The Front of Armament (TFOA) is one of the motorcycle gangs found in Toarushi and one of The Big Four.
TFOA is a tight-knit group that prioritizes brotherhood over mere numbers, never using backhanded means when fighting as they consider it cowardly. Although small in number, they are still widely regarded as a force to be reckoned with.
They were previously in their seventh Generation, which many consider their strongest in history and is currently in their ninth generation.
Background
First Generation
The Front of Armament was founded by four freshmen Suzuki Keizou, Hasegawa Sadamasa, Kadota Youichi, and Ooshima Eizou.
The idea of forming their own group stemmed from the desire to have the freedom to do what they wanted without being tied down to any of the other existing gangs, causing friction with numerous gangs upon their inception (Hyakki in particular) because of their threatening presence. However, they didn't take a step back, and that made other freshmen want to join them.
After doubling their numbers, they went to face Hyakki again, but only one man showed up, took a look at them and said Hyakki weren't going to show up. That man was Chuujou Akira, Hyakki's head. At that night, he acknowledged T.F.O.A’s existence and started looking after them. But soon, they had fights with Back-Teria, Skelton and everyone else.
Second Generation
The Second Generation was led by Sugata Kazushi with his Vice Head Kunou Hideomi. The Second Generation had a couple of members that would later go on to be strong fighters in the city. The reign of Second Generation Head Sugata was cut short after he suffered a tragic accident.
*It was stated in a one-shot that the vice head of the second generation was Tenten (perhaps prior of Kunou Hideomi). The latter was sent to juvenile a few days before the death of Sugata Kazushi.
Third Generation
The original wish of Sugata Kazushi was for Hideto Bandou to become the next leader, but as he died before appointing him, Kunou Hideomi took his place. Hideomi changed how T.F.O.A. worked. Instead of hand picking strong and loyal warriors, he recruited anyone to build a large army relying on sheer numbers only. The army picked up on wearing the generic bosozoku suits, dropping the leather jackets.
His vice-head was his younger brother Kunou Ryuushin, and he formed six officials that would lead smaller groups of underlings.
After two of the six officials, Kitagawa and Hirota quit, the TFOA's Four Kings were formed under Kunou Hideomi which consisted of Hideto Bandou, Iwai Masanari, Anzai Mitsuhiko and Mito Yasuyuki.
Under Hideomi, T.F.O.A. had 300 members. They usually move by splitting into three cells, each group consisting of at least 60 people [1].
Hideomi also formed an elite of 13 fighters. Kokubu Ryouta and Mishima Bunta were among them [2].
Fourth Generation
Led by Ryuushin, the Fourth Generation re-adopted the values and principles held by the previous generations, leading to a generation completely different from the Third. Ryuushin was one of the main backers of the cease fire agreement that stopped the senseless fighting between the gangs of the city.
By that time the others biker gangs where getting into fights and members were being arrested, Kyouya's 3rd generation head created a cease fire agreement between T.F.O.A., Kyouya, Hyakki, Skelton and Back-Teria.
Kyouya's 4th generation head broke the cease fire and tried conquering other gangs with the help from Zeniya Family's 9th branch. The plan backfired because the Zeniya's vice-president, Ogawa Kenji was Murata's blood brother and their 4th generation was banned.
Fifth Generation
The Fifth Generation of the Armament was led by Takeda Kousei, one of the strongest fighters of his generation. Thinking that they would be weak with only three members, Hyakki tried to finish them with 20 or 30 guys, but they couldn't defeat the Armament.
Kousei grew a strong Armament, but unfortunately had mid-level cerebral infarction and had to undergo an expensive and high risk surgery. He wanted to wait a little longer and choose a new head but his vice-head Yanagi Shinji called an emergency meeting with their older members and announced that their generation was over. They protested but understood that the new generation had to fight their way.
Kousei got mad at Yanagi deciding for him and especially because he didn't choose a new head and their members Tesshou and Kiyohiro couldn't stand each other. He feared that the Armament could break in two, but Yanagi said that whatever would be, would be.
Kousei went to Tokyo do his surgery, with the Armament gathering what they could to help with his expenses, as did King Joe, Nakajima Shinsuke and Zetton.
Sixth Generation
The Sixth Generation was led by Kawachi Tesshou who famously ended the cease fire agreement that the Fouth Generation Head, Ryuushin heavily backed [3]. Due to his strength and charisma, Tesshou successfully led the Armament to one of its highest points in its history.
Once again however, a tragedy would cut his run short - due to a vehicular accident, Tesshou passed away, leaving the Armament in a deep state of mourning. Overcome with grief, his successor and future Armament Head Murata Shougo disappeared for a while to regain his composure and to properly cope with the loss.
Vice-Head Kiyohiro Yoshimi acted as an interim leader and briefly led the Armament and held the group together until Shougo proved himself fit enough to lead the group.
Seventh Generation
The Seventh Generation of The Armament is said to be the strongest generation ever created. Led by Murata Shougo and his Vice Head Takumi Fujishiro and supported by the strength of seventh generation guardian, Sasaki Haru.
This generation introduced the flying column which consisted of KKK Demons members, led by Himekawa Kei.
They have shown their high aptitude for fighting by beating some of Japan's toughest factions, including the Jet Black Scorpions, The EMOD, Manji's Ishikawa Group and the KKK Demons, who Shougo later recruits into TFOA's ranks as their flying column. They also led the charge against The Manji Empire, along with E.M.O.D., Suzuran, and Housen.
Murata Shougo retired after his loss to The Manji Empire's Bisuko. Following with the Armament tradition, the senior members of the Seventh Generation decide to retire alongside their boss.
Eighth Generation
Not much is known about this generation.
Ninth Generation
The Armament is currently in their 9th Generation. Led by Todokin and his vice head Itou Renzou.
Hierarchy
Leaders of The Armament
The Front of Armament, like other teams, have a Head and Vice Head at the top. Members of The Armament who are of the same generation as the Head (meaning they joined the Armament at the same time as their Head) are treated as equals by their leaders, but the final decisions are ultimately made by the Head. When The Armament Head retires or (in some tragic cases) dies, the Vice Head and the other members of that generation must also retire. The member whose fighting prowess is said to be that of equal or greater then the current head's becomes the "Guardian"
1st Generation |
Head: Suzuki Keizou | Vice Head: Hirama Kazutomo | Guardian: |
2nd Generation | Head: Sugata Kazushi | Vice Head: Kunou Hideomi / Tenten (One Shot) | Guardian: |
3rd Generation |
Head: Kunou Hideomi |
Vice Head: Kunou Ryushin |
Guardian: |
4th Generation | Head: Kunou Ryuushin | Vice Head: Murata Juuzou | Guardian: |
5th Generation | Head: Takeda Kousei | Vice Head: Yanagi Shinji | Guardian: |
6th Generation | Head: Kawachi Tessho | Vice Head: Kiyohiro Yoshimi | Guardian: Nanba |
Acting Head: Kiyohiro Yoshimi | |||
7th Generation | Head: Murata Shougo | Vice Head: Takumi Fujishiro | Guardian: Sasaki Haru |
8th Generation | Head: | Vice Head: | Guardian: |
9th Generation | Head: Todokin | Vice Head: Itou Renzou | Guardian: |
How a Head is Chosen
The previous Head chooses his own successor from the next generation.
Exception To The Rule
There have been cases where a previous Head was not able to choose his replacement. A total of three Armament Heads took the position by other means: the Third (Kunou Hideomi), Fourth (Kunou Ryuushin), and Sixth (Kawachi Tesshou).
The Third Head Kunou Hideomi became the the Head after the Second Head died in an accident. The Fourth Head Kunou Ryuushin assumed the role after his brother was defeated. The Sixth Head Kawachi Tessho got the position after he fought Kiyohiro to decide who would lead the Armament after Fifth Head Takeda Kousei failed to choose his replacement upon his retirement.
Choosing The Vice Head
The Vice Head is chosen by The Head of the Armament. There have been three times when the Vice Head has become the Head of the Armament. Kunou Hideomi was the Vice Head of the Second generation of the armament before he became the Third generation Head. Kunou Ryuushin was the former Vice Head of the Third generation of the Armament before he became the Fourth generation Head. Kiyohiro Yoshima became the acting Head of the Sixth generation when the Sixth Head, Kawachi Tesshou died and Murata Shougo (who would become the Seventh generation's Head) disappeared.
Flying Column
Flying column were introduced in the 7th generation. In this generation, the flying column consisted of KKK Demons members. It was unknown if this was continued in the next generation.
Members of The Armament
The Front Of Armament Uniform
The Front of Armament uniform is different from other gangs as they use leather racing jackets and ordinary jeans as their uniforms instead of the generic bosozoku uniforms which most of the other gangs wear.