Firo Prochainezo

"He is main character-ish!"

- Carol to Gustav St. Germain

Firo Prochainezo (フィーロ・プロシェンツォ Fīro Puroshentso) is one of the youngest executives of Manhattan's Martillo Family. He became a complete immortal in November 1930 after accidentally drinking Szilard Quates' immortality elixir at a party celebrating his own promotion.

He was incarcerated in Alcatraz in 1934 by Victor Talbot in order to investigate fellow inmate Huey Laforet. While there, he runs into Isaac Dian and meets Ladd Russo.

In the 1970s, Firo takes over from Maiza Avaro as the Martillo Family's contaiuolo after Maiza leaves with Czeslaw Meyer in search of the surviving immortals from the Advena Avis.

He marries Ennis in the early 1980s and the two honeymoon aboard the yacht ship Entrance in 2002, with Czes tagging along.

Appearance
Firo has brown hair and eyes, and commonly wears a green suit in the 1930s. He is very self-conscious about his youthful, "baby-face" appearance, and he starts wearing glasses by 2002 to seem older.

Personality
For a member of the Camorra, Firo can be a surprisingly friendly, humorous and compassionate person. According to the Gandor brothers, Firo is brash and naive, and in a way someone who fits in with being a Camorrista but is unsuited towards being a criminal. He isn't afraid to confront people, nor is he worried about the impression he leaves since he's simply being himself. Anyone who knows anything of the Martillos knows well not to bother Firo, or they'll find out just how much trouble they've gotten themselves into.

More often than not though, Firo is an excessively blunt person, and can be extremely negative towards others to the point of being shockingly cruel. Violence comes easy to him, in short and highly brutal spurts.

He is a little insecure, especially since he is surrounded by exceedingly talented people. He also has some issues with femininity, having nearly been molested in his youth due to being mistaken for a girl. Furthermore, he does not have a very high opinion of his own intelligence, constantly calling himself "dumb" and not book-smart in the slightest.

Firo considers himself neither to be a "do-gooder" nor a "fiend" as he himself noted on his way to Alcatraz, instead placing himself in the middle. Occasionally he performs good deeds, such as rushing to a fire or donating money, but he is still ruthless and can be vengeful to an extent (as per the above). When Barnes was ungrateful towards Firo after he rescued him from Dallas Genoard, Firo switched the immortality elixir Barnes was carrying with regular alcohol.

Firo does not actively look for trouble himself. However, he does have a tendency to meddle: If something's going on and he happens to be around, more often than not he'll either investigate or forcibly involve himself in the situation. Even before becoming immortal, Firo was never afraid to take risks. He didn't hesitate to join the Camorra, and he'd never been one to back out on anything. His slightly reckless tendencies and his near suicidal loyalty to the Martillos has led him to say that he does not care what happens to him. However, as noted by Ladd Russo, Firo does fear death and does not consider himself invincible.

Devouring Szilard Quates takes its toll on Firo, who worries that one day he'll become as sadistic as the old man.. After acting rather nastily towards Isaac and Miria in 1933, Firo is relieved that he did not enjoy causing Isaac and Miria pain.

With Szilard's knowledge, Firo learns how to end Szilard's control over Ennis and allow her a new lease on life. Although his romantic feelings for her are rather obvious, he is shy in expressing them directly.

Pre-1930
Firo was born in May 1912 in a slum in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. His father, who died from tuberculosis around the time of Firo's birth, was an Italian immigrant from Naples (where he'd been part of the Camorra). After his father's Camorra had lost in a gang war, he fled to America. Firo grew up in the same building as the Gandor Brothers and Claire Stanfield, and became very good friends with them all.

1919
(See Baccano! Manga Chapter 002) In 1919, Firo and the Gandor Brothers go looking for Claire, who has run off to play somewhere. Upon entering a derelict building, they call out Claire's name. The boy in question pops his head through a hole in the ceiling, and greets them. Claire flips off the rafter beams and lands neatly on the ground. After a small chat, Berga Gandor reminds them all that they'd better get home since 'dad' will 'bawl them out.' After all, the oath at the Gandor home is that they must be home before dark. Firo points out that the Gandors' father is a real mafioso, so he's definitely serious when he says things like that - 'old man Gandor' is scary when he is mad. Claire and Firo are in agreement.

Berga replies that of course their father doesn't give Claire and Firo special treatment - they're part of the family, after all. The Gandor brothers and Claire head for the exit. As they walk through the doors, Firo stands behind, contemplating his future. The Gandor brothers will probably take over the family territory, and Claire...will probably do just fine for himself. So where does that leave Firo?

His mother (an American with English ancestry) died from tuberculosis before Firo had reached his tenth birthday.

Now an orphan, Firo drifted the Manhattan streets and was picked up by the head of the Martillo Family (becoming a Martillo associate) after he attempted to rob Martillo primo voto Kanshichirou Yaguruma. He was tasked with monitoring casinos to prevent cheating, and later would manage those casinos after becoming an executive of the family.

1927
In 1927, Firo visits an eatery under Gandor influence and takes a seat at a table. He is awaiting the arrival of the Gandor brothers and of Claire Stanfield, the latter of whom he has not seen in several years. Claire's arrival is typically flashy: in the nick of time, he saves several dishes from breaking after a waitress trips (and balances them on both his hands and one shoe). Firo greets him and says that he is as 'awesome as ever'. The two tease each other some, and fondly recall how 'old man Gandor' is likely responsible for their good qualities. Firo asks Claire about the circus, and the Gandor brothers show up on cue. The five exchange greetings.

Claire figures that Firo would have joined the Gandors, and Berga crossly says that Firo has instead joined the camorra. Claire worries about what might happen should the camorra and the Gandors come to blows, and when Berga suggests they wrangle Firo to their side right now Luck Gandor reminds him that they promised not to talk about such things. Firo brushes the matter aside, and eagerly asks Claire if he is going to the feast of San Gennaro tomorrow. Luck explains the festival to Claire, and ('speaking of miracles') has he read the tabloids? Firo realizes that he is alluding to 'the Phantom Father' - the supposed serial killer who doesn't die if he is stabbed. Claire remarks that Keith Gandor doesn't look to interested, and Luck blithely says that Keith prefers silent movies to festivals (as of late, Keith has taken shine to a certain lady pianist).

Moments later, the conversation is interrupted by two diners engaging in a drunken brawl. Berga violently brings the fight to a halt, and after a few threatening words from Luck the two brawlers flee into the streets. Before they leave, Luck reminds the business owner that he expects him to do good business tomorrow. The five exit the eatery, and Firo asks him what he meant. Luck answers that the Gandors plan to use the festival to make a little extra cash via liquor. Firo says that Luck is a 'smart guy...just like always'.

Claire butts in and throws an arm over Luck's shoulder. With Luck's neck entrapped in the crook of his elbow, Claire brightly demands that Luck show him where the festival is being set up. He drags Luck away. As Berga, Luck, and Claire go off, Firo and Keith are left alone. As they walk, Keith takes a drag of his cigarette and asks Firo "are you okay?" Firo stutters "I...I'm not not okay or anything. And, uh, geez, Keith, I haven't heard you talk in forever!!" After a pause, he clenches his fist. Although he is not like the others, he still plans to make it on his own as Firo Prochainezo, without relying on either the Gandors or God.

In the next second, a thief roughly runs past them, shoving Firo towards Keith in the process. He knocks over a priest in the crowd as he makes his getaway, and a man in an apron shouts at the thief to stop. Firo heads over to the fallen priest, and offers him a hand up. The priest takes his hand, thanks him, and gets to his feet. He offers Firo a lollipop as thanks, and introduces himself as Donatello. Donatello asks Firo if he'd like to join a little audience -- all kids -- to watch a puppet show. Firo (offended that Donatello has mistaken him for a child) stiffly says that he'll pass.

A nearby man requests Donatello's assistance with the festival, and he warns Firo and Keith to be careful. He hopes that the two will enjoy the festival to the fullest, and heads off through the crowd. Firo and Keith watch him depart, and Firo tentatively wonders if the priest will be alright as he watches the man trip and fall to the ground. The two resume walking through the crowd.

The next morning, Firo heads off for the festival. He spots Maiza walking down a street, and calls out to him - isn't he going to the festival today? No, says Maiza. He has to work. He advises Firo not to be too careless today, and Firo says that he'll be fine. He isn't a kid. The pair part ways, and Firo decides to head for The Alveare and to take a shortcut via the alleys. As he turns into an alleyway, he stops in shock when he sees a man strung up between the two parallel walls from multiple stakes (pierced through his neck, his arms, his side...).

Firo recognizes the man as the thief from the day prior, and wonders if this is a warning from another mafia or camorra outfit. Not wanting to get involved in police business, he takes off running through the streets with the intention of reporting the incident to the Martillos at the Alveare. When he arrives, he finds Yaguruma in the middle of addressing the Martillo associates (''picciottos). ''Yaguruma spots him -- good timing, he says. He informs the group of young Martillo members that 'a Gandor boss' got himself kidnapped by someone. Not only don't they have any details on the situation, the Gandors haven't been fighting with other outfits recently. Yaguruma proceeds to give a big speech on the criminal life, and after his speech is over Firo places a hand on his chest and asks that Yaguruma give him permission to help the Gandors. Yaguruma turns away, and Firo reaches out to him imploringly. The primo voto turns, grabs Firo's outstretched arm and flips him over onto the ground. He reminds Firo of his place, and Firo forces himself up onto his knees. Kneeling, he slowly responds that he does not plan to help 'the Gandors'. But the brothers are like family to him, and he begs Yaguruma to let him go make sure his 'brother' is safe. If he does not go now, the regret will kill him.  

Yaguruma swiftly draws his knife and holds it to Firo's throat, asking him if he'd rather just die here and now. Firo draws his own knife and drives it down into the floorboards. He announces that he will leave his knife here; if Yaguruma turns Firo's own knife on him when he returns then he will gladly accept his punishment. But he cannot die yet. Yaguruma calls him a 'blasted idiot' before leaving. Firo remains kneeling on one knee as Yaguruma leaves; he turns his head to the side as he thanks him.

With the confrontation out of the way, Firo races through the streets of Little Italy with the intention of finding out about the Gandor situation. He stops when he hears Claire shouting at him through the throng. Claire says that he has been looking everywhere for Firo, and the two turn into a deserted alleyway. As they walk, Claire asks Firo if he has seen Keith today. At Firo's query, Claire explains that he received a call from Luck, who informed him that the Gandors found Keith's bloody jacket and a smashed lollipop in a nearby alley.

At that, Firo quizzically draws the lollipop (still in its wrapper) that Donatello gave him from his jacket, and explains that a priest gave it to him when he was with Keith yesterday. Claire mutters at the difficulty of finding a specific priest in a religious festival, and casually says that he'll look for the priest 'up top.' Firo watches him as he uses a fire escape to ascend to the rooftops. Once safely above, Claire shouts down at Firo not to push himself, since he has his own position to worry about.

Firo silently affirms that he knows he can't do anything special like Claire, but even so -- he'll do what he can. If he doesn't, there was no point in risking his life when he confronted Yaguruma. He spends some amount of time asking festival goers and various priests if they have seen Donatello, and at one point approaches the window of a truck. He asks the truck driver (not knowing that the driver is in cahoots with Donatello and Szilard) if he has seen a priest, and at the driver's denial he takes off down the streets. Firo observes that there are more cops on the streets than usual, and wonders if the priest really is in fact the 'Phantom Father.'

Attempting to analyze the priest's movements, he heads for the streets a little ways outside the borders of Little Italy. He notes that the children on the sidewalks are all sucking on lollipops, and asks them who gave them their candy. At their replies, he hunts down and confronts Donatello in an empty street. Pulling out the lollipop Donatello gave him, he drops it to the ground, stomps on it with his foot and reintroduces himself as Firo Prochainezo, one of the camorra and a Martillo associate. He demands to know what Donatello has done with Keith.

At the revelation that Firo is a criminal, Donatello strides toward him and a stake slides out of his sleeve. He grabs the stake and raises it high above his head, intending to stab Firo. A sudden force stops his wrist mid-movement: it is Claire, who has grabbed the priest's wrist with one hand. He slams a knee up into Donatello's arm/elbow, and knocks him out with a single punch. Firo thanks him, but advises him to tone it down somewhat. As they talk, the priest gets to his knees. Claire concedes that the priest is tougher than he thought, and Firo warily notes that something is off - the priest is completely uninjured.

Donatello states that he is under divine protection, and darts towards Claire with stake in hand. Claire kicks the stake out of his hand, grabs it and drives the metal into Donatello's arm/wrist. As the two continue to exchange blows, Firo stares at the priest as his wounds continue to heal up. He asks if Donatello is the Phantom Father, and the priest replies that the depraved New York will be reborn after the festival. He will give the mafia a warning at the end of it - a warning that Claire correctly infers must be Keith Gandor.

Donatello continues to bait Firo by insulting the Martillo Family (and calling them mafia), and Claire shrugs it off before driving his leg into Donatello's stomach. The two take their fight to the rooftops (via fire escape) and Firo tsks and runs around the corner. He takes the interior stairs; when Firo arrives at the rooftop he calls out Claire's name. Donatello uses the opportunity to make a break for the edge of the roof, and Firo takes chase. He ignores Claire's alarmed warning, and tackles Donatello by the waist. The two plummet over the edge and to the ground; Donatello dislodges Firo with an elbow to his face. Firo crash-lands into a collection of boxes and sandbags. The priest is not so lucky; he is impaled on a flagpole.

Claire descends the fire escape and helps Firo out of the mess. Firo nurses his facial bruise and looks up, expecting to see the priest's body dangling from the flagpole. To his shock, the body is gone. Claire clambers up the fire escape to examine the flagpole - it is devoid of blood. Firo curses, realizing that with the priest gone they will be unable to find Keith's location. Claire advises him not to sweat it - this is Keith they are talking about, after all. And besides - thanks to Firo, they know where Donatello is roughly headed. Leaping onto the ground, he tells Firo to leave Keith to him. Firo accuses him of implying that he (Firo) would not be of any help, and Claire denies this. He says that he's worried about Firo too, and says that he should just leave the rest to his family.

Firo begrudgingly accepts his situation, and the two part ways. Returning to the Alveare, he stands outside the entrance to the honey shop, unsure of whether or not he should go inside. He is startled by Maiza's alarmed shout ("Firo! What happened to your face?"), and Maiza urges him to head on inside to treat his wounds. Firo gathers his resolve, and tells Maiza that he'll be right back. He enters the speakeasy, resigned to take on whatever punishment he deserves. He stops at Molsa Martillo's greeting; the Martillo don sits at a nearby booth across from Yaguruma. while Ronny Schiatto lights his (Molsa's) cigarette.

In the ensuing conversation Molsa thinks that Firo's actions were fine since he only intended to save his family, and calls out to Lia Lin-Shan to get Firo some food (and maybe treat his wounds). Molsa confides in Firo that he has no use for fellows who will not risk their lives for their family. Yaguruma returns Firo's knife to him, and suggests that next time he at least leave the sheath out of consideration for the man who has to hold the knife for him. Ronny lets Firo know that Keith is fine, much to Firo's relief. He adds that Firo is 'quite clumsy' - had he just insinuated that he could put the Gandors in the Martillos' debt, he could have mobilized the entire Martillo family. Firo is stunned at this revelation, and Maiza drags him off to get his wounds treated. Lia and others chat with Firo as they see to his bruises.

The next day, Firo arrives at the Alveare. He, Randy, and Pezzo greet Maiza when he arrives at the speakeasy, and cheerfully tells Maiza that he is fine when the man inquires about his injuries. Randy and Pezzo remark that Firo is always getting himself 'busted up,' and Maiza quietly reminds Firo that "people...die quite easily, you know." Firo sheepishly scratches his neck, smiles, and replies that he isn't that fragile.

At that, Randy recalls how Firo was telling them about the priest who didn't die from his injuries - the so-called Phantom Father. Randy laughs and says that he figured that Firo wasn't actually going to be able to do anything when he high-tailed it out of the Alveare yesterday. The two demand to know what the Phantom Father was like, and if he had anything to do with the church fire the day before. Firo remembers how the priest would be fine even after they hurt him.

Maiza tightly grasps Firo's arm and asks him to describe the priest for him. Firo describes him as best he can, but Maiza does not recognize him. Randy, Pezzo, and Firo continue light-heartedly talking about the events, and Maiza brings the conversation to a halt when Pezzo happily dreams about how he certainly wouldn't mind living forever. He mentions that he has business at the church the others mentioned, and Firo offers to take him there.

The two leave and walk through the streets. At some distance away from the church, the two stop and Firo advises him on the rest of the way. Maiza dismisses him, and Firo blurts out a "Wait! Can I help you with anything?" Maiza firmly states that this has nothing to do with Firo, and turns away. Firo clenches his fist and says that he's prepared to take a beating for the Family just as he had for the Gandors, so if there's anything that he can do, Maiza should tell him.

Maiza looks at him, and comments that Firo faces everything straight-on. He wonders if that is why Firo is always getting hurt, and when Firo grumbles that Maiza is calling him simple, Maiza corrects him. He is saying that Firo grows faster with every injury. He only thought that he should...confront matters as well.

The two part ways a minute later, and Firo heads back toward the Alveare.

1930
In November 1930, he gives some money to a beggar on the street, and then knocks the man unconscious after he attempts to rob Firo of his money. Firo is then confronted by an antagonistic Edward Noah, who reveals that he was using Firo in order to catch the beggar - an actual murderer - in the act. Afterwards, Firo goes to a local haberdashery with Maiza to pick out a new hat. At the haberdashery, the two run into Isaac and Miria. Soon after the two leave the shop, Firo spots smoke rising in the distance. He runs off towards the scene to find the Barnes Company Granary on fire. There, he meets Ennis for the first time.

That night, Firo undergoes the initiation ceremony, headed by Molsa Martillo and witnessed by the other executives. The ceremony culminates in a knife match between Firo and Maiza, which Firo wins and signals his full promotion to executive. At the ensuing celebrations, Firo mistakes the Grand Panacea found by Isaac and Miria for alcohol and distributes the elixir, thus accidentally becoming immortal himself. The party is interrupted by Szilard Quates, who has arrived intending to devour Maiza. After Firo's attempted attack on Szilard fails, Maiza orders Firo to flee. Firo runs into Ennis in the back alleys, and after a tussle Ennis explains that she is a homunculus to a very confused Firo. The two are interrupted by Dallas and his goons, who plug them with bullets. A few minutes after regenerating, Firo devours Szilard, saving the day.

At the tail end of 1931, Firo, Ennis, Maiza and the Gandors head to the Grand Central Station to welcome back Claire. Firo and Ennis (who has moved in with Firo) 'adopt' Czeslaw Meyer as Ennis' "younger brother" (per the misguided wishes of Isaac and Miria).

1933
In September 1933, Firo is deeply troubled by Szilard's memories, afraid that they will taint him to the point where he enjoys inflicting misery upon his friends. As an experiment, he knocks over Isaac and Miria's dominoes to see whether or not he enjoys it. He reacts rudely to Isaac and Miria's furious beratement of him; once he snaps, they rush out of the Alveare, sobbing. Maiza (who had caught on to Firo's true intentions) asks him if he enjoyed doing what he did, to which Firo answers that he did not.

Later, Firo receives a note declaring that Ennis and Ronny have been kidnapped. Not realizing that the note is from Isaac and Miria, he runs around Manhattan frantically searching for Ennis. During his search he meets Christopher Shouldered. Firo eventually reunites with Ennis in the Babel Restaurant on top of the Mist Wall skyscraper, and is caught up in the ensuing showdown between factions.

(rest of 1933 to be added)

1934
In 1934, he is arrested by Victor Talbot for the destruction of public property during the bombing of the Mist Wall and is imprisoned on Alcatraz, where he meets Ladd Russo and Sham (through Sham's vessel Dragon) and runs into Isaac, a fellow prisoner. Firo's arrest is in actuality a pretext -- Victor is sending him to Alcatraz to keep an eye on Huey Laforet because Victor cannot figure out how Huey is controlling his factions from Alcatraz of all places (Isaac was incarcerated as a means of preventing Firo from trying anything funny. Victor's original intention was to arrest both Isaac and Miria, but Isaac caught on and prevented Miria's arrest).

Towards the end of Firo's stay, he admits to Ladd that he is immortal, meets Liza Laforet/Hilton, and gouges out Huey's left eye.

1935-1936
(1935-1936 under construction)

1970s-1980s
When Maiza leaves the Martillo in the 1970s, Firo takes over as the family's contaiuolo in his absence. During this time, Firo wears glasses in an attempt to look smarter. Firo marries Ennis in the early 1980s when her feelings develop, and the two (accompanied by Czes) honeymoon aboard the cruise liner Entrance in August '''2002. '''

2002
In the first half of 2002, Firo and Ennis are contacted via phone by Maiza - who is in a certain European country along with other immortals working on a solution that woul allow certain homunculi to exist outside their forest. Firo and Ennis assist him as best they can from New York (presumably, Firo consults Szilard's memories and knowledge).

(August 2002 under construction)

Relationships
Maiza Avaro - Firo and Maiza are both members of the Martillo Family, and have a mentor-protege relationship. Firo greatly respects Maiza's wisdom, and he cares about him very much - for example, Firo is furious when he learns that Maiza was ambushed in his apartment building in 1935. Maiza similarly cares for Firo, going so far as to use his own body to shield Firo from a hail of bullets in 1930 (granted, Maiza thought Firo was mortal at the time). Both Sylvie Lumiere and Victor Talbot have noted that Firo resembles Maiza's younger brother Gretto, and Victor speculates that Maiza might view Firo in a similar light. Firo trusts Maiza enough to confide in him and share his own insecurities.

Ronny Schiatto -Ronny taught Firo how to fight with a knife. Firo is close to Ronny and is very loyal to him. As of 1935, Firo is unaware of Ronny's true nature, but given that the Japanese tourist in 2002 (the framing device for The Rolling Bootlegs) discerns Ronny's nature from the story that Firo tells, it can be inferred that Firo has figured it out sometime in the intervening 70 years.

Isaac & Miria - Firo is constantly exasperated by Isaac and Miria, finding their absurd tangents and logic hard to follow or otherwise inane. That being said, Firo is ultimately fond of the two, and feels guilty for hurting their feelings after he knocks their dominoes down in 1933. In 1934, Isaac is incarcerated in Alcatraz in order to keep Firo on a tight leash, and Firo is clearly unhappy that his friend is being used against him.

Ennis - Ennis caught Firo's eye the moment he spotted her in front of the conflagration at the granary in 1930. His crush on her only grew when she moved into his apartment. At the time, Ennis had only a minimal understanding of romantic love, and as such was not able to reciprocate let alone understand or even detect his feelings for her. Firo himself was too shy/embarrassed to confess how he felt, so the two spent several years together living in what Ennis almost regarded as a 'sibling-like' relationship. Eventually their relationship did progress romantically, and the two married in the 1980s, going on their honeymoon in 2002.

Despite the fact that Ennis is a capable fighter in her own right, Firo constantly worries about her and prefers her to be out of the way of danger.

Abilities
Firo is formidable with a knife, having been taught by Ronny himself. He is also very capable in unarmed combat, thanks to Yaguruma teaching him some 'martial arts' (what style is unspecified).

He is also a talented gambler, and is extremely good at catching others at cheating.

In order to protect his friends in 1930, he devours Szilard and gains all of his knowledge in the process.

Immortality
As a complete immortal, the only way Firo can 'die' is if another immortal devours him.

Trivia

 * Firo is fluent in Japanese, having learned the language through Japanese film and manga, as well as through Yaguruma. Because he learned some Japanese through Yaguruma, his Japanese has an old-fashioned/older flavor to it.
 * Firo is an atheist.