WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Ayashimon Chapter 12, "Big Wings" by Yuji Kaku, Adrienne Beck and Brandon Bovia, available in English via Viz Media.
In the aftermath of their loss, Urara, Maruo and Ten head to the favored area of the biker gang, the Todoroki Alliance. Gangs from all over Japan used to frequent the spot, but the construction of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building caused some of the popularity to die down. However, the Todoroki Alliance still called the area, known as the Shinjuku 04, their home. Because they were in dangerous territory and wanted to get in the group's good graces, Urara warned Maruo not to pick any unnecessary fights.
Standing before the gang, the Urara group was questioned by the second-in-command, a yokai named Oboro. He told them to get lost, to which Ten immediately began profusely apologizing, earning him a kick in the face by the Team 2 Captain Wakku. As Urara checked on a still-apologizing Ten, Maruo stepped up and got ready to fight. However, things were quickly de-escalated by someone in the back. The use of words to control a group piqued Maruo's interest.
The figure was the leader of the Todoroki Alliance, Kotton. He told Wakku not to spoil the night's party by spilling blood so early, saying, "The only things good enough to stain the asphalt are burned rubber and our dreams." Wakku promptly apologized to Kotton, who then told Urara's group not to block his gang. Urara tried to be diplomatic with Kotton, but he threatened to hit her in the head with the front tire of his motorcycle. Maruo quickly stood in his way while Urara remained unflinching. Kotton praised them for their guts but again threatened to run them over next time.
Maruo pointed out that he doesn't think that would happen, but quickly changed the subject back to Urara wanting to speak to Kotton. Wakku questioned if they are yakuza, and Maruo introduced Urara as Elder Sister and himself as her bodyguard. He then explained that they want the group's help taking down the Enma Syndicate, which angered Kotton. He got in Maruo's face, warning him not to talk bad about the Syndicate. This is because, as told through a flashback, the Alliance has had the Syndicate's backing since Kioh was the leader in exchange for acting as a courier service. The Alliance has currently distanced itself from the gang war, mostly due to Kotton's deep respect for Chairman Kioh. While looking at the photo of Kioh and the other gang leaders, Maruo thinks he recognized someone, but can't remember where he's seen them before.
Back in the present day, Urara took out her dagger and kneels before Kotton respectfully, revealing herself as Kioh's daughter. She then once again asked for the Todoroki Alliance's cooperation, presenting the dagger as proof of her claim. Kotton approached Urara and kneeled before her. The lower members of the group are shocked, but Oboro told them to be quiet and watch. Kotton recognized that Urara is who she claims to be and apologized to her. He explained his father-like view of Kioh and goes on to say that he was there the day of his death, tears in his eyes. He quickly changed the subject back to Urara's request, offering his group's help. Maruo, however, is disappointed that the "talky stuff" worked and he didn't get to fight a group of bikers.
Oboro told the group that they'll ride for their "queen" but Urara quickly declined. Maruo, however, wanted to ride with them. Despite his enthusiasm, Kotton grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and threw him to the side. He explained that he is allied with only Urara and that Ten and Maruo aren't needed any longer as the Todoroki Alliance will protect her. Urara protested, but Kotton explained, "...[If] you're gonna fly in Kabukicho's night, you need wings. Big wings." He went on to say that he doesn't see any on Ten or Maruo's backs. Maruo refused to leave and gets ready to pick a fight as the chapter closes.
The next chapter of Ayashimon will be available on Sunday, February 27th.
