Epilogue: Looking to the Future

(Safe House)

The thieves were celebrating their victory, with everyone enjoying a glass of purgatory in a snifter ("It's called sake, Lupin." "To-MAY-to, to-MAH-to.") and telling each other stories of their adventures that day.

"Wish I could've seen the look on Zenigata's face," Sojiro said. "He must be pissed right now."

"I mean, it's Zenigata we're talkin' about," Ryuji replied. "I doubt we've seen the last of him."

"Yeah, about that. I think it's time to say goodbye," Ann said quietly. "Now that it's over, I should just settle down. No sense in making a baby run for their life."

"Alright," Lupin said. "Then I should probably do this now." He gently placed her hands in his. "I know you're grieving his loss, but if you had the chance to bring him back, would you?"

"I would."

"Then I guess it's time I use this last trick. Watch this."

Ann was stunned at what she saw next. Akira materialized next to her, with blue flames surrounding his feet.

After a few moments of silence, Lupin spoke. "I wanted to say this to both of you while I still had the chance. Arsene Lupin IV, Ann Takamaki, I'm proud to call you my children. May you live happy and fulfilling lives."

At that moment, the flames dissipated, and Lupin IV fell to the ground, tired, but not dead.

Ann rushed to his side. "How did you-"

"Got a little help. Let's just say a mutual friend of ours owed me one."

A blue butterfly landed gently on the ground next to the young thief, as Lavenza briefly formed, nodded to Lupin III, and vanished again.

"I met her sis a while back, a couple of years after those stories of that fog town were on the news. Gave her some help with saving a crowd not too different from you folks, actually. Anyway, she owed me a deal, and I used it to bring him back to you. Of course, your love for him helped, too. It's a bit 'fairytale' for my liking, but what are ya gonna do?"

"Thank you, Lupin."

"You're welcome. Now, who else is staying behind? If you're joining me, you gotta make that decision soon, 'cause we gotta get a move on."

"I'll also stay behind," Morgana said. "Being a thief was fun, but I think I'm satisfied with just living a normal life now. Besides, Akira's going to need some company."

"Alright. What about the rest of you?"

Everyone save for Sojiro decided to go with Lupin. As he, Ryuji, Goemon, and Futaba got into the Fiat and drove off into the distance, the others began their new lives, changed by their time spent with the great Lupin III.

(3 Months Later)

[BGM: Lupin III Theme '79]

The duo of Lupin III and Ryuji 'Skull' Sakamoto made the headlines yet again, stealing the fortune of yet another corrupt politician, leaving Inspector Kouichi Zenigata, Detective Goro Yatagarasu, and Officer Makoto Niijima of Interpol to pick up the mess.

Ann Kurusu recently gave birth to Arsene Kurusu, and plans to put her job as a model and actress on hold for the time being. Alongside her husband, she hopes to raise this child to be a man who stands against injustice and helps the innocent.

Sae Niijima frequently gets letters from Makoto, and frankly enjoys the cat-and-mouse antics of the ICPO and Lupin's group.

A new goatee-sporting bartender showed up at the Crossroads bar, Ronald Hayashi. He kinda looks like… nah, it's just a coincidence.

Haru's memory lives on with Ryuji, who has begun wearing leather jackets coloured the same pink as the turtleneck she used to wear.

Yusuke continues a hermit lifestyle. To be honest, no one's really seen him in a while…

Futaba works behind the scenes of Lupin's heists, and often ensures their success with her skill.

[BGM: Wanted Man]

As for me, I've got myself a rather lucrative job as Lupin's personal biographer. And you can bet that when he next shares his lesser-known adventures, I'll be the first to record them. Of course, you can write some stories of your own in this universe. All I ask if you do so is to give credit where credit is due, and tell me about it in the comments of any of my works so I can check it out myself! I'm interested in seeing what others can do with this story, in ways I don't think of. Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta go. Places to go, people to see, and stories to write! Until next time!

Wanted Man written and performed by Royal Deluxe.

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