After finally receiving the answer to his long-awaited question from Nēgus, Tuziku simply walked away, leaving the building without uttering another word to him.
Dr. Harlock followed behind.
After stepping out of the Cursed Building, Dr. Harlock stopped and took one final look at it before turning toward Tuziku.
"Tuziku, are you sure this is how you want to leave?" asked the doctor.
Tuziku stopped and glanced over his shoulder at the doctor.
"You heard him, didn't you?"
"He's made up his mind and wants to be left alone."
"I have nothing to say to a man who has made his final decision."
Tuziku resumed walking.
"Are you really a kid?" Dr. Harlock mumbled before following behind him.
A few moments later...
Tuziku and Dr. Harlock arrived at Ryōkōjū's home.
"Hey, Ryō, we're back!" the doctor shouted as he entered the house.
Suddenly, everyone's gaze locked onto him.
"Ohh, you're back already!" said Ryōkōjū as he sat in his old rocking chair.
"Took you long enough!" Prīōra rolled her eyes.
"Where's Tuziku?" Kutcher asked.
At the same time—
Tuziku came walking through the door.
"Kutcher, Prīōra!"
"Hope you said your goodbyes, because we're leaving now," he said.
"We're ready when you are!" Prīōra shouted.
"How did it go with Nēgus? Did you actually go and see him?" Kutcher asked.
Tuziku turned and gazed at him with a look of suspicion.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Did you know about the Cursed Building?!"
Kutcher wore a guilty expression.
"So you did know!" Tuziku snapped.
"Did you know as well, Prīōra?"
She nodded her head in guilt.
"I can't believe you two knew and didn't tell me anything!"
Tuziku let out a huge sigh.
"Well, in any case... Old man, Nēgus doesn't seem like he wants your forgiveness."
"He's decided to remain in that place until his time runs out!"
"What do you intend to do now?" Tuziku asked.
Ryōkōjū stroked his long, grey beard as he rocked back and forth in his chair.
All eyes were focused on the old man.
"...If Nēgus wishes to spend the rest of his days in that Cursed Building, then so be it!" said Ryōkōjū.
"Ryōkōjū..." Dr. Harlock mumbled.
"I see..." Tuziku gazed at him.
"I guess you've made up your mind as well."
Tuziku turned and faced his crewmates.
"Well, it's been nice and all, but it's time we continue on our journey," he said.
"Wait—I'll see you off!" The old man stood to his feet.
Suddenly, Ryōkōjū's knees began to buckle.
"Ryōkōjū, wait!" Dr. Harlock rushed to his side.
Just before the old man could fall, Dr. Harlock caught him and placed his hand over his shoulder, supporting him as he regained his balance.
The doctor let out a huge sigh.
"I thought I told you not to move around!" he complained.
"If you're just going to complain, then just let me fall already!" Ryōkōjū glared at him.
Dr. Harlock let out another huge sigh.
"Let's go."
"Grandpa, it's fine, you know. You don't have to bother with seeing us off," said Prīōra.
"She's right!" Kutcher added.
"It's fine... I want to do this!" Ryōkōjū replied.
"Besides, we're talking about my granddaughter, as well as my precious and most successful student!"
The old man clenched a fist.
"I must see you guys off!"
Tuziku walked off.
"Let's go."
Kutcher and Prīōra followed behind as Dr. Harlock supported the old man's movements.
A few moments later...
They arrived at the exit of the village.
The trio turned and faced Dr. Harlock and the old man, who slowly approached from behind.
"Old man, you really didn't have to come all the way out here, you know," said Tuziku as he scratched his head.
"It was my decision, boy!" said Ryōkōjū.
...
For a brief moment, everyone remained silent.
"So this is it!" said Tuziku.
He let out a sigh.
"Old man, I just wanna say I'm grateful to you for everything you've done for me."
"And thank you as well, Dr. Harlock!"
The doctor nodded his head as he let out a grin.
Kutcher stepped forward.
"It was nice meeting you, old man Ryōkōjū!"
"And you too, doctor!" He let out a grin.
Suddenly—
Prīōra ran toward Ryōkōjū and hugged him tightly.
"Goodbye, Grandpa!" She continued hugging him.
"Goodbye, my sweet granddaughter," he replied with a bright smile.
"Take care on your journey."
The trio waved as they walked through the exit of the Hakashi Village.
But suddenly, Tuziku stopped and turned toward the old man.
"Thank you for teaching me the Hakashi Technique, Master Ryōkōjū!"
He bowed his head before walking off.
"You, brat! At the last moment, you decided to finally call me by my proper name!" Ryōkōjū let out a proud grin.
I'm gonna miss you, Tuziku!
Who would've thought you'd turn out to be my most precious student?
The old man's eyes began to tear up as he watched the trio walk away.
"Come on, Ryōkōjū," said the doctor as he lent his shoulder to the old man.
"Let's get you back to the village."
And so, they returned to the village.
Meanwhile, as the trio set out on their new journey...
"Where are we headed to now, Tuziku?" Prīōra asked.
"I'm not sure," he said, scratching his chin.
"I think we'll wander around the Shiriku region a bit longer and see if we can find some more crewmembers, as Kutcher mentioned before," Tuziku explained.
"Whoever you're choosing, just make sure they're strong and trustworthy!" said Kutcher.
"Kutcher's right, Tuziku. We can't just pick up anybody along the way!" Prīōra added.
Tuziku scratched his head.
"Well... when we reach that bridge, we'll cross it."
"Let's just enjoy the journey in the Shiriku region."
"What is there to enjoy?!" Kutcher complained.
Tuziku sighed.
"In any case... the Black Scabbards have officially resumed our journey!"
Tuziku shouted as he raised a fist into the air.
HAKASHI ARC COMPLETED!
CHAPTER 67 END