Lily is a Japanese woman connected to an American military base during the post-World War II occupation. She engages in a relationship with a high-ranking American army officer, initially securing her financially but later contributing to her struggles with alcoholism. Her base connection enables her to arrange opportunities for several juvenile inmates from the Shōnan Special Reformatory, particularly Mario Minakami and Noboru Maeda ("Turtle"), to earn money through activities like participating in boxing matches on the base. Frustrated by the consistent defeats of Japanese boxers against American opponents, Lily actively seeks talented local fighters capable of achieving victory.

Following her American partner's repatriation, Lily loses her financial stability and savings. She transitions to work as a live-in domestic helper before eventually establishing her own restaurant. This business becomes a crucial gathering place and source of support for the former Shōnan inmates after their release. Lily evolves into a significant maternal figure for the young men and Meg Yokosuka (Joe's sister), extending care and stability. Her restaurant serves as both a practical and emotional anchor for the group as they navigate rebuilding their lives outside the reformatory.