The Empty Lot Incident — Yakuza 0 Walkthrough

The Empty Lot Incident

The Empty Lot Incident marks a pivotal turning point in Kiryu Kazuma's early career, thrusting him into a complex web of yakuza politics, murder, and betrayal. What begins as a routine debt collection spirals into a life-altering event that will define his path for years to come. This section will guide you through the immediate aftermath, detailing every step Kiryu must take to navigate this treacherous situation.

Initial Investigation: The Scene of the Crime

After successfully collecting the debt from the debtor, Yamai, Kiryu returns to the Empty Lot only to find him brutally murdered. This discovery is catastrophic; the Empty Lot is a highly coveted piece of land at the heart of the "Kamurocho Revitalization Project," a massive undertaking by the Tojo Clan. Yamai's death on this specific property implicates Kiryu directly, making him the prime suspect in the eyes of the clan and, more importantly, his own patriarch, Shintaro Kazama.

Your immediate objective is to meticulously investigate the crime scene for any clues that might shed light on what truly transpired. While Kiryu is not a detective, gathering information is crucial to understanding the gravity of his predicament and preparing his defense.

1. Examine Yamai's Body: Approach the deceased debtor. Kiryu will automatically observe the fatal stab wound and the lack of a weapon. Pay attention to Kiryu's internal monologue for key details.
2. Scan the Immediate Area: Look for any anomalies or objects that seem out of place.
   • Bloody Knife: While there isn't a knife directly on Yamai, Kiryu will note its absence, which is a significant detail.
   • Footprints: Although not explicitly interactable, Kiryu's observation skills will lead him to conclude that the scene has been tampered with or that the killer left no obvious traces.
   • Surrounding Environment: Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. The Empty Lot is desolate, highlighting the isolation of Kiryu's situation.
3. Report to Nishikiyama: With the initial investigation complete, Kiryu's most pressing task is to inform his sworn brother, Akira Nishikiyama, of the grim discovery. Nishikiyama is currently at the Serenity Grand Hotel, located in the northern part of Kamurocho.

Journey to Nishikiyama and Street Encounters

The path from the Empty Lot to the Serenity Grand Hotel is not entirely peaceful. Kamurocho is a dangerous city, and even a simple walk can lead to confrontations. Be prepared for several street brawls along the way. These encounters serve as a good opportunity to practice Kiryu's initial fighting styles: Brawler and Rush.

• Enemies: Expect to face groups of 2-4 generic thugs, low-level yakuza, or street punks. They are typically weak to Kiryu's standard combos.
• Recommended Style:
  • Brawler: Excellent for dealing with multiple enemies due to its wide swings and powerful finishing blows. Use its grab attacks to isolate and punish individual opponents.
  • Rush: Ideal for dodging incoming attacks and quickly closing distances. Its rapid punches can stun enemies, allowing for follow-up attacks.
• Strategy Tips:
  • Utilize Heat Actions: As your Heat Gauge fills, don't hesitate to use Heat Actions (e.g., Triangle near a downed enemy, or when prompted near environmental objects like bicycles or street signs). These deal massive damage and are excellent for crowd control.
  • Environmental Attacks: Pick up objects like bicycles, traffic cones, or signboards to use as weapons. These are highly effective against groups.
  • Heal When Necessary: Keep an eye on your health bar. If it drops significantly, use any healing items you might have (e.g., Toughness Z, Staminan X). You can purchase these from convenience stores like Poppo or M Store if you're running low.

Upon reaching the Serenity Grand Hotel, head inside and locate Nishikiyama. The ensuing conversation will be tense, as Kiryu explains the situation. Nishikiyama, ever the loyal brother, will immediately recognize the severity of the predicament and advise Kiryu on the next steps, which involve reporting to the higher-ups in the Dojima Family.

Immediate Consequences and Next Steps

The Empty Lot Incident is not just a murder; it's a political landmine. The death of a debtor on a property central to the Tojo Clan's most ambitious project immediately casts Kiryu in a negative light, making him a convenient scapegoat. This event sets in motion a chain of events that will force Kiryu to leave the Dojima Family and embark on his journey to clear his name.

• Loss of Standing: Kiryu's reputation within the Dojima Family will plummet. He will be seen as a liability, potentially even a traitor.
• Exile: The immediate consequence is Kiryu's decision to leave the Dojima Family to protect his patriarch, Kazama, from being implicated. This is a voluntary exile, but one born out of necessity.
• Quest for Truth: Kiryu's primary motivation for the remainder of the early game will be to uncover the true killer and expose the conspiracy surrounding the Empty Lot.

This incident is the catalyst for Kiryu's entire narrative arc in Yakuza 0, transforming him from a low-level yakuza enforcer into a man fighting for his honor and the truth. Pay close attention to the dialogue and character interactions during this segment, as they lay the groundwork for the complex relationships and motivations that drive the story forward.