In the quiet midnight at Duvall Island's dock, the sky was veiled by a thin layer of clouds, and the moonlight seemed too shy to shine. Arthur stood alone at the edge of the pier, facing the sea. Behind him stood eight elderly men dressed in black, their faces filled with solemn respect—the last shadows of Morenzo's former glory.
"There was a time… I might've hated this blood," Arthur murmured, his voice low. "I would've thought I was born from a darkness I never asked for. But now… after everything I've seen in this life… I think maybe it's not a curse." He turned to Enzo. "It's a tool."
Enzo gave a faint smile. "Don Michael once said the same."
Footsteps approached. Bastien arrived, jacket slung over his shoulder, revolver at his waist.
"You've spoken to them?" Bastien asked.
Arthur nodded. "They've stayed loyal… even after my mother died. They were the ones watching from the shadows when I was a kid. Even when I was lying in some alley in Mad Hat… they were always there. I just didn't know it."
Bastien looked out at the sea. "Then don't waste that loyalty. But remember, Arthur… West Blue is a small pond. If you're really descended from a legend, don't just play around here."
Arthur grinned. "Who said I'd stop here? I'm heading for Paradise. The New World. A grander stage, one that fits the kind of story I want to tell."
Bastien nodded slowly, then turned to Enzo. "Listen, old men. You've held power, you know how the underworld works. But your time is over. Now it's our turn."
One of the old men seemed about to protest, but Enzo raised a hand.
Bastien continued, "I want you to go to Paradise. Build a base. Create a network. Be our eyes and ears in the bigger world. If you're loyal to Arthur, then be his sword where it truly counts."
The eight old men exchanged looks. No objections. Only calm nods—full of honor.
Enzo bowed deeply. "We will leave tonight. And when Young Master Morenzo is ready to face the world, we'll be waiting in Paradise."
Arthur gave a small smile. "And when that time comes… the world will know exactly who they're dealing with."
From behind the harbor fog, a ship moved silently. The eight old men boarded, disappearing into the dark sea.
Arthur stood beside Bastien, their shoulders aligned.
"They're gone," he said.
Bastien glanced at him. "You ready for the next adventure?"
Arthur took a deep breath. "Not yet. But I do know one thing—I'll never back down."
Juno appeared from behind them. "Ship's ready. What's the next heading?"
Bastien looked up at the stars beginning to show. "Wherever the storm takes you… make sure you're the one holding the helm."
The night passed, and Duvall Island faded behind them—a shadow of a past chapter now closed.