After the enactment of the Anti-Prostitution Law, the red-light district in Shinjuku lost its allure. Even the gambling den of the Ryūzaki family was always deserted. Ryūzaki, the boss, declared his retirement in response to the changing times. It was thought that Igarashi, who valued righteousness and principles and had the respect of others, would become the second-in-command. However, he was an annoying presence to Ryūzaki...

変貌する極道界を、従来の任侠道を貫く者と、今時のヤクザの抗争を通し描く。菅原文太が義理と人情を重んじる昔気質のヤクザを力演する傍ら、渡辺文雄が手段を選ばぬ冷血漢を怪演。売春防止法が施行された新宿では、竜崎組の竜崎（渡辺文雄）が引退を隠れ蓑に、新会社社長として組を操る魂胆でいた。その頃、賭場の手入れで客をかばった五十嵐（菅原文太）が逮捕され、入れ違いに大阪藤上一家の三郎（待田京介）が野心を抱き上京し、竜崎に接近する。