Dutch

Dutch is calm, pragmatic and considerably more diplomatic than Revy. He understands that Lagoon Company's survival depends on maintaining workable relationships with Roanapur's competing criminal organizations, and he usually approaches clients as a professional contractor rather than an ideologue or loyal subordinate.

His relaxed demeanor does not indicate softness. Dutch can make hard decisions quickly, responds effectively when negotiations collapse and is comfortable using lethal force when necessary. He simply prefers controlled violence to unnecessary chaos.

He also acts as the stabilizing figure within his own crew. Revy's temper can jeopardize jobs, while Rock's conscience can draw the company into problems outside the original contract. Dutch often allows both considerable independence but knows when to assert his authority.

Dutch is an experienced gunfighter despite frequently leaving frontline combat to Revy. His preferred firearms include a Remington 870 Marine Magnum shotgun and a Smith & Wesson Model 629 revolver, both suited to the close and mid-range fighting common during Lagoon Company operations.

He is physically powerful and remains composed under fire. His skill extends beyond personal combat to tactical judgment: Dutch coordinates his crew, pilots and commands the Black Lagoon during dangerous engagements and rapidly adjusts plans when jobs go wrong.

His most important professional ability may be leadership. Dutch maintains contacts with major criminal organizations and negotiates contracts with figures such as Balalaika, earning enough respect that the Lagoon Company can work across Roanapur's otherwise hostile factions.

Dutch leads the Lagoon Company when it captures Rock and the confidential disc he is carrying. Once Asahi Heavy Industries attempts to eliminate the problem rather than recover its employee, Dutch accepts Rock's plan for surviving the pursuing mercenaries and later welcomes him into the crew.

He remains the company's operational center as its assignments bring it into conflicts involving neo-Nazis, Hotel Moscow, the Rip-Off Church, Colombian cartels and the Lovelace family. While Revy usually provides the firepower and Rock increasingly handles negotiation, Dutch determines whether jobs are worth accepting and keeps the crew functioning as a business.

His professional relationship with Roanapur's major powers gives the Lagoon Company unusual mobility within the city. Dutch does not attempt to rule territory; his neutrality and reliability are assets that allow the company to work for clients who might otherwise be enemies.

Later manga material casts doubt on Dutch's account of his military past. Conversations involving veterans reveal inconsistencies between his claimed Vietnam service and details known by people who actually served there, leaving the truth of his background deliberately uncertain rather than confirming the biography he previously presented.

Revy is Dutch's primary gunfighter and one of his longest-serving crew members. Dutch trusts her combat ability but frequently has to manage Revy's temper and tendency to escalate confrontations.

Benny serves as Dutch's mechanic and technical specialist. Dutch affectionately calls him "Benny-Boy" and relies on his expertise to maintain the company's equipment and handle technological problems.

Rokuro Okajima begins as Dutch's hostage but becomes the company's negotiator after choosing not to return to Japan. Dutch quickly recognizes that Rock's education, language ability and business instincts offer capabilities the existing crew lacks.

Balalaika is one of Dutch's most important clients and professional contacts. Dutch maintains a careful working relationship with the Hotel Moscow commander, balancing familiarity with an awareness of how dangerous her organization is.

Shane Caxton encounters Dutch during the events surrounding Roberta's pursuit. [Their conversations contribute to the doubts surrounding Dutch's claimed Vietnam-era military history.](#spoiler)