It was common knowledge that the Mafia and the truck drivers' union were closely intertwined. Many union members had even become peripheral associates of the Mafia.
However, among all of them, only Pro—and now Luca—had ever risen to the position of branch president within the same union.
Compared to other Mafia members, Luca's ties to the union ran much deeper. His gasoline tax business depended heavily on the truck drivers, generating a stable eight-figure income every single week. If Hoffa's return to power affected that business, Luca would never agree—and neither would his partners.
On top of that, multiple Mafia families had invested heavily in projects funded by union pension money.
Would Hoffa be as cooperative as Frank Fitzsimmons?
"Luca, aren't you renovating that furniture store?" Hoffa said. "If you support me, then of course I'll support you. I've seen everything you've done along the East Coast, and I appreciate what you've brought to the workers. If I become chairman, I can promise you—I'll continue supporting your business."
That was Hoffa's sincerity.
Unfortunately, it didn't mean much to Luca.
Because Frank Fitzsimmons could offer the exact same thing—and he was far more obedient.
"What about the other families?" Luca asked, going straight for the key issue. "I have a lot of people behind me. Can you, like Frank Fitzsimmons, open up the union's pension fund to us without conditions?"
"That's impossible."
"If you want my support," Hoffa replied, "then you should also support the interests I represent."
"Hoffa," Luca said calmly, "you're the first Mafia-adjacent figure I've met who genuinely thinks about the workers. Pro ran things for years and never did that. When a driver died in an accident, all he did was squeeze the insurance payout. I thought you were different."
There was something hard to describe in Hoffa's eyes.
Disappointment.
"Turns out… you're not that different either."
Luca smiled faintly.
His attempt to persuade Hoffa to step down had failed, so he stopped trying.
Hoffa was the kind of man who couldn't be moved by logic or interest—no amount of reasoning would change his mind. In the original trajectory, countless powerful figures had tried and failed.
Even the biggest bosses couldn't make him back down.
So Luca wasn't surprised.
Not everyone was driven by money.
Not everyone feared power.
And not everyone feared death.
Luca could align interests with ordinary truck drivers, but he couldn't impose his will on someone like Hoffa.
After all—
What kind of parent, who truly loves their child, would hand that child over to someone else?
That path had failed.
But there was still another.
"Mr. Hoffa," Luca said calmly, "it seems we don't see things the same way."
"That's why I don't like dealing with you Mafia people," Hoffa shot back as he stood up with a sneer. "You always put yourselves and your families first. Everyone else—partners, friends, even relatives—comes second."
He paused, then added sarcastically, "Sorry, I shouldn't say you're selfish. Let's say you just don't know how to compromise."
This time, Luca didn't argue.
The Mafia didn't need to explain itself.
There was a reason New York felt cold—
Because it was home to five families.
"Mr. Hoffa, wait," Luca said. "I have another proposal."
"This fight between you and Frank Fitzsimmons—handle it however you want. Campaign, give speeches, win votes, that's all fine. But we don't want to see any more explosions. No more blown-up cars. No more funerals."
"You should tell that to Frank Fitzsimmons—he started it!" Hoffa snapped.
"I already warned him," Luca said, narrowing his eyes. "He won't use extreme methods again."
Then he added, "If you want workers' support, go win it properly. Talk to them. Convince them. That's your foundation."
Hoffa took a deep breath.
"As long as you can make that bastard Frank Fitzsimmons stop," he said, "I won't use bombs either."
Luca nodded.
"You have my word. Elections have rules—and I expect both of you to follow them."
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[Ding! You stopped the violent conflict between Jimmy Hoffa and Frank Fitzsimmons and made an initial contribution toward peace within the truck drivers' union.]
[Gain Skill Points x10]
[Gained Skill Fragments x5]
[Remaining Skill Fragments: 215]
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The meeting ended on a sour note.
As Hoffa walked out of the club and away from the calming presence of the Silver Queen, his already bad mood flared up again.
"Damn it!"
"Frank, did you see that?" Hoffa snapped. "Those Mafia guys were never going to support me. Talking to them is useless. That bastard Frank Fitzsimmons sold everything—spread his legs like a whore and let them control him! Fuck them! Bunch of bastards!"
Hoffa kept ranting, while Frank listened with quiet helplessness.
To be honest, Frank also wished his old friend would retire, live a peaceful life, and stay out of all this.
But he knew Hoffa couldn't be persuaded.
If this kept going…
Hopefully, Hoffa would just lose the election.
That would be best for everyone.
Once it was over, he'd have no reason to keep fighting.
Bobby Mercer had also heard everything.
After getting into the car, he spoke up again.
"Uncle Jimmy, want me to handle something?"
"Forget it." Hoffa waved him off, rubbing his temples. "We agreed—no violence. This election comes down to ability."
Then he turned to Frank.
"Will Russell Bufalino help us?"
Russell Bufalino—Frank Sheeran's boss, and the head of the Bufalino family.
It was through Russell that Frank had first met Hoffa.
In the original storyline, the three of them had been inseparable for decades—until time, fate, and choices tore everything apart.
Faced with the question, Frank hesitated.
How was he supposed to say it?
Russell would always put the Mafia first.
Why would he support Hoffa taking power?
"Can we remove Luca from his branch president position?" Hoffa asked suddenly.
"That's… complicated," Frank replied.
"If they agree, I'll help you," he added. "But…"
"Yeah," Hoffa sighed. "Too complicated. Still… maybe we should try?"
Frank shook his head.
"They won't agree to that."
"Frank… can you at least talk to him?" Hoffa pressed.
Frank didn't know how to answer.
Meanwhile, Luca informed Anthony Salerno that the violence had stopped.
Tony was pleased.
He praised Luca for handling things well, saying he liked the way Luca maintained balance and avoided unnecessary risks—especially when his own interests weren't threatened.
As for Hoffa and Frank Fitzsimmons competing?
Let them.
Hoffa had no chance of winning through normal means.
Fitz had the backing of the entire Mafia Commission.
What did Hoffa have?
A bad relationship with a political dynasty.
Even though that president was dead, the family still held influence—and many of them disliked Hoffa.
At least Fitzsimmons knew how to maintain relationships—playing golf with the Attorney General, keeping everyone satisfied.
When it came to "selling himself," Fitz was a professional.
On the surface, it looked like Fitz had an overwhelming advantage.
But Luca knew—
Some things didn't end so easily.
The Mafia hadn't decided to kill Hoffa yet.
But that order would come.
Sooner or later.
And Luca needed to prepare for that moment.
---
Time passed quickly.
New York remained relatively calm on the surface, but undercurrents were building across Washington and the East Coast.
During this time, Luca quietly expanded into Massachusetts through the gasoline tax business and union influence.
He also figured out the situation in Boston.
There were two undercover agents.
One inside the police force, working hard on cases while secretly helping the gang eliminate rivals.
The other inside the gang, still a low-level figure—but according to the original trajectory, he would soon rise through the ranks.
Compared to the drawn-out undercover operations in Hong Kong, things in Boston were much simpler—and much more brutal.
No three years of waiting.
Everything ended within a year.
And everyone died.
Efficient.
Cold.
Luca began thinking about how to get involved.
There was also a Chinese gang conflict there.
If handled correctly, he could take over a large portion of territory and expand rapidly.
Before long, it was mid-May.
During this period, Hoffa and Frank Fitzsimmons kept their agreement—no violence.
Fitz behaved himself.
He knew he had the advantage.
But then Hoffa did something no one expected.
He went on television—And publicly exposed Fitzsimmons's ties to the Mafia.
---
SSR Club.
More people than usual were gathered in front of the TV.
Besides Tony and Mariggio, Luca also saw Russell Bufalino, along with Frank.
Frank considered Hoffa a friend and wanted to help him, but when it came to critical decisions, he always stood with the Mafia.
Because Russell had helped him when he had nothing.
And that was a debt he would never forget.
On the TV screen, Hoffa was mid-interview.
Host: "Do you think Frank Fitzsimmons should remain president of the union?"
Hoffa: "Absolutely not! He sold the union to the Mafia! They control him—and that means they control our pension funds. Tens, even hundreds of billions, being loaned out at little to no interest for illegal businesses!"
Hoffa: "This has to stop! It's time to remove him!"
The room went silent.
Expressions turned dark.
Following the crowd was one thing.
But exposing everything publicly?
That was something else entirely.
Tony's face hardened.
Even someone like him, who preferred peace, was furious.
"Is this guy serious?" Tony asked, looking at Russell.
Russell remained calm.
"Jimmy's exaggerating," he said. "Campaign talk. Nothing more."
Frank added, "It's just words. Not the truth."
"I don't care if it's a show," Tony snapped. "He can't say that—especially not on national TV. He needs to shut his mouth."
Luca nodded slightly.
"Hoffa should take his pension, go to Florida, and relax with his grandson. I already told him that—but he doesn't listen."
Russell glanced at Luca.
"We'll pass along your message again," he said quietly. "He'll understand."
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[Character Card: Russell Bufalino]
[Rank: SR]
[Source: The Irishman]
[Skills: Libra Execution; Blood Pact Investment; Gangster Godfather]
[Bond: Attention]
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Russell Bufalino, one of the twelve chairman of the Mafia Commission, is based in Pittston, Pennsylvania, with influence stretching across the region.
He had connections with New York and Philadelphia, a vast network, and a reputation for surviving where others didn't.
In the original storyline, he had ordered countless executions.
Including—
Jimmy Hoffa.
Because when the time came, he would always choose the Mafia.
Not friendship.
Looking at Russell's skill set, Luca's thoughts sharpened.
Compared to Hoffa's union-based abilities—
These suited him far better.
A Mafia godfather.
That was the path he wanted.
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