#First Officer

[colonelcuckoo]

jose & 5 pictures of a duo vio and i randomly created w/ "no content in the slightest. so i must make the art myself

[ratviolnist]

how do you play this guy

[kultyajose]

[aesopsbaby]

Why hello there, handsome🗣

KevJose real and I DON'T care what any of you have to say about it.

,,,,Please ignore the fact that I forgot to draw his necklace thingy,,,

[sirenjose]

Truth & Inference - Gambler in the Spotlight Trailer Analysis/Thoughts

I love how it portrays Ronald as sweating to show his nerves over going out on stage (why would they show him sweating and taaking a deep breath like this otherwise considering no one else can see him at that time?). It contrasts quite well with how we then see how confident he becomes once he’s Gambler.

We also see him pull a golden gun out of a holster on his waist. Which is the same one we see being used later in the trailer.

He’s clearing been doing well since we last saw him in Golden Rose Theater (and he even has a car like that somehow, but I’m not going to start asking questions about time period here).

And I know some saying all these shots may just be fan service, but what I appreciate them for is giving us a good look at his scars (which I’m hoping we can say are essentially the same ones he has in the main story version too).

2 along his left shoulder, 1 of which is quite large that goes across a portion of his chest as well, 1 on his left arm a bit above or near his elbow, and 1 on the lower left part of his chest.

And we could also see the scar on his face is quite large and goes pretty high.

We then see a shot of him at a party with DM. So still implying he’s at least knowledgeable of DM (beyond just knowing him from Golden Rose Theater, though how much so isn’t clear). The gun is also not in his holster, but I wonder if that’s because it wouldn’t be allowed at a party like this.

Then there’s the scene of him at a casino. I wonder if this could be tied to wherever he was with DM and/or why he was there. Maybe DM asked him to do something for him, or maybe this is something he’s doing on his own. Again, no info here.

But he is hold a suitcase, which reminds me of the one Tuberose was holding in another trailer. But that one had a very obvious Melodis family symbol on it, while inside was likely 1 of DM’s experimental drug things, while Norton’s does not have that symbol (or color). That and the men Norton is fighting against look very similar to the same ones we see Qilin/Wu Chang fighting, the ones that are sided with Tuberose and thus DM.

So I wonder if the casino we see Norton at was owned or controlled by DM and/or the Melodis family, and Norton was fighting against them. If so, maybe that could mean the man we see sneaking into Norton’s room, as well as the note we see on Norton’s table under the gold gun came from them (DM/Melodis family). That or, if they’re sneaking into Norton’s gun, it could be someone with a personal grudge of some sort.

Maybe not, but consider what happens later in the trailer, it seems likely that whatever that note said, it was likely a threat or warning of some kind. That would explain why someone wanted to take Norton’s gun and kill him with it. Maybe because of whatever was in his suitcase (maybe he stole it from someone at the casino, or from DM, or somewhere else. I have no idea, just throwing out various ideas).

Maybe he had brought the suitcase to the casino because, maybe like in Stormy Night Surprise, some party wanted to make a deal for whatever was in it or wanted to take it. Or maybe he got the suitcase while at the casino or whatever and whoever else was there didn’t want to let him leave with it. I wish we had more info.

Maybe he was stealing 1 of DM’s drugs. Maybe he was doing something similar to what we see implied by Gatto’s trailer and story.

Anyways. We have no idea how someone snuck into Norton’s room, but it’s curious that, despite their ability to do so, they didn’t try to kill Norton while he was vulnerable and defenseless in the shower. For some reason, he saves it until during the performance Norton is holding at the theater later. It’s possible there was a reason why he wanted to do that. Maybe it was part of the ultimatum. Or maybe there was a specific reason why he wanted to do it there. Maybe because he’d have an audience there to witness the deed if he did kill Norton. Or maybe he wanted to try to ruin Norton while he was on stage. But it’s curious whatever the motivation was.

While he’s in the shower, we get a shot of his back, which gives us a different perspective for some of his scars. We see the ones on his shoulder, and that 1 large one goes pretty far up and down its back. It looks kind of deep.

But we also see another scar, this time in the shape of an X, sort of right where his back right shoulder blade is.

There might be another further down the right side of his back, but maybe not. It’s hard to tell.

After his shower, we see him holding some kind of medal with a star on it. And in the mirror in front of him, as we see him likely put it in his left breast pocket (which will be important later), we see an image of his past self, when he was still in the military. The time period that’s been referenced and alluded to since the Atropos’ Ropes event, when we learned, Naib, Norton, Jose, and DM were all in the military together.

The medal, considering the image of his past self, likely came from his time in the military.

And speaking of his past self, we see he has quite a few bandages on him. One covering his right eye (even though we know his large scar is over his left eye? I’m not sure if it’s a different injury or a mistake), then quite a few covering his chest and left arm.

We can also see some symbol on his right shoulder. Potentially for whatever group they were a part of while they were in the military.

Maybe unnoteworthy, but Norton’s past self looks like he had been running, based on the position he’s in as if he’s catching his breath.

The scene then changes, returning to the theater. Norton has something in his hands. I believe he is tearing up the note we saw in his room earlier, the 1 under the gun that was likely a warning or threating message.

It’s also interesting as there’s no way Norton wouldn’t notice the fact that his gun has gone missing. But he still acts as if nothing is wrong as he goes up on stage.

It’s also likely that this is the reason why Inference, Jose, and Truth are present at the theater during his performance. Possibly as backup in case something does happen, or to simply help get the bad guy. Inference is likely trying to do an investigation (possibly a subtle one as Inference has no idea who is the threat and wouldn’t want to alert them), while Truth is watching things from backstage.  Jose is likely the reason for the police presence at the theater at the time and the one managing all of them.

We even see Mary and Frederick watching the performance from above.

And it’s from backstage that the man who stole Norton’s gun appears, but Truth is looking away so fails to notice him sooner. There’s no real identifying characteristics beyond the untucked shirt and somewhat nice looking shirt. I wonder if he’s someone who’s from the higher (rather than lower) class, somewhat rich, but may has fallen on hard times somehow based on his disheveled appearance, and this guy for some reason sees Norton as potentially causing his trouble most likely.

The lady Norton is dancing with (at least at first glance for me) was very reminiscent of Bella (before taking a longer/closer look). I don’t know if that was intentional, but considering what happens later in the trailer while Norton is at the theater, I wonder if it was done on purpose to evoke parallels to what occurred during Atropos’ Ropes).

Maybe I’m looking too much into it, but the lady seemed shocked just like everyone else in the theater at the appearance of the gun-wielding man. This same feeling seems to continue it seems, when she seems a bit surprised when Norton suddenly begins moving them once more.

He shields her by moving her behind an obstacle before sending her further away to safety. His skills have very likely improved quite a bit since he was acting the role of Ronald.

Once he’s alone, he gets the man’s attention, taunting him, to lure him further away from the audience but also higher up on the stage.

The audience is likely still in shock and, especially with Norton’s behavior, is still unsure if this is real or just another part of the performance (likely to keep them from panicking or knowing there’s anything actually seriously wrong).

Jose though is clearly aware and is sending the police in.

Inference, on the other hand, isn’t looking. It’s hard to tell what he’s thinking (why he’s so invested in what he’s looking at, unless he’s aware this is serious but knows he can’t do anything and needs to leave it to the police).

It’s taking the police time to get to where Norton and the man are.

And despite the situation he’s in, Norton is still appearing to be completely calm.

The man’s hands are shaking as he’s pointing the gun. If he’s still having to take the time to get the nerve to do it, maybe that could explain why he didn’t try to shoot Norton earlier rather than simply follow him up the stairs. Or maybe he didn’t care since he believed he was in control because he was the one with the weapon while Norton was unarmed.

The man finally takes a shot but Norton manages to mostly keep out of the way, only suffering a scratch. His agility may also reflect his training and experience as former military.

Norton charges then forces the gun to right where his heart is.

Despite the situation, Norton is still as confident as ever. Maybe because he knows that medal is right there in his pocket. But I wonder if he knew if that medal would truly save him, but as an actor, his confidence in his skills or confidence in his luck, or because he was happy no matter what happened.

Speaking of his soldier training, I noticed the placement of his finger on the gun, and how he lifts that finger out of the way right before the gun goes off. I wonder if he purposefully was blocking the gun from firing until he had the gun pointed exactly where he wanted it to be. If he was in the military, he’d know his way around guns.

Once he’s shot, we see Norton falling while images of many points in his past appear, from when he was a child, to his time in the military, and even Ronald one more time.

We can also see an image of Norton in the military along side Naib and Jose. Jose and Naib being here with Norton would also go along with Jose's comment back from the previous event about how Inference ranked below him in the military, but someone else was ranked number 1. Based on the image, it seems like Norton was first.

The angel in the background feels quite fitting (thematic?) in the scene as Norton falls.

We then finally see Inference showing concern and moving towards the stage, as does Jose, the police, and parts of the audience.

We can also see a badge on Jose, which I think should be the same sort of badge that is on Farfara for the British police

Fortunately, Norton is still alive. The area on his jacket where the gunshot went off blackened, but that’s it.

The audience, based on the way they’re cheering Norton, could possibly still think this is all part of the performance. Or they’re just cheering that he’s actually alive despite how it looked.

The police are then able to take the man into custody.

Jose and Inference clearly looked surprised (but relieved) to see Norton is ok (despite the fact he just fell from a great height even if he wasn’t shot).

We see a newspaper article about the event, and that plus the way Norton was shot while higher up on the stage before falling, not to mention the way the lady he had been dancing with earlier was at least somewhat similar in appearance to Bella from a quick glance makes me wonder if the parallels to Atropos’ Ropes was on purpose. The difference here being that Norton didn’t die. Maybe this helps the theater better move past the day of Bella’s death by having this happen. Or maybe he’s somewhat putting on this very similar show as a nod to his performance with Bella (maybe like how he put the 2 coins on Benny’s eyes in his 6th letter after Benny died, this could be like that but for Bella. I don’t know. Just thinking different ideas).

The trailer ends with Norton staring at the badge that took the bullet for him. A badge he earned while he’d been in the military. So I guess he sees that badge as good luck, and maybe that’s part of the reason why he decided to bring it with him before the performance, which worked in his favor.

He has bandages on him, so despite how he had been acting before, he is likely still suffering some pain.

We also get another look at his back, and there is indeed another, fairly long scar in the bottom right and side of his back, under the “X” shaped scar on his back.

(I'll edit this later for any mistakes I made)

[englandhatepage]

so there’s this one guy i keep drawing…

mwah

[luchinolove]

Jose🌹

[79zz]

Spock

Live long and prosper

[deadelf]

bros before hoes or something like that

[qernna]

happy birthday dan love u hehe

the thick thumbs thing... iykyk

[loanonlife]

netease can we please get a jose summer s tier? please please please?

he would fit right in i know it in my heart...

he's even in the background of this official art!!!

jose was like designed for a summer costume i know it i need him

[blozobbers]

Finally something else than Freddy Riley, no?

Here's José based on his summer skin that I made recently ↓

[rumbasik]

My new character redesign from Identity V and two old redesigns

Мой новый редизайн из игры Identity V и два старых редизайна

[kultyajose]

Stop looking into the distance

[sirenjose]

Characters' Wishing Stars

(Updated to include every character's wish, then added more thoughts about more of the other wishes. Thoughts on Norton's/Fool's Gold's and Jose's are at the end)

Part 1 - Wishing Stars

Survivors

Lucky: I wish for good fortune for everyone! May the lucky star bless all!

Emily: May all be endowed with wellness and joy. May sickness be but a distant shadow in this world.

Freddy: I've made some mistakes, Martha, but I've never regretted loving you.

Kreacher: Set adrift toward the yonder, and let everyone know: Kreacher's ambitions shall be made manifest! Mark my words!

Emma: Father, Mother, are you well? Do you, too, gaze up at the stars this evening?

Servais: I wish to one day stand on the grandest stage of magic! That day will surely come.

Kurt: To live in this beautiful world is a blessing, and in the future, I hope to pursue adventures in higher, farther, and grander realms!

Naib: Will this lantern reach the rivers of my homeland? If so, I wish for it to tell her I'm doing well.

Martha: May each soul find sanctuary, never to lose oneself, never to drift astray.

Tracy: Changing the world might be too lofty an ideal, but I at least want to invent things that bring happiness to more people!

William: Someday, I will be acknowledged! Victory is the domain of the brave-those who defy adversity!

Helena: The night sky must be beautiful, just as it is in my imagination. If possible, I'd like to see this wonderful world with my own eyes someday.

Fiona: Mother, do you see? I've taken another step closer to the truth of this world.

Vera: Vera, I wish you well. It was all worth it.

Kevin: They say the departed become stars.. Even now, I still remain shamefully illuminated by your light.

Margaretha: In the not-too-distant future, there will surely be a stage as brilliant as this starry sky meant solely for me. This is my wish.

Eli: Stars, rivers, flowers. This is a beautiful dream I never anticipated, so please let this dream last a little longer.

Aesop: May this lantern find tranquil shores, as may I.

Norton: I want to live a better life.

Patricia: May fate judge all wrongdoing.

Murro: Well-being to all! I hope someone, somewhere, will remember Murro.

Mike: I wish to bring joy to more people and help everyone forget their troubles!

Jose: May all my loved ones embark on their own journeys, and may lighthouses guide them to safe harbors.

Demi: Brother, are you well? Are you admiring this starry sky too?

Victor: To whoever sees my letter and lantern, know that Victor wishes you eternal happiness.

Andrew: Though I cannot gaze directly upon the sun, this eve, I've beheld the most resplendent darkness. I am grateful for this night and for those who accompany me.

Luca: Those who march toward science and truth will not regret it. One day, I will prove everything.

Melly: What a beautiful night. I hope all those little lives be cherished, as they rest beneath the grass and leaves.

Edgar: The shifting starry sky hides endless beauty and mystery, and we mortals, mere chroniclers of this splendor, stand and gaze, as do I.

Ganji: I wish the people of my hometown healthy and prosperous. At least, tonight, I'm looking at the same sky as you.

Annie: May every child grow in peace and happiness. May every little toy cradle your grandest dreams.

Emil: I often forget the past, but from now on, every day shall brim with bliss. I wish that everyone could remember only happiness.

Ada: I wish for Emil's good health. May we all cherish the present and the love of others.

Orpheus: Fate pens the finest tales, so I hope everyone's story holds fewer regrets, twists, and at least, more favorable conclusions.

Memory: The stars are exceptionally beautiful tonight! I also wish to be a kind, loving person who brings happiness to everyone.

Weeping Clown: One day, when the audience watches Joker, they, too, will wear a genuine, satisfied smile.

Professor: I don't have any wishes, save for this lantern to journey far, far away.

Qi: May old companions fare well.

Frederick: The night always brings to mind fragments of the past and chaotic whispers, yet from such whispers, countless great inspirations arise.

Alice: Alice, follow the path you believe to be true, for earnest living begets serendipity.

Charles: Stars, please tell me - should I hold on a little longer?

Lily: I shall alter all through sheer endeavor, Simon.

Matthias: Will the moonlight shine on me… on Matthias?

Florian: The bright yet warmthless stars evoke memories of childhood Christmases.

Evelyn: Are you still searching for your destination.

Hunters

Leo: Lisa, may you grow up healthy and safe.

Joker: Come on! I wish for everyone to share in the madness and mirth with me!

Jack: Should I wish for clarity, or pray to forever bask in this enchanting night…

Bane: May no creature suffer harm. May the heart of humanity awaken to conscience.

Violetta: Oh, beautiful stars… I wish everyone well! I hope… I hope everyone can be loved.

Michiko: Love is bittersweet, and time ticks on without a care. Gazing at the moon always brings to mind those no longer with us.

Hastur: (There is no writing on the wishing star, but it shows signs of having been soaked in water.)

Wu Chang: May you be well, may the years be kind, and may lovers remain together in love.

Joseph: Does moonlight hold the power to turn back time? If such a thing were true, I'd wish to return to the time when you were still here.

Burke: It's too late for me to start making any wishes. But if everyone else is safe and happy, this old soul can rest easy.

Yidhra: (The wishing star is blank, but a fierce night wind blows upon beholding it.)

Robbie: I want a songbird that can fly to where my parents are and sing to them.

Luchino: Rather than making wishes, I believe humanity ought to strive for advancement through diligence.

Mary: The illusion of opulence has been shattered. Given another beginning, I'd choose to be the master of my destiny.

Bonbon: It's been a pleasure knowing you! Bonbon!

Ann: I'm lucky to have found a purpose in life. I hope everyone's kindness and faith will not be in vain.

Antonio: My violin bow, please play the most exquisite, unbound melodies.

Galatea: Stars above, please grant me more inspiration and opportunities to create beautiful works.

Percy: (The wishing star is unmarked, save for traces of motor oil, resembling a moon perhaps?)

Polun: We want money! Wealth! Fame! Of course, we want our dear father and mother too!

Grace: I wish for no one to be lonely. I wish that you could all be happy. As for me, I can't think of any wishes.

Philippe: If my sister and I could gaze at this starry sky together, my wish would be fulfilled.

Nightmare: Congratulations, you've glimpsed the writings of the "Nightmare" in this wondrous dream!

Keigan: I wish for this world to have more justice and rationality. That should be enough.

Alva: May more forsake the folly of human nature and choose to approach the truth.

Ithaqua: Mother, if possible, I wish to at least dream of those moments in the woods and snow at night.

Sangria: Burn once more, for I still seek to prove my worth.

Fool's Gold: I've already dug my way out of fate's mine. Haven't I?

Ivy: (The paper is scribbled with 2 little girls holding a wishing star lantern together.)

Part 2 - Thoughts

In general, all of them are pretty good and I definitely think helps paint a better picture of each character, who they are deep down, and what their priority/goal is.

Quite a few few of them though are fairly sad, including (to me) Freddy, Naib, Helena, Kevin, Murro, Ganji, Charles, Violetta, Joseph, Burke, Robbie, Philip, Ithaqua, Fool's Gold, and Ivy. I have to say, the ones that made me feel the worst were Kevin and Burke (especially the latter. Can you not make me feel like I wanna cry?).

Freddy's I quite like as I think it tells a lot about him. He admits he's not perfect, he admits even things he did weren't right, but for good or ill he still loves Martha Remington. To me, it's that admission of his mistakes I like the most.

Naib and Ganji both simply wishing to be home, with their families, but because they can't they just wish that their loved ones are happy and sufficiently taken care of. Despite how they may be depicted in their games, they both have a lot of sorrow in their heart and have been through quite the ordeals, all while being far from home and any chance to return is slim or difficult to acquire. Everything they do matters little compared to their longing to return home and move past all this.

Helena's wish I to see the world one day, for obvious reasons, is quite sad considering how she lost her eyesight when she was young. As a result, she can only imagine and dream of seeing the sky. The fact there's little chance she'll regain her sight somehow (unless something happens in the future) is what makes this line hurt the most.

Murro's wish is only for someone to remember him, which honestly is quite the implication of how he feels about himself and how he thinks others' feel about him. He's been through so much, losing his parents, then his ill treatment and abuse while he was kept by Bernard, to the point he simply wanted to get away from people and just be with his partner. It's that feeling he's given up hope, and the idea that this is all he thinks he's capable of hoping for... It's like he already thinks he has no future and nothing much to look forward to.

Wishes of people like Charles, Robbie, Joseph, Philip, Ithaqua, and Ivy are focused on the loss of those close to them, some of which are consumed by the guilt at their role in that loss or inability to prevent their death. Joseph especially has devoted the rest of his life to attempting to revive Claude, and has been incapable of ever having a single moment where he isn't thinking about his twin. It makes me think about what Michiko said regarding the bittersweetness of love, and how time marches on whether or not those we love are left behind. The important question being whether a person is capable of moving forward or will be stuck looking back, which is the whole theme with Orpheus.

Violetta's wish hurts me due to me reading into her line and feeling like she's referring to herself. And the idea that she's wishing there was someone out there who will love her, as her being abandoned by her parents, taken by Max who treated her like an object to attract attention to his freak show and earn him money, but once she no longer did, he disposed of her, leaving Violetta feeling unwanted. Despite what she's been through, she is still a kind and positive person, but even she has moments where she can't help but let slip hints about her true feelings.

Kevin of course has been and still is a very sad boy. He, like Joseph, has his thoughts forever stuck on the loved ones he lost. He is incapable of moving past Angelina's death, further compounded by his guilt regarding Angelina's father and the tribe. He is trapped by his guilt. It's the fact that Kevin refuses to forgive himself, blaming himself for everything that has happened, is why Kevin's wish hurts me so much.

Burke... I don't even know what to say. This was the 1 that I think hurt the most for a bunch of reasons that I don't quite know how to put to words. Netease, please stop trying to make me cry.

As for other wishes that caught my attention:

Mike's simple wish to bring joy to people and help them forget their troubles was curious, as I think it really helps give a better idea about him, considering he's someone I sometimes find tricky to figure out. His deductions depict him as pretty mischievious, especially with things like using rocks or nitrogen in his tricks. But then we get to the tragedy, and all we don't really get any more ... good descriptions from Mike himself as to how he is internally. Except for hints based on how he went to the morgue to confirm who was dead and who was missing. And then with his suspicion of (and disgust for) Margaretha, as well as Joker. His last deduction and backstory really emphasize that his singular goal is essentially revenge. Yet we learn in through the letters that he was unable to do so even when he's given the chance. This is why I at least personally appreciate this little detail about his interest in people's happiness and desire to fix all their problems. It helps put everything else in better perspective.

Vera's was mainly due to how she says it was "all worth it". This seems to confirm how she feels about her actions, despite the sorrow she describes in her 1st letter due to her own actions, and despite the reality of what she did. She continues to reason with herself that, despite the cost, it all worked out in the end. It could show just how broken she's become due to how she grew up due to her father and everyone looking down on her and treating her the way they did. It could show just how hard her heart has become as a result. But it's also possible to read this line as trying to convince herself to not regret. To not dwell on what she's done. To try to tell herself that it's ok, it's ok, it's ok. If this is true, whether or not she actually fully believes this attempt to reason with herself is a separate question.

Margaretha's further confirms the type of person she's in and the life she's interested in. She's still interested in luxury, she's still a bit vain, just like her personality info in-game states. However, what I was focused on was how she talks about having a stage "solely for me". This to me reads as she wants to be able to move forward and survive on her own without having to rely on others, like she did previously with Sergei, or how she's "exploiting" Joker. Which I think is a good development on her part, as I think it shows growth. It's something that may take time, but she's expressing determination to achieve this goal.

Martha was primarily of interest to me as, similar to Violetta, I read it as she was essentially referring to herself. It's a lament over the fact she has no place she sees as "home", and she doesn't even know who she is anymore. She's taken on too many identities, and gone through so much that she isn't sure who is the real her or if even if she does remember if it'll actually feel right to her anymore. She's lost and doesn't know how to find her way back on to the path. Her wish is a warning to others the way I see it, which is imporant considering what we learn happened with her in her game.

Sangria's I find curious as I never really thought about her like that, the idea that she wants to "prove [her] worth". It can make sense considering her backstory and deductions emphasize how badly she was treated by her father and the fact she was viewed as "less than a toy", as well as make sense based on whatever happened between her and the lady to cause Sangria to later ask to "get back on stage". I feel like this wish could potentially help understand some of what happens with her in her game...

Then there's Nightmare. Which to me feels... the strangest and almost out of place of any of the wishes. I'm still not quite sure about the real meaning behind it yet but it does make me think...

On that same tangent, I'll go to Orpheus next. Similarly, his line is quite interesting and will take me some time to really digest. The fact he speaks of wanting to reduce other people's regrets and give them "more favorable conclusions" to me is strange. Some of the stories he writes don't exactly feel like he's trying to give the people it's based on better "conclusions", nor does it feel like he's doing that with the participants of each of his games. Though looking at a different place, what he seems to be doing to Kevin in his 4th letter does feel like he's trying to manipulate Kevin's memories to make him think Angelina isn't dead. The entire truth of the goal of Orpheus' experiments and actions is still something I don't think we fully grasp yet. It's possible more is happening to the participants than we know (especially with how of them, or at least their bodies, are missing, and I still wonder about Yidhra's and Joseph's involvements, considering the Dreamlands or Joseph's photo world could potentially present Orpheus an opportunity to maybe give individuals a happier story if they are trapped there, especially with the memory drugs, but I'm still unsure about so much...).

Norton's wish is such a great but simple enough summary for his character. He's not asking to be rich. He's not asking for gold despite that's what he searched for in Golden Cave. He's not asking for anything in particular. All Norton cares about is having a "better" life. Something more than being trapped in poverty, with a job that could kill him at any time, and especially over time the longer he has it. He wants to not have to worry about starving all the time, or worry if he'll have a place to shelter for the night, or worry about cruel coworkers or employers, any other necessities he needs. We've seen that he isn't asking for anything fancy. He eats simple bread, and spends what little spare money he has on books and knowledge. He just wants enough so he'll never have to worry about going back to that life again.

Which is interesting when considering Fool's Gold's wish: "I've already dug my way out of fate's mine. Haven't I?". This to me sounds like he's trying to convince himself. He's desperately hoping he's finally escaped the mine, which he describes as "fate's" mine. This referencing his "fate" as a miner due to his father also being a miner. The fact he describes it as how he "dug my way out" is a way of showing how he's done everything himself. He was the one who's fought tooth and nail to get out of his situation, who's spent all his blood, sweat, and tears to originally just work hard enough to earn what he can, and then when that didnt work find another way, and when he was trapped in Golden Cave, how he literally dug his way out (which shows how badly he wants to live). "Fate" being a "mine" also has the symbolism of Norton originally seeing his fate as somethin dark, made by someone else who forced him into it, a place with little room to move full of many dangers, surrounded by many people who either treated him badly or only cared for themselves, and the only path forward led further and further down. This was why Norton wants to escape his fate, and why he's been so desperate to do anything he can if it means a way out. He wants a brighter fate, one not trapped underground, but a fate out in the open world where the sky is the limit. Unfortunately though, as we can see from the ending of Fool's Gold's wish, Norton isn't entirely convinced he's completely escaped his fate. Which is curious and I wish I could see the reasoning behind his thoughts. Is it because he's afraid he'll be caught for what he did? Is it because he's afraid he'll have to go back to the mine if he is unable to find any other way of making a living? Is it because of whatever happened while he was trapped in the mind that he's continuously referenced but never explained, that's lead to him being so deathly afraid of the place? Or does it have something to do with his current situation with Orpheus and whatever the order was in his 2nd letter? Considering this is the 2nd time we've seen Norton trying to convince himself but failing to do so completely by the end (the 1st time being in Norton's 2nd letter where he tries to convince himself to go through with the assassination order), I wonder if it's possible these 2 things could be related. Maybe he feels like or is starting to feel like his current situation is not any better than it was before when he was still a miner, or when he was trapped in Golden Cave. Which is curious as that seems to reinforce how we can't be completely sure what Norton will do in the final game, or what the full truth of his relationship with Orpheus, Alice, and the others is. It's also interesting this line comes from Fool's Gold, who also appeared in Norton's backstory trailer, before he causes Golden Cave to collapse. He's holding his head, and seemingly fighting with himself over whether he should do it or not. Hunter Norton seems to be a way of showing Norton's internal dilemma, his war with himself, with how Hunter Norton is likely symbolized in Norton's 2nd letter, and now again here when Norton's trying to convince himself that he's escaped his fate. But unlike the 1st time in the mine when Hunter Norton managed to win out and cause the mine collapse, these other 2 times haven't ended with a certain winner, which could show how Norton's changed or how he may not be willing to do the same thing again. But maybe I'm thinking too hard.

As for Jose, I wish I could understand him better. Despite how his father treated him, despite how he only cared about fame and fortune, despite how he was only ever concerned about looking good for the Queen and everyone he deemed important, Jose still wishes his "loved ones" to stay safe essentially. Who that would be besides his family I'm not sure. We never learn about his mother, and there's really no one else that could be outside of maybe some people he was friends with, though he specifically says "loved ones". We don't know if he was friendly with those on his crew, though we know at least some were of the same type of person as Jose's father based on Jose's deduction 7, while others died either when Jose's father vanished or during deduction 4. We now know he's tied in some way to Sam Bourbon but not the specifics of that relationship (how friendly were they?). Therefore, it's most likely he's referring to his father here. I wish I knew more about Jose's feelings and relationship with his father, considering deduction 7 and 8, as well as other bits don't exactly make Joaquin out to be a good person or see his son as anything but an object. But it's possible it was because Jose's father was the only family he ever had, and he simply wished he could've stopped him from doing what Jose didn't agree with and/or helped change him for the better.

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departure date jose hehehehe

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