T e r a j i m a - g u m i [Terajima Family]
With approximately 55,000 widespread members, the Terajima are the very definition of yakuza. Though headquartered in Kyoto, their presence is felt from Hokkaido to Fukuoka, from Korea to Hawaii, from New York to Mexico. Post-war years gave birth to the first oyabun, who established a legacy that is now in its sixth iteration, and whose impact has not diminished in its near-century. But it seems their success grows in relation to their number of adversaries; opposing factions all have their motives, burned by Terajima in one way or another. Most members of a Japanese syndicate have been associated with this group at some point in their careers.
Since the marriage of the ogre to the Demon Queller, an influx of yokai have been scattered about the ranks. Some define this as a great source of conflict; some call it a sign of progress.
The pheonix, or Hou-ou, emblazons their mon (crest).
- Once the laughing stock of Shinjuku, what was previously a malcontent band of Terajima clans has now created a formidable rivalry. At 22,000 strong, the Kyubei-kai is a dangerous lot, and the ferocity of their oyabun is enough to draw unease from any opposing yakuza. Their hierarchy and traditions are virtually similar to that of their former family, although there is said to be a less restrictive leadership among members. For their mon, a dragon encircles the kanji for "sky."
They have built their stronghold in Okinawa, but they are rapidly pushing towards unclaimed territories. Osaka is their next target, and they're not one to shy away from rotten tactics to control the ward. They have learned from Terajima, after all.
Currently, they are in their third iteration.
W i l d D o g s
- The troubled ones of the bunch. Anything you can dream of is likely middling about with this scrap, whether they are black market dealers, card pushers, or beasts simply looking to kill. Be wary of these creatures; they have no family to call their own, and they are particularly ruthless when it comes to what they do. These odd jobbers are often some of the more exotic hands, so if you happen to see a sentient umbrella on the side, there's no need to gawk. Gawking is just rude.
Wild Dogs, though hardly considered an organized faction, still retain a basic, pack-like structure. Their numbers are unknown. They are named by the Met Police after their supposed alpha, a dog spirit with a penchant for slaughtering his adversaries in creative, bombastic ways. This brings up the question as to why their mon is a rabbit, but eh. Throws 'em off guard.
Note: starred positions are wanted roles.
*Oyabun [Chairman/patriarch] – Your quintessential godfather. The oyabun knows all, hears all, and wears the best ties. He is the overseer to his family. No proposal is enacted upon without his word.
*Ane-san [Older sister] – Under normal circumstances, an ane serves as little more than a wife, and her authority is severely limited. But she is more than mother—she is queen. What elevates the ane-san is, indeed, her status as the Demon Queller. There are others who possess her gift, but none who wield it with such magnitude, the perks of being an ancestral wonder. Utilizing Shinto artifacts and daily prayer, her presence is what keeps malicious influence at bay. This role is exclusively Terajima.
*Saiko komon [Senior adviser] – One of the oyabun's most trusted. As primarily administrative assistant, the saiko komon deals quite formally, situated at the business end of the organization, but he does maintain several areas throughout the territory. Underneath him are several accountants, enforcers, and junior advisers. Any decisions that the patriarch considers are usually first told to the saiko komon to then be relayed to the rest of the family.
So-honbucho [Headquarters chief] – Just as his title proclaims. The so-honbucho is master of the domain, the captain. His influence is not as far-reaching as others', as it is focused on keeping the yakuza base afloat. Frequently in cahoots with the saiko kamon and the oyabun, he is a powerful man with several gangs in tow.
*Waka-gashira [Second-in-command] – Head underboss and fortified pimp. As lieutenant, the gashira serves as a middle man, a keeper of several regions, and a leader of gangs. Most importantly, he sees that the oyabun's orders are properly carried out by younger brothers.
Fuku-honbucho [Assistant] – Right-hander of the waka-gashira and... yep, right-hander of the waka-gashira.
Shatei-gashira [Third-in-command] – Like the waka-gashira, property and members are his to govern. He is leader of the kyodai and ensures that their jobs are performed efficiently.
Kyodai [Senior bosses/older brothers] – Headed by the shatei-gashira, the kyodai are also entitled to individual gangs, but territory is not theirs to control, merely to protect.
*Shatei [Junior bosses/younger brothers] – As one would suspect, shatei are headed by kyodai. The shatei, in turn, lead sub-divisions of wakashu, who may refer to their older brothers as aniki.
*Wakashu [Gang members/young men] – Foot soldiers. Wakashu do not have their own gangs--they are the gangs. Supervised by their brothers, they perform without a moment's hesitation, and they know well that they are fully disposable.
Tsume [Trainees] – Entry-levels. Tsume are not field hands; rather, their duties are more low-key, often unseen, and they would be more readily found preparing for banquets or cleaning headquarters than wielding arms.
- Alpha [King of all Cosmos] – Pretty egotistical moniker there, though surprisingly fitting. No one lays eyes on the Alpha. No one... well, except for the Beta, who, in his several experiences of doing so, never wishes to see his superior again. The Alpha will pop up sometimes to say hello, blatantly foreshadow future events, and munch on his underlings. Mmmm.
*Beta [Ziggy Stardust] – It ain't glamorous, but it's gotta be done. What the Beta knows is direct information from his sole superior. The underlings are quick to mistake him for the Alpha, and you can't blame them, elusive as the King can be. You'd be pretty amazed how this guy manages to convince his comrades that he isn't batshit insane.
*Kamikaze [Divine killers] – First-line enforcers who would go to the most extreme lengths to harm the enemy, and who would not hesitate to take their comrades with them. They crazy. Look out.
Juveniles [Senior bastards] – Not as lowly as a runt, but not a staple of authority, either. They are brutally trained by kamikaze and huge hitters in whatever thievery, wheelin', and dealin' goes down.
Omega [Little bastards] – Exist as errand runners and targets of aggression. They get beat up. A lot. If they survive the first few months, they may be promoted. Maybe.
