Kokuja

== Kokuja ==
The Kokuja, commonly referred to as the Black Serpent, is a criminal organization predominantly active in Crystalbloom. Their operations include gambling, prostitution, trafficking of illegal substances, piracy, extortion, and fraud. 
=== Activities and Operations ===
The Kokuja's activities are extensive and varied:
* Gambling: They run underground casinos and betting rings.
* Prostitution: They control numerous brothels throughout the city.
* Illegal Substances: They are major players in the trafficking and distribution of drugs.
* Piracy: They engage in illegal trade and piracy on the seas surrounding Crystalbloom.
* Extortion: Businesses often pay them protection money to avoid trouble.
* Fraud: They are involved in various scams and fraudulent activities.
=== Emblem and Identification ===
Members of the Kokuja often wear black clothing adorned with snake patterns. They are also required to have at least two body parts tattooed with snake motifs to signify their affiliation. The organization’s emblem, featuring a black serpent and a sword, is a stark representation of their violent and treacherous nature.
=== Membership and Discipline ===
Joining the Kokuja is a lifelong commitment, with death being the only way out. Members who fail to complete their tasks or do not meet their boss's expectations are marked with a scar on their cheek, inflicted by a hot blade, to publicly display their failure.
=== Control and Influence ===
The Kokuja dominates almost the entire underworld of Crystalbloom. No underground deal is made without their involvement. They also control the black market, which is one of their main sources of income. Their headquarters is located in the city’s entertainment district, which is their most lucrative business area.
=== Leadership ===
Sanzo Kumagai, the leader of the Kokuja, is notorious for his fiery temper and combat prowess. He is a tall, broad-shouldered man feared by many. However, the true leader is Hanae Tsugane, the eldest daughter of the Tsugane family, which connects House Tsugane and the Kokuja. Hanae uses her beauty to charm and manipulate Sanzo Kumagai. Her status as the first daughter of one of the four great houses aids her in this endeavor. Sanzo's weakness for beautiful women allows Hanae to easily exploit him, effectively making her the de facto head of the Kokuja.
=== The Tsugane Family Connection ===
The Tsugane family siphons the earnings generated by the Kokuja to line their own pockets, as they must surrender a large portion of their legally earned money to the Empire. This embezzlement is highly illegal and is conducted in secret to avoid detection by other noble houses, especially House Kanzaki.
=== Investigation by House Kanzaki ===
Recently, House Kanzaki established an outpost in Crystalbloom to grant travelers permission to travel to the mainland of Kirijima. During this time, they discovered the connection between the Kokuja and the Tsugane family and have begun investigating the matter.