Awakusu-kai

The Awakusu are a moderately influential organization primarily based in Ikebukuro. Unlike other organizations like theirs, they allow their members to hold personal likes or dislikes of various practices (such as with Akabayashi's dislike for drug dealing) instead of forcing them to comply with the organizations goals.

History
Not much is known about the actual history of the awakusu other than that it has been around for several decades. They operate as an art gallerey for their legal cover although that doesn't stop the media from detailing some their more obscure practices. As a yakuza group, most of their activities involve smuggling (usually weapons) as well as "rubbing people out" or capturing them. They also perform services for others if they are willing to pay the price however if they are intentionally misinformed about the job (much like with Yadogiri Jinnai) they will expect some form of compensation.

Concerning the conflicts surrounding the Dollars and the Yellow Scarves, the Awakusu have taken a passive role, seeing no benefit from getting involved with a fight between children.

Current
The Awakusu have recently experienced rather turbulent times in the novel series. With the recent controversey over the transfer of power to Mikiya, the announcement of a merger with the Asuki group, as well as the ongoing search for Yadogiri Jinnai, the Awakusu have their work cut out for them. After the search for Akane and the search for the one who murdered the three awakusu members was resolved, the organization devoted most of their efforts into locating Yadogiri Jinnai. However, their efforts have produced very little results.

Members
Interestingly, save for Aozaki and Mikiya, many of the high ranking members of the Awakusu are fans of Ruri Hijiribe.
 * Dougen Awakusu (leader)
 * Mikiya Awakusu (heir)
 * Shiki
 * Akabayashi
 * Aozaki
 * Kazamoto
 * Kine (former)
 * Izaya Orihara (not an actual member but frequently takes jobs from them)