"We heard what happened, Gomez-san! We know you didn't do those things because you wanted to!"
"We’ll all work together to get you out as soon as possible! Just wait for us!"
"Don't worry about your family! Just be patient for a little while longer!"
"Everyone..."
The sea-jack incident orchestrated by the Clear Plate Possessors finally reached its conclusion with the surrender of Gomez, the last member of the culprit group. Given that the island gang members pulling the strings had also been arrested and Gomez’s granddaughter—who had been held as a hostage—was safely released, it could be considered a total resolution.
Still, it wasn't a perfect happy ending. Regardless of his reasons, the fact remained that Gomez had committed a crime, and his arrest was unavoidable. Yet, the people's trust in the man who had once fought for the island as a hero remained unshaken. Crowds gathered to offer encouragement as the Security Force led him away.
Among the throng were Cocoa and her parents. While seeing Gomez in custody was surely a painful sight for them, he found peace seeing his beloved granddaughter safe and sound.
"Do you think Gomez-san will be all right?" Fee murmured, watching his brother with an anxious expression as the older man was escorted away.
"Don't worry," Yugo replied. "Given the circumstances, there’s plenty of room for leniency. It might take some time, but Shepherd-san said it shouldn't be long before he's released."
Yugo shared that hope, and he felt certain it would come true. Everyone—the Security Force, the island residents, and his own family—wanted Gomez back. Yugo nodded, seeing in this scene the true proof of a hero: the unwavering trust earned by a life spent protecting others.
At that moment, Gomez, accompanied by Shepherd, called out to him.
"Yugo... I owe you a lot. Truly, thank you."
"I couldn't have done it alone," Yugo demurred. "It was only possible because of my friends who handled the other culprits and Shepherd-san’s team who rescued your granddaughter."
"Heh... You're right. You were wise to rely on your comrades. It seems my advice to become a coldhearted man of iron was quite unnecessary."
Gomez laughed as he recalled the words he had spoken during the heat of battle. Then, his expression softened, and he looked Yugo in the eye.
"You are fine as you are. There’s no need for you to become a man of iron, unmoved by the world. Even if it makes you vulnerable, never forget the fire in your heart or the kindness you show to others. That will give you a strength far greater than any weakness."
"I don’t think I’m cut out to be a cool, hard-boiled hero," Yugo admitted with a small smile. "Being a bit soft—half-boiled—is probably just right for me."
"Haha! Half-boiled, is it? I like it. That sounds exactly like you."
Gomez laughed heartily in agreement before turning his gaze toward Fee. His smile was as gentle as a grandfather's as he spoke.
"Fee... you told me your brother wouldn't grant your wish, but you were only half-right. He didn't kill me, but he did grant my true wish. You really do understand him, don't you?"
"I knew he would," Fee replied firmly. "Because he's a hero, just like you."
"What fine brothers you are. I don't know if I'll ever see you again, but I hope you live long and happy lives. Yugo, Fee... take care of yourselves."
With those final words, Gomez boarded the prisoner transport carriage. As it began to pull away, followed by a sea of people, Yugo stood tall and offered a silent, sharp salute.
We'll meet again, I know it. When we do, I want you to tell me everything. As someone who wants to be a hero, I’ll be waiting for that day.
Despite Gomez’s farewell, Yugo was convinced this wasn't their final goodbye. He believed they would meet again long after this school trip was over. He looked forward to the day they could speak again—not as enemies, but as two people who shared the soul of a hero. With that prayer in his heart, Yugo watched the carriage disappear into the distance, honoring the predecessor who had fought to protect what mattered most.