Yakuza 0 - Kiryu vs. Kuze Dub
kvoice for Daisaku Kuze
Like Kiryu, Kuze's voice needs to be deep, dark, and intimidating. But unlike Kiryu, his voice should sound noticeably older and grittier, with a touch of "Godfather"-esque slurring. Also, heavy smoker. Try not to make him sound overtly evil, either: he's a bad guy, and he's scary, but he's not a monster. The best examples I can give are Ron Perlman as The Lich (https://youtu.be/FrlymHW0qU8) and Michael Ironside as Darkseid (https://youtu.be/wz3Fw4SDsds).
Profile on Yakuza Wiki: https://yakuza.fandom.com/wiki/Daisaku_Kuze
An ex-boxer and ruthless lieutenant in the Dojima family, Daisaku Kuze is the muscle of the three lieutenants hunting down Kiryu. Kuze can be thought of as the Anti-Kiryu. Like Kiryu, he has a strong code of honor. He has his own ideals of what being a yakuza is, follows them to a T, and will wreck anybody who gets in the way of them. This is why despite all that he does, Kiryu continues to respect him as his superior, unlike the other lieutenants. Unlike Kiryu, however, Kuze is arrogant, and his desire for fame and prestige is in a stark contrast to Kiryu's humble personality. Kuze never gives up, getting into a 1-on-1 fistfight with Kiryu no less than 5 times, determined to kill him. His grudge is that Kiryu "wussed out" by quitting the Yakuza, by messing with the family, and he doesn't enjoy losing to someone he considers less than a man. With each defeat, Kiryu's personality starts to rub off on him, and he gets softer. After their final battle, he tells Kiryu to never give up on something he believes in; even if he fails, and even if it kills him.
This scene is Kuze's 2nd fight with Kiryu, having already cut off his finger after losing the first fight.
(smug) The yakuza game, it's not like boxing. The one who gets beat down isn't the loser. The guy who can't tough it out to the end, he's the one who loses. Eh? Don't ya think? Oh yeah... I'm gonna serve your ass myself, and I'm gonna enjoy it.
(slightly pissed off, rising into fury towards the end) I'll tell you what, Kiryu. To me, a finger or two don't mean shit. Awano or Shibusawa beating me to the captain's chair? Couldn't give a fuck... As long as I'm alive, I'll keep getting back up for more. Which is why a half-ass like you...is the one thing I can't stand. (yell) NOW DIE, YOU LITTLE SHIT!
(beaten down, exhausted) Huff...hah...heh heh... You're a damn monster, kid. You just...keep getting tougher... I hope you understand at this point, kid... The only thing driving me at this point...is a man's pride.
I like it. You have potential, but you sound a little too young for the role, not quite grizzled enough. Could you audition for Kiryu, please?
Will do! My kids are sleeping right now, so I'll put up a new audition tomorrow! :)