IS-4 Crack of Thunder

Sora, are you ready yet?

Stop rushing me!

Urgh... This dress is so tight!

You haven't been chubbing up on pizza behind my back, have you?

What are you even talking about? I only had one extra slice last night!

Sora, suck it in!

Hissss—

Alrighty! Perfect!

You're good.

Done? Come on out already and let me see!

Coming, coming.

Wooooah, you look amazing!

You'n say that again. One purdy lady!

Heehee.

*sigh*... If only Texas was here to see you too.

Yeah...

I knew you had it in ya though, Sora. Ya made it onstage here in Siracusa mighty quick.

But of course~

This time, 'La Morte di Texas' will be presented in multiple acts. We've already finished rehearsing the first one, and the opening night is the day after tomorrow!

If everything goes well, maybe she'll be the one looking for me, rather than the other way around~

That could happen. Lemme think... Yeah, if it comes to that, I'm definitely gonna buy a pizza to slap her face around a bit.

Speakin' of Texas, I've been talkin' up the Bellone family. I hear tell things've been awful rough for 'em lately. Hope that ain't gettin' in her way.

She's gonna be perfectly fine.

Most we'n do right now is keep the faith in her.

We oughta rest up before Sora's debut too.

I originally wanted to take a look around the city, but it feels like I've turned into Sora's bodyguard.

Bite me.

But hey, I've eaten my weight in the free food at the theater. Hehe, their pizza's not half bad.

Things are probably only gonna get busier from here on out, so let's go for a walk.

Okay.

Hey, did you hear...?

You're talking... Tex... right?

Huh?

Right, Texas... sentenced...

Ehh?

Excuse me, did you just say something about Texas?

Yup, sure did. You interested?

What happened to Texas?

My boyfriend's with Famiglia Bellone, and I heard it from him.

You know how il Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici was killed a few days ago?

Apparently, they found the culprit.

The one who did it was the last of the Texas bloodline. I think her name was Cellinia or something?

......

No way!

They even decided on the court date. It's the day after tomorrow.

Signor Leontuzzo, we agreed on this meeting, but you've already pushed it back several times.

My sincerest apologies, Signor Wallach, but I've had too much to deal with lately.

I hear you've already withdrawn a lot of your men from several areas previously under contention with other famiglie. I'm worried about you.

I'm glad to see that you're alive and well.

It's nothing major, just cutting our losses.

Haha, I'm quite fond of that prudent side of yours.

Don't worry, Famiglia Rossati has no interest in kicking a man when he's down.

But there is one problem that I must reluctantly bring up.

It has to be about Texas.

'Cellinia Texas.' Is she back, and even one of your bodyguards?

Is it really her?

What if I say yes?

......

We never knew she was alive this whole time.

Back then, it was my father who saved her.

I see, I see. This was the old don's handiwork.

The construction of the new city was, from the very beginning, because of the fate Salvadore shared with Siracusa. My father only hoped she could return to Siracusa to see the city.

Such is Famiglia Bellone.

Despite knowing full well the significance of the Texas name to Famiglia Rossati, you still invited her to come back so graciously.

Impressive. Truly impressive.

I, Wallach, can only offer my admiration.

Again with your jokes.

Jokes? How is any of this a joke?

The news that Signorina Cellinia is still alive means a great deal to us Rossatis.

No matter how the Bellones see it, we are in your debt.

Our two famiglie will see this new city built, hand-in-hand. What debt is there to speak of?

Hahaha! Very good, I love it!

By the looks of things, fratello, you've been waiting for me all this time.

So tell me, what is it you want?

Simple—

For the Rossatis to stay out of this.

Oh? You want us to stand aside and watch the last Texas go down? That's not going to fly with the boss.

After the trial is over, she'll be held in custody and you'll still be able to see her.

Just see her?

She's our guest, but she could also be yours.

Alright, it's a deal!

......

So this is when you decide to reveal Cellinia? That's certainly unexpected...

Was it Lavinia's idea? No... There's no way for her to know that Cellinia wasn't the murderer.

Knowing her, this isn't a decision she'd make.

Could Leon have convinced her?

Never mind. In any case, I didn't expect this card to get played.

Demetri, what're we doin' now?

Time to rub out Cellinia?

Do you have any idea how many heavies she put down during the chaos that broke out seven years ago?

But—

An ambush, explosives, or a good, old-fashioned poisoning. We might have a way...

But don't forget to take into account whoever invited her back.

Whoever they might be, it undeniably was a clever move.

Now that things have come to this, we're forced to resort to more... brutal methods to put this trial on ice.

......

At the end of the day, our goal is to plunge the city into chaos.

From the very beginning, we've been here to provoke Signora Sicilia.

Now, all we're doing is taking another step forward.

Gotcha.

If you ask me, I think there's another option.

Who's there?!

Whatever you're doing sounds like fun. Mind if I join in?

......

Come in.

Director, did you hear the news about Texas?!

I did, just now.

Do you have any clue what's going on behind the scenes?

I got the news from Judge Lavinia's own announcement.

Lavinia, the judge who helped me...

She... doesn't seem like the type to lie, but...

Are you going to postpone your debut?

Could you... please help me come up with something?

I at least... want to see her first.

And regardless of whether or not your debut can be pushed back...

I want to know what happens when you do see her.

......

Signorina Sora, I remember you said you came to Siracusa with two friends to look for her.

You always believed in the woman you knew, that she was truly who you thought she was.

But now, you know her hidden past.

You've been forced to learn that the woman you've been chasing might be an entirely different person.

Say you go see her. What then?

What are you going to say to her, and what is she going to say to you?

If that's the way things are, then maybe it's all my own fault. Maybe I never knew her well enough.

Even if she was clearly keeping something from you?

That depends on her reason for doing it.

Anyway, Mr. Bernardo, showbiz is a big melting pot, and I've met all kinds.

It's way too hard to be the person you claim to be. At least, I don't think I can pull it off.

I always think to myself, one day I'm going to turn into someone I'm not.

So, I never expect it from other people.

Everybody has their secrets. I do, she does, and I'm sure you do too.

If she wants to keep her mask on until the very end, and that's the side she wants me to see, isn't that also genuine, in its own way?

Absolutely.

Also, maybe I didn't express myself clearly enough.

I'm not looking for Texas so I can give her a piece of my mind. Not at all.

The four of us lived together in Lungmen for almost six years.

Six years, precious to me beyond words.

And I sincerely believe... they're just as precious to her.

Still, she still left without saying goodbye.

Should I be upset over that?

I'm not. I'm worried sick about her.

Exusiai and Croissant would say the same thing.

That's why we came to Siracusa.

If she's caught up in some trouble, then we're going to bail her out.

If the weight of her past is enough to make her crumble, we'll be there to share that burden with her.

Through many plays, the fate of Famiglia Texas is known far and wide, even if the rumors of Cellinia's death were exaggerated.

Her past is likely much deeper than you can imagine.

I know.

But we haven't heard it from her, directly.

She has to tell us what she thinks herself.

Only then, if she still decides to part ways with us, after everything we've been through... Only then can I say goodbye without a weight on my heart.

Only if I try my best, can go move on without any regrets.

Well... I'd probably still have some regrets, but they wouldn't be that bad.

You speak with a great deal of wisdom, Signorina Sora.

I'm just trying to come up with excuses for my bravado, that's all.

But I do feel much better after having talking to you about this.

You are right, though. If I went to see her right now, I don't think there's anything I'd be able to do for her.

Actually, I was ready to agree to your request.

After the trial, you will see her. I can promise you that.

Really?!

But for the time being, you'll have to keep waiting.

Thank you so much! I have got to get ready first.

Haha.

Unfortunately, I won't be there to see your debut in person.

Huh? You're not going to watch?

That's right. I'm afraid I have something important to do that day.

But, don't worry. I've already prepared the best possible stage for you.

Thank you!

I'd better get going, then.

See you.

......

Demetri... tell her. Just say, I agreed.

The high-profile case of Ministro Carracci's assassination is about to be heard in court.

But it seems that only a small number of invitees are being allowed inside the courtroom, for security reasons.

Everyone else is waiting around the rione della giustizia for the outcome of the trial.

The courthouse is encircled by guards, but nevertheless, a large crowd has formed.

It appears the death of Ministro Carracci has touched the hearts of the citizenry.

We will continue to report on this situation as it develops, so stay tuned.

......

Sora, are you ready?

Mhm.

You two can go, if you want, while I'm performing.

That's alright. Even if we showed up, it's not like we'd be able to get in.

Yeah, all we can do is sit tight and wait for the verdict.

And you break a leg out there.

Don't worry about me. I'm already in the right headspace.

Sora, are you ready? Almost time for curtain.

Be right there!

Quiet, please. Court is now in session.

The outcome of today's trial will be made public to all citizens of Volsinii.

The case being heard today is the assassination of Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici, Carracci.

Bring the defendant to the stand.

So... that's Texas?

Look at the color of her eyes and hair. There's no mistaking it! She's a Texas!

......

Zzz......

How is she still alive?

She murdered Carracci?

Silence!

......

......

Cellinia Texas, you were present at the murder of Ministro Carracci.

I was.

I planted the bomb and detonated it as il Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici was walking by.

She straight up admitted it?!

This is the last Texas...? How the mighty have fallen!

What was your motive?

I had none.

Who gave you the order?

No one.

In other words, you acted alone?

Yes.

Impossible! How'd you get your hands on a bomb, and when did you have the opportunity to plant it?

Does that matter?

Did you come to take revenge for Famiglia Texas?

No.

But...

Your Honor, I've confessed to everything.

I believe there's no need for these two mafiosi in the juror's box to be so rowdy.

How dare you!

Can we just skip all the boring procedures?

Huh?

Leon, what are you still doing here?

I thought you'd be at the courthouse.

Is it really so surprising, Demetri?

Would you like a drink?

Let's skip the morning booze. I'll prepare some refreshing fruit juice for you.

Get me a whiskey, the strongest we have.

And then, answer my question.

How'd you guess?

Simple.

The attack on me and the assassination of Carracci both prove that someone wants the Dodici Famiglie at each other's throats.

And as Lavinia is a Bellone spokeswoman on the topic, she can't be allowed to find the murderer, or she would be able to bring the situation under control.

Therefore, now that Lavinia has arrested Cellinia, the other side can't let the trial proceed.

So, what has to happen to Lavinia?

Fortunately, things didn't work out for you.

You might not have realized it yet, but she's already influenced you a great deal.

It's making you question your decisions more and more.

And through her influence on you, she might come to believe that she's capable of something.

I have to nip that flight of fancy in the bud.

Funny how you talk all confident-like.

Actually, Leon.

Doing this brings me no joy, or peace of mind.

I didn't want to wait to the very end to tell you the outcome and force you to accept it.

So, it's just like you said. Fortunately, things didn't work out for me.

But that didn't stop you.

We can take all the time in the world settling this score.

Speaking of which, the safest option was to have Cellinia die mysteriously on the eve of the trial, but that didn't happen.

Proving... that the other side is afraid of her.

After all, even if we set aside her being the last Texas, she's still a guest of the Don.

In other words, the only ones willing to let this opportunity slip by... are from this famiglia.

Lo and behold, nobody made any attempts on Cellinia's life yesterday.

What if the other side anticipated your trap and purposefully held off?

If they're set on challenging Signora Sicilia's authority, you'd expect there to be a lot of commotion. So I did a bit of research into which famiglie have been the most active over the last couple days.

And it turns out... You, Demetri, are behind all of this.

......

I must admit, I did not expect Signorina Cellinia to stand trial for someone else's crime.

I figured it wouldn't make a difference whether or not she was involved in our plan, but by the looks of things, I really should have thought that part through.

Don't be too hard on yourself. If she didn't come out and say she was fine bearing the stain of this crime, I wouldn't have thought of it either.

So in that case, you should show her your gratitude.

Of course I will. But before that, I have to ask: why, Demetri?

Isn't it obvious? I'm the traitor in the famiglia.

I'd be more willing to believe that everyone else is a traitor before you.

If I can't trust you, then who?

......

Leon, what do you think about this new nomadic city?

Obviously, it's a new way of dividing up the spoils.

Whoever has the last laugh will be the big winner.

Sure, but I see it more as a testing ground for Signora Sicilia.

Let the Dodici Famiglie fight amongst each other here in the name of building a new city.

The new generation of cubs vent their repressed violence, while the old wolves turn their eyes to a new prize.

Pretty great, huh? With Columbia's return to the fold, the stagnant cesspool that is Siracusa gets a new lease on life.

No matter who wins in the end, it all works out for the woman at the top of Grey Hall, Signora Sicilia.

Wait, you don't mean...

You've done a great job these past few years. You suppressed the other famiglie, and took control of il Ministero dei Lavori Pubblici.

If things keep going that way, the Bellones will get that last laugh.

But what will it accomplish?

Our famiglia gets absolute control over the new nomadic city, and after that, it's back to business as usual.

And you want more than that. Or rather, he wants more than that?

Since Grey Hall was established, since the Dodici Famiglie were prohibited from warring against one another, who has ever really been content?

We used to be hungry, unscrupulous wolves, and the struggles between our famiglie were bloody and endless.

But now, the newest generation of cubs is all nice and comfy in their shackles.

They're used to coexisting with other famiglie. They find solutions to conflicts. They argue with each other in Grey Hall over what you call dividing up the spoils.

We never did any of that. No need to.

So he wants to overthrow the Grey Hall?! But how?

One individual has allowed the famiglie to act independently, but she will never permit them to violate her ironclad law. There can't be any fighting in broad daylight.

We were about to win, and only under these conditions could our sudden fall from power get the attention of the jealous famiglie.

Wolves fight. That's nature. They don't hold back at the smell of blood, no matter how domesticated they've become.

They tear into each other, claws, fangs, and all.

That's how we get this particular individual to step out of Grey Hall.

And we'll all be waiting for that one moment.

......

We'll get the last laugh, Leon.

And when we do, we'll control more than just a new city. We'll have all of Siracusa.

That's what your father, Bernardo Bellone, who single-handedly made the Bellones the most powerful of the Dodici Famiglie, wants for us.

......

You're wrong.

Huh?

I haven't stopped you. Or I guess I should say, you still have a backup plan, right?

You knew from the very beginning that you'd be found out, so you waited here for me on purpose.

The reason I'm here... is because I figured I had to face up to your anger.

I owe you an apology, both as your closest friend, and as your soldier.

I don't expect you to forgive me, but I at least want you to know that I didn't sleep well doing what I did.

Stop talking like you're giving a victory speech!

...I lost, Leon. Really.

But maybe, this is just the kind of place Siracusa is. Just maybe, the Don's ambitions were right.

Just as I was about to admit defeat, she appeared.

Who?

A lunatic.

Tell me, Gambino. Can you guess the best way to ruin somebody's day?

Huh? Take his head clean off, right?

What do you think, Capone?

Find his friends and family. Kill 'em one by one, sit him down, and treat him to a slideshow with their pictures.

*sigh*... That's why I always say you two will never amount to anything.

Hah, then let's hear your bright idea.

His faith, my friends. His faith.

You destroy his faith?

Destroy? No, how could you destroy a man's faith with your hands? That can't be done.

But you give him a gentle push, and let him watch his faith fall right out of the sky.

And then, whoosh—

Crash!

It shatters into a million little pieces.

And how do you get a man to shatter his faith so easily?

Oh, no, no. You misunderstand me. Faith is pure and clean, but life is filthy.

'So easily'?

A better question is, how could it be hard?

So... does this have somethin' to do with us gettin' you that truck.

Hah, I get it. You're gonna run over that judge to shake Texas up, right?

Does she come across as the kind of woman who'd break down over one dead judge?

What are you gonna do then?

You're the Lappland who was exiled from Famiglia Saluzzo. Why are you here in Volsinii?

Wait, how'd you even get back into Siracusa?!

You know how the Bellones have a connection with Cellinia that nobody knows about? I got me a connection with the Saluzzo name that'd make you retch.

So, you're here on their behalf?

You could say that.

By the way, I think you should probably put the weapons you have under the table.

Dying here won't do you or your plans any good.

......

Let's make a deal, Bellone cub.

You want the case dismissed, don't you?

I can help with that.

Is that... what Alberto Saluzzo wants?

I'm his daughter, and I know him better than anyone.

Haven't you been dying to find out exactly what I'm doing back in Siracusa?

It's simple. I need her to understand...

That Siracusa is a swamp. You don't get to just wade your way out.

That goes for all of us.

As such, you confess to having committed all the aforementioned acts?

I was.

Very well. I hereby proclaim that Cellinia Texas is guilty of murdering Ministro Carracci, Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici.

I pronounce you—

What's going on?

What was that sound? Anybody else hear that?

It's... an engine?

But we're in a courthouse. How could that—

Aaaaaaahhh—

Wh-What's going on?! What's a truck doing here?!

Who's the driver? Get out of there this instant!

Heh, not bad. Now that's the face I wanted to see.

Who the hell are you?!

Ah, yes. Buongiorno, signore e signori.

Allow me to introduce myself.

My name... is Lappland Saluzzo.

Saluzzo?!

I am also...

Carracci's true assassin.

Breaking news!

Just now, someone drove a truck into the courtroom.

The woman who carried out this jaw-dropping deed just identified herself as Lappland Saluzzo.

And, she claims to be the one who really assassinated Carracci!

At present, Judge Lavinia has suspended the trial and detained this individual.

We will continue to track the latest developments, so don't go anywhere—

When people no longer recognize the stench of blood as blood, it becomes a natural part of society.

Let this be a poignant wake-up call.

In a city where even the sewers are choked with conspiracy and spilled blood, such fascinating developments can still take place.

O wolf with a yearning for the wilderness, you never fail to surprise.

But will you break free of your shackles? That, I do wish to see.

I never knew city wolves were this weak.

Agnese was right.

Are there other wolves from the wilds in this city?

No... This is not the scent of the wilderness.

But, it's very close to it.