Synopsis: Gambling Apocalypse Kaiji

Regularly stealing car emblems and slashing tires, Itou Kaiji had established himself as a typical bum. However, one day his monotonous lifestyle was interrupted by a trench-coat clad man named Endou. Endou revealed himself as a debt collector, informing Kaiji that he had an unpaid loan due to co-signing for his former co-worker, Furuhata Takeshi. The initial loan was a measly ¥30,000, but once Takeshi disappeared, Kaiji was left holding the debt. Endou presented a proposed method for Kaiji to clear his interest compounded debt, which had skyrocketed to ¥3,850,000. This involved boarding a boat with other individuals in similar situations and gambling with loaned funds. The outcome would consist of some debtors winning, while others sinking deeper into debt resulting in mandatory labor to pay off their debts. Despite some persuasion, Kaiji finally conceded and accepted his position on the boat. His aim was not only to relieve himself of the debt, but also to earn some cash.