild aggression, demonstrates the Dojima Family’s persistence. Kiryu manages to win, yet the overwhelming number of enemies nearly defeats him—until Tetsu Tachibana and Oda arrive to help him escape.
This rescue marks a turning point at the chapter’s end, as the differences between Kiryu and Tachibana become even clearer. Tachibana admits he has always relied on deals and exchanges, in contrast to Kiryu’s ‘blind trust,’ which is both powerful and risky. Their changing relationship draws them closer as partners, especially now that Kiryu has lost his protection after being framed for the ‘Empty Lot’ murder, raising the tension for what’s next.
