Honor Among Thieves (Villain Week 2023)

Cap'n Merritt is speaking with his first mate Pierrick Avalet, cheerfully describing an activity he and Masked Malice did together with their families. Pierrick expresses surprise that Malice would agree to such an outing, but Merritt assures him that they talked out the issue of Merritt discovering Malice's secret identity. Pierrick then asks about Blood Rose, knowing that her secret identity was also in the comic that Merritt read. Merritt realizes that he never told her about this.

Later, Merritt confesses to Rose about what he knows. Rose takes it in stride, but is surprised to learn that Merritt got away with learning Malice's secret identity. She emphasizes how much of a big deal this is, noting that not even his closest friends know his secret identity. Merritt, catching on to Rose's feelings about her friend, warns her that she's not going to compete with Malice's wife. Rose is surprised to learn that Malice has a wife.

On his way back to the villains' lounge, Merritt is confronted by Sanry, who overheard part of the conversation. Sanry chews him out for being careless with his friends' secrets, again emphasizing how big of a deal secrecy is to Masked Malice, before storming off angrily.

Merritt, realizing his mistakes, confesses to Malice about what he said to Rose. Malice is displeased, but is consoled with the knowledge that Merritt didn't reveal any specific details about his wife. Regardless, he warns Merritt not to make any further mistakes, or there will be consequences.

Later, Merritt approaches Sanry, letting him know how the conversation with Malice went. He also apologizes for his past actions against Sanry, citing, among other things, the events of Villain Week 2016. He also confesses to reading Sanry's backstory comic, Partners, which particularly opened his eyes to Sanry's self esteem issues. He tries to approach him on this matter, but Sanry rebuffs him.

Later again, Merritt speaks with Pierrick about the issue, who consoles him and advises him to work on his own issues and let the others sort out their own. Merritt expresses concern that, as villains, the others may never sort out their issues, but Pierrick is optimistic. Either way, cutaways to Sanry and Malice reveal that neither of them are handling their respective issues very well.