act21side

Yes.

Even after coming to Siracusa, we never settled the arguments between us. As a matter of fact, our views on Siracusa have never quite lined up.

But this does not prevent us from understanding what the other is thinking.

So, the key is discussing and arguing?

Haha, what do you think?

I don't think that's right.

I don't think Texas and I ever had any serious discussions about anything. I'm not even sure when it happened, but we somehow became really good partners.

You're a perceptive one, my child.

In the end, what kept me bound to Sicilia was not ideals, convenience, or even emotions.

But time.

Time?

The passage of time will bridge most gaps and bind people together, regardless of what they think about it.

You'll always be good partners, won't you?

Of course. Always and forever.

Then, all you need to do is keep moving forward.

You will experience many different things, as will she.

Perhaps your stories will individually have very little in common.

But as long as your lives intertwine at some point...

Well, you'll have nothing to worry about.

Leontuzzo forgot what happened that day.

He was still too young at the time.

He knows only two things for certain.

That day was not the day his mother died.

That day was the only time he ever saw his father look somewhat lost.

He walked through the rainy streets and saw his father sitting outside the church without an umbrella.

He tried to run over to hold up his umbrella for his father, but slipped and fell.

His father picked him up. The rain was heavier than usual that day. He could not clearly see his father's expression, but was still acutely aware of his father's chagrin.

He still remembers the question his father asked him at the time—

Would Siracusa be better off without the famiglie?

Leon, Leon!

Wake up!

Unngh...

Demetri...

Why are you lying on the ground here? Where's the Don? Were you attacked?

No... Father, he...

Right, my father! Where is he?!

Nobody knows where the Don is... And just now, Rubio broke the news about our alliance with the Saluzzos over the radio.

He also slandered us, accusing us of joining together against Signora Sicilia. Now, all the famiglie are looking right at us.

Would Siracusa be better off without the famiglie?

That's not exactly slander, is it?

Leon?

I know what my father wants to do.

Who would've thought this Rubio guy...

Was actually a complete idiot.

What are you talking about? He's clearly a good man!

No, what I mean is what's the point of him even saying stuff like that?

He finally managed to climb up to that position, and now he's gonna die over a few sentences.

What a waste of a perfectly good life.

Are you crying?

No. I'm not.

Want a tissue?

Thanks.

Who are you? Employees only.

I am the boss of Famiglia Bellone. But you can just call me Bernardo.

Huh? The Don of Famiglia Bellone?!

Wh-What brings an honored Dodici don here?

If memory serves me properly, this place is supposed to split off and become the secondary command tower of the new nomadic city's core.

That's right.

Then, there's one thing I'd like to ask of you.

Wh-What are you doing?

Begin the separation sequence for the secondary core area.

...Impossible.

But, that does explain everything.

What my father told you, that we were planning to ignite an all-out war between all the famiglie to flush Signora Sicilia out, it was a feint.

From the very beginning, Famiglia Bellone has just been a bargaining chip for him.

Everything you see now was his design.

Everything was for the sake of a Siracusa without famiglie.

You seriously expect me to believe that the don of the most powerful famiglia in the country... is trying to destroy all the famiglie?

You have no choice but to believe, Demetri.

You just said all the famiglie are looking at us, right?

Yes, but even if they believed Rubio, nobody would dare to do anything rash so soon.

But, it's just a matter of time.

The fuse has already been lit...

Would Siracusa be better off without the famiglie?

Padre mio, this is what you've believed all this time.

That's why you had Demetri test me in the first place.

But, what do you want me to do?

What can I even do?

Leon.

Huh?

You said before that you'd handle things your way, Leon.

I did.

Then, you should focus up.

Whatever the situation, at this critical moment, the don is not here. You are now the boss of the famiglia.

We have to do something.

I know.

Go and tell the Saluzzos that I want to meet with Alberto.

Then, get in touch with the Rossati man, Wallach.

You mean... I see.

What is it I hope to do?

By building goodwill through Carracci's legacy, you got the people to believe that you really chose to draw all the fire purely out of a desire to avenge him.

It wasn't until the end that you finally revealed a sliver of your real face.

Your self-control is admirable, Rubio.

Unfortunately, I knew a long time ago that you and Carracci were on the same path.

Neither of you were willing to accept the yoke of famiglie rule forever.

Only, he stepped onto the stage like a moth to a flame, while you concealed yourself a bit better.

After all, I was in charge of the liquidation thirty years ago. I remembered him, and naturally, I remembered you as well.

It came as a surprise to me that you chose to make your move now, but that brings with it opportunity.

Is the separation sequence still not complete?

It'll be done shortly.