Gokurakugai Sanbandori No Ken

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**"Gokurakugai Sanbandori No Ken"** (Japanese: 極楽街三番通の件, Hepburn: *Gokurakugai San Bandōri no Ken*, lit. "The Gokuraku District's Third Avenue Incident"), serves as the Oneshot version of the serialized manga *Gokurakugai*.

This oneshot, *Gokurakugai Sanbandori no Ken,* represents the inaugural rendition of the serialized manga Gokurakugai, and it was published in January 27, 2020. Notably, Yuto Sano, the creator, has also crafted three additional one-shot works: Lawless Kid, Watashi no Maou-sama, and Love Soldier Caroline. This specific oneshot was included as an extra feature in Volume 2 of the manga series.

## Synopsis

Within the diverse Gokuraku district, a community encompassing humans, beastmen, and newly arrived mermaids, Tao and Alma stand as self-proclaimed troubleshooters with an array of skills. When confronted with a predicament, they are the go-to individuals for resolution. While driven by incentives like money, sustenance, and Tao's disposition, their inclination to assist is challenged by the earnest pleas of Nene, a timid mermaid seeking their aid.

As circumstances unfold, the duo embarks on a mission to rescue Nene's sisters. These siblings are compelled to engage in a disheartening practice—selling their bodies—to settle the debts accrued from procuring costly medicine that enables them to retain human forms. In this unforgiving realm, Tao and Alma are far from emblematic champions of justice and virtue; they navigate their actions guided primarily by their desires and preferences.

## Plot Summary

The oneshot commences by portraying a younger Alma enduring a reprimand from Tao after being caught stealing in the downtown area during the late hours of the night. Alma's explanation that his actions stem from a lack of alternatives due to his financial constraints leads Tao to remark on the imprudence of such behavior.

The narrative subsequently shifts to the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter Agency, where Tao and Alma are presently attending to their client, Mr. Prez. He has engaged their services to gather evidence of his infidelity, all the while being mockingly chided by the two for his transgressions, as they have been discreetly covering up his extramarital affairs. Mr. Prez counters by attributing his actions to a complex sentiment known as love. Tao, who has been listening attentively, advises him to settle the pre-agreed one million commission promptly, admonishing his excessive verbosity. However, Mr. Prez proposes paying only half of the sum, citing dwindling excuses to justify the expenditure to both his company's board members and his spouse. Swiftly discerning his dishonesty, Alma interjects.

Upon Alma's revelation, Tao's frustration becomes palpable. The agency has extended considerable leniency towards Mr. Prez's ongoing illicit activities, and his attempt to evade full payment while escaping accountability incites her anger. She employs a pointed gesture, brandishing her cigarette, and issues a veiled threat, prompting Mr. Prez to promptly acquiesce and offer both payment and an apology.

Alma and Tao are presently resting beneath their office, engaged in a meal at the BaoLai Restaurant. During their dining, Tao commended Alma's skill in detecting falsehoods and mentioned his ability to discern lies merely by observing individuals' eyes. He humorously attributed this to a possible "sixth sense." Upon concluding their meal, which saw Auntie and Yaya's Chinese noodles entirely sold out for the day, Tao requested Alma to run errands on her behalf, involving the purchase of cigarettes for her and anything he desires using the change. This task managed to uplift his spirits after learning of the food's unavailability.

As Alma journeyed back to the agency, a beastman mobster accosted him, accusing him of disrupting their business by passing through. Alma responded by delivering a punch to the mobster's face, which inadvertently struck the person behind him as well. Subsequently, he led both individuals into an alley while munching on a pack of buns. In the process, he noticed a firearm on the beastman and took possession of it, an experience that Tao had previously prohibited. As Alma attempted to figure out the firearm's operation, a passerby seized the opportunity to snatch a purse from his pocket. Reacting swiftly, he intervened just in time, admonishing her not to steal Tao's purse. The girl, however, responded that she lacked money and burst into tears.

Alma found himself somewhat flustered and attempted to console the distraught girl by offering a tissue pack branded with the agency's details. The tissue pack contained information about their services and the agency's problem-solving abilities. Alma directed her to their establishment for assistance. However, a recollection of Tao's advice not to distribute tissue packs to those unable to pay triggered caution. Despite his intention to retract the tissue pack, the girl clung tightly to it, beseeching Alma for help.

Upon his arrival at the agency, Alma was met with Tao's disapproval due to the gun he had obtained. He clarified the source of the firearm, to which Tao insinuated that he had acquired it through theft. Recognizing the potential dangers, Tao confiscated the weapon, emphasizing the potential for accidental harm given Alma's lack of familiarity with firearms.

Inquiring about the presence of a young girl seated in their office's reception area, Tao prompted Alma to explain the situation. He conveyed his apprehension about leaving the girl on the streets, as she had implored him for assistance. Tao then instructed him to return the girl to the location where he had encountered her, a prospect that unsettled the girl in light of Tao's stern demeanor.

Unexpectedly, the girl proceeded to remove bandages from her feet, urging them not to disclose this action. This revelation unveiled her identity as a mermaid. Introducing herself as Nene, she began recounting her narrative. She divulged her family's financial struggles, having expended all she possessed and turning to her sisters for support. Nene detailed her life as a mermaid, dwelling beneath the sea with her mother and older siblings, Yona and Yuma. A shift occurred when they consumed a potion that enabled them to ascend to the surface. Settling in an unfamiliar town at a decrepit house, they encountered a man previously unknown to them, who became their new father figure through their mother's affection.

Over time, the cost of the potion to assume human forms escalated, draining their finances. Their stepfather turned abusive as their resources dwindled. The situation escalated when their mother was taken away by a man. Nene's older sister sought employment to sustain them, leaving Nene subjected to mistreatment by their abusive stepfather. Unable to afford the expensive potion, they reverted to their mermaid forms in seclusion at home. While discussing their predicament, Nene revealed that they were visited by beastmen one day, demanding repayment of their stepfather's debts. Unable to satisfy the debt, her older sisters concealed her hurriedly in a cabinet as they were taken away.

As Nene narrated her heart-wrenching story to Alma and Tao, she wept and implored for assistance to rescue her sisters, pleading against being left alone. These words triggered a poignant memory for Tao, recalling her own past where she endured abuse. Fueled by empathy, Tao made the decision to aid Nene.

According to the information provided by Mr. Prez during his recent transaction with the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter Agency regarding mermaids, Tao is currently using forceful means to question him. Mr. Prez attempted to negotiate a reduction in payment for a future transaction, using it as leverage to prompt disclosure. In response, Tao feigned aggression, prompting him to reveal the location of the mermaids he had been in contact with. These mermaids are currently located at Club Therian on the third avenue.

Following the interrogation, Tao proceeded to the agency's vehicle where Alma and Nene were waiting. Nene received medication to help her have her human form in a bit longer, along with provisions of buns and shoes to wear. During their journey to Club Therian, with Tao driving and Nene seated on Alma's lap, Nene expressed gratitude and disbelief at finding individuals willing to aid in her mission to rescue her sisters. Tao conveyed her disdain for the unsavory characters that inhabit their city, emphasizing her commitment to standing against those who exploit the vulnerable. Alma echoed this sentiment, supporting Tao's stance and assuring Nene that they would take action against those responsible for abducting her older sisters.

Presently at Club Therian, the Beastman previously subdued by Alma is presently dictating orders to the establishment's staff, recounting Alma's prior actions against him. Yona and Yuma currently inside a sizable aquarium, taking on their mermaid forms. The Beastman is demanding double payment from the staff, and while they're in the midst of their discussion, Alma and Tao make an entrance into the club. Alma introduces themselves while entering, prompting the Beastman, still aggrieved by Alma's earlier actions, to reprimand them for disrupting his business. Nene, positioned behind Alma, interjects and demands the return of her older sisters. The Beastman dismisses Nene, asserting that her sisters are merely tools to him.

Shifting his attention to Alma and Tao, he warns that he won't go easy on them. However, Tao points out Alma's main role which more on physical and negotiates an arrangement where she would fulfill Alma's preferences for dinner. Alma eagerly agrees and starts on subduing the Beastman's associates one by one.

Meanwhile, the Beastman watches his associates being defeated and attempts to reach for his firearm, which Alma had taken earlier and Tao had confiscated. Tao playfully flaunts the confiscated firearm while engaging with the Beastman. Amid Tao's distraction, one of the Beastman's associates prepares to strike her from behind, but Nene intervenes just in time, thwarting the attack. This heroic act surprises Nene's older sisters, who observe the ongoing battle from the aquarium.

Tao swiftly dispatches the aquarium with a single shot, freeing Nene's older sisters. Alma then aids them in exiting, and an emotional reunion unfolds as they embrace Nene. Tao and Alma bear witness to this poignant moment.

While lying on the ground, the Beastman expresses his refusal to allow the situation to conclude in such a manner. He contemplates an explanation for his superior, referred to as "Big Bro," who likely leads their group. Tao approaches the Beastman, gripping his head and conveying a menacing ultimatum, hinting at a notorious saying "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." She also hints that, since her client lacks the means to pay, she proposes a form of recompense—selling the Beastman to a specific location known to purchase individuals like him. Tao asserts her lack of sympathy for those compelled to trade their livelihoods to settle debts.

Tao handed a small envelope to Nene containing the money that the Beastman had taken from them, surprising Nene with the amount exceeding what she had given. Yona and Yuma expressed their gratitude, and Nene embraced Tao tightly while conveying her thanks. She then warmly hugged Alma as well. Wondering about their motives for rescuing them, Yona and Yuma couldn't help but inquire, especially considering their lack of funds and their non-human nature. Tao and Alma playfully addressed the question, with

Tao later giving a concise explanation. Tao shared that, when she was young and struggling, a Beastman had helped her. She humorously mentioned the part about taking Alma under her wing and not even out of sympathy or anything which made Nene laughed. In essence, they act on their own desires, Tao stated before departing the area.

On their way to have dinner, Alma lit Tao's cigarette and inquired about his performance for the day, hoping for a compliment. Tao complied and also mentioned the previously promised reward from their intrusion at Club Therian, which Alma enthusiastically claimed – a choice cut of meat from the shops on 1st Avenue.

## Debut

### Characters

Main article: Gokurakugai Sanbandori No Ken/Characters
**Tao**Debut
**Alma**Debut
**Pres Zhang**Debut
**Yaya**Debut
**Auntie**Debut
**Leopard Mobster**Debut
**Mobsters**Debut
**Nene**Debut
**Yona**Debut
**Yuma**Debut
**Nene's Mother**Debut
**Nene's Father**Debut
### Locations

* Gokuraku District
* Gokurakugai Troubleshooter Agency
* BaoLai Chinese Restaurant
* Hoi Loon Hotel
* Club Therian

## Chapter Notes

### Characters

* In their youth, Tao witnessed Alma in the District, where she caught Alma taking money from others out of hunger due to no money.
* Instead of addressing Tao as *Ms. Tao*, Alma uses the term **"Sister Tao"**.
* Alma possesses the ability to detect dishonesty by simply examining people's eyes.

### Difference Between Oneshot and Manga

* **Oneshot:** The chapter opens with Alma and Tao present in their agency office, meeting with a client named President Zhang. They discuss the evidence they've obtained regarding his desire for things that aren't rightfully his, including a photograph showing his involvement with a beastwoman.
**Serialization:** The chapter also begins with Alma and Tao in their agency office, but this time they're meeting with a client named Mr. Cho. They're discussing evidence they've gathered that points to his covetous intentions, but in this case involving a human rather than a beastwoman.

* **Oneshot:** Alma's ability to perceive falsehoods from President Zhang was solely through visual cues.
**Serialization:** Alma was able to detect deception from Mr. Cho by relying on his sense of smell.

* **Oneshot:** In the first part of the oneshot, as he returned to the office following errands, he encountered the Club Therian Mobsters and the Leopard Beastman. Subsequently, he engaged in physical confrontation with them, and while doing so, he also came across Nene. He promptly brought her back to their office to offer assistance.
**Serialization:** Following his errand, he came across Luka vandalizing the exterior of their office building. This prompted him to guide Luka inside the office for further interaction.

### Author's Comment

* Original

Starting off the new year with my manga being featured is a good sign. I will do my best in 2020 as well.

## Featured Media

### Characters

Alma SketchTao, Young VersionTao, Anime VersionTao and Alma ChibiTao and Alma SketchThank you Illustration for Yoda-san
### Promotional

Jump SQ.RISE 2020 WINTER Promotional Image (1)Jump SQ.RISE 2020 WINTER Promotional Image (2)Oneshot Advance Reading PromotionalOneshot Re-publishing Announcement!

## References

 "Official Website of the series". *Jump SQ Website*.
 "The issue where the oneshot was released.". *ジャンプSQ.RISE 2020WINTER*.
 "*Gokurakugai* Oneshot:".Page(s) 2-3
 "*Gokurakugai* Oneshot:".Page(s) 8
 "*Gokurakugai* Oneshot:".Page(s) 5-10
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 1 (Page 6-11).
 "*Gokurakugai* Oneshot:".Page(s) 8; 10-11
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 8-9).
 "*Gokurakugai* Oneshot:".Page(s) 12-21
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 1 (Pages 17-21).
 "Alma Sketch". *@Yuto\_\_\_Sano on Twitter*.
 "Tao, Young Version". *@Yuto\_\_\_Sano on Twitter*.
 "Tao, Anime Version". *@Yuto\_\_\_Sano on Twitter*.
 "Tao and Alma Chibi". *@Yuto\_\_\_Sano on Twitter*.
 "Tao and Alma Sketch". *@Yuto\_\_\_Sano on Twitter*.
 "Thank you Illustration for Yoda-san". *@Yuto\_\_\_Sano on Twitter*.
 "Jump SQ.RISE 2020 WINTER Promotional Image (1)". *@Yuto\_\_\_Sano on Twitter*.
 "Jump SQ.RISE 2020 WINTER Promotional Image (2)". *@Yuto\_\_\_Sano on Twitter*.
 "Oneshot Advance Reading Promotional". *@Yuto\_\_\_Sano on Twitter*.
 "Oneshot Re-publishing Announcement!". *@Yuto\_\_\_Sano on Twitter*.