IS-6 Old Conflicts

Urgh...

Signor, are you alright?

Just dreaming.

That's why you shouldn't sleep on the sofa.

Where's the old man?

The Don went to the theater.

......

Are you going too?

Rossati, Giovanna.

That's right.

Cellinia, our original agreement was to ensure the Bellones come out on top.

But, I've changed my mind.

As long as you succeed, you don't owe us anything.

At that point, you're free to go.

This, I promise you as the Fang of Zaaro, il Signore dei Lupi.

......

Tsk, tsk. The sun's still getting in my eyes, even though it's raining.

Prison food's not too bad. You should give it a try.

You're right about that. I've even given 'em a few suggestions before.

Now get in the car.

Can I sit this one out?

Does killing a single Columbian really deserve so much fanfare?

The Don says Cellinia's gonna be there too.

Oh?

What's the plan?

She'll pretend to be an actress, and once the performance starts, you'll improvise the rest.

Hmm... So what about my costume?

What the Don meant was—

You wait in the audience and play along.

Oh, right. Haha.

What an insensitive old jerk. So where's he gonna be? He's not trying to find a nice place to watch the show all by himself, is he?

The Don has other business. He's got a meeting.

A meeting?

Yeah, with a carwash worker.

Howdy, Sora. I just knew you'd be practicin' in Miss Caterina's studio.

I ain't gonna stop ya, but don'tha think you oughta head to the theater early? To do some makeup n' get ready n' whatnot?

Yeah, you have a point.

Exusiai's already off to buy breakfast. We got just enough time to meet her.

Okay.

Say... Didn't we say we'd set up a big ol' welcome for Exusiai's sister?

We did.

But now I'm not sure we'll have enough time for that.

Croissant, watch your step!

Huh? Wooooah!

Owwie...

Are you alright?

I'm fine, I'm fine. Just tripped on a little somethin'.

Dangit, I knocked over that stack of books. Lemme tidy 'em up.

Huh? A picture dropped outta somethin'.

Picture?

Wait... Huh?

What's wrong?

Lookie here!

Look, this pitcher... ain't that... Texas, as a kid?

And standin' there with her... That's Caterina?!

And look on the back here...

Giovanna... Is that gonna be Caterina's real name?

Giovanna... Giovanna Rossati.

How long has this carwash been open?

Five years.

Five years? Coincidentally, that's how long my guard tuskbeast has been missing.

If only I knew how he was doing these days.

The city's a pretty big place. There's always a way to survive.

It never made any sense to me before. I fed him plenty of meat, gave him a nice den. Why wasn't he happy?

Think he might've been vegetarian?

Maybe. Maybe it never knew how bad meat actually was until it tried a full-course meal.

It's better to not eat at all... than to eat something bad.

Oh?

Your car's done.

You're pretty good at your job.

Practice makes perfect.

Heh. You never fail to get it done just right.

But, Danbrown, nothing lasts forever.

It's time for you to change your tastes.

...I'll think about it.

Think carefully. Once you've figured it out, you're always welcome to come back.

Are you the backup bassist?

Yes.

Oh, um... Is that your natural hair color?

Yes.

That's special. Usually, you have to dye your hair to work as a bassist. I've heard only those with Famiglia Texas blood have that eye and hair color.

And, now that I'm seeing you up close, your eyebrows... look really similar to Salvadore's. Are you his bastard or something?

No, I have nothing to do with Texas.

All sorts of coincidences out there, huh?

Okay, take a seat over there. Your foundation's really good, so I should be able to get you squared away in no time.

Pardon me, are you satisfied with your seating?

Yes, I've got a fine view.

Excellent, excellent.

If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to call for me.

Let's head down.

You're not going to stay and watch?

You know I've never been a fan of this sort of stuff. How about I grab you a nice drink?

I'd like—

Brandy, I know.

Sorry I'm late!

No worries. Everyone's still getting ready.

Go ahead and take a seat. I'll do your makeup first.

Okay.

What's wrong? You don't look too well. Are you getting stage fright?

No, I'm fine.

Don't worry, Sora. You've been working so hard, everyone's gonna love you for sure!

I hope so.

Oh right, did you know...?

What's wrong?

Apparently, the bassist got sick and couldn't make it to the performance.

Huh? What are you going to do then?

It's no big deal. The director was able to find a stand-in. She's getting her makeup done in another dressing room right now.

A stand-in... Are you sure that's going to work?

Just trust the director's judgment, alright?

Speaking of the director, he didn't come tonight?

He just dropped by to give some direction before leaving again. I think he's meeting with a guest.

Important people are always so busy, huh?

But it's okay, Sora. You just need to play your part, that's all.

Yes.

......

Oh, if it isn't Judge Lavinia!

I haven't seen you here for a while. Have you come to watch tonight's opera?

No, I'm just passing by.

That's too bad. But, did you know we're putting on the highly-anticipated 'La Morte di Texas'? I'm sure you'll love it.

Sorry, I'm not in the mood.

That's alright then. I look forward to your next visit.

...Huh?

(Danbrown? What's HE doing here?)

(Did he really... take my advice and come to the theater to unwind?)

(But, today's performance is...)

......

Wait a second.

Oh, did you change your mind?

That's right.

One ticket please.

Don Bernardo, someone's here to see you.

Oh?

It's Rubio, Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare.

......

Let him in.

Of course.

Don Bernardo—

You can just call me 'director' here.

Ah, yes, yes. It's an honor to be here, Director.

Take a seat, Signor Segretario.

Let's enjoy the show first, then we'll talk.

Signore e signori, thank you for being here tonight. You are about to see another spectacular performance brought to you by Compagnia dell'alba.

'La Morte di Texas,' Act II, written by Signorina Caterina.

Every Siracusan already knows the story of Salvadore, but how many truly know the details?

Signora Caterina, who has a deep understanding of Famiglia Texas, provides us with her frank yet intricate perspective.

Let us delve deeper into the life of Salvadore!

(Inhales deeply, then exhales.)

Break a leg, Sora!

Right, time to go!

Phew... Finally found them.

Attagirl, Sora scored us seats with a great view.

Great expectations for her, all around.

Excuse me, would you mind letting us through?

A Sankta girl... An unusual sight in Siracusa.

Ehh? You're a Sankta too?

I've been in Volsinii for a while, and this is the first time I've seen one of my people.

Hehe, looks like it's one good thing after another today.

Go right on by, child.

......

What's wrong?

That's weird... I don't sense any emotions from him. Is he a strayed Sankta?

But, he's unlike any of the other Sankta strays I've seen...

Well, whatever. By the way, am I the only one who thinks way too much of this crowd looks like mobsters?

I hear tell the head of the Rossati Family's here tonight.

Hey, isn't that what you were just talking about?

Yep. But let's just enjoy the show for now.

(Singing) In an era when chaos and opportunity came hand-in-hand; some were swallowed by the tides of the times where others found in it their promised land.

(Singing) Violence and wealth, power and order.

(Singing) Onto Columbian soil steps a Siracusan, bringing with him only scars, hardship, and ambition.

(Signing) And thus begins our tale. Ladies and gentlemen, come and bear witness, to whom this era truly belongs.

That voice...

I see how it is. You're here to bring her back, aren't you?

But do you really think that's going to happen?

Who the hell are you?

Signore e signori, let the show begin!

It really is you, Cellinia.

Huh...?

Texas?!

—Ehh?

...?!

Back up, this one's tricky.

Don't fight her head on.

Cover the aisles and the stairs leading up to the Donna's box!

Tsk, tsk. Rossati soldiers are pretty capable after all, huh.

Looks like trying to brute force my way through isn't a realistic option.

Hmm...

......

Haha, silly Texas. It's pretty obvious she's got a recorder in that bass.

Sounds convincing, though, the way she's plucking those strings.

Hm?

Haha, there it is.

If I can't break through the front... I'll just have to make a path!

Don't panic!

Stand your ground!

Gah, aren't you afraid to die?

Guh... Urgh...

How are the others doing?

The aisles and stairs leading to Giovanna's box are all guarded.

They were ready for this.

Leave it to the Rossatis...

But, we've never been ones to underestimate Giovanna.

Throw more soldiers at them. We're not letting Giovanna out today.

You might not have underestimated Giovanna, but don't you think you underestimated me?

What—

You're... Wallach.

Heh, had I known the show today would've been so exciting, I wouldn't have gone to buy a drink for the Donna.

If Signora Giovanna appreciates a fine wine, I happen to have a selection with me.

No thanks.

The Donna enjoys many things about Siracusa, but the wine isn't one.

Siracusan wines are too weak, same as you people swing your weapons. Doesn't make for a good time.

Maybe you just haven't tried the best Siracusa has to offer.

So, isn't this a great opportunity?

Do you know how long I've been waiting for this?

Bellones and Saluzzos, let's find out what Siracusa's finest wine really tastes like.

Trying to get up this way?

Stop her!

Who said I was going up?

What? Explosives?!

Get outta there!

Woah, the seats over yonder just collapsed!

Is that... Lappland?!

Look over there!

Urgh...

I-Is it another famiglie gang war...?

Move.

Sh-She had weapons in her instrument?!

Texas!

Aaaaaahhh—! Run! Run for it!

What'cha think we oughta do, Exusiai? Sora's in danger!

But—

S-Someone, save me—

Get down!

Woah, you're pretty tough for an old guy.

Do I look that old to you?

Uhh... Well, I guess I wouldn't go that far.

Looks like today's performance is not 'La Morte di Texas,' but rather 'La Morte di Rossati.'

Find somewhere to hide, children.

That sounds nice, but our friend is still up there on stage.

It's a gat-danged hurricane all 'round the thing! We can't just go hoppin' on into that!

Let's go backstage then!

Okay!

C'mon, outta my way!

Huh?

Go, brave children.

Thanks, old man!

I'll buy you a slice later!

Thank ya kindly!

Haha, kids these days are so full of pep.

What's your plan now, Giovanna?

Donna Giovanna, we've got everything locked down. Let's get you out, while we still can.

Why?

It's a rare opportunity to watch a wonderful show from a fantastic seat. I'm going to have to savor this.

Sora, you really are her true friend, aren't you?

Now, how are you going to get up here, Cellinia?

Even if you find a shortcut, getting to me won't be easy.

But—

If I were to run away right now, do you think the Bellones and Saluzzos would just give up and call it quits?

This is a war now, my dear.

The Bellones and Saluzzos have decided to Signora Sicilia's ban on violence, and started a gang war.

Spread the word. There's only one thing we can do now: fight to the end.

Of course.

Nngh...

Looks like 'fine Siracusan wine' was nothing special after all.

I wouldn't gloat just yet... Columbian scum...

What—

Yes, I know. You Siracusans think the Columbian famiglie are just rowdy upstarts who haven't paid our dues.

And yeah, there are a whole lot of incompetent idiots over in Columbia.

But what about you?

Can you even sniff out the scent of blood under your so-called 'guns and order?'

We've never looked down on Siracusa.

But from what I've seen today, you don't even deserve my attention.

Wallach, we've got a situation at the theater!

Someone blew the seats, and Cellinia is heading straight for the third floor.

......

You've got five seconds for your last words.

Last words?

Heh, what's there to say?

If you're really gonna do it, then tell Leontuzzo that I'm sorry.

Sure.

What—

Leon?!

You...

I'll handle this my way, Demetri.

Signor Leontuzzo. Here I thought we could get along.

You just lost your last chance for that.

Well, well, well. Turns out the heir to a great famiglia just oozes charisma after all.

You've made a fool of me, and still you tell me I had a chance to make things right.

What's done is done.

I'll make you a bet, Wallach.

You're a betting man?

Hahahaha! Signor Leon, mio amico, we're not in a dining hall or one of our offices.

We're in a war, and only one of us walking out of this alive.

Trust me, you'll love this one.

Ugh, these Rossatis are a pain in the ass.

Your Honor? We never heard you were joining us on this one.

And anyway, this ain't something you can just walk into.

I'm not here to stop you. I'm not interested.

I'm looking for someone.

Who?

We got one helluva mess here. Not gonna be easy to find anybody.

All I need from you is to stay out of my way.

But...

Even if I die here, that's none of Famiglia Bellone's business.

Suit yourself then.

There you are.

Hold it.

I work here.

Uh huh. We got rid of all the workers.

Grr, what is he doing here?

Look out, Dan—

Signorina Lavinia.

What are you doing here?

......

I knew you'd come, Cellinia.

......

What a look in your eyes there. It's like I'm the prey.

Let's see what the Last Texas can do!

Signor, Director... is this chaos... part of the show?

Chaos?

In my opinion, Segretario Rubio, everything is in perfect order.

What comes next will be even better.

...I see.

You lead one of the most prestigious troupes in Volsinii, and you've put on a play unlike any other.

We do have an intermission coming up, though. You may tell me what it is you want from me.

What I want... isn't very complicated.

With Carracci's death, the seat of Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici is now vacant.

You must be thinking about who the most suitable candidate is.

I take it you've decided you're that candidate?

I don't think there's anyone else better suited than me.

......

*cough* *cough*, *cough*, *cough*...

Wow... There's still mercy in you, at a time like this...

The Saluzzo Psycho isn't gonna finish me off?

I'm not interested in a pointless fight with some punk who was never taking it seriously to begin with.

...Hah.

What are you waiting for? What do you want?

I made a bet with someone. And I hope I lose.

Since I came to Siracusa, I've been thinking of all the different ways someone might try to kill me.

But I never once thought it might be you.

And I never imagined you'd let your guard down, at a time like this.

Did you think that when I saw you'd, I'd give you a big hug and cry 'thank goodness, Cellinia, you're still alive?'

And then we'd sit down and share a drink and catch up on everything that's happened over the last few years?

I'm here to kill you.

Great.

Long time no see, Cellinia.

Long time no see, Giovanna.