The Five of Japan are a secret society of vampires based in Japan in the Bloodbound series. They are first referenced in Bloodbound, Book 2, in Scholar Jameson's notes in Chapter 2 (premium choice). They make their first appearance in Dark Solstice, Chapter 4.
History
According to Kamilah Sayeed, the Five were all Turned by Gaius Augustine. They established rule in Japan while the Order controlled Europe and Gaius created his Shadow Kingdom in America. They began to gather power in the late 1800s and now they handle everything from top secret government decisions down to which potholes need to be filled. Japan is their haven, secure, strong, and impregnable.
They do not believe in Turning, and have taken a vow never to Turn. They also do not invite those who might cause trouble. Breaking this vow results in punishment.
Takeshi Watanabe's Departure and Return
Takeshi Watanabe originally told Jax Matsuo that "he hated the Five and was an exile from the Five." That wasn't the complete truth. Centuries after he had been Turned, in the 1950s, Takeshi felt burnt out, purposeless, and lost. He decided to go to America and he spent half a century there. In 1974, he met Jax, who was left for dead after an attack by a vampire from Clan Lacroix. Takeshi broke his vow and Turned him. During the following years, Takeshi took Jax under his wing and trained him, teaching him how to fight and gave the younger man purpose. He told the latter about the Five and about Kano, allegedly the greatest psychic vampire alive.
Eventually, the Five tracked Takeshi down. They gave him a choice, to come with them peacefully back to Japan or die. Takeshi knew if he did not return with them, they would find out about Jax and kill the latter. So, Takeshi surrendered peacefully and faked his death to Jax. Before faking his death, he made Jax promise to never come to Japan as a vampire and never mention Kano to anyone.
Takeshi Watanabe's Death
When Gaius tracks your group to Japan, he finds you have taken refuge at Takeshi's home and that Takeshi has placed you under his protection. Gaius tells Takeshi to stand aside as the matter does not concern him, but the latter does not budge. They engage in swordplay, both countering each other's moves, but strength and experience are on Gaius' side and Takeshi sacrifices his life to give your group time to escape.
Your group returns to the Five's nightclub and immediately tells them what transpired. They continue to refuse to help in your battle against Gaius (and Rheya) because it goes against their rules and laws as well as personal beliefs. They invite you to stay for Takeshi's wake where you can help Jax gain closure.
Members
| Name | Description | Status | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
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Previously referenced in Serafine's notes in Book 2, Aiko Nakamura is first seen in feudal Japan, 1294. She keeps the clan running as her father is not fit to give any orders. When she confronts Kamilah and Gaius on their strange behavior and some disappearances, Kamilah offers to Turn her. According to Serafine's notes, the Eye of Bathory had some "undue influence" on her at some point. In Book 3, Kamilah mentions that they were once involved. Currently, Aiko is a CEO. | Undead | 700+ years old |
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Takeshi Watanabe is Jax Matsuo's mentor and responsible for his Turning. He later dies in Book 3, Chapter 12, protecting the group from Gaius Augustine. | Deceased | 700+ years old |
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Akeyo Kwangi is a warrior turned pacifist. According to Jameson's notes, he is believed to have the ability to turn invisible. Jax states that Takeshi's and his own fighting skills come from Akeyo. | Undead | unknown |
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Henry Zhang is a Chinese billionaire businessman who went to Japan to live with his grandmother after the rest of his family passed away. He states to have been Turned by Aiko when he was a soldier after his grandmother also passed. | Undead | unknown |
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About 500 years old, Artemisia alias The Evolved is a brilliant scientist who finds flesh a prison and has spent her life devoted to finding a way beyond its confines, using her healing powers to enhance her body. She states that "Time is just a construct we all created. It's all arbitrary." Takeshi said she started replacing her organs with clockwork gears in the late 1800s. She started replacing her fingers in the 15th century. | Undead | unknown |
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Although he is not a part of The Five, Kano Yoshimasa is a vampire they respect and protect. He was about six or seven years old when he was Turned by Gaius. He believes it is his role to remain neutral and impartial. "One side will win, and the world will be reshaped yet again. It is how it has always been, and how it will always be." | Undead | 500+ years old |
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- Aiko Nakumara
- Takeshi Watanabe †
- Akeyo Kwangi
- Henry Zhang
- The Evolved
Gallery
Other Looks
Facility
Miscellaneous
Trivia
- There are inconsistencies on who was Turned by whom. First, it is stated Gaius Turned all of them. Later, it is assumed that Kamilah Turned Aiko; and in a premium scene, Henry states he was Turned by Aiko.
- In a premium scene in The Phantom Agent, your character mentions having fought a henchman of "The Five" and refers to them as a Yakuza group. It's unclear if there is a different organization in Japan that has the same name, or if she/he/they mistakenly believed the Five of Japan are a Yakuza organization.