Yakuza Kiwami 3 Strategy: Maximize "Daddy Rank" & Find All Substories
Saturday, February 28, 2026Being the Dragon is Easy; Being a Dad is Hard
In the original Yakuza 3, the orphanage segments were often criticized for being "pacing killers." But in Yakuza Kiwami 3 (2026), RGG Studio has completely overhauled these chapters into a deep, rewarding life-simulation system called "Life at Morning Glory."
If you want to unlock Kiryu’s legendary "Dragon of Dojima" ultimate moves, you can no longer ignore the kids. Your progression is now tied directly to your Daddy Rank. Whether you're struggling with Mitsuo’s homework or trying to find that one missing substory on Ryukyu Boulevard, this guide will turn you into the ultimate patriarch.
The "Daddy Rank" Meta: How to Level Fast
Your Daddy Rank isn't just a number; it unlocks high-tier gear and essential combat training. While you can grind mini-games, the most efficient way to level up is through Daily Chores and Cooking.
1. The Homework Loop (The XP Farm)
The Strategy: Every morning at the orphanage, check the kids' rooms. Helping with homework provides a flat +90 points to your bond and a massive boost to Daddy Rank.
Pro Tip: Use the "Pause" button if the math questions are too fast. There is no penalty for taking your time, and a "Perfect" score grants a bonus 1,000 Yen allowance.
2. The Garden of Dragon (Resource Management)
Vegetables are the currency of the orphanage. Always have a Dragon Scarecrow planted (buy it from the Ryudo Office vendor) to accelerate growth.
The "Rice & Sugar" Trick: These are the two rarest ingredients for cooking requests. Don’t waste them on basic meals. Save them for Ayako or Taichi's specific requests to trigger their unique "Bonding Substories" immediately.
Okinawa Substory Locations: Don't Miss These
Kiwami 3 features 31 substories in Okinawa alone. Many are "hidden" behind specific time-of-day requirements.
| Substory | Location | Requirement | Reward |
| #2: Love's Cupid | Ryukyu Blvd (Smile Burger) | Chapter 2 | Staminan X |
| #3: Soba Delivery | Public Market | Chapter 2 | 10,000 Yen |
| #4: Master Kame | Morning Glory Beach | Chapter 3 | 30,000 Yen |
| #29: Hide-and-Seek | Morning Glory | Chapter 5 (Day) | Lucky Charm |
| #19: Treasure Hunt | Ebisu Pawn (Orange Shirt Man) | Post-Chapter 6 | Antique Chain Mail |
Expert Insight: Many players miss Substory #44: Two Fathers because it only appears at Sunset in Chapter 10. If you’ve reached the final chapters and your completion list is stuck at 98%, head to the Ryudo Office when the sky is orange to trigger Mikio’s father’s storyline.
Unique Framework: The "Bad Boy Dragon" Synergy
Most guides treat the Bad Boy Dragon (biker gang) and Morning Glory as separate modes. They are wrong.
The Synergy: Winning "Baddie Battles" in Ryukyu often rewards you with rare Sewing Recipes or Bento Ingredients.
The Hack: If you’re struggling to raise a specific child's bond, go win a Biker Race. The unique "Biker Jacket" clothing item can be gifted to Taichi for a massive +150 point bond jump, bypassing hours of bug-catching or fishing.
The Ultimate Reward: The Morning Glory Scarf
Reaching Daddy Rank EX and maxing the trust of all eight children grants you the Morning Glory Scarf. This isn't just a cosmetic item; it provides infinite heat generation while Kiryu is at low health—essentially giving you a "Desperation Mode" that makes the late-game Amon battles significantly easier.