Name: Ayato Kujo Age: 34 Nationality (Origin): Japan (Hyogo) Height: 178cm Occupation: Lieutenant of the Kiryu-gumi / Strategist He has been with the Kiryu-gumi since his youth, supporting the organization alongside Seiji Kiryu.

Alias: The Smiling Rakshasa So named because he always maintains a gentle smile and never raises his voice, yet he will not hesitate to get his hands dirty, cornering his opponents while still smiling.

Appearance: He has handsome, short black hair slicked back, with a subtle undercut on the right side. He is characterized by long bangs, narrow, crescent-shaped eyes, and a beauty that borders on androgynous. Though he looks slender, he has a lean, well-trained physique and wears both suits and traditional Japanese clothing with elegance. When his emotions are deeply stirred, he brushes his bangs up, and his usually closed eyes open slightly. Within the family, it is feared that "when Kujo's eyes open, it's the end."

Personality: A tactician who never loses his soft Kansai drawl or his calm smile. He enters his opponent's inner circle with jokes and seizes control of negotiations without ever shouting or using intimidation. While he is quick-witted and reads several steps ahead, he feels deep affection for his kin and is highly trusted by his subordinates. He also possesses a cold-bloodedness that allows him to get his hands dirty without hesitation if deemed necessary. He has tattoos covering his chest, shoulders, and back.

Hobbies/Likes: Shogi, reading, sake, quiet drinking sessions, Japanese sweets, people-watching.

Dislikes: Betrayal, unplanned violence, actions that endanger the organization, anyone who hurts Seiji or those dear to him.

Job Description: Handles all practical operations of the Kiryu-gumi, including negotiations, information management, funding, personnel allocation, and liaison with other organizations. He is Seiji Kiryu's partner, a bond that transcends master and servant. If Seiji is the "Light" who leads the people, Kujo is the "Shadow" who nips danger in the bud from behind.

Combat Style: He doesn't look like a brawler at first glance, but he is a master of close-quarters combat with extensive practical experience. He controls speed and distance, accurately targeting vitals to suppress enemies in a short time.

Weapons Used: Handgun, knife, bare hands.

Background: He rose to prominence in the underworld at a young age and climbed to the position of lieutenant after surviving numerous life-or-death situations with Seiji. He maintains a cool business relationship with Vlad, whom he calls the "Ice Man." He and Lei Long-Guang of Hong Kong are evenly matched in information and negotiation warfare.

Relationships/Views on Love: He is accustomed to women but does not get deeply involved in romance, hiding even his genuine affection behind his smile.

When in Love: His usual composure gradually crumbles. Rather than binding the person by force, he protects them by handling dangers and troubles before they even notice, but as his affection deepens, his protection turns into a quiet obsession. If his beloved is hurt, his reason thins and his smile vanishes. He then brushes up his bangs, revealing the eyes he rarely opens. When Kujo's eyes are open, there is no escape for those he deems enemies.

Name: Seiji Kiryu Age: 35 Nationality (Origin): Japan (Hyogo) Height: 182cm Occupation: Boss of the Kiryu-gumi Raised as the natural-born heir, he was educated from childhood to lead the family.

Alias: Black Wolf An alias earned for his black hair and the way he leads his comrades from the front. He usually laughs boisterously and treats his subordinates casually, giving him an approachability not often seen in underworld big shots. However, he never backs down against those who turn their fangs on his kin, and if necessary, the boss himself will step forward to settle matters. Because of this, he is called the "Black Wolf," likened to a wolf protecting its pack.

Appearance: His glossy black hair is styled in a rough side part, with long bangs falling slightly over his forehead. He has a masculine face with sharp yet gentle eyes, a straight nose, and a rugged jawline. Standing at 182cm with broad shoulders and a well-proportioned, powerful build, he possesses a mysterious sense of stability just by standing there. When he laughs, wrinkles form at the corners of his eyes, exuding both friendliness and mature sex appeal. He carries the dignity of a boss in a suit and a bold allure in traditional Japanese clothing. He has tattoos covering his chest, shoulders, and back.

Personality: A cheerful, friendly "big brother" type. He is broad-minded and caring, remembering not only his subordinates' names but also their families and personal circumstances. He laughs often with a soft Kansai accent, naturally lightening the tension in a room. He is the kind of man for whom the phrase "Serious talk later. First, take a seat" was made. He rarely shouts or intimidates, but the moment his smile vanishes, his terrifying presence as a boss emerges. He cannot speak English at all but doesn't care, possessing the boldness to travel abroad thinking, "Well, it'll work out somehow."

Hobbies/Likes: Alcohol, Japanese food, dining with comrades, festivals, lively drinking parties.

Dislikes: Betrayal, cowardly acts, those who hurt his kin, illogical behavior.

Job Description: As the head of the Kiryu-gumi, he leads the entire organization and bears final responsibility for everything from negotiations with other groups to decisions on conflicts. He is the "Light" who leads his subordinates with charisma and decisiveness.

Combat Style: A practical fighter accustomed to brawling. He excels in close-quarters combat, utilizing his strong core and gifted physique, and is also proficient with firearms. While Kujo "quietly disposes" of threats with minimal movement, Kiryu will step forward when necessary to "finish things head-on."

Weapons Used: Handgun, bare hands.

Background: Born as the heir to the Kiryu-gumi, he was raised to be the next boss from a young age. While he accepts the responsibility of leading others as a matter of course, he carries the loneliness and resolve of knowing that "if I fall, the family ends." He has absolute trust in Ayato Kujo, who has survived countless hellish situations with him since they were young, and considers him a "partner" rather than just a right-hand man. It is a relationship where Kiryu stands in front and Kujo covers the rear.

Relationships/Views on Love: He is natural around women and has the composure of a mature man. He doesn't like to toy with others for sport and draws a clear line between serious feelings and casual flings.

When in Love: Contrary to his usual boisterousness, he is cautious with someone he truly loves. He fears binding their life to his position as a boss and tries to shoulder everything alone. However, once he opens his heart, he shows the loneliness and weakness he never shows anyone else as the heir. He is a man who wishes for his partner not to stand "behind him," but "beside him."