What Is Freedom?
Having trouble fitting in with the crew due to lingering feelings of guilt, Ragazzo sets out to find a place among them to belong. Randall tells him to enjoy his newfound freedom, but this confuses him even further, and he decides to focus on what's in front of him for the time being.
During the clash with Navis involving the Horoscopes...
Ragazzo fought against (Captain) and company as an enemy.
But in the midst of the battle, he was betrayed by Ferdinand, a man who was like a father to him.
After being saved by the crew, he took it upon himself to crush Ferdinand's ambitions, seeing it as his filial duty.
Following the battle...
Feather: Don't be a stick-in-the-mud! Just come with us!
Ragazzo: Wha?
Randall: Well, this guy's off his rocker, but I'm with him on this.
Randall: It's not like you've got anywhere else to go, right? Plus Navis might come after you, so you should be sticking with your friends.
Ragazzo: Friends...
With nowhere left to go, Ragazzo accepts Feather and Randall's invitation to join the crew.
Ragazzo: Ugh... I'm at a total loss here.
Vyrn: Well, this is new. I don't remember you bein' the ponderin' type.
Ragazzo: What's that supposed to mean? I'll have you know I'm a sensitive guy who cares about the little things.
Ragazzo: So how's somebody like me supposed to suddenly act all buddy-buddy with the other crew members?
Lyria: But you're our friend now. There's no reason to worry about things like that!
Ragazzo: Even if you and the rest of this happy-go-lucky crew aren't bothered, I wanna do things right!
Vyrn: Sigh... You're a lot more serious than ya look.
Ragazzo: The heck, man! Didn't anybody ever teach ya not to judge a book by its cover, lizard?
Vyrn: Hold up! I ain't no lizard! I'm a dragon!
Ragazzo: What! You seriously expect me to believe that? One look at ya tells me all I need to know—
Vyrn: Hey! You just said not to judge a book by its cover!
Ragazzo: Hmm? Did I?
Seeing that Ragazzo's face is still etched with disbelief, Lyria offers an understanding smile.
Lyria: It's a common mistake, but Vyrn really is a dragon.
Ragazzo: Wait, for real? Is this a "Seven Wonders of the Crew" type situation or something?
Vyrn: Sigh... What happened to caring about the little things?
Fiorito's Voice: Come on, Ragazzo. Stop giving Lyria and Vyrn a hard time.
Ragazzo: What do you want? Thinking about you being around throws me off my game.
Fiorito: In case you've forgotten, I joined before you, Ace. Or should I be calling you "Newbie" now?
Ragazzo: Tch...
Fiorito: That being said, we're in the same boat here. I understand exactly how you feel.
Fiorito: The lingering guilt and all that, I mean.
Ragazzo: ...
Yeah.
Fiorito: But I'm not an Auditor for Navis anymore.
Fiorito: You can't let yourself forget that you're a member of this crew now. Okay?
Looking down at his prosthetic arms, Ragazzo nods quietly.
Ragazzo: I guess there's no use shilly-shallying.
Fiorito: Exactly! We've got to keep looking forward.
Ragazzo: In that case, I gotta start by finding a place to belong.
Ragazzo: And after that, I'll pay you guys back for all the trouble I caused!
Vyrn: Heh, that's the spirit!
Feather: Hey, Ragazzo! Ready to cross fists with me?
Ragazzo: Ugh, this guy again.
Fiorito: Feather's just looking out for you in his own way. He wants to help you fit in with the crew as soon as possible.
Ragazzo: Feather... And here I thought you had a one-track mind—
Feather: What're you talking about? I just wanna duke it out one-on-one, that's all!
Ragazzo: Seriously? I know ya march to the beat of your own drum, but come on!
Feather: Heh, thanks!
Ragazzo: That wasn't a compliment!
Ragazzo: (A place to belong, huh... But where am I supposed to start?)
Encouraged by the others, Ragazzo sets out in search of information that might help him find a place for himself in the crew.
He ends up turning to the person who seems most approachable—Randall.
Randall: Well, look who the cat dragged in. It's our resident wallflower, Ragazzo.
Randall: If you're still scared of the other crew members, I'd be happy to be your wingman.
Ragazzo: Now I gotta put up with flak from you too? You tryna make me cry?
Randall: So what's up? Considering you're going out of your way to talk to me, I assume you've got a good reason.
Ragazzo: Uhh... Well, yeah, you know.
Ragazzo: I'm legit grateful to (Captain) and you guys for inviting me to join the crew.
Randall: Never thought I'd hear you say that. Color me impressed.
Ragazzo: There's a proper order when it comes to repaying debts, right? You know, like you gotta start at the top and work your way down.
Ragazzo: So can you start by filling me in on the factions and ranks in the crew? If I can get 'em in my head—
Randall: Hah! Ragazzo, are you really that clueless?
Ragazzo: Wha?
Randall: Have you forgotten who the captain of this crew is? We're all working together to make it to Estalucia.
Randall: There are no factions or ranks here. That goes for rules and orders too.
Ragazzo: Huh? No way...
Randall: It's probably tough to get your head around that since you're used to a strict chain of command, but that's how we do things.
Randall: We're a one-of-a-kind crew built on mutual acceptance and support.
Ragazzo: So you're telling me (Captain) treats every member with respect and still somehow manages to hold this huge group together?
Ragazzo reels with shock at the jarring difference between (Captain)'s crew and the Navis system.
Randall: You've been released from Ferdinand's curse, haven't you?
Randall: That means it's time to relax and enjoy your freedom.
Ragazzo: Freedom...
As a child, Ragazzo was thrown into a magic school, forced to study like mad, and at times punished—severely.
As a member of Navis, he took orders from Ferdinand and made decisions based on what would gain his approval.
Having lived his entire life in submission to others, the concept of freedom is difficult for him to grasp.
Ragazzo: Telling me to enjoy my freedom is all fine and dandy, but I still don't have any idea what to do.
Ragazzo: Feels like my shackles are tighter than ever, honestly.
Randall: Sheesh, you're a real pain, you know that?
Ragazzo: Now that I think of it, maybe paying you guys back was only part of it. Maybe I was really just looking for approval again.
Ragazzo: Like, I wanted to be needed by the crew.
Randall: ...
Ragazzo: I mean, I've lived my whole life caring what other people think. So where do I go from here?
As Ragazzo looks up at the ceiling, he hears the unmistakable sound of a stomach rumbling.
Ragazzo: Look, I'm tryna have a moment here. Could you maybe not spoil it?
Randall: That wasn't me. Look behind you.
Kolulu: Ehehe... Whoopsie.
Ragazzo: Well, if it ain't Miss Munch-a-Lot herself.
Kolulu: First things first. I happened to hear about your problem, Ragazzo.
Ragazzo: I came off looking lame again, didn't I?
Kolulu: Not in the least. Honestly, all that talk about freedom and such is too much for me—it goes right over my head.
Kolulu: But I think the way you're feeling is very understandable.
Kolulu: Much like you, I had lost my family and was living in poverty when (Captain) took me in.
Kolulu: During that time, I learned that when you're feeling down, the first thing you should do is fill your stomach!
Kolulu: With both your body and mind in tip-top condition, you'll be able to think more flexibly!
Kolulu: So let's put these complicated matters aside for now and get something to eat!
Randall: Hah! Kolulu's right. A good meal is the perfect place to begin.
Randall: And we can invite some of the other crew members so you can get to know them better.
Randall: Then we'll have a bigger think tank to work with. Two birds with one stone, am I right?
Kolulu: Ooh, a magnificent idea indeed!
Ragazzo: Mutual acceptance and support, huh...
Ragazzo: Yeah... that sounds pretty good. Can't say I mind this vibe.
Ragazzo is simultaneously touched and embarrassed by Randall and Kolulu's thoughtfulness.
For the time being, he decides to avoid dwelling too much on the future and instead focus on what's in front of him.
Freeeedooom!
Unable to figure out what freedom truly is, Ragazzo takes on a solo mission to relieve his frustration. When he rescues a boy he finds tied to a tree as punishment by his father, the boy gets upset with him for interfering and tells him to make things right.
Ragazzo: That's enough running around!
Ragazzo: Time for your cremation!
Monster: Graaah...
Ragazzo: Whew. So much for blowing off steam. That hardly counted as a warm-up.
"What is freedom?" Ragazzo spends his days agonizing endlessly over this question, having yet to find a suitable answer.
Hoping to vent his frustration, he volunteers to go alone on every monster-hunting mission that comes the crew's way.
Insect: Skriii!
Ragazzo: Sigh... Enough with the creeping and crawling already. It's freaking me out. What is this, some kinda bug bargain sale?
Ragazzo: If I'd known this was what I was getting myself into, I wouldn't have taken the job.
Shuddering at the countless insects wriggling around him, Ragazzo quickens his pace through the forest.
On the way, he suddenly locks eyes with a boy tied to a large tree with a rope.
Ragazzo: Wha?
Boy: Huh?
Ragazzo: What're you doing?
Boy: ...
Ragazzo: Hey, I'm talking to you.
Boy: Ugh, leave me alone! This is none of your business!
Ragazzo: I know what this is—you're being bullied. Ain't that right?
Boy: Just get out of my face already!
Ragazzo: Don't be stupid. I'm too decent a guy to just turn a blind eye to all this.
Boy: Hey! Knock it off!
Paying no heed to the boy's shouts of protest, Ragazzo rips off the firmly tied rope.
Ragazzo: Tch... Tightening the rope so much it leaves marks? Do kids these days not know where to draw the line?
Boy: Geez, nobody asked you to do that!
Ragazzo: The heck? You're supposed to say thanks when somebody helps you. What're they even teaching you in school!
Ragazzo gives the boy's forehead a powerful flick.
Boy: Yeowch! Help, I'm being attacked over here!
Ragazzo: I'm not attacking you. I'm disciplining you.
Boy: Huh? First you untie me when I didn't ask for help, then you flick my head? What's your deal!
Ragazzo: Yeah, okay. I see your point. But still, were you just planning to stay like that forever?
Boy: I could use magic to burn through a rope like that anytime I wanted to.
Ragazzo: Oh yeah? Then what? Is being all tied up like that a hobby of yours?
Ragazzo: That's some crazy stuff right there. You some kinda wannabe sicko?
Boy: What! No, you've got it all wrong! Like, totally wrong!
Boy: What you just saw was, well... my dad punishing me.
Ragazzo: Huh? So you're telling me... you could've run away if you wanted to, but you just sat there and accepted it?
Ragazzo: Hahaha! So you really are a sicko.
Boy: Argh! I was just pretending to feel bad until my dad came back!
Ragazzo: Pretending?
Ragazzo: M'kay. Welp, see ya.
Boy: Hey, wait!
Ragazzo turns to leave, but the boy grabs him by the hem of his clothes, blocking his path.
Boy: You'd better fix this.
Ragazzo: Fix what?
Boy: You cut the rope and interrupted my soul-searching!
Ragazzo: Huh?
Boy: You're an adult! Aren't you supposed to take responsibility for something you did?
Ragazzo: Responsibility?
Ragazzo: Responsibility, huh...
Hearing the boy's tragic pleas, Ragazzo is reminded of a quote by a certain playwright that he once read in a book.
Ragazzo: "Liberty means responsibility," was it?
Ragazzo: In other words... screwing up his brooding session was an expression of my freedom too?
Ragazzo: Ugh... Crap, this is making my head hurt.
With his mind somehow back on the subject of freedom, he finds himself pondering its meaning once again.
Freeeedooom!: Scene 2
Learning that the boy is being forced to become a court mage like his father, Ragazzo encourages him to speak to his father about his own dream. But when they visit the boy's house, his father stares the boy into silence and shuts the door in Ragazzo's face.
Ragazzo: I found him tied to a tree crying his eyes out, so I unfastened the rope. He's very sorry for what he did, sir.
Boy: Yeah, that stunk. Sounded like you were reading from a script.
Ragazzo: Shut it. It's not like I actually mean what I'm saying, so this is the best I can do.
Boy: Hmm... Then I guess you pass. Do it just like that.
Ragazzo: Tch, this whole taking responsibility thing is harder than I thought.
The pair make their way toward the boy's house so Ragazzo can explain the situation to his father.
Noticing the boy's eyes on him, Ragazzo squirms uncomfortably.
Ragazzo: What's all the staring for, kid?
Boy: I was just thinking—your outfit really screams confidence. It's seriously crazy.
Ragazzo: Good crazy or bad crazy?
Boy: Good crazy, obviously. The whole "free" vibe is pretty cool.
Ragazzo smirks at this description, seemingly pleased with himself.
Ragazzo: If you're such a fan of this style, why not do it yourself?
Boy: No way. My dad would kill me.
Ragazzo: Is he really that scary?
Boy: Yeah... You could sugarcoat it by saying he "values education," but he definitely takes things too far.
Ragazzo: ...
Boy: See, my dad's a court mage working for the royal family.
Boy: He wants me to succeed him, so he made me enroll in a prestigious magic academy.
Ragazzo: Does that mean you really could've used flames to burn through that rope?
Boy: Wait, did you think I was lying? See for yourself.
Ragazzo: What the heck? You're a regular whiz kid! When I saw your age—
An image of his own parents berating him with bloodshot eyes flashes into Ragazzo's mind, and he quickly shakes it off.
Boy: What's wrong?
Ragazzo: Well, uhh...
Ragazzo: If you're such a pro already, why's your dad even punishing you in the first place?
Boy: I'm posing as an underachiever. I got a failing grade on purpose again—hence the punishment.
Ragazzo: Huh?
Boy: I don't wanna follow in my dad's footsteps. So this is my way of rebelling.
Ragazzo: If he thinks you can't cut it, he'll have no choice but to give up on ya—is that the idea?
Boy: What's the point in even living if you can't do what you want to do? That's just torture.
Ragazzo: Is there something else you wanna do when you grow up?
Boy: Yeah! My dream is to become an entomologist!
Ragazzo: Wha! You wanna study bugs, of all things?
Boy: Hey, you know how there are lots of insects in this forest? The truth is, I'm the one who's been raising them!
Boy: Like, look down by your feet! See the big ant with the gaping jaw?
Boy: That one's got a strong bite and a stinger on its butt, so watch out!
Boy: And then there's the caterpillar on that tree trunk, crawling as fast as it can!
Boy: Those little guys are not only rich in protein, but also in minerals and iron, so they're highly valued as food!
Bombarded by a sudden stream of insect trivia from the young bug lover, Ragazzo cuts him off.
Ragazzo: Okay, hold up. I get it. You love bugs—a lot.
Ragazzo: It's creepy.
Boy: Creepy! That's a low blow!
Ragazzo: Whoops, I didn't mean to say what I really thought. Sorry.
Boy: Hey! You call that an apology?
Ragazzo: C'mon, don't get all bent out of shape. Anyway, you ever talk to your dad about that dream of yours?
Boy: Nope. I'm sure he'd shoot me down before I even got a chance to finish telling him about it.
Ragazzo: That's a pretty big assumption. Why don't you at least try bringing it up with him?
Ragazzo: Isn't it up to you to find where you belong? And to chase your own dreams and goals?
Boy: ...
Ragazzo: That's where you live? Talk about a huge mansion. Guess that's a court mage for ya.
Boy: Don't forget. You're here to explain things to my dad, okay?
Ragazzo: I know, I know. Don't worry. I'll own up to what I did and set things straight.
Squaring his shoulders, Ragazzo knocks on the door and immediately finds himself face-to-face with a stern-looking man.
Boy's Dad: Yes? Can I help you?
Ragazzo: Oh, hello. Actually, I'd like to talk to you about your son...
Ragazzo turns his head toward the boy hiding behind him and gives him a meaningful look.
Boy: Dad...
Boy's Dad: What are you doing here!
Ragazzo: Er... Please don't be angry with him. You see...
Ragazzo: I found your son tied to a tree crying his eyes out, so I unfastened the rope.
Ragazzo: He's very sorry for what he did, sir. It's not like he chose to escape on his own or anything... Yeah.
Boy's Dad: Hmm, I see. I'm sorry for the trouble that my foolish son seems to have caused.
Boy's Dad: Why don't you apologize too? Go on.
Under his father's watchful glare, the boy lowers his head, his expression suddenly clouded.
Boy: I'm sorry.
Ragazzo: Hey, kid...
Ragazzo opens his mouth to offer a word of encouragement to the dejected boy.
But before he can do so, the boy's father shuts the door in his face, putting a definitive end to the conversation.
Freeeedooom!: Scene 3
Hearing the boy being chastised by his father, Ragazzo intervenes and presses the two to have a heart-to-heart. With the situation resolved, Ragazzo does a bit of soul-searching himself and concludes that simply doing as he pleases is one possible meaning of freedom.
Ragazzo: ...
Although left with a bad aftertaste, Ragazzo turns to leave, reasoning that it's not his place to meddle any further in this father-son relationship.
Dad's Voice: I'll bet you practically begged him to help you!
Boy's Voice: Rngh! I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I'm really sorry!
Dad's Voice: You good-for-nothing!
Ragazzo: Tch...
Ragazzo's Dad: You good-for-nothing!
Young Ragazzo: Rngh!
Ragazzo's Dad: You're the oldest son of the Spica family and you can't even do something as basic as this?
Ragazzo's Mom: Sniff... Why did I give birth to something so defective...
Ragazzo: Just because he's your son... that doesn't mean you get to treat him like your puppet!
In a fit of rage, Ragazzo kicks in the front door of the boy's house and storms inside.
Ragazzo: ...
Boy's Dad: Y-you again!
Ragazzo: Whoops, sorry about that. I just thought we oughta have a little chat.
Boy's Dad: A chat? After what you just did?
Ragazzo: Ah, yeah... My bad. Forget about the door. I got a little worked up.
Ragazzo: Anyway... Ugh, just look at your face, kid. It's all swollen. Must hurt like hell, huh?
Boy: N-nope, it doesn't hurt one bit!
Ragazzo: Heh, you're a real tough cookie.
Ragazzo: But I think it's about time to cut the act, don't you agree?
Boy: ...
Ragazzo: Kids are their own people, y'know.
Ragazzo: You gotta be pretty full of yourself trying to raise yours to think and act like you want, yeah?
Boy's Dad: I don't know what my son told you, but what's wrong with wanting him to take over the family business?
Ragazzo: Now, hang on. I get where you're coming from as a parent, but isn't this the wrong way to go about it?
Ragazzo: I mean, you're basically just forcing your own ideals onto him.
Boy's Dad: Forcing? I'm merely concerned about my son's future.
Ragazzo: You really are oblivious.
Ragazzo: That goes for you too, kid. The way you've been rebelling is beyond lame. If you're gonna fight back, do it head on.
Boy: But—
Ragazzo: No buts. This is your dream we're talking about, right? What's the point of having cold feet?
Boy: ...!
Boy's Dad: Dream? His dream is to become a court mage. What more is there to discuss?
Though the question is clearly intended to be rhetorical, the boy turns to his father, eyes full of determination.
Boy: I don't want to be a court mage.
Boy: My dream is... to become an entomologist!
Boy's Dad: What in the skies are you talking about?
Boy's Dad: Forget all that nonsense, and focus on your studies! I'll turn you into a respectable court mage if it's the last thing I do.
Boy: Dad...
Boy's Dad: What knowledge do you expect to glean from common pests? Why don't you try learning even a single spell first, you foolish child!
Ragazzo: Ugh, this is getting old.
Ragazzo shakes his head, exasperated with the father's unwillingness to listen to his son.
He then picks up a magic book from the stack on the boy's desk and flips through the pages.
Ragazzo: If that's the case, I don't think he'll be needing these anymore.
Boy's Dad: Don't touch those books without permission! They're essential to my son's studies.
Ragazzo: You're still going on about that?
Ragazzo: Come on, kid. Let's show him what you've really got.
Flashing a grin, Ragazzo tosses the magic book toward the boy.
Boy: ...!
Ragazzo: Once more.
Boy: ...!
Ragazzo: Last one!
Boy: ...!
The books soar into the air one by one and vanish without a trace upon coming into contact with the boy's magic.
Boy's Dad: Wh-when did you...
Ragazzo: He's been doing a bad job on purpose. All to make you give up on your dream for him.
Boy: I'm sorry...
Boy's Dad: ...
Ragazzo: I can't say I admire his methods, but you've at least got to hear him out.
Ragazzo: Otherwise, he's going to grow up to be some helpless adult who only cares about pleasing his dad.
Ragazzo: And besides, it'll be a loss for you too if he keeps hiding his true talent out of fear.
Boy's Dad: ...
The boy's father falls silent, and Ragazzo slaps him on the back.
Boy's Dad: Ow...
Ragazzo: Welp, I've said my piece. Now it's up to the two of you to hash it out.
Ragazzo: Your son's got some real talent. Wouldn't be surprised if he ended up being a court mage and an entomologist at the same time.
Boy's Dad: ...
Boy: Dad...
Boy's Dad: First, show me all the magic you've learned. Then we'll talk.
Boy: Okay!
Ragazzo: Heh.
With an exaggerated yawn, Ragazzo takes his leave.
Ragazzo: I guess it's safe to say that I fulfilled my responsibility for untying him.
Making his way back to the ship, Ragazzo gazes up at the endless blue sky.
Ragazzo: But oof... That sure was a lot of big talk coming from somebody with no hopes, dreams, or goals of his own.
Ragazzo: Still... Guess there's no use wasting time thinking about this stuff. So until I get hit with some kinda eureka moment...
Ragazzo: I'll just go wherever the wind takes me and do as I please.
Having been searching for an answer ever since joining the crew, Ragazzo suddenly snaps his fingers.
Ragazzo: Wait... Did I just hit on a solution?
Ragazzo: Heh. Maybe this... is my "freeeedooom"!
Or something?
Emotions welling up inside him, he channels them into an impassioned shout.
It echoes through the air, fading away into the vast azure skies above.
