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The rough and Tumble Mukurogai is introduced at the end of the second chapter of Like A Dragon: Ishin. The area represents the slums of Kyo. Rakugai may be a little on the lawless side, but Mukurogai makes it look downright civilized. There are eight Substories in total that you will encounter here. Unsurprisingly, most of them involve you settling things with your fists.

Related: Like A Dragon: Ishin - FAQ Guide

This guide will lead you through each Substory; from tussling with a freelancing bodyguard, to battling the spirit of a fallen warrior, we will give you everything you need to know to get Ryoma through these encounters. As a matter of course, we will also cover all the bonds available in Mukurogai as well.

The Bad Side Of Town (29)

Like A Dragon Ishin, The Bad Side of Town goon looking creepy

Chapter

3

Location

West Side of Mukurogai

Reward

Mukurogai Reputation Increase

This Substory isn't really all that different from most random encounters you will face. If you want through the west side of town, you will have this Substory activate. In it, you will be attacked by three brigands. Two of them are swordsmen and the third will have a spear. They may be a little tougher than the typical goon, but not by a huge margin. Once you beat them the Substory will conclude. This is one of the few Substories that you can't opt out of. Once it begins, you are locked in. After you pummel the three street toughs, you will have your reputation in Mukurogai increased.

Brawler For Hire (30)

Like A Dragon Ishin, The first version of Sumi Bozu

Chapter

3

Location

North East Corner of Mukurogai

Reward

N/A

This is the first section of a three-part chain of Substories. While it is available early in the game, you will need to have completed the entirety of the Ja Nai Ka line of Substories (which starts in Fushimi and ends in Rakugai). Once you have met all the requirements, you will see a topless man hanging out in the northeast corner of Mukurogai. This is Sumi Bozu. Interact with Bozu, and he will inform you that he is a fighter for hire. As you are talking to him, the wealthy man you roughed up at the end of the Ja Nai Ka Substory will arrive and order Bozu to attack you. All you need to do now is beat Bozu in a fight.

Like A Dragon Ishin, Shooting Sumi Bozu

Sumi Bozu wields a spear, but he doesn't fight identically to how most staff-wielding thugs fight. He primarily uses thrusting attacks, he also doesn't go down nearly as quickly as the typical spear-using thug. Nonetheless, since he primarily uses thrusting attacks, that makes his moves extremely linear, which will make him an easy opponent to sidestep. He is also pretty slow. Despite being a little more resilient, like most of the spear-using fighters you will encounter in the game, you can tear him apart with your Gunman stance.

Brawler Incarnate (31)

Like A Dragon Ishin, The second version of Sumi Bozu

Chapter

3

Location

North East Corner of Mukurogai

Reward

N/A

This is round two with Sumi Bozu. He adds some new moves to his arsenal in this fight. Now, instead of his stationary thrusting attacks, he will charge forward when he uses a thrusting move. Which means that he closes the distance very quickly. The Gunman style isn't recommended for that reason. He also has some horizontal attacks now, so he is better at catching those sidesteps. However, since he always finishes his running attack with a thrust move, it does make him predictable and easy to parry.

Like A Dragon Ishin, Parrying Sumi Bozu

The Brawler stance will serve you well here. You can also just block his attacks and respond with sword attacks of your own. That will work too. Unfortunately for Bozu, he doesn't have that much health; so, a few Heat Actions is all it will take to finish him off.

Brawler Enlightened (32)

Like A Dragon Ishin, The final version of Sumi Bozu

Chapter

10

Location

North East Corner of Mukurogai

Reward

Berserker Charm

This is your final Substory in the Sumi Bozu line. It is going to be your climactic finale with the brawler-turned-monk. As far as we can tell, the only difference here is that Bozu starts strafing, and sidestepping you more often. However, unfortunately for Bozu, this Substory opening up as late in the game as it does means that he will be facing off against an extremely pumped-up Ryoma.

Like A Dragon Ishin, Dicing Up Sumi Bozu

You can approach this fight the same way you did the previous encounter with very little in the way of adjustments. Once you beat Bozu, he will give you the Berserker Charm. He will also be able to be recruited outside the Shinsengumi Barracks.

Night Of The Living Rumor (33)

Like A Dragon Ishin, Ryoma confronts the ghost hunting Mukurogai

Chapter

7

Location

East Side of Mukurogai

Reward

Nishikigoi Amulet

This quest has two components. During the day, you will need to hear the men talking about the ghost haunting Mukurogai. These guys are hanging out near the dock where you can fish and play the cannonball-cutting minigame. Next, head back to this same spot during the night. You won't be able to change the setting to night at this point in the game, but the end of Chapter 7 (which is the first chapter this Substory becomes available in) will shift you into the night.

Once you arrive, you will be confronted by a ghostly figure. You will need to defeat them in combat. They are, for all intents and purposes, a buffed-up version of the standard Swordsman enemy. Once you beat them, you will obtain the Nishikigoi Amulet.

Make sure to return to this spot one more time to collect another memoir once you have cleared this Substory.

The Servile Beggar (34)

Like A Dragon Ishin, The Servile Beggar asks Ryoma for some food

Chapter

3

Location

Center of Mukurogai

Reward

N/A

This beggar hangs out near the center of Mukurogai. He will beg you for some food. Any piece of food will do, including individual vegetables. Give him something to eat, and you will complete this Substory. Doing so will also establish a bond with him. Now, you can keep feeding him. Eventually, Ryoma will give him a pep talk. To finish this bond, find him standing in front of a restaurant in Rakunai and talk to him.

The Trash Dealer (35)

Like A Dragon Ishin, The man who is always happy to take your junk

Chapter

3

Location

North End of Mukurogai

Reward

N/A

This is just Trash Boy all over again. You can give the Trash Dealer anything in your inventory, and he will be pleased as punch. You will complete this Substory by giving him anything. From that point onward, you will be able to build your bond with The Trash Dealer by giving him different pieces of garbage. After you have given a certain amount of trash to the Trash Dealer, he will get sick. You will need to get the priest from the Shinto Temple in Rakunai to help him.

The Injured Dog (36)

Like A Dragon Ishin, Interacting with the injured dog

Chapter

4

Location

North East Corner of Mukurogai

Reward

N/A

This Substory will become available once you have obtained your farm. The injured dog is in need of medication. It doesn't matter which medication. Just hand him an ointment, and you will heal the little guy up. This will complete the Substory and unlock your bond with the puppers. Once you have healed the Injured Dog around five times or so, you will witness this poor dog being assaulted by a bunch of ruffians. After you return the favor, you will be able to name this little guy and take him back to your farm.

Next: Like A Dragon: Ishin - Complete Guide To Gion Substories