Bara-gumi

Ninagawa Charlotte, the fearless leader, rules over the Bara-gumi with an iron fist. Rain or shine, there is sure to be mayhem if you cross her path. It is something of a local legend: if you see her with her crew, keep your head down; if you see her alone, run for your life. On condition that you find yourself dabbling in illegal circumstances, your best bet is to have the Bara-gumi protecting you, but you better be prepared to pay interest for the rest of your life. Everybody knows what happens if you miss your deadline, you'll be the gossip of the neighborhood until the next unfortunate victim takes your place.

"Did you hear what happened to Yamaguchi-san in apartment 303?"

"Forget Yamaguchi; I heard the Bara-gumi does business with the Meguro household down the hallway."

"This place isn't safe anymore. I would consider moving if I were you, Tanaka-san."

"I still miss Kuromoto-san; what a lovely man he was. It's a shame."

Yes, this was your average evening gossip in the slums of the Arakawa-ku district. Just remember, if you ever find yourself face to face with that lady in a messy, black Chinese-style hair bun, you better pick a god and start praying.