Kisaki Tetta's intense focus on Mikey was not born of admiration or loyalty, but rather a calculated, strategic desire to manipulate him and seize control of the Tokyo Manji Gang (Toman) for his own dark ambitions.
The Truth Behind Kisaki's Focus on Mikey
Kisaki Tetta's "obsession" with Mikey was a cold, strategic calculation, seeing Mikey as the perfect, charismatic figurehead to build a formidable criminal empire. He never truly admired Mikey; instead, he viewed him as a perfect pawn to manipulate to achieve his ultimate goal of dominating the criminal underworld. Kisaki coveted the power and influence that came with leading a gang like Toman and saw Mikey as the means to an end.
A Calculated Strategy for Control
Kisaki's entire plan revolved around systematically weakening Mikey's emotional state to make him susceptible to manipulation. His key strategies included:
- Isolating Mikey: A cornerstone of Kisaki's plan was to remove Mikey's dearest loved ones. This included orchestrating tragic events that led to the deaths of key figures such as Baji Keisuke and Emma Sano. By taking away his closest friends and family, Kisaki aimed to plunge Mikey into despair and darkness, making him emotionally vulnerable.
- Exploiting Vulnerability: Kisaki understood Mikey's deep sense of responsibility and his drive to protect his friends. By eliminating those Mikey cared about, he sought to break Mikey's spirit, leaving him isolated and more likely to make decisions that Kisaki could influence. A heartbroken Mikey, without his usual emotional anchors, would be easier to mold into the ruthless leader Kisaki needed for his vision of a dark Toman.
- Ambition for Power: Kisaki's ultimate objective was to become the true, unseen leader of a powerful and feared criminal organization. He desired to control the gang from the shadows, using Mikey's strength and reputation as a public front while he pulled the strings. This was never about loyalty to Mikey or Toman's original ideals; it was purely about personal power and control.
Key Elements of Kisaki's Manipulation
Kisaki employed a sophisticated approach to achieve his goals:
- Strategic Infiltration: He meticulously planned his entry into Toman, rising through the ranks and gaining Mikey's trust, positioning himself to become a key figure within the gang.
- Psychological Warfare: Kisaki was a master of psychological manipulation, expertly exploiting the emotional weaknesses of those around him, especially Mikey's profound care for his friends and family.
- Long-Term Vision: Unlike other gang members driven by simple brawling or straightforward loyalty, Kisaki had a clear, long-term vision for a vast criminal empire and understood the intricate steps required to build it. He was always several moves ahead.
Comparing Motivations: Kisaki vs. Mikey
| Aspect | Kisaki Tetta's Motivation | Mikey's Driving Force |
|---|---|---|
| View of Toman | A tool for personal power and control | A place to protect friends and build a new era |
| Relationship to Mikey | Manipulator, exploiting a pawn for his ambition | Charismatic leader, valuing his friends above all |
| Core Desire | Absolute power and recognition as the true leader | A peaceful and happy future for his loved ones |
| Emotional State | Cold, calculating, ruthless | Deeply emotional, driven by love and loyalty |
In essence, Kisaki's entire existence within Toman revolved around orchestrating a future where he held ultimate power, with Mikey serving as an unwitting puppet in his grand design.
