Dreams of the Big City, or Big City Dreamin in the Remaster, is Taiga Saejima's 8th substory in Yakuza 5.
Plot[]
While in the Mountain Village, Saejima approaches a man and asks if he's leaving the village. The man, Masao, says that he'll be leaving for Tsukimino, explaining that he doesn't want to be stuck in the village forever and that he also wants to see the big city. Masao also says that every time he brought up the big city to his father, he would get smacked and told "being a hunter is your only choice". Masao's mother is sad to see him go and comments how his father doesn't know he's leaving. Masao asks if Saejima will stop him, but Saejima denies, saying that it's not something a stranger should meddle in. Masao then leaves with Saejima wishing him luck.
Later, Saejima returns to the village and encounters Masao's mother who asks him if he can deliver a letter to Masao. Saejima asks why they didn't mail it to him, she says that Masao lives in the company dorm and doesn't want to get mailed stuff from home. Then Saejima asks what's in the letter but she doesn't know. He agrees to help and is told Masao is working at a place called Apocalypse in Tsukimino
In Tsukimino, Saejima finds the place and asks a host working there if they know where Masao is. The host explains Masao left after one day when he didn't have enough money to pay for a customer's unpaid bill of ¥300,000 and they've been looking for him since. Saejima refutes, saying they purposefully set him up with a shady client since Masao is new in town. Saejima then leaves, wondering where Masao went. Then Masao, in host attire, approaches and greets Saejima. Saejima mentions he went by Masao's host club and that they're trying to track him down. Masao explains it was a setup, but Saejima knew and warns him that 'bumpkins' like him are easy targets for scams. Saejima then mentions the letter for Masao, but he declines knowing he'll either be disowned or demanded to come back to the village. Masao starts leaving until 3 hosts stop Masao and demand the money he 'owed'. Saejima then starts a fight with the hosts.
After the fight, the owner of Apocalypse tells them to stop fighting and that Masao's debt was paid, with extra for Masao running away from the club, by his parents. The hosts take their leave and Masao asks to read the letter.
"Dear Masao- In the time since you left, I've realized something. Our village, so isolated from the rest of society, must have been deadly dull in your eyes. It was only natural that you would want to leave for the city. I tried to tie you down. I did not want to let you out of my sight, even though you're old enough to be on your own. It was for my own ego that I did that. And I knew it was hurting you... But, I have no education. I've never lived in a town, let alone a city. Can you imagine how worried I was about my only child walking into a world I know nothing about? When you defied me, I was furious. That was how I felt then, and it's how I feel now. But, at the same time, I also find myself feeling proud. Because you are my son. You stepped out into the big, wide world. That shows courage. Your mother and I will comfort ourselves with this thought. Don't worry about us. You are free to spread your wings. I'm sure you will face many hurdles, but I know you can overcome anything. Never give up, Masao. Don't let the city folk intimidate you. You're my son. I could not be more proud to be your father. So don't give up, Masao. Never, ever, ever give up. I look forward to the day we meet again. However long I have to wait, I'll keep waiting. On that day, you'll come to me as a man in his own right. And that's when I'll say to you... I'm sorry I could only raise you in a tiny village like this. I'm sorry for keeping you cooped up. I'm sorry for not listening..."
Masao thanks Saejima and realizes that he needs to seek true independence after his father paid his debt and Saejima defeated the hosts. Saejima tells him to take care, as Masao goes off into the city.
Tasks[]
- Leave and return to the village
- Go to Apocalypse on Nakatsuki Street
- Leave Nakasuki Street toward the main road
- Defeat the hosts
