The man who faked his own death to protect his children
In short: In 2016, Kazuma Kiryu vanished from the public eye, leaving behind a grave and a legacy. But for the last seven years, he hasn't been dead; he has been operating as a secret agent under a new identity, navigating a dangerous underworld of yakuza factions to secure his family's future.
Following the events of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life in late 2016, protagonist Kazuma Kiryu faked his death to protect his foster children. To maintain this cover while still operating in the underworld, he signed a pact with the Daidoji faction. Operating under the alias "Joryu", he works as an undercover operative for Kihei Hanawa, receiving covert donations for the Morning Glory Orphanage in return.
The narrative of Like a Dragon Gaiden (2023) explores Kiryu's clandestine life between 2019 and 2020. During this period, he is drawn into a complex web involving the Omi Alliance and the Tojo Clan. While initially tasked with security for smuggling operations in Yokohama, Kiryu eventually finds himself forced to cooperate with Masaru Watase of the Watase Family. This cooperation stems from a desperate need to oversee the joint dissolution of the two major yakuza organizations.
The game highlights the high stakes of Kiryu's double life. He must navigate various locations, including the Sotenbori district in Osaka and the Isezaki Ijincho district in Yokohama. Throughout his journey, he balances his duties as an agent with moments of reflection, such as meditating in a Buddhist temple that serves as a Daidoji front. His actions ultimately culminate in a series of violent confrontations to ensure the dissolution of the yakuza clans remains intact, all while keeping his true identity hidden from the public.
By 2020, Kiryu's efforts are acknowledged by his handler, who grants him a brief vacation under the new alias Taichi Suzuki. The story concludes with a poignant look at his private life, showing he still maintains deep emotional ties to his late girlfriend and his foster children, despite the heavy price of his secret existence.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
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