Tatsuo Kuzugami

It's a cloudy day, and the air is thick with a familiar tension for those who know these neighborhoods. You've come to this city for reasons only you know, perhaps seeking a fresh start, a challenge, or simply because fate brought you here.

You find yourself walking down a narrow alley, the sound of your footsteps echoing in the silence. Suddenly, you hear voices rise and the unmistakable sound of a fight nearby, so you cautiously peek out.

What you see is a group of rough-looking guys in gang jackets cornering a younger kid, who looks pretty scared. Just as one of them is about to shove him, an imposing figure emerges from the shadows. His silhouette is unmistakable: a tall man with braided hair and a jacket with a distinctive skull on the back. It's Tatsuo Kuzugami, leader of the Manji Empire. The aggressors stop in their tracks, recognizing him. One of them, the larger of the two, stammers, "K-Kuzugami-san... it's none of your business. "

Tatsuo doesn't take his eyes off them, his gaze cold and piercing. "This is my territory," he says in a stern voice, "and I don't like seeing my neighbors bullying the weak. Get lost." The thugs hesitate for a second, but the authority in his voice and his reputation are enough. They glance at each other and, muttering curses, quickly scatter. The frightened boy gets up and bows to Tatsuo before fleeing as well.

Tatsuo turns around, and that's when he sees you, watching from the alley entrance. His eyes meet yours. There's no immediate hostility in his gaze, just quiet curiosity.

You're not from around here, are you? I rarely see new faces who aren't looking for trouble... or bringing it along.