Ryūrō Hirotsu

Ryūrō Hirotsu (広津 柳浪,, Hirotsu Ryūrō^?) is a member of the Port Mafia and commander of the Black Lizard.

Appearance

Hirotsu is a middle-aged man with grey, swept-back hair,a moustache, and a short beard ending in a spike. His eyes are violet, with a monocle over his right eye, secured by a gold chain.

He dons a long, black coat over a white dress shirt with a black bow - his pants and shoes being the same color. Over the coat, he wears a dirt-brown scarf that's nearly the same length as his coat.

A chain smoker, Hirotsu always has cigarettes on his person.

Personality

A veteran mafioso, Hirotsu maintains a stoic, calm demeanour, often speaking with a certain degree of respect and formality towards even his opponents and targets. However, Hirotsu's brutality, beguiled by his composure, hasn't waned despite his age.

Befitting of the Port Mafia's higher ranks, Hirotsu's a ruthless and dangerous individual, and won't hesitate to kill in order to further their gains. Furthermore, he isn't above mocking others before killing them, sometimes with a smile. His experience in the Port Mafia leaves him particularly seasoned in its expectations of him and others, and as such expects diligence and promptness out of his subordinates. Otherwise, he has no qualms threatening their lives to keep them in line, especially when it comes to Gin Akutagawa and Michizō Tachihara's quarrels.^[1]

Hirotsu's nonchalance towards the Port Mafia's violent ways goes as far as his smoking habits, as he claims a cigarette always tastes best after "a job well done".^[2]

That said, Hirotsu takes his role and duty to the Port Mafia seriously. He values loyalty and ambition, specifically in Higuchi's case, when she insisted to save Ryunosuke Akutagawa from a rival organisation. Although initially ridiculing her impulsive behaviour, he respected her initiative and sense of duty, thus partaking in the rescue mission alongside Gin and Tachihara.

He later confronts Ōgai Mori about the conspiracy behind the former Boss' death. Despite Mori's defensive response, Hirotsu confides in Mori that the predecessor's murder was for the best, otherwise he would've turned Yokohama into a blood bath, dragging Port Mafia down with it.

Ability

His ability, Falling Camellia (落椿,, Ochi Tsubaki^?), causes things that he touches to fly backwards with immense force.

It has been shown that his ability is powerful enough to stop and bend steel pipes with just a touch. When used on a human body, besides launching it, it can even cause the bones to break.

Background

Hirotsu's been in the Port Mafia since before its previous Boss died. Hirotsu was 42 at the time of the new Boss' ascension.

Plot

Armed Detective Agency. vs Port Mafia Arc

Inside a warehouse, Hirotsu awaits the arrival of his subordinates.^[3] When they arrive, Hirotsu uses his ability on a metal door, the force sending the door flying. This startles a group of cargo men carrying unknown, heavy loads., whom Hirotsu politely greet, apologising for "interrupting their work". The cargo men demand to know who he is, to which Hirotsu explains that the Port Mafia's heard rumours of their stolen goods being sold to the black market, said to take place in the warehouse, and is now "searching for evidence". When he attempts to do so, one of the men attack with a steel pipe.

Hirotsu stops the attack with ease, the force of his ability sends the man flying backwards. Hirotsu takes the aggression as evidence. He approaches the man, who is shocked that the pipe is bent, asking if it's the first time he's seen an ability. Hirotsu promptly kills him, his body twisting and breaking right before the group's eyes.^[4] Lighting a cigarette, Hirotsu orders his subordinates to kill them all. Amidst the carnage of gunfire and death, Hirotsu nonchalantly comments how there's nothing like a cigarette after a "job well done". The mafiosi then explode any remaining evidence in the warehouse.

Soon afterwards, Hirotsu arrives at a rendezvous with Michizō Tachihara, scolding him for being two minutes late, and soon after Gin Akutagawa. The two battalion leaders instantly get into a fight. Hirotsu orders them to cease, threatening to punish them with Falling Camellia.^[1] Aware of the severity of his ability, both Tachihara and Gin cease. Ichiyō Higuchi contacts them, and Hirotsu confirms they are ready for their mission. He's surprised to hear that their target is the Armed Detective Agency instead of the mantiger, but knows n

ot to leave any survivors.^[5]

Black Lizard arrives at the Agency's headquarters, poised for an assault. With a snap of Hirotsu's fingers, mafiosi bust the door open, shooting a barrage of bullets at the shocked detectives. Black Lizard proceeds to make their move and attack.^[6]

Despite having the element of surprise and sheer manpower, Black Lizard is overwhelmed by the Agency. Doppo Kunikida subdues Hirotsu .^[7]
Some few days later, Hirotsu and Black Lizard approach Higuchi. Hirotsu warns Higuchi to watch her step. With Akutagawa severely injured, the guerrilla squad has no real reason to obey Higuchi, as no one fears her as they do Akutagawa. He questions if Higuchi can earn Black Lizard's respect.^[8] When Higuchi insists on an unplanned solo mission to save Akutagawa from a rival group, Hirotsu urges Higuchi not to do so, as she's going behind Mori's back. Higuchi argues she can't stand around and do nothing.

Impressed by Higuchi's initiative, Hirotsu and the rest of Black Lizard later show up to help her save Akutagawa. Hirotsu comments that it's only natural for youngsters to be impulsive, mentioning that he acted out a great deal in his own youth. He explains to Higuchi that, as her subordinates, they too cannot stand by the sidelines when she's in danger.^[9]

The Guild Arc

It's implied Black Lizard assisted in killing an assassin sent by the Guild alongside Motojirō Kajii and Chūya Nakahara. When Port Mafia's boss makes his entrance, Hirotsu promptly shows his respect.^[10]

After Yumeno Kyusaku's kidnapping by the Guild, Black Lizard participates in defending their territory from further damage of Dogra Magra's widespread mania.^[11]

During the Port Mafia's meeting with the Agency, Hirotsu and Black Lizard accompany Mori as bodyguards. Here, Hirotsu learns from Osamu Dazai that Mori murdered the former Boss. After the meeting, Hirotsu meets Mori in his bedroom, assuring Mori all their forces are in position for the counterattack against the Guild. He discusses the former Boss' instability and tyrannical leadership, quickly running Yokohama and the Port Mafia through the ground, and mutters under his breath the possibility of Mori never taking over. When Mori responds defensively, Hirotsu acknowledges that even Dazai must understand why Mori murdered the former Boss - as a result, he assures Mori he understands his reasoning.^[12]

After the Guild's defeat, Hirotsu meets with Dazai at a museum, noting one needs to be a certain age to understand the arts. The two reminiscence, with Hirotsu bringing up an incident of Dazai drawing a grotesque self-portrait in the executives' room that terrified Elise.^[13]

Dazai praises Hirotsu's assistance. It's revealed that Hirotsu leaked the Moby Dick infiltration tactic to Higuchi upon Dazai's request - inevitably, this led to Higuchi informing Akutagawa, hence his involvement. Hirotsu asks why Dazai wanted Akutagawa to work with Atsushi. Hearing Dazai's detailed answer, Hirotsu wonders how long Dazai's been formulating this "new Twin Dark".^[13]

Cannibalism

During the Mafia's investigation of the "Masked Assassin", Hirotsu leads Black Lizard in ambushing the assassin's hideout, only to find it empty. Hirotsu calls and informs Mori, asking if they intend to move on to the "usual plan" - Mori confirms they are.^[14]

Hirotsu's unit, assigned under "siege duty", participate in the raid against the Agency after Fyodor Dostoyevsky poisons Mori. He, along with the rest of the Mafia's major mafisoi, nearly end up in a massive battle against the detectives. However, they are all deceived by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's Light Snow. With Tanizaki held hostage, Hirotsu, Tachihara, and Gin keep watch.^[15]

Hirotsu notes it's been ages since the Port Mafia fell to such a bloodthirsty state, and with the failed attempt of containing the virus, all possibility of a ceasefire dissolves, something the mafia knows all too well. He warns Tanizaki to brace himself, asking if he knows what happens to the Port Mafia's hostages.

He reminisces on the mafia's position, stating they're not the same mafia as the one out for money or revenge. Right now, their main objective is to save their boss. Hirotsu admits he's not keen on dying for Mori, and instead intends on using Tanizaki as a spy and interrogate him. Tanizaki expresses doubts, and Hirotsu threatens Naomi Tanizaki's life if Tanizaki does not comply, claiming Gin will kill her. Tanizaki snaps, and his violent mood swing unnerves Hirotsu.^[16]

After freeing himself, Tanizaki uses his ability against the group. Hirotsu warns Tachihara not to shoot, knowing that Tanizaki's illusions mean Black Lizard may attack and injure their own. Hirotsu discovers the page from Doppo Kunikida's notebook Tanizaki hid, explaining the sudden switch blade. With the room's exits blocked, Hirotsu determines Tanizaki is serious about killing them. Tanizaki attempts to kill Gin, and Hirotsu rushes to her aid, using Falling Camellia, realising Tanizaki used Light Snow to deceive him. With Black Lizard trapped, Hirotsu understands that Tanizaki's real target is Mori, calling Tanizaki's ability well-suited for assassination.^[17]

Whilst the war escalates, Mori manages to leave his bedroom, the mafia spread thin trying to maintain their security. Hirotsu dryly suggests contacting a detective, informing Higuchi that bodyguards watched Mori get up and leave of his own volition. Despite Higuchi's disbelief, Hirotsu muses that he understands Mori's reasoning - this is his own way of protecting the Port Mafia.

After Alexander Pushkin's defeat and Mori's recovery, Hirotsu accompanies the combined forces of the Agency and Port Mafia to confront him.^[18]

Hunting Dogs

Ordered to guard the Armed Detective Agency, Hirotsu attempts to dissuade Tachihara from antagonising the detectives. He points out that, as long as the Agency stays within lines of Mori's intentions, they are not to harm them. Yosano assures him that the plan with Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald isn't a trap, which Hirotsu doubts.^[19] This is further damaged after the van Atsushi is supposed to be on explodes from a bomb.

Hirotsu orders everyone to run. During the battle with operatives, a sword impales Kenji Miyazawa, and Tanizaki is unable to remove it. Hirotsu uses his ability to force it out of the boy's body, telling the Agency to get to the mafia's secret passageway, telling them to follow him. In the lift, Hirotsum surmises that the mafia's defences are compromised, and the Hunting Dogs' involvement will eliminate any escape route possible. He notes the Hunting Dogs' power - being superhuman ability users, and their members all being a single "one man army".^[19]

Yosano determines the Agency needs to split up for better their chances, and Hirotsu informs her that Mori's "escape plan" allows them to attempt escape within five minutes. Hirotsu leaves the Agency to their own devices, lending them maps to navigate the secret passageways.^[19]

Black Lizard follows Yosano, saving her from an attack from a mysterious figure. Their sword aims directly for Hirotsu, who breaks it with his ability. Hirotsu tells Yosano of a getaway boat hidden in a culvert, urging her to hurry. However, the broken sword moves on its own, stabbing him.^[19]

Although gravely injured, Hirotsu maintains his composure and pride, assuring the others he'll hold off their assailants. He smiles, stating that his soul forever remains with the Port Mafia. Several severe lacerations erupt upon Hirotsu's body.^[19]

Trivia

• His unit, Black Lizard, refers to another piece of literature by his respective author counterpart. Funny enough, 'Black Lizard' is the alias of a character in a mystery work by Ranpo Edogawa.
• The painting Hirotsu and Dazai sit in front of is "Landscape", a painting by the author Osamu Dazai.

References