Two years had quickly passed by since the night Shintaro agreed to take Nishki and Kiryu on into the life of crime. True to his word, Shintaro had not taken it easy on either of them. The two started off very slow, becoming affiliates of the Dojima family. They started doing grunt work. Deliveries, picking up money from the debt collectors, going to fetch people that Shintaro wanted to see, and most of the time serving as personal bodyguards of Shintaro himself.
 

The work was not glamorous at all. Nishki grew dissatisfied very quickly with it and made his displeasure known many times to Kiryu. He had been chomping at the bit to do something he felt was important or to help him make a name for himself. Shintaro noticed this very quickly and decided to bring him along even slower than Kiryu.

For Kiryu, the work was a way for him to gain somewhat of an understanding of how things worked for guys at the bottom. He had to admit he'd rather be doing something more meaningful to help his foster father, but he also knew that understanding how things worked from every angle would be important for the future.

While they were protecting Shintaro they had many opportunities to learn the ins and outs of the business and also how things were structured in the Tojo clan, and more specifically the Dojima family. They worked for Kazama Shintaro, who was lieutenant of and served under Dojima. Dojima was the Oyabun or boss his family but he served under the second Tojo clan chairman, who had taken over after the first one had died.

The Dojima family was one of the biggest and most powerful families in the Tojo clan, only being rivaled in both strength and numbers by the Shimano family. Thanks to the strength of these families and others, the Tojo clan was the most powerful organization in Japan, spreading it's influence across the country into many different regions and having many different types of businesses. This wasn't hard to believe when Shintaro had explained to them just how large the Tojo clan was, saying that the chairman had control over more than 10,000 men. He then quickly explained though the number might seem big and beneficial, the amount of true and reliable men was a much smaller number than that.
 

Regardless it didn't take away from the prestige of working for such an important part of the organization and such important people. It didn't take long for Nishki to ask for and wonder why they hadn't been introduced to the boss Dojima yet. Shintaro made it clear that junior members never met with with higher ups. Of course there was the rare occasion or two but Shintaro's message was clear, "it's not going to happen anytime soon".
Shintaro kept true to his word. Neither Kiryu nor Nishki was anywhere close by whenever Shintaro had to go see Dojima, and on the off chance Dojima ever came by to see Shintaro, both boys were sent off to complete some task that would keep them busy for a little while. It would take two years for Shintaro to set up a meeting to introduce the boys to the leader of the Dojima family.

In the span of those two years a lot had changed. Kiryu and Nishki had become full fledged members of the Dojima family, and by extension Tojo clan. The two had also become Kyodai (sworn brothers) which meant making a sworn pact with each other that they would always look out for one another, no matter what happened.

Once these things happened Shintaro had begun to stop treating them as boys and had started to treat them as men. The small jobs they were doing before began to get a bit bigger. Things like instead of getting the money from the debt collectors, they instead became the debt collectors. It was a bit more of a risk because instead of being passed the money from the people who did the dirty work, such as giving threats or beatings to the ones in debt, they were the ones doing the dirty work. This also meant that they had to accept part of the risk if things were to go bad, which fortunately for them they never did.

It was thanks to this and the curiosity of Dojima himself, that had been the reasoning behind this meeting in the first place. Word about Kazama's new debt collectors had spread around the Dojima family. One was really good at doing the talking and convincing those in debt to pay what they owed, plus interest of course, or suffer the harsh consequences. That was where the other one came in, Kiryu was real good at making the consequences of not paying look harsh indeed with just his menacing presence alone.

The two had found success with this routine and even successfully tried their hand at extortion a few times at some of the places around the city. Word spread to Shintaro who had no doubt that when Dojima heard about this, he would want to meet these two new guys bringing him such success.

That was why Nishkiyama and Kiryu stood in front of the office of their direct superior, Kazama Shintaro, waiting to be picked up by said person. Nishki stood, almost bouncing with excitement, wearing his burgundy suit while Kiryu leaned against the wall of the building, in his black suit, smoking a cigarette. They had gotten the call about five minutes ago that, Shintaro was on his way and they should be downstairs to meet him.

"What's taking the old man so long? They should've been here by now." Nishki said impatiently. He had been eager to get to this meeting all morning.

Kiryu had to force himself not to roll his eyes at his friend and sworn brother's antics. "Relax Nishki, they said they'll be here in a minute. I'm sure it won't be too much longer now." Kiryu said tiredly.
Nishki turned and shot him a half glare. It was the face he made when he was about to scold someone, which never worked on Kiryu because he found the idea of Nishki scolding someone laughable.

"See Kiryu, it's that not caring attitude that's gonna stop you from making anything of yourself. I can't have you be my lieutenant with such nonchalant behavior." Nishki said. Though it came off as a joke Kiryu knew that somewhere deep inside his brother thought he would one day run his own family.

Kiryu snorted in response and decided instead of ignoring him like usual he'd humor him.

"Oh? what makes you think it won't be you who ends up being my lieutenant?" Kiryu asked, knowing that this would get Nishki going, but at the same time it would distract him a bit from complaining about how long their boss was taking.
Nishki gave a little chuckle at the notion of Kiryu becoming a boss before him.

"With your kind of attitude, you're lucky you know the old man. If not then you'd probably be on guard duty at the Tojo clan compound right now." Nishki said trying to now get a rise out of Kiryu.
Shintaro had told them about those who were assigned to guard the Tojo clan compound. It was somewhat of an important job due to the fact that those guards, were the line of defense between the Chairman of the clan and anybody else. Of course even at a place like that there were ranks. Those who were there to be normal guards had either been assigned there due to having little to no ambition, or they were sent there because they had disgraced their boss too many times out in the field and were sentenced to guard duty. It was a fate only slightly better than expulsion from the clan, and only because those who guarded the compound were taken care of while on duty. The ones sent to guard the compound weren't by any means without talent in fighting or shooting, but they were doomed to never advance in the clan.

"Anyway don't worry about it Kiryu, I'll be in charge and you can be stoic like the old man all you want as my lieutenant. That is what you wanted right? To be like him?" Nishki asked with a knowing smirk on his face. He knew damn well that he didn't say he wanted to be like Shintaro, but to help him and carry on his will.

Kiryu was about to respond but a black car off in the distance caught his attention. He recognized it as Shintaro's car. With that he jerked his head toward it. Nishki looked and also instantly recognized the car. "About time." He said as he watched the car pull up to a stop right in front of them. Kiryu stomped out his cigarette and went to get into the backseat on the other side of the car. Kazama Shintaro sat in the front seat and next to him, was the driver, Kashiwagi Osamu. He was a close friend and confidant to Shintaro. He used to be the regular driver for the older man but Nishki was now often the one driving Shintaro around.

"Good afternoon boys." Kashiwagi said in a gentle way. It was easy to see why Shintaro and Kashiwagi got along so well. Both were calm and reasonable men. Both were seen as gentlemen, and both were honorable men. Only difference being is people who knew Kashiwagi, knew he had a bad temper. He just did a very good job at hiding it.

"Good afternoon Kashiwagi-san." Nishki responded first.

"Good afternoon, Aniki." Kiryu said after Nishki's response.

Kiryu referred to Kashiwagi as an elder or a superior in his greeting while Nishki didn't. Though he wasn't a superior to either of them, he was indeed their elder in this life and in life itself. Calling someone Aniki was the Yakuza's way of calling them a direct boss or an elder brother. It could go either way or sometimes both.

Shintaro didn't formally acknowledge the boys and the boys didn't acknowledge him aloud either but each had made eye contact and nodded their greetings to the elder man through the mirror. That was just their way. Also since they were in the presence of company they wouldn't be allowed to refer to Shintaro familiarly. Shintaro was a man who stood strongly on formality, at least at this time he did. He believed that if he wasn't strict on them now then they would grow to be ill mannered members of the organization, and in his opinion there were enough of them around already.

The car ride over to the Dojima family office was a mostly quiet one. Each person in the car was absorbed in their own thoughts. Or at least Nishki was. Kashiwagi was focused on driving, while Kiryu and Shintaro took in the scenery of the city, though it was a familiar sight for everyone in the car. It took about 15 minutes to get from Shintaro's office building to Dojima's. As the car pulled to a stop, Shintaro looked in the rear view mirror and cleared his throat to get both young men's attention.
"Remember the formalities I taught you when going over how to address people. Remember to listen carefully to everything that is said, and most importantly only speak when spoken to, understand?" Shintaro asked firmly. He was again a boss talking to his subordinates, not a father talking to his children.

"Understood." Came the firm reply from both young men in the back seat.

With that everyone except for Shintaro got out of the car right away. Since Kiryu was on the same side as his boss, he opened his car door and waited for him to get out in order to close it behind him. Shintaro tapped his cane on the ground a few times to make sure it was sturdy before putting his weight on it. He had taken to using the cane about a year ago, after he sustained a leg injury that wouldn't fully heal on his already bad leg. To avoid damaging the limb even further he decided to get a cane from the doctor, though he hated to use it because he believed it made him appear weak. Seeing his dislike for the cane the doctors' had given him, Yumi had given him one with a golden handle for his birthday. Now he had no excuse not to use a cane, though he only used it when he had to walk around for long distances or long periods of time.

Shintaro led the way into the Dojima office building. He was instantly recognized by the two guards who occupied the first floor hall. They bowed to him in greeting as was the usual when someone higher ranking walked past them. Shintaro returned the greeting with a nod and a hello. One of the guards went to press the button to call for the elevator while the other examined the rest of the group that was with Shintaro. Kashiwagi stood indifferent to the whole thing while Kiryu looked around the hall, taking in his surroundings. Nishki was a bit annoyed that he was ignored and didn't receive a greeting, but he knew better than to say anything about it with Shintaro around.

The elevator doors finally opened and the four men all entered. Once they reached the floor of the main office 3 more guards were there in that hallway. They did the same as the guards downstairs, all stopping what they were doing and bowing to Shintaro in greeting. These ones were a bit more in the loop as one of them stepped forward to escort the group into Dojima's office. Shintaro and Kashiwagi of course knew the way, but protocol required them to be escorted so neither one raised any fuss about it. Once they reached the office door, the guard opened it and excused himself. He then held the door open for Shintaro and the group to enter and then he left, closing the door behind him.

The room they entered was a large and very well furnished. In the middle of the room was a very long table surrounded by two couches and a very lavish chair. On the couch to the right sat a man in a purple suit, his hair was slicked back and by the lines on his face, it would seem he was around the same age as Shintaro. He had a look of interest on his face as he looked upon Kiryu and Nishki. On the couch to the left sat a man in a black suit, his hair was also slicked back though he had more of it than the man who sat across from him. He shot the group a look of disinterest, only looking at them long enough to make sure they weren't a threat. He then kept his eyes locked on Shintaro trying to keep up a look of indifference, though he would sometimes let his disdain leak through. He was younger then the older men in the room but older than Kiryu and Nishki.

At the head of the table sat a man wearing a yukata, which was a traditional Japanese robe worn during ceremonies. He had short hair that was more on the curly side. He also wore sunglasses which didn't make much sense to Kiryu, but he wasn't about to question it. It was clear that this was the boss of the family due to where he was seated and how the man held himself. Even in the odd, old fashioned way the man was dressed told of his status to everybody in the room. This was the boss Dojima.

Shintaro bowed to the man out of respect, he was followed by Kashiwagi.

"Dojima-oyabun (boss), I've brought you two new recruits. They have been both tried and tested by myself for two years time. They are both fully capable and willing to work for and help the family." Shintaro said in a voice that neither Kiryu or Nishki had ever heard him speak in before. Sure they knew he had to speak to his boss differently, but seeing him actually have to bow to someone else was surreal.

Dojima nodded and let out a grunt in response. "So, these are the two new pups you've kept hidden away all this time, eh Kazama?" Dojima asked with a trace of humor in his low and gravelly voice.
Shintaro gave a slow nod and a short "Yes sir." in response.

He then stepped to the side so that the men who were seated could get a full look, at the two youngest men in the room. With all eyes on them he could feel that Nishki wanted to start fidgeting but he held himself back. Kiryu couldn't blame him. Having the full brunt of all this attention was unnerving even to him.

Over to the side of Nishki, Shintaro began the introductions. "This is Akira Nishkiyama. Skilled driver, combatant, and extortionist."

With that Nishki stepped forward and bowed to the boss. Surprisingly he spoke no words once he straightened back up. After Nishki was done he stepped by beside Kiryu, who had all the attention on him as he was next to be introduced.
"This is Kiryu Kazuma, masterful combatant, skilled extortionist." After Shintaro introduced him, Kiryu stepped forward and gave a bow. He straightened out and just like Nishki he then stepped back, saying nothing as he did.

Dojima took a minute to observe the both of them. After that minute, his observations must've been complete because he spoke. First looking at Nishki he said "This one's eyes tell me, he's full of ambition.  But he's not all talk and ideas, he genuinely has plans to make his dreams happen."

Dojima then looked to Kiryu, studying him for another few seconds before he said "And this one. Reminds me so much of you at that age Kazama. Yet at the same time different. You never looked that serious. There's a fire in this one's eyes. Kiryu huh? has Ryu in it. Like a dragon."

After that he nodded a couple times to himself before saying out loud "Nishkiyama and Kiryu, I'll have to remember these names."

Giving the boss a minute to see if he was finished, Shintaro spoke up saying "So then, Dojima-oyabun. I take it you are pleased and have no problem taking these two into the family?" he asked.
 

Dojima was quick to give a nod and say "No problem at all. Besides Kazama, I'm sure you've already taken them in as I have given you right to do so. And seeing as you are top lieutenant in the family I will honor your words and agreements."
At this Shintaro bowed once more but not as deeply as the first time. "I thank you, sir." He said simply

Dojima then looked to Shintaro with a serious face. "Though there is business that needs to be taken care of. I have a job that needs to be done. Your two pups here will be perfect for it since it's a small job and I'm sure they're used to deliveries. This will be my own way to test them. I'm sure you don't mind, eh Kazama?" Dojima asked though it really wasn't poised as a question.

Shintaro seemed hesitant but he knew he could not refuse so he didn't mull it over long before saying "Of course not."

Dojima nodded seeming pleased. "Good. " Dojima said and he looked to the couch on his left, where the man with the black suit was sitting. "Shinohara here will take care of them. Give them the details and all. You don't mind right?"

At that Shintaro and Kashiwagi's face twitched. They wouldn't allow themselves to flinch but due to the way they were trying to hold emotions from their faces, you could tell they weren't happy. The temperature in the room dropped several degrees.

Shinohara was smirking at Shintaro and Kashiwagi. Dojima didn't notice the tension rise in the room, or at the very least he pretended not to.
The man in the black suit named Shinohara, got out of his seat and looked towards the two young men. "Of course not. I'll take them along with Shinji. It'll be fun." Shinohara said with amusement in his voice. His smirk growing wider as he looked at the two young men. He walked past them and headed to the door.

"Come on boys, there's work to be done." The man said and with that he walked out the door. Kiryu and Nishki traded looks with Shintaro and Kashiwagi before following Shinohara out the door.