Meeting the Hirose Family
Upon arriving in Onomichi, your primary objective is to establish contact with the Hirose Family, the dominant local yakuza organization. This initial interaction is crucial for uncovering clues regarding Haruka Sawamura's accident and the whereabouts of her infant son, Haruto.
Locating the Hirose Family Headquarters
From the Onomichi Central Street, head south towards the docks. The Hirose Family headquarters is discreetly located within the narrow, winding back alleys of the district, specifically on the eastern side, near the shipbuilding yards. Follow your mini-map's objective marker, which will guide you directly to their unassuming office building. Look for a traditional Japanese-style building with a distinctive red lantern hanging near the entrance – a subtle but clear indicator of their presence.
Initial Reception and Gaining an Audience
As Kiryu approaches the headquarters, expect immediate suspicion from the Hirose Family members guarding the entrance. They are fiercely protective of their territory and will initially be unwelcoming. Kiryu's legendary reputation, however, precedes him. Despite the initial cold shoulder, his persistence and calm demeanor will eventually pave the way for an audience with the family's patriarch, Toru Hirose.
- Dialogue Choices: While there aren't explicit dialogue choices in this segment, remaining steadfast and assertive in Kiryu's purpose will expedite the process. Avoid any aggressive posturing unless provoked.
- Patience is Key: The guards will attempt to deter Kiryu. Simply continue to approach the entrance until a cutscene triggers, initiating the formal interaction.
The Tense Introduction to Toru Hirose
The meeting with Toru Hirose will be tense. Hirose is a seasoned yakuza patriarch, shrewd and cautious. He will scrutinize Kiryu's intentions and assess his character. While initially reluctant to offer assistance, Kiryu's unwavering determination to protect Haruka and Haruto will eventually sway Hirose. This conversation is pivotal, as it sets the stage for future cooperation and reveals the complex power dynamics within Onomichi.
- Story Progression: This meeting is a mandatory story beat. Pay close attention to the dialogue, as it contains vital information about the local underworld and potential leads.
- Hirose's Reluctance: Understand that Hirose's initial refusal stems from a desire to protect his family and avoid unnecessary conflict. Kiryu must demonstrate his sincerity.
Potential Street Brawl: Testing Kiryu's Strength
Following your initial interaction, or perhaps even before gaining full access, some of the younger, more hot-headed Hirose Family members might attempt to "test" Kiryu's strength. This is a common occurrence in the yakuza world, a way for subordinates to gauge a newcomer's capabilities and earn respect. Be prepared for a spontaneous street brawl.
Combat Tips for the Hirose Family Encounter:
- Enemy Composition: Expect to face 5-7 generic Hirose Family thugs. They typically wield basic weapons like pipes, knives, or even just their fists. None are particularly strong individually, but their numbers can be overwhelming if not managed correctly.
- Recommended Style: Kiryu's Rush Style is highly effective here due to its speed and crowd control capabilities. The quick attacks and evasive maneuvers allow you to weave through multiple opponents. Alternatively, the Beast Style can be devastating for clearing groups with wide, powerful swings, especially if you can pick up environmental objects.
- Prioritize Targets: Focus on isolating and eliminating one or two enemies at a time. Avoid getting surrounded. Use quickstep dodges to reposition yourself.
- Environmental Attacks: Onomichi's streets are littered with environmental objects. Look for bicycles, traffic cones, and signboards. Picking these up and using them as weapons (Heat Action-dependent) or throwing them can deal significant damage and stun multiple enemies.
- Heat Actions: Build up your Heat Gauge quickly by landing combos. Utilize Heat Actions whenever possible, especially those that target multiple enemies or provide invincibility frames. The "Essence of Wall Crush" (near a wall) or "Essence of Rolling" (when an enemy is on the ground) are excellent choices for dealing with groups.
- Healing Items: Always carry a few healing items (e.g., Staminan X, Toughness Z) in your inventory. While this fight isn't exceptionally difficult, it's better to be prepared. Use them strategically when your health drops below 50%.
- Guard and Counter: guard! Blocking incoming attacks can prevent significant damage. After blocking, look for openings to counter-attack.
- Extreme Heat Mode: If the fight becomes challenging, activate Extreme Heat Mode (R2/RT when Heat Gauge is full). This significantly boosts Kiryu's attack power, speed, and defense, making him temporarily unstoppable.
Rewards for the Encounter
Successfully navigating this initial encounter, whether through diplomacy or fisticuffs, is crucial for progressing the main storyline in Onomichi. There are no immediate item rewards for this specific street brawl, but the true reward is the advancement of the narrative and the establishment of a working, albeit uneasy, relationship with the Hirose Family. This relationship will unlock new substories, side activities, and crucial plot developments as you delve deeper into the mysteries of Onomichi.
This encounter serves as a vital introduction to the local power structure and sets the tone for Kiryu's investigation in this quaint, yet dangerous, fishing town.