Yakuza 6: The Song of Life - Boss Battles: 3 - Shun Akiyama (LEGEND)

The infamous cradle room fight. In my personal opinion, the fight turned out to have a less dumber reason than I'd initially imagined. Both of them present convincing arguments and they're determined about it for good reason.
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[@tsugishosa838]

Akiyama: "If only tanimura was here to assist me. We would've...still lost anyway."

[@Speedwagon-tz9py]

Lol

[@adamrobinette6832]

I thought it was interesting that he said at the end of this fight 'I just can't bring myself to fight you for real.'. Akiyama is a tough bastard, and his fighting style is more dominating than Kiryu's in the game. I think he is possibly Kiryu's equal, at least. But he's too nice. Probably the kindest hearted of all of the playable characters. Like unless someone is a bad person he can't go all in. He's an expert at reading people and I think even in that first encounter along with Tanimura, he didn't see Kiryu as someone he could really try to hurt.

[@vroiderantas]

@@adamrobinette6832 no, akiyama isnt kiryu's equal in terms of combat prowess but yes he is just that nice

[@kokturk6207]

@@vroiderantas His equal is Taiga Saejima. Because the tiger and the dragon were equals in the chinese mythology

[@workinprogress9793]

@@kokturk6207 and both had a draw when they fought

[@VGHistory1]

Kiryu: Give me the baby Akiyama: You can't have the baby *S H U N A K I Y A M A*

[@MasterBomer]

LMAO

[@shoo4472]

LOL

[@RaymondBrown-lf4nw]

😂😂

[@itzceejay9256]

4:04

[@thewayofthechinchilla2786]

FEEL THE HEAT!!!!

[@WhenDidYouTubeAddThisFeature]

Now THIS is a custody battle!!

[@killme2675]

Jeez....

[@dodger217]

Rey vs eddie guerrero

[@destinywaters959]

Dude imagine if this is how all custody battles were like XD

[@frankuraku5622]

@@dodger217 WHERE THE FUCK IS VICKIE!

[@21stCenturyNabokov]

@@dodger217 Lol no wonder there were so many wrestling cameos like Okada,Tanahashi and Naito in the game

[@RGR490G]

Someone's gonna walk in after and just see Akiyama sitting alone, the babies gone, and all the cribs destroyed and they're gonna be like "dude wtf"

[@ZERO-hr1xe]

Lmao

[@killme2675]

"Had a custody battle"

[@parokki]

"The little shits busted out! I was rusty from living in a sewer for a couple of years and couldn't stop them."

[@jackmclean4120]

''You know you're the one whose paying for this, right?''

[@anamggss]

@@parokki LMAOOO

[@smokofrodo]

...they really threw hands in a damn nursery.....

[@ravensenpai146]

Smoko Frodo kiryu gives 0 fucks.

[@jaythedstyr]

😂😂😂 im finished 💀💀💀💀

[@rellertr]

Akiyama threw feet, he's innocent

[@nacojima]

LMFAOAOOAOAOAOA

[@HairyJuan]

@@ravensenpai146 Seriously, Kiryu was also ready to throw hands inside the Pocket Circuit building with kids watching when Majima came in.

[@Gundamseeddabest]

This battle really kinda hurt. Half the battle was literally Akiyama trying to plead with you while you beat the shit out of him.

[@deviljho4260]

Fun fact: if you stand still long enough and dodge akiyama’s attacks he begs you to stop and doesn’t fight you because he doesn’t want to fight kiryu.

[@assassingamer5983]

Fr?

[@atlasreborn7221]

Damn, Akiyama really doesn't want the battle to happen.

[@Shadz.L.A]

@@deviljho4260 I’m sorry what?!?! 😭😭

[@Artemi22]

@@deviljho4260 that's some undertale stuff right there, is it real?

[@adamrobinette6832]

Akiyama is low key the most fascinating, deep character in the whole series. The whole story behind Sky Finance and why and how he does what he does with clients, and how he never forgot the homeless when he became rich, still going to spend time with them. His intuition is crazy, and he may be the most intelligent character. He knew Lily killed those men in 4 and he absolutely knew Kiryu wasn't dead at the end of six. Nothing gets past him. Here he was absolutely the voice of reason in the rare moment Kiryu wasn't in his right mind. Yet none of the other characters he interacts with ever knows or totally understands his true nature. Then you add his fighting style in with it and he's just awesome.

[@rker]

kicking only styles will always be cool

[@rowanbcapr]

he’s also the chillest man in the world

[@MalosiAudios]

probably the richest man in kamurocho too, he did get his money back right?

[@JustArei]

Basically Akiyama is Majima but sane

[@eduardohwonoob]

@@MalosiAudios for 6? His money never went anywhere. Akiyama did his best safeguarding his whole business until the triad and Korean mafia situation died down

[@MukuonChannel]

Destroys the entire nursery in their fight, then the place looks good as new in the cutscene. Yakuza Magic.

[@uservenny84]

Some Yakuza Dad With a Beard further proof that fights aren't cannon - they stand there imagining it all

[@noeljaramillo382]

Vince Venzan a grappler baki influence in that cutscene, just imagination XD.

[@QuangTran27]

Welcome to the matrix

[@snakekingblues3017]

U do know they strip in like one sec during a fight right?

[@rycenpegagan5222]

That's how yakuza works

[@ImpressionQuick]

Learned "Essence of baby ignoring"

[@DehdLock]

🤣🤣🤣

[@sompret]

Whoa, Akiyama used his hands?! He's really serious about stopping you!

[@criminalcalibre]

Joshua Madoc the fight would have been more exciting if he really tried... Lol. It was kinda lame that he "couldn't fight you for real"

[@Mikeormaybenotmike]

@@criminalcalibre Even if he did "fight for real" Kiryu would've kicked his ass anyway.

[@jaskier428]

@@Mikeormaybenotmike you are underestimating akiyama

[@Mikeormaybenotmike]

@@jaskier428 I'm not though I know he would've put up a good fight but Kiryu whooped his ass with tanimura fighting with him.

[@EthanBradburyVlogs]

@@Mikeormaybenotmike yep

[@ComicWriter-ml3qt]

Kiryu is lucky date got the child services guy to drop the charges. I was on Akiyamas side, he’s taking a risk that affects not only him, but also the kids at morning glory.

[@Not_Claptrap]

Didnt kiryu technically lose ownership of morning glory back in 5?

[@Daxter-hl7dw]

@@Not_Claptrap I dont think he explicitly lost ownership, he just wasn't funding it or had his presence there like before. I'm sure he still had ownership or at least half ownership considering Mirei Park dies but we dont hear anything about Morning Glory being in any trouble of closing afterwards. I'd say that maybe Haruka has the ownership but she's 15 during 5 and I'm not sure what age she'd need to be. The only other option would be Akiyama has the ownership which kinda makes sense since 6 starts directly after and Kiryu is in no condition to take complete ownership.

[@RoloRolla]

@@Daxter-hl7dw Now that I think about it, did Kiryu never legally applied to be Haruka's adoptive father? If so, the hospital should allow him to take care of her son while she was unconscious, no?

[@Daxter-hl7dw]

@@RoloRolla when he states that he's Haruka's adoptive father the worker says they can only release Haruto to his biological relatives, if I recall Kiryu's criminal record is the main reason why they wouldn't release Haruto into his custody. The Worker doesn't seem to like Kiryu and somewhat implies that if the baby went with Kiryu his organs would be harvested. SPOILER After Kiryu runs off with the child Date states that Kiryu doesn't have to worry because he signed on to supervise Kiryu as he watches over Haruto, after Date does this the worker reveals he doesn't give a shit because responsibility isn't in his hands anymore and he couldn't be blamed for anything that happens. EDIT: also in Kiwami 1 in the after credits scene Date talks to Kiryu about how he adopted Haruka and if he's really ready for it, I can only assume that Date wouldn't just let Kiryu take Haruka in without legal paperwork and that Kiryu would want to avoid trouble later on.

[@RenShinomiya121]

@@Daxter-hl7dw Date with the hard carry. His KDA is basically 3/5/90 right now

[@rasdan1192]

Yakuza 10. Play as Haruto

[@MoistChungus]

Fighting style: memories of the dragon

[@xuanthothai2046]

@@MoistChungus Wait... that a great name !

[@mrlaidback83]

How about Yakuza 9. Play as Haruka Fighting style: Lady Dragon

[@garrettoliva5154]

Haruto: *watches Akiyama and Kiryu fight* Haruto: That's rad!

[@ziggystardust7001]

Garrett Oliva Harukas Majima would just be his young daughter lmao

[@otakamerd1220]

Haruto is a very calm baby

[@otakamerd1220]

Erik Corbin He has no fear, he could be smashed to pieces but he gives no fucks because plot Armor

[@olivermccall3898]

Otakamerd who doesn't love some good old plot armour

[@otakamerd1220]

Erik Corbin Akiyama didn’t get his though apparently. Even his heat action was negated

[@Oldboy2305]

Oof

[@EthanBradburyVlogs]

@WEABOBOSS Kiryu always destroyed Akiyama the only person on his level is Saejima

[@holly9096]

I honestly really loved this scene not only for the concept of battling it out in a nursery, but because it really highlighted one of Kiryu's weaknesses: his family. At this point in the game, his love for his family, even for this baby who he's only known for a short while, can push him to be selfish. While his motivation of "there would be no one to help him" is legitimate, I believe that's just an excuse. Kiryu actually wants Haruto in his life so badly that he'd go as far as to kidnap him. And it isn't even "there would be no one to help him." It's _"I couldn't be there to help him."_ Kiryu is already saying flat out that he personally doesn't want to be separated from Haruto, not just for Haruka or Haruto's sake. "We'd be total strangers. I'd never see his face again" is basically the quote that reveals his true motivation.

[@thatbloomer5642]

I think this started since he lost Nishiki. He truly believed that he is to blame for what happened to Nishiki despite everything. This creates a train of thought for Kiryu that everything that happened or might happen to those close to him is because of him and thus he always tried to solve everything for everyone by himself.

[@CodyHeldreth]

@@thatbloomer5642 Considering his near breakdown reaction to Daigo getting shot in 5, your correct.

[@dogfellow3848]

So to put it simply, hes got a savior complex the size of Japan and a compulsive fear of loss, makes sense

[@PonchitoPoncho2050]

After gaiden it pains even more knowing he literally suffers everyday for being away from his family.

[@Wolfensteinification]

Did Akiyama just unlock Red Heat? Fucker's been training with Komaki or something on the down low.

[@BlushBlush88]

All bosses in Yakuza 6 will have that red heat/glow when their health decreases till a certain level. It's not Akiyama unlocking red heat or something.

[@REDEEMERWOLF]

@@BlushBlush88 Shut up.

[@thirdanimator3347]

@@K1-Glory imagine tryna be a Yakuza character, lmao

[@captaink48000]

Akiyama did have the aerial combat in 5 and that is technically his red heat

[@DrearyMiri]

That’s a reason I don’t like the kiwami 2/6 engine. No unique heat colors unlike the previous games.

[@DonVecta]

I truly miss Akiyama as a playable character. He's still my favorite Yakuza series character. Too bad he got his ass handed by Kiryu... again.

[@FiqFake157]

He's not weak, Kiryu is too strong

[@Dmvgold1995]

@@FiqFake157 that’s a more accurate way to put it. Kiryu and Saejima are the most overpowered characters in the yakuza universe

[@alcoholicdog8800]

@@Dmvgold1995 j was pissed in y7 with the kiryu fight and its ending like cmon they have to have him lose sooner or later

[@sanskarmishra5309]

@@alcoholicdog8800 or they can not bring him back and let him be.

[@mikeivoyloff1656]

@@alcoholicdog8800 lose to *THAT* jabroni? you are loco, ese

[@atlasreborn7221]

5:23 The physical embodiment of "no"

[@bluefrenk1750]

Spinzaku Kururugi flashbacks

[@cuppedcup5048]

Omg. 😂😂😂😂

[@LowIntSpecimen]

I love how unceremonial it is. no over the top move from kiryu, just bonk

[@Spartan-sz7km]

Tiger dropped

[@RandomL0s3r]

He didn't sugarcoat it

[@ipreferapenne3030]

I think Akiyama was in the right in this scene, if someone you cared about/considered a friend/looked up too was about to do something legitimately against the law because they are angry, do you think you wouldn't be persistent in stopping them or at least trying too? Also, imagine if this wasn't Akiyama and was instead Saejima, oh boy, the fight would have had to been stopped because these guys who write these games can never give a clear answer as to who would win in a fight, Saejima or Kiryu.

[@puffpuffpassmako]

Saejima has a tiger tattoo, Kiryu has a Dragon tattoo. In Japanese lore, the Dragon and Tiger are on equal footing, neither can best the other, they'd fight for all eternity. So the devs put that into consideration. Kiryu and Saejima are both on equal footing, neither can beat the other.

[@LuckiSir]

I don't even think a fight of that strength could be handled in a nursery room. Someone would've definitely have been thrown through a wall or something.

[@myxo884]

@@puffpuffpassmako shimano?

[@auhs6240]

@@myxo884 shimano isn't a main character. Gotta remember plot armour comes first, lore comes second

[@HairyJuan]

Yeah Kiryu can't care for a child when he's in prison.

[@hinata2000100]

"Man... I just can't bring myself to fight you for real." Says the man who, not even a minute ago, flipped off the wall and extended his leg out like he was ready to break Kiryu's skull in half like a melon.

[@JoaoLucasK]

Imagine if Akiyama fought Kiryu for real

[@Oldboy2305]

@@JoaoLucasK I wonder who'd win

[@JoaoLucasK]

@@Oldboy2305 Kiryu, for sure

[@sub2suisei]

@@JoaoLucasK Kiryu kicked both his and Tanimura's ass back in 4... So...

[@armplanet7524]

Brightsmile Puppylove yeah but this Akiyama is stronger than 4 and 5

[@andresashura5550]

3:59 OMG Kiryu, chill out LMAO

[@di-gun5791]

I expected him to not fight seriously but he went all out in the beginning lmao

[@Bahamut998]

Dude literally murdering a friend, making him spit blood lol

[@07TXTL]

“I’m sorry Akiyama” *Dynamic intro is just beating the ever living shit out of Akiyama*

[@KnightTrowel]

3:53 honestly that punch and kick from kiryu, followed up with the POV shot of him walking towards Akiyama is terrifying

[@bappojujubes981]

It sucks that Akiyama was never playable in the new engine, his moves look so clean.

[@demorisarashi]

5:44 *Kiryu is sleeping in the corner during the fight*

[@tiffyw92]

Kiryu learned "Essence of Crib". Like Grandpa, like grandkid.

[@bacon_haired_dude7050]

Night night

[@jamesnorman9160]

Man, poor Akiyama. He's still got PTSD from that time in Yakuza 4, and now this. xD And man, Haruto is a REALLY heavy sleeper. xD

[@Thentavius]

"Whatever happens to me doesn't matter, and nobody else does either." Goddamn, Kiryu, your death wish is showing. It actually makes me uncomfortable to think he was cozy with dying in the previous games knowing this is the logical extreme of it.

[@rawnm094]

This is the moment that striked at the first few chapters as well! Kiryu's been through so much TTT Ykz6's writing is subtle but profoundly good.

[@elijahfyffe5176]

They’ve always shown Kiryu to not care about what happens to him. Even in Yakuza 5 one of the villians calls him out on how he always “puts his life on the line”

[@deviljho4260]

For someone who is self taught and treats their body like shit, akiyama is pretty strong. Hell, he doesn’t even use his hands and wasn’t even fighting for real as shown at 6:13 If RGG wanted to they could literally make him like a tier under kiryu and saejima OP

[@ozzy9101]

Imagine if he stopped smoking and trained? He’d be on another level

[@rivaraptor4277]

@@ozzy9101 he'd be on par with Kiryu and Saejima when it comes to power

[@kyaryi1]

@@rivaraptor4277 No, probably not. Kiryu and Saejima are exceptions. Akiyama's smoking habit just causes him to have low stamina, remember Kiryu smokes and drinks as well. I don't believe that even a trained Akiyama could defeat Kiryu, he's just that op. Kiryu in Yakuza 5 alone (way past his prime) is a fucking Monster.

[@tahseenkhan3629]

@@kyaryi1 well thats why they said on par. Theres wiggle room in that wording, imo, to mean hed be close to level and skill as them, even if theyd both still kick his ass- even with a handicap- for sure.

[@Stelladia]

@@rivaraptor4277 let's just say he'd be on par with the Judgment boys, if he isn't already, i'll be using the Amon clan battles as example so... if following the logic that the Amon clan always end up being canonically stronger than the final boss and since both Yagami and Kasuga's group fight against Shin, it's even more interesting to compare their levels, so if Akiyama got on the Judgment guys' level he'd be a monster

[@EderAPS]

They both had good reasons to sustain their positions, but Akiyama was not only thinking about Haruto and Haruka like Kiryu was, he was thinking of Kiryu too. I believe Akiyama is the most noble and loyal character in the Yakuza universe hands down. That was the only fight in the whole series that I was actualy worried about the oponent. Every punch I landed made me frown lol. I truly hope Sky finance's CEO makes his return in the series someday. If Sega makes a spin off with him like judgment or dead souls, I'm sold. Even side activities for his game would be easy to come up with. It's not hard to think of a money lending minigame like the awesome cabaret management in Yakuza 0 or the holding management in Like a Dragon.

[@موسىرحيم-ل3ع]

Agreed

[@aerodynamo4874]

I feel like the money-lending minigame would work a lot like Papers, Please honestly.

[@creativename1673]

Akiyama is a bro, honestly. He has absolutely no personal stakes in 5 (or 6 after the Saio are out of the picture) but gets involved anyway just so that he can help Kiryu and the others.

[@johnkenneth8746]

Welp he's back in Infinite Wealth

[@skyfox4072]

6:18 Well at least I can be happy knowing Akiyama wasn't fighting at full strength. My boy isn't a weakling after all!

[@GarouThehumanmonsterZZ]

i'm pretty sure that Kiryu wasnt going all out too

[@vistea1]

It wasn't a fair fight, they have to do another battle at the top of Kamurocho Hills.

[@baylaust]

I love Akiyama as well, but lets be honest with ourselves. There really isn't any shame in losing to Kiryu. Akiyama is definitely no slouch in a fight, but Kiryu is TERRIFYINGLY strong. There's a reason why he's never lost a fight without either a sneak attack or getting shot by someone. Hell, I'm pretty sure Saejima is the one person who can stand toe-to-toe with Kiryu, since both of their fights ended in a draw.

[@mgm6229]

@@baylaust Yes, I prefer Akiyama to Kiryu, but the latter is supposed to be stronger. I guess we could say that Kiryu and Saejima could be on a strenght "Level A". Characters like Akiyama, Tanimura, Mine, Kazama, Daigo, Shinada, Han, Someya, Arai, and Kido would be on "Level B". Then, "Level C" could be for most of the bosses in the series. And "Level D" for random thugs.

[@Kalgert]

@@mgm6229 Where's Majima on that list?

[@fabiofilippstheodoro5093]

5:24 Kiryu: GET TIGER DROOPED, SON! 😂😂😂

[@kenway2333]

Say what you want about Akiyama, that man is good with his legs

[@Not_Claptrap]

I'd go as far to say hes better with legs than majima

[@shape8198]

Really bugs me that Akiyama wasn't playable in this game. I know they wanted to focus on Kiryu and the new engine, but still. Hopefully he turns up alive and well in Yakuza 7/Shin-Yakuza!

[@vistea1]

Shapeshifter Did Sky Finance and Super Chunk show up in 6? I didn't get the demo so I can't play it till the release date.

[@Lergmeister]

Yeah Akiyama have been my favorite since i got to play him in Yakuza 4, i was really hoping that this was proof of him being playable in 6 but oh well.

[@taboonandris9547]

I'm more of a majima guy but respect

[@CasualDraws]

No

[@shape8198]

@@CasualDraws RIP Akiyama. Not even being apart of the Real Estate minigame means bad news for his character - still, his costume is at least bonus DLC... I guess that's good. I do wonder why he isn't in the game, though. In Yakuza Online, he's one of Ichi's close friends. Very sad

[@TheAvgCrusader]

Everyone keeps saying Akiyama was in the right in this scene, that of which he is. But people also forget that fighting fate is one of Kiryu's defining traits. To fight against the deck of cards life gives you. I'm sure Akiyama knew this well, and that he wasn't going to stop him even if he tried his hardest. He was making sure Kiryu was not only sure, but ready for it, or at least part of Akiyama was. Akiyama is one of his closest friends, if he'd go through Akiyama, he'd go through everyone.

[@The1337nut]

That’s honestly one of the best takes I’ve seen

[@raushanlatiff96]

Haruto was just chilling in his crib while all of this chaos was going on near him 😂

[@JoaoLucasK]

He's a real heavy sleeper

[@huntercrindson3927]

What I really like about this is that it shows that they are both equally correct on this situation. Kiryu is right that the Child services guy doesn't care about Haruto and that Haruto will suffer in an orphanage. But Akiyama is also right about Kiryu kidnapping Haruto and that to the public eye Kiryu it's just another Yakuza criminal

[@Gameboynitro]

Best place for a fight ever.

[@Shadz.L.A]

This fight hurt man 😭 They both wanted what was best for everyone at the time and just. . . I don’t want my dads fighting 🥺

[@MNB730]

Feel like this is the only time where Kiryu strikes first and is the aggressor here, damn.

[@ChaoticNarrative]

Are we forgetting the 4th fight against Kuze in Yakuza 0? Kuze hadn't even put his dukes up yet and Kiryu ran right in and smacked him in the face so hard his face contorted and his Aviator glasses flew off his face.

[@carinhafelizgames2308]

@@beegdawg UAAAAAAAAHHHHH

[@xeno1068]

@@ChaoticNarrative KUZEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@JoninJordan]

@@carinhafelizgames2308 🕶😫🤛

[@nebunezz_r]

​@@ChaoticNarrative Kuze fight was.... The first time we saw crack in kiryu tough persona. He just cared about Tachibana that hard to the point that Kuze doing shit to him just pisses of Kiryu real hard

[@mason7645]

I feel so bad to Akiyama..

[@adrianmartinez3965]

Kiryu: Everyone said that your versión of Baka Mitai is better than mine Akiyama: And where they are wrong? SHUN AKIYAMA

[@TheMemeXp1]

1:36 ... if you know the ending this hurts even more

[@TwentyNinerR]

Akiyama appears to use his fists more often in this fight.

[@iskoconquers]

he can't bring himself to fight him for real.

[@Fishman465]

Akiyama did have a point; considering the last time Kiryuu went honor before reason, the stuff that set this game up happens. Didn't he learned from what happened he took an honor-related jail trip (The first game)?

[@GnosisZX]

Yeah nishki became a monster because of it

[@Stingray_Hans]

4:23 Kiryu doesn't want to fight him, so he is on rage with other things.

[@Daxter-hl7dw]

I'm late to the party but I can see both sides of this, Kiryu is definitely acting irrationally but considering what has happened before when he leaves a child alone, such as with Haruka and Morning Glory, or even when it came to adults like Nishiki and Kazuma I can understand why he'd want to take Haruto with him in spite of how illegal it may be. Kiryu is so used to the usual routine that he believes he has to be the hero that defends absolutely everyone, to the point where failure or even hesitation cannot be an option for him. I believe some of what Arai said in Yakuza 4 stuck with him, "you're too late, you're always too late". Kiryu doesn't know what the best option is but he believes keeping them close will at least give him more of a chance.

[@ThePilotGuyFP]

ah geez akiyama, i know you dont want kiryu to take the bab, but dont stand on top of him to stop it :V 4:22

[@_TeslaGoStream]

Akiyama didn't deserve this! Honestly Kiryu wtf, he's your friend!

[@devilleon7]

I think that Akiyama is just as guilty, he wasn't willing to budge.

[@a130inthesky]

devilleon7 You can say that, but Kiryu absolutely fucking savages him in the intro like he was some random thug on the street. He could have showed some hesitation before bashing his face in

[@yedo8516]

Akiyama was just looking out for a friend. Kiryu clearly wasn't thinking straight and tends to act recklessly when things get personal. Akiyama put his neck on the line to snap Kiryu out of his characteristic stubbornness. Akiyama's not guilty of anything other than being a pretty decent friend. Any other guy would just stand by and let Kiryu make bad decisions.

[@tray9012]

Yedo Even so, Akiyama's way isn't as good, either. They both have their points. I mean, that Nojiri guy just proves it.

[@yedo8516]

tray9012 I don't see how that justifies Kiryu's bizarre behavior and violent outburst towards a good friend like Akiyama. They had different perspectives sure, but the difference is that Akiyama tried to use reason, and Kiryu predictably used his fists. Even when things got real, Akiyama held back in the fight while Kiryu carelessly pummeled him. As for Nojiri, yes, it's not a great option, but it was logically the best option as it was the lawful thing to do. It's pretty clear that Akiyama cares about Kiryu. He's well aware that Kiryu just got out of prison, and the last thing Akiyama wanted to see was Kiryu put a target on his back and get in trouble with the law yet again so soon after his release. Especially in this moment when Kiryu was hurting the most, Akiyama was acting as the voice of reason. He says it right before the fight, Kiryu would be branded as a kidnapper and it'd be straight to jail for him--or worse. Clearly, Akiyama was being considerate in this situation while Kiryu was not in his right mind. So yeah, I don't see any fault in Akiyama's desire to keep Kiryu from being self-destructive.

[@sophn4924]

this fight was a painful experience...because i like akiyama too much

[@notorioushkm97]

5:23 Kiryu Tiger Dropped him in Mid Air!

[@shmeebor2584]

Fighting in a room for infants? Golly!

[@AquaPJ]

5:55 Chill man he’s just trying to help! 😂😂

[@Tickerchicken]

The first time I saw akiama do the wall kick I heard “FEEL THE HEAT” in my head and screeched “DAWWWWW SHIT” in a high pitched voice

[@jamesorozco8480]

Why do i now want to play as akiyama in this style of gameplay. Especially with burst

[@user-jh5wt8lq9x]

Playing as Yagami in judgement is probably the closest you'll get

[@rulingdiesout]

I think if Akiyama hadn't hit that kick in the beginning, Kiryu would have punched him through the door and that'd be the fight

[@Leon_S._Kennedy]

True lmao

[@Bleachfan119]

Of all the places you can catch hands...a nursery. Yeah....I'm loving this series more each day

[@JoaoLucasK]

And then they break every single object in the nursery room, except for Haruto's crib

[@Not_Claptrap]

@@JoaoLucasK because for some unknown reason his crib is made out of kiryu's bones

[@realkingofantarctica]

Fan Theory: Kiryu secretly fucking hates Akiyama. There's no other dynamic intro in the series where Kiryu is this proactive in attacking his opponent. Usually he parries or blocks, but here he just starts whooping Akiyama's ass.

[@plumbagdefinitiveedition.753]

Sort of a late reply but this theory is actually possibly backed up by events in Infinite Wealth. Which would be funny if it weren’t horribly depressing from Akiyama’s point of view. Maybe he just needs better friends or something. Poor guy.

[@livekazumareaction]

I can't seem to think of another dynamic intro where kiryu literally beats the shit out of them before the fight even starts

[@JoninJordan]

Aside from slugging the shit outta kuze back in 0, think this one of the few times

[@EvilRyuGuy]

Kiryu in Y4: Stay here and don't do anything, Yasuko. You get carried away by emotions, stop thinking straight and make bad decisions. Kiryu in Y6: I won't lose the baby! I'm kidnapping him!

[@user-yv8sy3gv2s]

This is like fighting Kashiwagi in 0 you really don’t want to fight them because you like them so much so you’re just trying to get it over with as fast as possible

[@rivaraptor4277]

Yeah. And then Kashiwagi pissed me off with that ridiculously fast QTE

[@ethanedwards3357]

"Whatever happens to me doesn't matter." Damn! Kiryu doesn't place much value on his life from what he's saying.

[@Not_Claptrap]

After the shit kiryu went through I'm not surprised he became slightly suicidal at some point

[@AnggaTangerang]

2 Guys rampaging in room. Haruto : fuck this shit, let me sleep.

[@DW9427]

can we fr talk about how rough kiryu was in the intro of the fight lmao

[@turbulentbreak]

Reminder that after Akiyama's boss fight, Kiryu thought convenience store onigiri was good enough for baby food. If the Saio Triad, Jingweon Mafia, or Yomei Alliance haven't gotten to Haruto first, then asphyxiation will. Date really came in clutch along with making sure Kiryu doesn't have to fend off the police. Three groups going after him is enough as it is.

[@ManTsch88]

Oh, i see. 5:17, there will be a completion-list again. I'm in.

[@jaypostromboli-jpgamertv-457]

Which was the last one to have it?

[@Pat2don]

I maxed out Kiryu during my HARD playthrough and used the clear data for LEGEND. All it took was a single Tiger Drop and that QTE (which also appears to be Tiger Drop) to KO Akiyama. :'D

[@philipinoboy1381]

i nearly maxed out kiryu(200 cap limit) before this boss fight and akiyama didn't do much

[@Pat2don]

@@philipinoboy1381 Took the fun outta the fight huh 😭

[@tunaXD_]

Man I winced so hard in the beginning of the fight when kiryu was just punching akiyama

[@kinghashbrown7998]

wow kiryu did not hesitate to beat the shit out of him 3:54

[@lisabreckenridge5160]

Not the face, not Akiyama's beautiful face !!!!

[@snakebite3232]

I can obviously tell he looks different,but i just can't quite put my finger on it🤷

[@lisabreckenridge5160]

@@snakebite3232it's him but it's not him ? I can't decide what beautiful face I love more . We need more Akiyama !!!!!

[@snakebite3232]

@@lisabreckenridge5160 lol something about the chin,I don't know anymore🤣

[@darkrequiem9133]

Why is Akiyama trying to fight Kiryu after he lost against him back in Yakuza 4, when he had Tanimura on his side?

[@dragonkamran]

Dark Requiem for the plot sake.

[@Instarius]

-Because this game has stupid writing-

[@pittrap8147]

Dark Requiem because their values conflict with each other.

[@devilleon7]

I think this is far from the first time where a character fights a protagonist knowing full well that he doesn't stand a chance, though. E.g: Nishiki fighting Majima in 0, Nishiki clearly says that he knows Majima is strong but he still can't give up. Nishiki and Majima had good reasons to firmly stand by their beliefs, and I think it's the same case here with Akiyama and Kiryu.

[@Keeneye47_Wolfkeen]

Plus if I can add onto here. Akiyama has fought with Kiryu many times, so he knows his fighting style better than most. In fact if I'm being fair, Akiyama does stand the biggest chance at beating Kiryu, but that's mostly due to his knowing him both in storys and in person. True Majima knows Kiryu inside and out, but that can be said for Kiryu knowing Majima. (Ergo Kiryu knows most if not all of Majima's tricks) The same could be said for Saejima, due to him being built like a brick house and also fighting Kiryu at least twice now. Though of course as shown in the video, Akiyama can't beat Kiryu because he can't push himself to fight for real against him. Back in Yakuza 4, he did fight him for real, but didn't have the knowledge/experience he does now. That's kind of the paradox. He could beat him if he went all all, but his respect towards his friend makes it impossible to push himself that far. Whereas Kiryu,

[@iskoconquers]

Kiryuu was in the wrong, but is willing to go through it

[@itzceejay9256]

it would be awesome to see akiyama as a playable character in yakuza 8

[@matteoguala7267]

The first time I saw this scene I was like "Kiryu, leave my boy alone" poor dude, he doesn't deserved that beating

[@ArkayeCh]

When a protagonist fights the main character.

[@Gameboynitro]

3:06 Despite that loud ass fight that can alert the whole building, Kiryu's shouting almost wakes up Haruto.

[@TheFivegoodemperors]

Akiyama: Kiryu you can’t punch all your problems. *Tiger drop noise intensifies*

[@Andrewking-cu4yb]

Battle for baby Kiryu vs Akiyama

[@spyrocyndersword6516]

So this is what happened when my parents got divorce or during a divorce.

[@CCBeZ17]

Not gonna lie, Akiyama is one of my FAVE Yakuza characters, but when he got in my way during my first playthrough, all I said was. "Dude, I respect you, but move or I WILL move you."

[@assembled1855]

The dialogue between Kiryu and Akiyama is what Riverdale TV show should've done this.

[@JakeTylenol]

The only thing hard about this boss fight was gaining the inner strength to beat the shit out of Akiyama

[@tinnyle2719]

That's why he wears black pants. Just in case he fights the dragon.

[@mercuryfallout3705]

Akiyama really didint wanna throw hands

[@auswinr2893]

Imagine after the fight, the nurse came to the nursery and saw the nursery totally wrecked and a man sitting on the floor.

[@japaneseambassador3562]

This really is one of those rare moments where I dislike Kiryu. What he's doing is actually just legitimately wrong and out of the kindness of his heart but it hurts because Akiyama's his family too. He doesn't hesitate to fight someone he truly cares for, just for his own selfish heroic ideals/complex and Kiryu's right most of the time. He's just but THIS ONE INSTANCE, Akiyama is right. And just because he can't accept the fact that his good friend is right, Kiryu goes out his way to get his way. He's wrong, he doesn't like that he's wrong and he wants to be right so he decides to complicate things to be the hero in the end. EDIT: It really doesn't help that if you don't fight Akiyama during the actual gameplay, Akiyama doesn't fight back. He pleads with Kiryu, essentially begging him to be smart and just not do this. As opposed to the regular thugs we beat up who know full well what they were doing and absolute badasses who would never plead, Kiryu's friend is begging him to stop and Kiryu just kicks his ass to get his way, kind of like a child. AND AKIYAMA ISN'T EVEN FIGHTING HIM SERIOUSLY, LIKE COME ON, KIRYU.

[@amramgainer5713]

I hope akiyama is playable in the next game. He looks great on the dragon engine

[@daniellus4549]

Yea, sorry about that

[@Taiyou94]

Imagine if that cps guy had gotten ahold of haruto. The saio triads probably would've killed them both.

[@microwavehelicopter2708]

"But wait, if they take Haruto to an orphanage, he'd be an orphan... Nishiki and Yumi was an orphan... I WAS AN ORPHAN!! RAAHHHH!!" *SHUN AKIYAMA*

[@Danklovic]

I feel bad for claustrophobes and akiyamer stans who had to go through this agony

[@officialgaylord5578]

4:58 damn Kiryu is flexible

[@michaelpara8582]

I was actually cheering for Akiyama in this fight

[@Javelineer]

Playing Y6 and I really miss Majima. :'(

[@DarkThanatos18]

Akiyama had no chance. Even pairing up with Tanimura couldn't beat Kiryu.

[@RobloxSugarFanta]

god damn, this fight was painful for me

[@aryanscorner]

I was really uncomfortable during this fight cause I didn't wanna fight Akiyama

[@muhammadwega5103]

"me hearing my parents arguing"

[@Dibby0156]

DADS!! Don't make me choose!

[@Peace3149]

I hope Shun Akiyama will be a main character in Yakuza 7.He is not serious and cool as Kazuma Kiryu but i like his personalities.Simple and funny but strong.

[@detectivehan5717]

I’m here from the future to tell you that your comment SERIOUSLY did not age well. Not even in the slightest.

[@palashgoel3094]

Unfortunately, it was Ichiban Kasuga who was the main character

[@BlackJesusHimself]

No way Kiryu tiger dropped Akiyama mid air 💀

[@JazzyFiz]

This series is so fucking cool

[@hartantoanggoro]

Because of this, Kiryu become Joryu. Oh yeah he's Taichi now.