Characters
Komagata Mohei
A low-ranking sumo wrestler from Komagata. Kicked out during a tour, he ultimately becomes a powerful but kindly gangster.
Otsuta
A woman working as a barmaid (effectively, a low-ranking prostitute) at an inn in Toride, abandoned by a man she loved. Ten years later, she has a husband and daughter and is now making a modest living selling sweets.
Funado Yahachi
Local gangster in Toride, hated for his short temper. Ten years later, he has become the don of Toride Inn.
Tatsusaburo
Otsuta’s husband. Because he abandoned her before his child was born, he never knew he had a daughter. He gambles in a desperate attempt to make money, but his cheating ways earn him the wrath of other gamblers.
Giju
The head of a powerful gang on the other side of Tone River and a former sumo wrestler. When he catches Tatsusaburo using loaded dice, he goes to Otsuta’s house to find him.
Nekichi
Giju’s henchman. He chases after Tatsusaburo but mistakenly attacks Mohei.
