GANGSTARS Voice Drama – Kuzuryu-kai

(0:00)

(*Scraping noises*)

Shien: Oh, the both of you are here. 

Oga: Summoning us to your office all of a sudden—what’s going on? …Huh?

Rikka: Who is that person next to you?

Rio: Hehe. Hello there. 

Shien: The reason I called you here is because I have a message from the Chairman. This is Minase Rio. The Chairman’s… well, his child out of wedlock, I suppose.

Oga: Oh? 

Rikka: Huh. So the Chairman had an illegitimate son.

Rio: I’m Minase Rio~! Pleasure to meet you.

Shien: He asked us to look after him going forward. Oga, you’ll be his handler.

Oga: Oi, why me? 

Shien: That’s what the Chairman ordered.

Oga: Tsk. Guess that’s final, then. 

Rio: Um, hello? I introduced myself, but no one wants to return the favor? No manners around here, I see.

Shien: *sighs* I’m Kageyama Shien. The boss of our group. 

Oga: Aragami Oga. I’m Shien’s right hand.

Shien: …Oi, Rikka. Say your name, at least.

Rikka: Rikka.

Shien: Didn’t need to take that literally.

Rikka: That’s what you said, though. 

Shien: Whatever. Rikka’s a master hitman. Is that good enough for you?

Rio: Yep. I heard a decent amount about you guys from my father, so I’m satisfied.

Shien: *sighs*

Oga: You said your name was Rio, right? What did the Chairman tell you?

Rio: That you’re always doing an excellent job at handling things—you’re the ultimate subordinates. But, somehow, there seems to be a traitor amongst you…

Shien: Hah? A traitor?

Rikka: There’s an underling from one of the gangs against us in Seikyoku, then?

Oga: Perhaps Blanca in the West, or Garuda in the South… Blanca is mainly involved in arms trafficking, while Garuda is expanding in Seikyoku through their mafia.

Rio: It’s neither of them. Do you know about Ouroboros?

Shien: Yeah, I’ve heard of it.

Oga: Just the name, though. A mysterious organization operating behind the scenes in Seikyoku—that’s all we know.

Rikka: Don’t their members have an Ouroboros tattoo?

Rio: Yep! We’re talking about a spy from Ouroboros.

Shien: Ridiculous. Such a person does not exist in our ranks. 

Rio: How can you say that so confidently?

Shien: The three of us are companions, who came from the same orphanage—our bonds run deeper than blood ties. Betrayal is out of the question.

Oga: Agreed.

Rikka: There’s no reason for us to double-cross for another organization.

Rio: Wow, you guys sure trust each other. As to how real those bonds are, though… Well, who’s to say?

Rikka: What’s that supposed to mean?

Rio: Exactly what I said?

(*Shuffling, gun cocking*)

Oga: Rikka…

Rio: Scary. Pointing a gun at someone in your own family is out of the question, don’t you think?

Rikka: I don’t care if you’re part of the gang or the Chairman’s son. I will eliminate anyone who threatens these two.

Rio: Wow, aren’t you extreme. Make sure he doesn’t eliminate me, you guys~!

Shien: That’s on you.

Oga: So, are you here to observe us because there’s supposedly a traitor?

Rio: No. My goal is… Shien-san.

Shien: What.

Rio: If I defeat you, I’ll become the boss of this sector, right?

Shien: If you can defeat me.

Rio: *laughs* Confident, aren’t you? 

Shien: Well, I can’t imagine ever losing to you. 

Rio: Even if I get a hold of Sirius?

Shien: !?

Rikka: Whoever claims Sirius will have control over this city. 

Oga: Yeah. But we—and likely the other gangs, too—haven’t determined what it is.

Rio: I will be the one to obtain Sirius, and gain control over Kuzuryu-kai and all of Seikyoku.

Shien: Ha. You’re latching onto something unknown to try and turn the tables in one go? …Our group isn’t that stupid, Young Master.

Rio: A coup d’etat or whatever, I don’t really care. Moving up the ranks is my sole concern.

Oga: Alright, you two. Stop being so hostile. We’re not enemies. Can we keep the peace, for now?

Shien: *exhales* …Sorry. 

Oga: You too, Rio.

Rio: ‘Kaaay, I’m sorry~

Oga: Well, I’m sure we all have our own opinions, but let’s make sure things go smoothly.

Rikka: *sighs*

—

(4:45)

(*Footsteps*)

Rio: Hah… haven’t gotten any info on Sirius at all. 

Oga: None of the other gangs have information on it; it’s practically a fantasy. There’s no way we’d find anything in just a day or two.

Rio: That may be true, but it’s still exhausting not discovering anything after all this~ Hey, there’s a bench here. Let’s take a break.

Oga: Sure.

Rio: Oh, right. Oga-san, I happened to be curious about this—the three of you were raised in the same orphanage, right?

Oga: Hm? Ah, Shien said that, didn’t he. That’s right. We grew up together in the same orphanage. 

Rio: So, why did you all join Kuzuryu-kai? 

Oga: That’s… hm. 10 years ago, there was a bit of an incident. The three of us ran away from the orphanage and ended up here. None of us have any blood relatives, but we know our bond runs deeper than blood ties.

Rio: Hmm~ That’s why you don’t want me entering your circle, then?

Oga: Haha. Well, there’s quite the difference in how long we’ve known each other, so there’s not much to be done there. The level of trust you have with people you’ve known for years is different from people you’ve known for a few days. 

Rio: But if someone is powerful, trust doesn’t make a difference. 

Oga: Oh, sorry. Didn’t catch you just then. What’d you say?

Rio: Nothing! I was just wondering why you seem to have taken an interest in me, and not the other two.

Oga: I guess you’re right. It might not mean much, but when I look at you, I’m reminded of Shien and Rikka in the past. 

Rio: Really? I’m similar to them? Me?

Oga: Can’t say exactly how, but.

Rio: Wow. Then, can I—

Oga: Huh?

Rio: Ah, never mind. Alright, break time is over! I wanna gather some more info, so come along now!

Oga: Sounds good.

–

(7:00)

(*Smack*)

Rikka: Hey, Shien. 

Shien: What’s got you all riled up?

Rikka: It’s him. Do we seriously still need to keep an eye on him? He’s after your position, Shien. I’m sure you don’t want to be around someone so troublesome. He’s practically an enemy.

Shien: We’re looking after him. 

Rikka: Why?!

Shien: It’s not like I haven’t thought some of those things myself. But fighting amongst ourselves won’t do us any good. Besides, he’s the one and only child of the Chairman. 

Rikka: He’s pissing you off though, isn’t he?

Shien: That’s—

Rikka: It’s not hard to tell. You’ve been in a sour mood.

Shien: …You’re not wrong. It’s not great having him bounce around without a care in the world.

Rikka: So, then—

Shien: Even so, we can’t disregard the son of the Chairman who took us in when we were hurt.

Rikka: …Right. I get it.

Shien: Sorry. 

Rikka: It’s fine. No matter what happens, I’m staying with you.

(*Door slides open*)

Rio: Ah, there you are! Get a load of this juicy info I picked up!

Shien: What?

Oga: We got word that there’s a group in our territory that’s causing trouble.

Shien: Is it Blanca or Garuda?

Oga: Nope, neither. It’s some other up-and-coming group.

Rio: And we even managed to pinpoint their base! It’s a warehouse in the southern part of our turf. I really think we need to get ahead of them and make the first move.

Shien: No, let’s wait and see for now. If we don’t know their origins, we should investigate that first.

Rio: Hah? What’re you saying? We have solid info that their headquarters is in our southern territory. Don’t we have to go?

Shien: We’re not going. That intel came to us too conveniently. There’s a chance that there’s an ulterior motive. We’ll let them do as they wish.

Oga: Then how about we gather some more info first, and come back to this—

Rio: Whatever. I’m going alone! You do whatever you want!

Shien: What—hey!

(*Rio runs off*)

Shien: Dammit. Shit. We can’t leave him alone for a second. Let’s go!

Oga: Right.

Rikka: (*sighs, and stands up*)

–

(9:17)

Rio: Phew… this is it. The door’s open. Let’s take a peek inside. I have my katana as a weapon, so I should be able to handle this on my own. If… if I take care of things by myself, maybe Father and the others will… *exhales* Okay. Let’s go. …Huh? No one’s here? Why? Their base was supposed to be here! Not a trace of anyone around…?

Shien: Don’t fucking run off on your own!

Rio: Huh!?

(*Footsteps*)

(*Beeping noises in the background*)

Shien: What do you look so surprised about? You’re the one who decided to take off—!

Rikka: That’s right. This is your fault. 

Oga: *sighs* Your actions are my responsibility, you know.

Rio: I was fine on my own!

Shien: Excuse me? The hell do you think you’re saying? Who goes waltzing into unknown territory by themselves—?!

(*Bang, power goes out*)

Rio: What the—? It’s pitch black!

Oga: Tch. They didn’t just shut the door on us. Looks like they cut the power, too. Can’t see anything now.

Shien: Yeah, I’m sure this was their plan from the start.

Rikka: I’ll go check out the door, since I have my phone flashlight.

Shien: Sure.

(*Rikka runs off*)

Rio: H-how did this…?

Shien: Because you decided to do whatever you want.

Rio: I didn’t…

Shien: This is why I told you to just leave them be.

(*Rikka comes back*)

Rikka: I just checked the door, and I don’t think we can bust it open. Seems like they locked it from the outside.

Shien: Yeah? Let’s contact someone outside, then—

Oga: I was thinking the same thing, but it looks like the power outage is blocking the signal.

Shien: Tch. That’s annoying. Everyone, take out your phones and look for another exit.

(*Explosion, crackling of fire*)

Rio: *gasps*

Shien: Damn, these guys are pieces of work.

Oga: If we take our time, we’re all gonna be lying in the same grave, huh.

Rikka: Seems like it. We have to hurry and find a way out.

Rio: W-wait, what are we supposed to do…? What can we possibly do in this darkness?!

Oga: Shh.

Rio: W-what?

Oga: I can hear something from outside. There might be a duct around here somewhere. I’ll take a look around, so stay quiet for a bit.

(*claps*)

Rio: What are you doing…?

Rikka: Shut it. He’s listening for the echo.

Oga: …Hm? Around here? Shien, can you shine your light here?

Shien: Sure. There we go. That’s gotta be it.

Oga: It’s pretty small, though. 

Shien: Yeah. Who’s the smallest person here?

Rikka: Shien… no. It’s Rio.

Rio: Me?

Shien: You’re right, he could probably handle it. As for reaching it…

Oga: It’s got to be at least 4 meters up there.

Shien: Oi, Rio. How tall are you?

Rio: 170 centimeters, but…

Oga: Hmm. Even factoring in my height, we’re just a little short.

Rio: What do you mean, we’re short?

Shien: Oga, you take the bottom and I’ll take the top. And then he can get up from there. It’s gonna be tough—think you can do it?

Oga: Yeah, if we have no choice. Leave it to me.

Rikka: I’ll lift him up, then? All his weight at once will be heavy; do you think you can hold out?

Shien: We’ll manage. As soon as you get him up there, start supporting us from the bottom.

Rikka: Got it. Ah, I’ll get the duct cover off.

Shien: Sure, thanks.

Oga: Wait. Did you give any tools to Rio?

Shien: No, haven’t given him anything. Sorry, Rikka, but lend him yours for a bit.

Rikka: It’s an emergency, so it’s whatever. If it means protecting you two, then I’ll give it to him. But I only have one, so I need it right now.

Rio: Wait, what are you guys even talking about!? Spell it out for me so I can understand!

Shien: Rio, you’re going to get outside from there, and then open the door.

Rio: How do you expect me to climb up there? There’s nothing on the wall to grab on to! It’s impossible, no matter how you look at it.

Oga: I’ll lift Shien onto my shoulders. You should be able to climb up on him.

Rio: You make that sound so easy, but can you two really hold me until I get up there?

Oga: As long as you get into the duct before I give out, of course.

Rio: Okay, so let’s say I make it to the duct. What am I supposed to do once I get out?

Oga: It’s only a 4-meter drop, so as long as you mind your legs, the fall won’t kill you. Well, if you go out head-first, you’ll have to change your positioning midair… Make sure you tuck in your legs before you land.

Rio: So, you mean…

Rikka: You’re not going to die. You’ll be fine even if you break a few bones.

Rio: What!? Are you kidding me? Is there seriously no other way to do this!? Like, what if we shoot the door?

Rikka: No. If we could, we would’ve done that already.

Rio: Then—

Shien: Would you stop wasting time, Rio?! You have to wipe your own ass! You’re not a baby! Unfortunately, you are the one with all our lives in your hands right now. If you really want to be the boss around here, show us your resolve!

Rio: *exhales* …I understand. I’ll do it.

Shien: Good. Rikka!

Rikka: Mm. Everyone, get behind me. (*shoots the duct cover*)

Shien: Nicely done.

Rikka: Rio, I’m giving you this.

Rio: Okay. (*gun noises*)

Rikka: If the duct on the other side is shut, get back and shoot it. Ammo’s not infinite, so make sure you hit it even if your aim isn’t perfect. We don’t know how many enemies are out there, so make sure to leave us some bullets.

Rio: Got it.

Oga: Alright, let’s do this, Shien.

Shien: Right. I’m getting on you. (*climbs up*) We’re ready when you are.

Oga: Counting on you, Rikka.

Rikka: Okay. 

Oga: *exhales* Let’s go. There—!

Rikka: Alright, Rio. When I lift you, make sure to get to the top. Step on my hand here.

Rio: Okay.

Shien: Rio, get your ass up here!

Rio: ‘Kay, here I go! (*runs up and jumps*)

*grunting noises*

Shien: Sorry, Oga—hang in there…!

Oga: Got it—

Rio: You two better not fall!

Rikka: Make sure you don’t fall, either!

Rio: Okay—ah!

Shien: Oi, don’t freak out! One foot after the other, come on!

Rio: I know! It’s hard to climb a wobbly human ladder, you know!

Shien: Stop whining! We’re the ones who have to stay balanced on top of each other!

Oga: Oi, are we almost there?

Rio: Got it—! Okay, here I go—one, two—there…! I’m in!

Shien: Nice! We’re counting on you!

Rio: Don’t die before I get back!

Shien: …There he goes. You can let me down, Oga.

Oga: Right. 

Shien: *coughs* Damn, the smoke’s getting worse.

Oga: *coughs* It’s heating up in here, too.

Rikka: *coughs* The fire’s spreading fast. Guess it’s down to time whether or not we’ll make it.

Shien: Yeah. *laughs* Reminds me of what happened 10 years ago.

Oga: *cough* Sure does. We were in the same boat back then. 

Rikka: …Is it really okay that we left everything to him? …I’m worried.

Oga: I think we’ll be alright with him, but—

Rikka: How can you say that? He’s a spoiled, selfish Young Master.

Oga: It might be because I spent more time looking after him than you two, so I can say… It seemed like he had good reasons for acting the way he did. He might come off as uncaring, but I don’t think he’s trying to pull a fast one on us.

Rikka: Haha. 

Shien: Maybe you’re right, Oga. Maybe he hasn’t been showing his true colors this whole time. Perhaps he’s got his own troubles, just where we can’t see them…*labored coughing*  This is seriously not good. 

Rikka: Yeah. It’s getting hard to breathe…

Oga: Any longer, and…

(*Gunshots*)

Shien: Ah… finally.

Oga: See, *coughs* just like I said.

Rikka: Ha… hindsight is twenty-twenty, right?

(*Door crashing*)

Rio: *panting* You alive in here?

Shien: Hah… don’t just say “you alive in here?”, dumbass. 

Oga: Give him a compliment first, Boss.

Rikka: Since Shien was the highest up, he breathed in the most smoke…

Oga: Yeah… us two can stand on our own.

Shien: Don’t baby me. I can walk on my own…!

Rio: Now’s not the time for this! Let’s get moving!

Shien: …Yeah.

Rio: …Thank goodness. Thank goodness I made it in time…

–

(18:10)

(*door sliding open*)

Shien: Oh, Rikka! Your body’s recovered? 

Rikka: Yeah. I wasn’t really injured in the first place. What about you?

Shien: Same as usual. A good night’s sleep fixes everything.

(*footsteps*)

Oga: Glad to see you’re feeling better.

Shien: You too, Oga. Did our Young Master break any bones?

Rio: Ah… no. There was a good spot for me to grab on to, so all I had was a light sprain.

Shien: That so?

Rio: Umm… I want to apologize for taking off on my own, back then.

Shien: Ha, what’s this all of a sudden? Someone twisting your arm?

Rio: Of course not. It’s my fault that it all happened, so I needed to say sorry.

Oga: Haha, was it bothering you that much?

Rio: …I guess.

Rikka: You’re being honest. What a sight.

Shien: Well, you are responsible for not listening to what we said and going off alone. We got knocked around pretty bad because of you.

Rio: I know that. I’ve reflected on my mistake.

Shien: If that’s the case, then that’s all there is to it.

Oga: No, there’s still something I’m curious about with this whole incident. 

Shien: Oga…?

Oga: I want to know why you were in such a hurry to prove yourself. Since you were responsible for this whole fiasco, it better have been worth it.

Rio: …Alright. I’ll tell you. I may be the son of the Chairman of Kuzuryu-kai, but I’m an illegitimate child. It’s not like my father has been giving me special treatment. That’s why I know this team isn’t exactly the safest place to be. I can’t stay here unless I make a place for myself. A place where I can be recognized.

Rikka: But haven’t you had a circle of your own until now?

Rio: Of course not. Even in my father’s circle, no one cares about me. If I want people to recognize me, I have to be useful… there was no place for me to do that. I haven’t been able to get my father’s attention.

Shien: So you wanted his recognition.

Rio: Of course. I’ve always wanted him to value me. But that’s not all. I…

Shien: What?

Rio: If I showed my strength, I hoped I could get into your circle as well. Recognizing each other, respecting each other… “This is what companionship is like,” I thought. I got to see what an unshakable bond looks like, even for just a bit. If I could have a place here too, then maybe I could satisfy this helpless feeling inside of me…

Oga: Mn…

Rio: Haaah… I didn’t mean to say all that…! Listen, it’s not like I want your sympathy or anything. Don’t get it twisted. Ah, so embarrassing. 

Shien: How do I say this… I’m not trying to pity you, but it is true that I viewed you differently because you’re the Chairman’s son. Look, you shared a drink with the Chairman, right?

Rio: Huh? Yeah.

Shien: Then we’re practically brothers.

Rio: What…?

Shien: Isn’t that right, you guys?

Oga: I guess so. If we go by tradition, you’re already one of us.

Rikka: …I have no choice.

*slam*

Rio: Owww! What was that for?!

Rikka: This is how we settle things as brothers. If you pull something like that again, you won’t be getting off this easy.

Rio: ‘Kay…

Oga: Well, it’s not like bonds are forged that quickly. One step at a time. Even we weren’t like this at first. If you’re willing to trust us, we won’t be opposed to repaying that trust. As brothers do.

Rio: As brothers…

Shien: Got a problem with that?

Rio: Nope. Just thinking that I don’t need such weak older brothers, that’s all~ So let’s hurry and claim everything for ourselves. 

Shien: Heh. We were planning to do that without you saying so.

Rikka: If anything, we don’t need such a cheeky little brother…

Oga: Hah, looks like the brotherly feuds are only going to get worse. Well, I can’t say that’s a bad thing.