Part 2/9:
The Struggles of Kaiji
The focus then shifts to Kaiji Itou, the protagonist who is living a life of financial despair. He works at a grocery store, barely making ends meet, and often turns to scratch-off tickets in vain hopes of changing his luck. His frustration boils over when he lashes out at expensive cars in a parking lot, provoking security personnel. Shortly after, he meets Renko, who reveals to him the shocking truth—he is liable for a substantial loan guaranteed for a friend, now totaling a crushing 2 million yen.