Kumai-gumi

Akahoshi Eimi, Matriarch of the Kumai-gumi, a Direct Family of the Amaya-kai

Kumai Atae, Former Matriarch of the Kumai-gumi

Miyamoto Suna/Sunao, Former Captain of the Kumai-gumi

The Kumai-gumi is now serving under its second Matriarch, and was formerly a secondary Family under the now-defunct Ikemoto-gumi.  Following the betrayal of the Ikemoto Matriarch, the Ikemoto was dissolved, and many of the former Ikemoto women joined the Kumai-gumi.  The hope was that whatever relentless ambition drove Ikemoto to almost destroy the Clan would be purged, and the Aiki Consortium was even brought in to cleanse the site and yakuza involved.  Notably, this seems to have been the only time the Aiki have failed, since its first Matriarch, too, has betrayed the Clan, leading to her banishment and status of being wanted, preferably dead.  Notably, the police are also on the hunt for Kumai Atae, since her status would seem to lead to a natural informant situation. 

Rumors have spread that the entire Family line leading from the Ikemoto is cursed, and too close of an association with the Kumai-gumi or the Miyamoto-gumi might lead one to betray their own vows, making them slightly social pariahs.  Interestingly, though, so far the Miyamoto-gumi run counter to all suspicions of their motives—Miyamoto herself might be offbeat and unpredictable, but she’s surprisingly straightforward and seemingly loyal.  She’s flipped off more than one trying to approach her about a web of alliances.  The Kumai-gumi might try to act more open about their actions and motivations, essentially being the general hired muscle and troops of the Clan, but it’s clear that Akahoshi is petty and vindictive, easily drawn into the politicking.  Even more relevant, the Kumai-gumi and Miyamoto-gumi are at each other’s throats, with supporters on either side.  The Kumai-gumi do not claim directly that the Chairwoman is lying about the attempt on her life, but do claim that perhaps some things were misunderstood.  They also insinuate that Miyamoto might have been the mastermind who framed Kumai.  Others believe that losing an eye protecting the Chairwoman is proof enough of loyalty, and view counterclaims with suspicion.  While they won’t directly rebel, Akahoshi would be likely to blow smoke in the face of the Chairwoman and ignore orders if they are not direct orders.  They have some support from others who dislike or would want to oust the current Chairwoman, though of course if the alliances were directly confronted with proof as to their disloyalty, it would be every woman for herself.  The Miyamoto-gumi has some supporters on their side, too, from those who are happy with the current leadership.  Interestingly, on both sides, the backing and alliances have more to do with whether they support Chairwoman Natsukawa, rather than if they believe Kumai Atae really attempted to assassinate the Chairwoman or not.

It is likely that the Chairwoman would have liked to dissolve the Kumai-gumi as well, but it was not possible to do so—many of the Kumai-gumi would have quit rather than serve under Miyamoto, and the Kumai-gumi, as mentioned earlier, are the largest Family of the Clan.  It is likely that the bloat contributed somewhat to the arrogance and lack of discipline, and a recognizable chain of command was further hindered by the entirely unusual practice of the Family having few subsidiary Families, particularly for its size.  It is likely that, moving forward, the Matriarch will be required to give a few of her subordinates their own Families.  The Amaya Clan could probably conduct most of its activities without the womanpower the Kumai-gumi represent, but the disparity between the forces commanded by the Amaya-kai and the Osato-kai could provoke a war between the East and West Yakuza Clans.