HEEELLOOOOOOO EVERYOOOOONNNEEEEE! Yuujin Zone here, bringing you the sixth chapter of Living Things! It's been...what? Three months? Yes, three months have passed since I last updated the fanfic. Sorry for keeping you waiting for the sixth chapter to drop. You see, I originally planned to put this chapter back in May and was already completed before the proposed date.

But, when it's time for me to edit it before publishing, I... I contacted COVID-19...

Thankfully, my symptoms weren't severe as I only got a fever, cough, tiredness, sore throat and irritated eyes. I never felt my chest feeling heavy or have not lost any taste or smell so fortunately, I'm not on critical condition. However, when I tested positive, I holed up myself in my mother's room for 10 days along with my two brothers who were contacted and tested positive for Covid. I must have got it from my elder brother as I slept in the same room before he was tested if he has Covid or not. Soon my little brother followed and then I'm the third person to have Covid. My mother and third brother thankfully didn't contacted the virus because we were holed up in two separate rooms, one for me and the other for the two.

Because of Covid, the sixth chapter is delayed for about two-three weeks. It sucks to be quarantined as I'm holed up in my mother's room. At least my stay isn't boring as I have a Switch and PS4 to play games like Kirby and Lost Judgment. All I have to worry as I'm confined is for Covid to go away and hoping my mother and third brother aren't infected. After ten days, I become well again.

Okay, enough about Covid! With the reason why three months have passed without any chapter published from me cleared up, let's go right to chapter six, shall we?

"Damn it, this is getting really annoying..."

Inubashiri whined in displeasure, looking at the website displayed on his laptop. Stretching his arms, the assistant spares a look on the homepage of Franchouchou, which the sentence below the title reads, "You are our 666th visitor." A number like that may instill fear to a superstitious person but he chalks it up as nothing. Aside from that, the only page displayed is the update about the winner of Gatalympics Mud Tarzan event appearing in the new Drive-in Tori commercial, who the assistant knew as Number Zero.

Ever since Arata Okoba take notice of Franchouchou, he has a feeling that one of them, a white-haired girl only known as Number Four, bears striking similarities to an idol from the 80s named Junko Konno. Before he even realized who she is, Okoba has suspected Number Zero when she showed up in the commercial and has a feeling he may have seen her before. With his eyes set on the local idol group named Franchouchou, Okoba and Inubashiri has been researching info about them for a week only to come up empty. A stroke of luck may have appeared in the form of Franchouchou's official website, which looks too bright and outdated but they hoped that the site could have info of the girls.

"...I can't believe none of them are on social media," Of course, as his complaint can tell you, Inubashiri hasn't come up with any info about the girls at all except for their idol activities displayed on the homepage. "There's nothing here except their idol activities." He lamented.

"I kind of like it," Okoba enters the scene holding a cup of coffee, looking satisfied glancing Franchouchou's website. "Feels like they are not letting their times dictate their style." He opined.

"Come on, Okoba-san. You're the one who wanted to look into them." He stated to the reporter taking a sip. "It's been a week and we haven't been able to dig up anything! That goes double for their strange bodyguards too. Damn it..." Looking back at the homepage, Inuhashi wonders who the girls and their bodyguards could be. He hopes that it's not gonna be long before they can dig up even a tiniest bit of info about any of them, as even he is getting a little interested of these mystery girls and boys.

Speaking of the girls, they are busy rehearsing their dance performance for a new song in the training room. With one hand raised above their heads and their feet moving in rhythm of the music, the girls follow Ai and Junko's lead while facing the mirror for better tracking of their movements. Interestingly, the lead voices of the song are the two idols. Being that they are leading the group for an upcoming performance in the future, it's no brainer that the two has to perform well with the others following their dance moves intently for maximum adequacy.

"Stop!" Ai shouted.

The girls stop dancing when she shouted, with Saki turning off the audio player as Ai, with her hands on her knees, tells the girls about their moves and the tempo of the song. "We're still going a little too slow at this part."

"I'm sorry..." Junko apologized, having difficulty matching with the tempo for a while but tried to managed it until Ai told the girls to stop.

"It's okay. I'll just have to match up with you." Despite Ai's reassurance, Junko isn't satisfied with her inability to match up with the tempo, especially since Kotaro told the girls that the two are out in the front this time as the lead vocals. It is imperative for her to do her best if she were chosen to lead the song together with Ai. "I feel bad considering I'm supposed to be the lead vocals..."

"Well, the tempo's faster than usual," Ai didn't deny the problem as she takes a sip from the water bottle. "We'll just have to work on making sure we're perfect for the most crucial parts. I'm going to review the overall flow of the performance, so the rest of you should take a break and watch me if you want."

The girls heeded her advice, letting Ai practice her dance moves alone as the song goes back to the beginning. While resting, they watch the Heisei Idol go through the choreography of the presentation, keeping their eyes open on any possible change of the dance moves, whether it's in her head, hands, arms and legs.

As everyone pays close attention, Sakura has not deviated her eyes off of Ai, perhaps not even blinking. Then suddenly, another flash of memory occurred in her head, and like the first memory, she found herself cheering for a smiling idol singing up on the stage shined by colorful lights.

The idol in question is ｢Ai Mizuno｣, wearing a different idol outfit and pretty much ｢alive｣.

Ah... It happened again...

The memory quickly disappear, leaving Sakura to ponder on what that memory could mean. It is becoming clear she must have known Ai even before they both died and become zombies. Digging deeper, she may have recognized her outfit to be the same as the ones in her first memory she got after founding out she has amnesia. Now, the question lies on how much she knows about Ai Mizuno before either of them died and what she can make out of that second memory.

But if there's one thing she can glean from both flashes of memory, they may occur when she's performing or watching someone perform. It's just a theory for now, but if another memory appeared in her head for the third time, Sakura may have found the pattern needed to get her memories back.

For now, Sakura sets the memory aside for now as she and the girls continue to watch Ai Mizuno rehearse by herself.

"ARIARIARIARIARIARIARIARIARIARI! ARRIVEDERCI!"

"EMERALD SPLASH!"

Sticky Finger's rapid punches and Hierophant Green's hard emeralds bring a swift end to the last colony Stand made up of small, bee-like imps with red eyes and pointy stingers protruding from where the mouth should be.

Kakyoin and Bucciarati watch the colony Stand break in pieces before disappearing in the wind while maintaining a flashy pose that has formed when they managed to find an opening in the enemy. Two seconds later, Kakyoin starts wobbling on his feet before, with a noticeable blush and unconcentrated eyes, falls on the ground. "Uuugggghhhhh... Darn it..." He lets out a groan after catching himself mid-fall, preventing him from kissing the dirt. "My head is... killing me... Can't believe... I'm... still standing... while... drunk (hic)." He rises up slightly, getting in a kneeling position with his hand on his head as the headache pounds on his skull.

"You're gonna be fine, Kakyoin. We just...need to... wait and... go back to normal..." Bucciarati, with one eye closed, puts his right arm around his shoulder and standing up to assist him. "Hopefully, our injuries and drunkenness... disappear too."

"Here's hoping," Letting out a sigh, Kakyoin tries to focus and set his mind straight despite the amount of alcohol circulating in his body. This is the first time he has gotten drunk and it's all because the enemy Stand covertly injected alcohol to their veins, making them inebriated.

Under Kotaro's orders, the seven bodyguards of Franchouchou are out in the city to look for an enemy Stand called ｢Harvest｣ that, according to Kotaro, operates as a colony type Stand consisting of tiny, six-legged creatures divided into six groups consisting of at least 36 of these little critters. The producer believes that Harvest is the cause of people's belongings and possessions going missing, stolen by the tens or hundreds of these little creatures and hauling them off somewhere else. What's curious is that the Stand never went as far as claiming it as their possession. Rather, it only serves to royally annoy Saga's populace by their rampant theft. If that is its purpose, then it is doing a great job thanks to them being invisible to normal humans and small size allowing them to go on to even the smallest cracks of an alley.

After learning the nature of the colony Stand, the zombie Stand users in disguise hit the town using Kotaro's van and search the annoying critters who are causing trouble to the people by stealing their belongings. Surprisingly, when they encounter one colony, it didn't take long before they called the other groups and form one, single group of 216 Harvests...

...Or wait. Are there even more Harvests than before?

Either way, eliminating them is what comes next. Kakyoin, Avdol, Bucciarati and Gyro lay waste to the little Stands attempting to latch on their bodies and attacking them. With Sticky Fingers and Magician's Red making sure that they didn't stay long on their bodies, the number start dwindling down until there are few Harvests left to dispose.

However, the seven underestimated the colony's intelligence because Narancia, Johnny and Mamezuku suddenly got drunk, leaving them unable to attack. They tried to resist it but the amount of alcohol on their body proves too much and before they knew it, they went fast asleep.

Realizing three Harvests have sneakily go under their clothes and injected them with alcohol, the four quickly find one Stand each on their legs. They killed them but by then, they are injected with alcohol and start getting drunk, causing them to wobble and lose focus. In Avdol's and Gyro's case, the fortune teller doesn't bring out Magician's Red because it is radiating too much heat and fire than it needs, probably a side effect of being drunk while the latter is unable to throw his steel balls and concentrate on the Golden Rectangle. That leaves Kakyoin and Bucciarati to tackle on the remaining Harvests, ending up on the roof of a building. While their drunken states and a few attacking Harvests try to impede their chase against the retreating Stands, they ended up cornering them through Hierophant Green's sending out tentacles along the ground and latching on their tiny legs before the chase begun, stopping them from running further.

It didn't take long before the two eliminated them while resisting the alcoholic effect circulating in their veins.

As the two tries to shrug off the intoxication, the sound of cracking glass is heard coming from the two. Kakyoin and Bucciarati's relief in hearing something cracking, words they thought they would never say, is doubled when their vulnerable forms shatter, turning them back to their normal zombie self.

Well, with them being in makeup, it isn't noticeable but the two are aware of them not breathing and their heart not beating, signs that they are very much not alive.

With the effects gone, Kakyoin gets off Bucciarati and stretches his arms up with a relieved smile. "Haaahhh... Thank God it's over. I don't think I can take myself being tipsy anymore."

"Be careful Kakyoin. There's a chance you will suffer a hangover as a result of drinking alcohol." Bucciarati warned him, his mind returning to its normal state as he turns to Kakyoin with a concerned look.

"Oh yeah. Hangover. I forgot the after-effects of being drunk." He rubs his head when he hears that. "Still, we only take a little bit of alcohol so I think we might not suffer a bit of hangover.

"I suppose you're right. That goes to the others..." The gangster turns his head to where he thought the others are below them.

"Well, let's go back and check up on them. Hopefully they are not a little tipsy considering we saw Narancia, Johnny and Mamezuku-san take a lot of alcohol in their bodies." Kakyoin told him, worried of his friends.

"Let's just hope."

With their Stands assisting them, Bucciarati goes first, jumping off the roof and using zipper to slow down his descent to the ground after making sure no one is around below, satisfied of a job well done. Bringing out Hierophant Green, Kakyoin was about to drop off the roof with a single tendril wrapped around his waist when...

"Good job annihilating the enemy Stand."

!?

Alarmed, Kakyoin turns around to face the one who suddenly whispered to his ear...

...only to find no one in the vicinity.

"...Huh?"

ゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴ

Confused, Kakyoin wonders if someone was behind him. Even though no one is around, the redhead knows his ears did not lie. Whoever that got close to him just to whisper a cryptic statement to his ear, they are gone that's for sure.

...Am I imagining it? Or am I still tipsy?

Reminding himself Bucciarati and the others are waiting for him, Kakyoin gets off the roof, wondering along the way of who whispered to his ear.

Someone who knows about the enemy Stands in Saga...

Above the roof of the mansion, Romero sits with its paws on the tiles as the full moon shines its moonlight to the zombies and producer's place of residence. The zombie dog, like all the wolves in fiction, lets out a howl. "AWOOOOOOO!"

At the same time, Kotaro Tatsumi is taking a bath, holding a shower head on his head to brush his hair in preparation of applying shampoo. The sight of a muscle-toned man washing himself is normal. What's not normal, however, is that he is wearing his sunglasses whilst taking a bath. Beyond that, the fact that Kotaro choose to put his glasses on when it's night brings question to his willingness to keep wearing it all the time.

"Ahhh~" Kotaro lets out, swinging his head backwards to let his hair sway along breathtakingly.

The man in shades pump some shampoo into his open hand, only to find it empty. He tries the second one but it's empty too. "Heeeeeeeey... I'm all out of shampoo." He proclaimed, raising his voice up so the zombie boys and girls can hear his plea. Little did he know, the thirteen zombies are in his office using his computer. They are taking advantage of him taking a bath to surf the Internet and look for anything that is needed for them, with Ai sitting on the chair and the zombies standing around the computer looking at the monitor.

As Ai searches the net for idol groups of past and present, Yugiri is curious of the device very much alike to Kotaro's handheld laptop. Johnny and Gyro are also curious like her, with their red eyes looking at the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and computer case wondering what to make of the device that, in their view, looks futuristic and advanced.

"What is this box?" Yugiri asks.

"It's called a computer," Being on her side as always, Lily happily answers for her. "We're gonna look up what kinda idols are big right now."

"Huh. Never thought I would be around to see this thing exist." Johnny commented, turning back to the monitor.

"Hmm, with you saying that this is a computer," Gyro has his hand on his chin as he asks a curious question to Lily. "What about the other thing Kotaro has?"

"Other thing?" Saki repeated.

"Y'know, the one that looks like a...mini...computer the other day?" He described with his hands making a shape of a rectangle.

"Oh, it's a laptop," Lily sees what object he is describing and tells him. "It is like what you said, a mini computer with the same functions as a normal computer that you can take with you everywhere."

"Interesting... The future sure doesn't fail to surprise." Gyro smiles in delight. He has a feeling he's not gonna tire learning new discoveries and oddities of the future.

"Indeed. They really come up with wildest things." Yugiri taps the monitor with her kiseru. Even though it's a light tap, the monitor bends from her act, prompting Ai to straighten it and chastise the courtesan from almost breaking it. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry." She apologizes to her.

"I hope Kotaro-san doesn't catch us." Sakura expresses her worry over Kotaro catching them using his computer and getting scolded. They may need a break from his usual tirade of shouting and jeering.

"Do not worry. We should have at least twenty minutes to spare." Ai assures her.

"Are you sure?" She asks.

"This is the third time I used a computer, after all."

"Huh?" She lets out in surprise. Ai has used Kotaro's computer for a while without him or anyone knowing?

"Actually, this is the fifth time anyone other than Tatsumi used his computer," Bucciarati speaks up. "I happen to use it when he's not in this room and search the net about Passione's status together with Narancia. Also, Mamezuku has his turn after we're done, searching for a town called Morioh. I'm guessing he wants to know how different this world's Morioh is to the Morioh he knows."

"What he said." Mamezuku nodded.

"Passione? Isn't that the Italian mafia group you two used to work in?" Saki asked the two, curious of the organization considering she used to be second-in-command of the biker gang.

"Yeah." Narancia confirms with a nod. "Currently, Passione pretty much has its influence in the entire Italy thanks to Giorno's outstanding leadership, especially when he banned the distribution of drugs. I still can't wrap my head that some unknown boy two years younger than me who Bucciarati showed immediate trust became the leader after usurping the previous boss."

"Two years younger? Narancia, what age were ya in before you bit the dust?" She questioned him, with everyone including Ai waiting to hear his answer.

"Oh, I'm 17."

"17? That's my age too!" Kakyoin exclaims.

"I think I'm 17 too!" Sakura added.

"Really? I didn't know you two and I were both the same age." Narancia expresses his surprise with a grin.

"Hold on, if Giorno is two years younger than you Nara, that makes him what? 15-years-old?" Saki do a simple math calculation and says his age out loud. This causes a wave of awe and surprise sweeping over everyone when they realize that Giorno became Passione's leader at just 15 years of age. "Holy crap... He began leadin' a large mafia organization at only 15!?"

"That's... That's unbelievable!" Sakura said.

"This Giorno boy must have an impressive set of talents and skills if he can lead Passione up to this day." Yugiri guesses, unable to hide her surprise as well.

"From what I have seen from him, Giorno definitely has the qualities of a leader," Bucciarati affirms her statement with a proud smile. "Whatever he is doing now in his 17 years of leading Passione, I only pray for the reformed mafia's continued prosperity."

"Just so you know, Passione is a criminal organization," Ai reminded, resuming typing on keyboard. "They're not morally spotless and have likely engaged in illegal acts. I believe Bucciarati-san and Narancia-kun have likely done something objectionable in the eyes of an innocent. That goes for Saki too."

"Eh, whatever you say." Saki shrugs, taking her blunt words in a stride.

"You hear what Ai said to us, Bucciarati?" Narancia snorted, apparently insulted of her statement.

"I do. Interestingly though, you seem okay to have someone from Passione protect you and the girls." Bucciarati is amused of her critique, taking it in a stride like Saki. "I'm hoping you're not afraid a hardened gangster like me stands guard by your side."

"I'm only stating the fact, Bucciarati-san." She replied with a chuckle.

"I know."

"Hey, hey! Do we have our very own homepage?" Lily changed the subject back to popular idols, asking Ai to go to Franchouchou's official website and see how the they are faring in popularity.

"We do, and I am never looking at it again."

"Huh? Why not?"

"Because it's so lame you'll want to die. Even if we're zombies already."

"...Is it so bad?" Avdol wondered.

"Think of the T-shirts we were forced to wear in Gatalympics and apply the design to the website. That's how lame it is."

Everyone cringed when they remember the shirt's tacky design made by Kotaro and having to wear it during Gatalympics. If what she said is true, then they are grateful from being spared looking at the homepage, which Ai have already seen based on her disgust.

"...I think I shouldn't ask about it." Avdol thought out loud with a displeased look.

Meanwhile, Tae, who is on the same floor as the bathroom, showed Kotaro a clothing detergent for him to use upon hearing his plea of getting him a new shampoo. Obviously, it is not what Shades had in mind.

"Anyway," Ai continued. "After looking around a bit, I'm surprised by how different things are from when I was alive." The monitor shows the many articles about idol groups disbanding for various reasons like a disagreement between members, a group splitting or giving their fans one final show attracting 100,000 attendees. "There are a bunch of groups who are really popular, and when it seemed like they would last, all of them have broken up."

"Idols as a concept go through their booms and busts, after all." Junko stated that fact, knowing from experience when she was alive.

"Wait... Does that mean that right now..."

"Even if that's the case," Ai stops Sakura from saying about Franchouchou's fluctuating popularity. "We still have to try our best. Right?"

"Y-You're right..." She concurs after he little reassurance and smile are directed at her to quell her worry.

"I guess we can check out idol events in Saga." Ai said before typing the keywords and in an instant, the search page changed related to the searched keywords.

"This is so convenient," Junko is impressed of the many articles displayed in a second. "There are so many searches!"

"I never would have imagined the Internet would progress to the point it is inseparable from the everyday lives of many." Kakyoin agrees, smiling of the number of articles scrolled down by Ai.

"Even if I like to live simply as a fortune teller, I cannot deny the benefits the Internet has for everyone years after my untimely death." Avdol is the last of the trio hailing form the 80s to agree and be fascinated of the net.

"Let's start by looking into anything that seems interesting." As Ai said this, one article pique Saki's interest, prompting her to eagerly ask, "Whoa! Is that ｢Saga Rock｣!? Sounds cool!"

"Do you like rock music, Saki-chan?" Sakura asks her friend, seeing how a boisterous and tough would be so into the genre of rock.

"Yeah! Everyone knows how Mentai Rock is a big deal in Kyushu!"

"What is that?"

"You wish to die?"

"You are really aggressive..." Sakura exasperatedly said after hearing her say that for an umpteenth time. If she is not joking, she would be wary of her for months.

"Well, at least I can see why Saki is big on rock music." Kakyoin shakes his head as the memory of Franchouchou's heart-pounding metal performance replays in his head. Especially the part about Saki letting out a roar through a megaphone. Even though she's not awakened yet, that interest has spilled in her mindless state back then.

"If you want to know Sakura, the Saga Rock Festival is the largest outdoor rock event in Kyushu." Ai explains the event exclusive to the prefecture.

"Seriously!? We gotta get in on that!" Saki suggested enthusiastically.

"Well, there's no problem with getting onto a bigger stage but..." Clicking the festival's homepage, Ai shows a picture of audiences cheering for the band performing on the stage and another one showing the entire venue, which is quite big as befitting for a festival.

"Wow! It must be amazing to be on stage with that many people in the audience!" Narancia exclaimed, picturing himself, Mista and Fugo doing the dance in front of the audience.

"Even for a jockey who is used to be ogled by anyone for my horsemanship, do you think you can handle that many people watching you seven?" Johnny questioned.

"I'm totally used to it thanks to press presentations!" Lily told him, having used to it when she was alive and playing the actress role.

"Let's do a good job! I bet if we practice a lot, we'll all make it up there some day!" Sakura encouraged.

"It's not that easy."

Junko's assertion causes everyone to turn to her, surprised of her words coming out of the blue as the zombie continues what she is saying to everyone. "Performing a concert at a venue of this size requires a comparable amount of work."

"Oh. Y-Yeah..." The redhead nodded, seeing she got ahead in thinking they can perform in a venue like Saga Rock.

"It's better to take on diligent step at a time instead of fixating on big dreams." She offered this bit of wisdom, coming from experience.

"S-Sorry..." She apologized after hearing her.

"I get what you mean, but our time frame is much shorter than what others had," Ai provides a counterpoint to her remark, also coming from experience. "The main thing is to find a way to get your name out there. I mean, the group I used to be in was performing in front of audiences in the ｢tens of thousands｣ a year after our debut."

"Only a year?!" Junko is surprised to hear her having to achieve popularity just a year after she debuted. "And you were able to impress an audience that big?"

ドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドド

Seeing Junko might be hanging on her now-outdated way of being an idol, Ai tells her own bit wisdom based on the current view of idols and her experience. "If you're trying to be perfect from the get-go, you won't be able to manage anything. If anything, a lot of fans like seeing groups improve over time, and contribute to that growth."

Reeling in surprise over how much has changed from the then and now, Junko tries to say something but Ai has something more to say, cutting her off. "Of course, that doesn't mean we don't try our hardest every time." At this moment, Ai is browsing the artist section, containing the names of various idol groups such as Melancholy X, Sorry Girls, and ｢Iron Frill｣. A surprised Ai focuses on the enclosed words next to it that reads ｢Special Appearance｣.

"Oh! That's... That's the group you were in, right Ai-chan?" Sakura asks her.

"Where? Where?"

"This one! Iron Frill!" She pointed for Lily and also the others. "They're going to be at Saga Rock!"

"Your old crew is so badass!" Saki praises her. Everyone is either interested or happy to see Ai's previous group slated to be present in the festival, unaware Ai's internal turmoil over seeing the group still existing after ten years. Whatever emotions that are going in her head, it is clear she is...perturbed.

Hm? Ai? The only one who noticed her going quiet in surprise is Bucciarati, who is standing at her side and has seen her expression. He is worried, wondering why did she got quiet all of a sudden.

Meanwhile, Kotaro looks at the soy sauce bottle brought over by Tae. The zombie is peeking from outside the bathroom together with Romero as she assumes the soy sauce is what he needs to wash his hair.

...Looks like I'll be staying here longer than usual if this keeps up. Kotaro sighs, sending Tae and Romero off to find an extra shampoo. Hope he gets to sleep for the meeting tomorrow.

If there's one thing they expect the meeting between the fourteen zombies and Kotaro to go is that the producer would engage in an act before he announces the topic of the meeting. No matter how weird it is and what lengths Kotaro would go to achieve that, everyone is very much treated to the sight of Franchouchou's crazy shaded producer's little show unimpeded of their opinions and growing displeasure. And even if the latter is true, they just have to get used to it.

The zombies except Tae are reminding themselves of that last part as the sight of Kotaro performing a kabuki act provoking raised eyebrow from some zombies. With his legs crouched down, feet flat on the ground, head titled to the side, arms spread wide and palms facing forward, Kotaro brings out his best kabuki performance he ever has. "Aaaaaaaahhhh, my fair laaaaaaadiiiieeeesss of Fraaaaaaannnchoooouuuchoooooooouuuuuuuu. Ohaaaaaaayoooooooouuuuuuuu goooozaaaiiiiiimaaaaaaaassssuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu..."

As everyone gawk in confusion, Tae is seen with her arms raised over her head and legs spread out in an attempt to imitate his kabuki-style act. The producer continues his greeting, ｢kabuki-theater style｣. "Yooooouuuuuu are aaallreeeaaaaddyyyyyyyy in the preeeseeenceee of an idoooooooool maaaagiiiis-"

"ENOUGHT ALREADY! Just get started with this meeting!" Saki irritatingly told him after having enough with his kabuki "show". She can speak for the annoyed zombies too like Ai, Lily, Kakyoin, Narancia and Johnny.

Dropping his act, Kotaro stands up straight and, with hands on his hips, announces, "Okay then. Today, I have some great news for you girls. It turns out that Franchouchou... has ｢fans｣!"

The girls are surprised, and delighted, to hear they got fans.

Pacing left and right, Kotaro continues with his announcement. "The Drive-in Tori commercial and Gatalympics footage have been uploaded online, aaaaaannnnnndddd there's just a little bit of chat about you aaaalllll!"

"There is?" Sakura muttered.

"See, I told you!" Saki is pleased with what she is hearing. "I told you guys Drive Tori was freakin' awesome!"

"Well, good or bad, at least we've got some attention now." Ai offers this fact.

"What're you talking about? This is all because you're gems that sparkle with polish... And that's not all! Our loyal bodyguards happen to have few fans and some recognition too!"

"We have?" Kakyoin said, having expected he and the boys would garner some attention being Franchouchou's bodyguards but not expecting they would have some sooner than later.

"You heard me! While the fans are more interested in the girls, you boys have got some attention thanks to your participation in Gatalympics. An article even called you seven the flamboyant, tall and intimidating bodyguards recruited by one Kotaro Tatsumi, that is me, to stand guard on Franchouchou's side. Isn't that ｢great｣?"

"I suppose it's something good, but can Franchouchou benefit from our presence?" Bucciarati asks him.

"Oh, you have done quite enough for them! You and the boys have disposed ｢four｣ enemy Stands already which includes the colony Stand yesterday and the mannequin Stand who can perfectly copy anyone the Stand touches! Whether it's for Saga's protection or the girls, I'd say you have done quite enough help and protection for them!"

"Uh huh. I have a feeling our occupations as bodyguards isn't going to be ignored completely in favor of the girls." Mamezuku nodded as his own guess about catching someone's eye is unavoidable. The percentage he gave was ｢37 - 59 percent｣.

"Hahaha, very nicely done!" Kotaro starts enacting a Cocco-san's pose with his back turned and a goofy smile. "Drive-in Tori! Like that?"

"No, that's an incorrect pose! Kakyoin, help me show him the correct way of the pose."

"Huh? W-Wait, Sakura! I didn't-" Cherry Boy tries to stop her as he is pulled by Sakura towards Kotaro.

"It's fine! We're just gonna show him how it's done." Number One assures him, who is already performing the correct way of Cocco-san's pose. "To~ri~! Come on Kakyoin! Do the pose!"

"Err..." He tries to bail but soon gives in and, with a sigh, enacts the pose half-heartedly. "To...ri..."

"Oh, I get it! Like this, right? To~ri~!" Kotaro noticeable did a different and silly pose to Sakura's disapproval.

"No, no! Like this! Tori~!"

"Please pay attention Kotaro-san. Tori~."

"Right, right. To. Ri." This time, Kotaro pointed his fingers left and right.

"Wrong. See, it's like what Kakyoin and I showed you-"

"IT DOESN'T FREAKING MATTERRRRR!"

Kotaro suddenly shouted Sakura and Kakyoin, cutting off the former as he proceeds to engage in another one of his loud tirades, causing the two to back away from the approaching producer out of panic and irritation. "WHY EXACTLY DO I HAVE TO MASTER THE DANCE?! DON'T LOOK YOUR POINTY NOSES DOWN AT ME JUST BECAUSE YOU TWO GOT A LITTLE BUZZ, YOU PINOCCHIO ZOMBIES!"

"P-Pinocchio...?" stuttered Sakura.

"SO SIT YOUR POINTY NOSES DOOOOWWWWN!"

Kotaro would have force Kakyoin and Sakura back on their seats by pressing their noses hard but, knowing Kakyoin's already-known irritation of him and not wanting to incur his wrath, he wisely chooses not to, only shouting the last word louder so the two sits back from the volume. It doesn't stop Kakyoin from his compounding annoyance against his action though, marked by his glare.

Geez. Kakyoin sits down as he tries to clear away the ringing in his ears. Wouldn't it be nice if you didn't engage in another shouting rant again, Tatsumi-san? Maybe next time, I will retaliate for sure if you go way out of line...

M-My nose isn't like Pinocchio. And pointy too. Sakura thought unhappily, grabbing her nose with pitiable eyes.

"That being the case," What he says next, switching gears from an irate, shouting man to a calm and focused manager of an idol group. "I want you all to start interacting with your fans as soooooooon as possibleeeeeeeee."

"Right away again, huh?" Saki stated to her chagrin, still not getting used to him annoucning the event they are about to partake in happening sooner than she thought.

"I announced it on the homepage, already!" He retorted.

"Excuse me," Junko chimes in. "When you say interacting..."

"Gotta starts with photo ops, I figure." He ignored her as he walks away from them.

Turning to Sakura, who is still holding her nose out of protection and is likely gonna answer her question, Junko asks, "Minamoto-san, what exactly does he mean by photo op?"

"Well... There are probably gonna be people with instant cameras, not digital." Sakura imitates taking a photo from a camera with her hands, even closing one eye as if she's focusing on getting a better shot for a picture.

"Digital?" Kakyoin repeated, wondering what kind of camera that is digital.

"Hmm, how do I describe it... It's like, they let you look at the pictures right away instead of waiting for a photo to develop."

"Oh! Like Polaroids."

"Huh? Ah! So it's like that?"

Sakura blinks when the two arrive at a wrong conclusion, which is understable considering they thought about 80s tech.

"So we are going to be taking glamour shots with Polaroids..." Junko assumed, thinking she gets the idea.

"I see. That's what Kotaro meant by photo ops, right Sakura?"

"No... That's not exactly right."

"That's basically it, though."

Surprised Ai sees where Junko and Kakyoin are getting at, Sakura asks, "R-Really?"

With everyone's ears on her, Ai explains how the girls are gonna interact with their fans. "Usually there's a mini concert and merchandise sales first."

"Merchandise..." Sakura feels herself wincing and sighing over their merchandise. "it'd be nice if we sold a bunch of T-shirts but..."

"You okay, Yugirin?" Lily addressed the Meiji-era courtesan, concerned if she is finding any of what they are saying confusing at best or incomprehensible at worst. "Are you following all of this?"

"Well, getting confused by what's going on won't help things, so I've decided to just accept things as they come." She calmly replies this, explaining how she isn't at least surprised by the things that came a century after her death. Lily is impressed she chose to take all of it in a stride.

"Camera? Photo? What the hell are they talking about, Johnny?" Gyro asks his close partner, hoping that his answer may help him make sense of their nonsense properly.

"What, you don't know what a camera is?" Johnny raises one eyebrow over his apparent cluelessness.

"Of course I know. It's just that, considering how so much have changed in a century, even if some of them might be unique in this reality, I'm a bit curious. You are curious, right? Don't you want to know the things that came after hundred years have passed? I bet you are!"

"...Yeah, I suppose so." Johnny rubs his head.

"I've got an even bigger project in the works! So you all better make this photo op a GOOD ONE!" Kotaro closes the meeting by enacting the kabuki act again, having high expectations of the girls to not mess the fan interaction up and the boys continuing looking after them.

"Hello! We are Franchouchou! Thanks for comiiiiing!"

Franchouchou takes a bow for the cheering audience as their mini-concert is finished except for Tae, who has her arms raised waving her hands with a dull look on her face. This is seen as an odd act and will make anyone with an open mind be suspicious but they don't seem to care about it one bit.

Among the audience, Okoba and Inubashiri are present, having attended when they heard Franchouchou is performing a mini-concert in Saga Live House Geils, which is also the same venue Franchouchou did as they are starting out, just in a different room. The two journalists don't know that since they haven't a necessary amount of info about these girls.

Also present is the seven Stand Users and bodyguards keeping their eyes peeled before, during and after the performance. After seeing the venue is safe, all that's left for them is to stand guard and make sure everything stays safe and that no signs of an enemy Stand have infiltrated the venue. So far, nothing's amiss and the seven has enjoyed watching the performance and most likely hearing a new song.

Good job girls. You will be earning more fans as you continue. That goes double for you Sakura. Kakyoin commended in his head, especially to Sakura. He is happy to see her so dedicated in being an idol, singing her voice out and dancing beautifully. Of course, he isn't forgetting Saki, Ai, Junko, Yugiri, Lily and even Tae considering they did a great job but among the girls, he seems to favor Sakura a lot. He doesn't find it weird though, chalking it up as because she's the first zombie he met. That, aside from Junko, Yugiri and Lily, Sakura is the friendliest of the girls who looks after everyone out of kindness.

People really showed up. We really got fans now! Sakura thought in disbelief, seeing how her hard work and cooperation with the girls come into fruition in the form of fans, whether they are kids or adults. Remembering the second flash of memory she has, she wonders if she can get another memory if she continues working as an idol. Knowing being an idol is the cause of the brief sense of recollection, Sakura hopes a third memory flash isn't gonna take long. Besides, she did tell Kakyoin about her memory about watching Ai when she was alive and hear his take or opinion. He only confides to him because he's such a calm and welcoming teenager who stood by her side ever since that day, having a handsome smile, charming eyes and a nice figure.

Of course, she hasn't forgotten the other bodyguards, it's just that she favors Kakyoin a lot compared to them.

"W-Well, y'know..." Saki starts saying something to remind the audience of the opportunity to interact them up close after the mini-concert. "Today is a photo op session with Franchouchou and it's crazy to think y'all came to see us, so uh... Thanks!"

After her little speech, everyone starts recognizing Tae as the woman from the Drive-in Tori commercial, with some even calling her Cocco-kun despite Saki's insistence that it's Cocco-san. And then, as if responding to them wanting her to do a rooster crow...

"COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO!"

For an audience this small, their cheering is pretty loud, who are all doing Cocco-kun's/san's pose and Tae's distinct rooster crow. Franchouchou could only awkwardly stand still as Tae continues doing her chicken act.

"Hahahaha! Can't believe Number Zero is riling the audience by being Cocco-kun!" Narancia laughed, addressing Tae by her codename.

"It's Cocco-san, not Cocco-kun, Plane Kid." Avdol corrected, addressing him too by his nickname.

"What are you, Number Two?" He stares the fortune teller with an annoyed look, clearly displeased of hearing his nickname.

"I'm only telling you the correct pronunciation."

"Sure. That makes you sound like Number Two, alright." Johnny sarcastically stated, merely raising an eyebrow over Tae's action. At the same time, Kakyoin, Bucciarati and Gyro tries to keep the memory of being almost bitten by Tae out of their heads when the zombie in disguise starts crowing for the audience.

"We're now going to be selling these original Franchouchou T-shirts and towel." Kotaro announces to the fans lined up to either get the T-shirt or a towel with a cute figure of Romero and the group's name embroidered on it. Sakura and Ai are standing behind the table together with Kotaro, who continues speaking through a microphone for the eager fans. "Anyone who purchases either will be eligible for the photo session!"

Looking at the towels, Sakura wonders, "When did he have those towels made?"

"And what's up with this design?" Ai questioned, staring the embroidery of Romero with sparkling eyes, puppy smile and a heart held in its paws. Since Romero looks like a zombie all the time, she'd think any person with an open mind would question the nature of their pet dog.

After they have purchased the shirts or towels, the photo op session starts as many fans lined up for the desired member of Franchouchou. When the lines are full, someone holds up a cardboard with writings on it that reads, "End of line", which the phrase itself is exactly what it means. The first duo announced to be taken with pictures are Numbers Zero and One (Tae and Sakura) and after that, Numbers Two and Three (Saki and Ai). In the meantime, the bodyguards keep their eyes open and see if there any foul work involved. Earlier, Kotaro explained to the seven on how idol fans can be rabid in meeting with their favorite girls. While he doesn't need to worry about that for a moment considering as-of-yet growing number of fans, he felt the need of informing them just in case. The last thing they need is some fan almost hounding any girls. If it comes to it, they won't hesitate to retaliate.

Without the use of Stand, of course.

Standing in the sidelines, Junko and Ai watch the photo session go, waiting for their turn. Well, it's more like Ai is waiting for her turn while Junko looks a bit anxious. "What... is this?" She demurely asks.

"You take pictures with people who line up for you. This is how we interact with fans." Ai tells her.

"Huh?" Surprise that this is what a photo op is about, Junko could only watch Ai walk as her turn comes up. Looking at the line directed at her, she sees the crowd too overbearing for her own good. While she is okay performing together as a group for an audience numbering at hundreds, having to interact with fans up close is entirely new for her.

Compared to Junko, the six girls are doing well for the group's first interaction with their fans. Watching over them and the fans are their bodyguards, whose menacing aura and intimidating build strikes a chord of fear onto weak-willed fans. Even the wheelchair-bound Johnny exhibits the same aura if his piercing eyes can strike fear to anyone who look at him oddly. Of course, they don't mean it and they usually act normally but some of them are fearful of them regardless.

At the same time, Ai flashes a smile and two peace signs next to a lanky metalhead as Kotaro takes their picture.

ピカット

A bright flash appeared from the camera, shocking Ai so much she shuts her eye. The picture is taken but to Ai, the brief flash, for some reason, disorients her. Feeling afraid all of a sudden, Ai wonders what just happened. That bright flash... Why does it bring her a bad memory?

What... was that...? She only has this to think in response.

After the designated girls are done, it's Junko's, Yugiri's and Lily's turn. As Number Five is instructed to take a picture with a folding screen, Number Four, who is overwhelmed by the prospect of interacting with her fans up close, is sitting by herself with her head down. Sakura and Ai walk to her with the former stating it's her turn. "Junko-chan! It's your turn now!"

"I can't..." What Junko said to the two, surprising them. "I can't do this..."

"What are you talking about? Come on!" Despite her refusal, Ai is not keen on her decision so she reaches to her hand. Junko snatches her hand away with a shout of "No!" before facing her back to the two.

"You've got the most people in your line!" She told her with a frown. "Don't you see that?"

"Being an idol is about dazzling people from up on a stage!" Junko notified her with a glare of her own. "How is this anything like that!?"

She didn't dare lower her volume when she voiced her displeasure of what she is seeing so it's no surprise her little quarrel with Ai has got everyone's attention. They are wondering what's going on between the two, including the two reporters, as Kotaro looks at them just as he was about to picture Yugiri and a fan.

Looking at the two staring each other down with Sakura on the side trying to pacify their bickering, Gyro blinks twice in confusion, asking, "What's going on? Why are Junko and Ai arguing?"

"I'm...not sure," Bucciarati replied, also confused and curious of their altercation. "But from what I heard, it must be related to interacting with fans and Number Four appears to be against it."

"No surprise there," Mamezuku speaks up. "I only take a look of her behavior once and I can tell she may not like this."

"So what now? Should we interfere?" Narancia proposed, turning between her companions and the two idols.

"Kotaro seems to be already working on it. However, it's not anything positive. I can tell from his look" Kakyoin pointed to him announcing to the fans that the meeting is abruptly cancelled due to Ai and Junko's disagreement. He can see that the manager is not happy of his decision and the reason behind such an outcome.

Knowing him, he's going to rip the girls, especially the two, a new one when they go home.

"What the hell was THAT?!"

As expected, Kotaro didn't spare any second scolding the girls the moment they are in the basement.

"I am so disappointed in you all! Y'know how disappointed I am!? If I had to give a metaphor, it's like... Y'know... You dumbasses! Agh!"

With one irritated interjection, Kotaro leaves them be.

Looking at the door where he left, the zombies have never seen Kotaro so angry and disappointed, especially to the girls. His shouting tendencies and pompous attitude were combined to give the girls their chiding. It seems he doesn't care who he is shouting at, equally yelling their ears off regardless of their involvement of the cause of cancellation. As much as the boys want to stop Kotaro, they reluctantly let him scold the girls while they are standing off to the side under Bucciarati's insistence, stating that this is Franchouchou's problem, not theirs.

Coming from a leader of his team back in Passione, he must have known when to voice his displeasure at his team.

"...You understood what you did, right Junko? Running out on a job doesn't just affect you." Ai started, not daring to look at her.

"That's part of the job?" Junko asked, still not getting over the concept of fan interaction.

"A big part of it."

Everyone keep themselves quiet, seeing this is something Ai and Junko needs to talk about.

"But it was so brazen. I don't want to do it."

"Listen. We need people to learn who we are, and then feel like we're within reach."

"But that's the thing!" She exclaimed before bringing up Ai's word from last night and interpreting it in her own view. "And when you bragged about being so successful after only one year, do people really think they can just placate the fans instead of paying their dues?"

"Hah!?" Ai is taken aback of her belief. She has this to say to the Showa Idol. "When did I ever say that? Are you trying to start something?"

"Come on you two, knock it off." Saki starts interfering when she is sensing another quarrel is gonna start.

"Ai-chan, Junko-chan." Sakura is with Saki, trying to pacify the conflict before it gets worse.

Even the Stand Users are unable to look away from this as they start surrounding the two in a semi-circle, with Kakyoin, Avdol and Bucciarati attempting to stop them from arguing more.

"I'm just saying we need to think about what our relationship with our fans is." Junko is not stopping as she continues voicing what she felt to be a problem with the current way of idols interacting with their fans.

"You're the one who doesn't seem to understand what that relationship is." Ai insinuates, seeing she is adamant on the old ways of how an idol communicate with their fans.

"W-What should we do!? What should we do!?" A panicking Sakura blurts out.

"C-Come on, you two! We don't need to escalate things here. Maybe we can-"

"We might both talk about 'being supported by fans', Mizuno-san," Junko cuts off Avdol. "But I think we mean something totally different! An idol shouldn't be independent on the good will of fans!"

Getting riled up, Ai stands up, giving her a dirty look as she told him this fact related to how things change for good or bad. "That sort of above-it-all pride is ｢too old-fashioned｣!"

"You're ｢not exactly current｣ yourself, you know!" Junko remains seated while staring her down with a fierce look. Ai doesn't like what she said, making it look like a quarrel is imminent.

"Please stop!"

"You two, enough!"

Lily's and Bucciarati's pleading and stern words did not prevent the escalation of the clashing ideologies embodied by Junko and Ai. Whether Lily's begging or Bucciarati's blaring command stopped their words momentarily, the two are not keen on agreeing with their words, with Ai giving this statement. "If we're going to be serious about being idols, then thinking like that is going to be a problem."

Shaken up by her words or having enough of it for her own good, Junko quickly leaves.

"Hey, don't ya think that's going overboard?" Saki asks and reprimands her. She may not still get this idol business down yet but as a leader, it's her job to hear what her team has to say and has the right to rebuke someone who's out of the line.

Keeping quiet after all that, Ai takes her leave too against Saki's urging.

A few seconds of silence pass by before it's broken by Johnny's words. "So. Now what?"

Aw man. Is this really happening...? Sakura thought gloomily. Franchouchou would be affected greatly for sure if the two are not on good terms. She has to get all her memories back if she wants to remember what she is before she died. The group's existence depends on it.

Everyone didn't need to answer Johnny's question as they already know what to do: calming Ai and Junko down and, hopefully, solve their clashing ideologies without the need of their altercation.

Eyecatch features Saki, Junko, Tae, Rai and, fittingly, Narancia in an orange garden. Saki and Narancia are eating the oranges, Junko and Rai collects them and Tae manages to form an arc of oranges in her hands.

Eyecatch features Yugiri and Rai bringing over fruitcakes to the table. Sakura is seen bringing over a plate of fruitcake while Kakyoin and Tae are eyeing it in anticipation of eating it.

The sea is calm at this time of day as the setting sun casts its light onto the surface, creating a reflection. With the sky tinted in the hues of blue, orange and yellow accompanied by clouds with the facing sides also tinted with its same hue, it's no wonder anyone would come take a walk along the shore as they bathe under its dim orange light, letting their thoughts wonder or simply enjoy the sound of crashing waves and blowing winds before the cloudy sky gives way to raining.

These can't be applied to Junko however.

After trying to argue with Ai about her issue regarding the current way of idols and bearing her counterarguments with a meek but defiant eye, Junko sneaks out of the mansion to give herself some fresh air to cool her head. Wearing a hat, the Showa Idol found herself on the beach after walking in the streets for few minutes, aimlessly wandering around. Liking the change of scenery and the sound of splashing sea currents, Junko spent the next minute walking the shore, ignoring a couple having fun behind. Despite trying to forget the argument earlier, she found herself thinking back on Ai rebuking her while adorning that steely gaze of hers. She repeats her words in her head in a vain attempt to see her point.

So far, she can't find one.

Feeling weighed down, Junko crouches down to write something on the sand. The writing, which reads ｢idol｣, is soon washed away by the sea after a second of looking forlornly at the word.

Before she can take one more walk and maybe go back, a breeze snatches her hat out of her head. "Ah!" She lets out, extending her hand even though it's out of her reach.

"I'll catch it for you!"

Before she knows it, Junko sees Sakura run past her and makes a jump towards her hat. With a hand extended, it looks like Sakura is about to grab it...

But alas, her hand is only a mere inch away from the brim when gravity pulls her to the sea. If that wasn't enough, the hat is brought back to Junko anyway when the little waves carry the hat back when it floats down.

Picking up the hat, Junko looks at the makeup-less Sakura in concern, who is spitting out seawater out of her mouth. "Yo! Junko!"

Hearing her name prompts Junko to turn around and sees Narancia and Kakyoin approaching her and Sakura, the former waving her hand up as he runs to her. "Oh. Kakyoin. Narancia. You two came together with Sakura?"

"That's right," Kakyoin confirms turning to the now makeup-less Sakura bummed she washed off her makeup for nothing when she sees the hat in Junko's hand. "We were worried for you after your argument with Ai caused you to go out under our watch. Knowing how hard you take her words well, we thought to find you and try to see why you were so troubled by ut. I hope you don't mind some conversation between the three of us. As I said, we were worried."

Smiling at his words of comfort, Junko finds it refreshing after the bickering she caused, happy to have someone talk normally. "Well, if you three want that, alright."

"If I remember right, you and Kakyoin-kun are from a generation earlier than us, right?"

"I'd say about two generations early."

"Two generations early? I believe that makes you two... from the 80s...?"

"Correct. At this point, we will be older."

Sitting under a shade which gives them a view of the sea and the small island in the distance, the four zombies are engaged in a conversation to make Junko feel a little better. Sakura, Kakyoin and Narancia are going to find out what kind of idol Junko was back in the 80s in hopes of seeing what her problem lies in her issue of how idol singers conduct in contemporary times. Sakura does not want to see Franchouchou in disarray due to two idols from different time periods having a clash of ideologies regarding what an idol singer strives to be. While Kakyoin is also in the same time period as Junko, he confessed earlier he is not well-versed with the idol business and only knew Junko from a passing glance. Narancia has only started learning the idol industry, thus leaving Sakura to start the conversation related to the industry by asking the Showa Idol.

"Well, I was just thinking about how I never really asked about what kind of idol you were." Holding a hat given to her to shield her zombie features, Sakura asks her about what it's like being an idol from the 80s.

Hugging her knees close to her chest, Junko replies, "In my time, there was no personal interaction with fans. Maybe meet and greets at most, but..." Shifting her eyes to the calm seas, she reminisces back when she was the Showa Idol as she continues, "Whether it was the stage and the seats, or on the tube and in front of the tea table, there was a clear boundary."

"Wait, the tea table and the tube?" Narancia scratches his head trying to make sense of what the term means. She is not referring to the usual meaning of the words, so he hopes he gets to know what they mean other than its normal meaning.

"I think she means television. It's an informal word." Kakyoin informed Narancia and Sakura. The two thankfully understood.

"It's an idol's job to give people ｢dreams｣," She answered. "I can't imagine giving the fans a chance to see any ｢imperfections｣. At least, that's how it was for the idols I knew..." Memories of the time she was alive and well as a Showa Idol starts flooding in her head. They give her a bittersweet feeling as she continues the conversation. "And much like how I once looked up to them, I wanted to be someone that others look up to... That was my motivation for working so hard, day after day. I was finally starting to feel like I had accomplished that myself. I imagined a future where I would continue to do so."

"Then, when we were headed to Saga for my first tour in Kyushu... That's... when it happened..."

Junko goes silent after saying it.

"When it happened?" Sakura repeated.

"What do you mean by that?" Narancia's narrowed, curious eyes widen to a look of realization and dread as he connect the dots of what she said. Specifically, Junko's zombie form, her sad and distressed expression, and longing look over the sea. "Wait, don't tell me..."

"You...died?"

When Junko turn to her with somber eyes, Sakura covers her mouth over the fear of possibly reminding her of her death. "J-Junko-chan, I'm sorry...! I-I didn't mean to-"

"It's alright. I knew where this conversation is going. You three were curious so as much as I don't like it, I have to reveal it soon." Junko assures her.

"Well, I-I..." Sakura stammered for a moment before she decides to ask about her death. "How...did you die, Junko-chan?"

Despite her trembling fear, Junko, with a heavy heart, is about to tell them when someone beat her to it.

"She died from plane crash."

The three turn to Kakyoin revealing what her cause of death is. Their eyes are full of surprise, Junko moreso, which leads her to ask him how he knew that. "W-What...? Kakyoin-san, how did you-?"

"It was all over the news. I was 12 when I learned your death," Kakyoin looks at her as he explains how he knew her cause of death. "My parents were watching the TV one day when the program they are watching is interrupted by a breaking news about your unfortunate demise. I was with them that day. From what I can remember, the news reported about the plane Junko was in has one of the turbines damaged, causing it to plummet to the ocean. Suffice to say, my parents were shocked from what they have heard and even though I only know you barely, I was saddened to hear your untimely death. In fact, I think...I only known about you mostly because of your death via plane crash. I must have not cared about your status as a Showa Idol back then."

After he finished explaining, Sakura and Narancia take in the info of Junko's death. Of all the things that killed her, it was through plane crash or explosion that has done her in. It is a horrifying way to go, and seeing Junko looking down while trembling in fear over having to hear Kakyoin give details over her death, something he apologize quickly for possibly digging up unfortunate memories of that day, they believe she may have spent her last moments in panic over her imminent death, with the knowledge that there is nothing she can do from that point.

"I know you do not want me recounting your death for Sakura and Narancia, but they deserve to know." Kakyoin expressed his immediate regret to the shy girl. "Also, I'm sorry for only knowing you mostly about your death. I believe you don't want that to be remembered like that by most people so..."

"No, it's alright." Junko shakes her head, a small smile directed to the concerned redhead. "At least I'm...glad someone other than Tatsumi-san knew me, especially when we're in the same time period." Despite her reassurance, Kakyoin can tell she is hiding her fear beneath her benevolent exterior. That said, he chose not to bring up more bad memories for her sake. She has endured enough as it is.

"Junko-chan..." Sakura called her name in concern.

"Not anyone can be an idol. Much less a zombie..." Junko starts wrapping up her conversation with the three. "And if my approach is in the way... I don't think I can stay with Franchouchou."

"What?" Narancia appears shocked of her decision that came to be from being overwhelmed by the current trend of the idol industry.

"Huh?" Sakura widened her eyes.

Having said her piece, Junko goes silent watching the horizon with despondent eyes. Trying not to remember the victims of plane crash, who are likely now part of her stitched-up body that formed her together, she is wondering if she has to avoid Franchouchou from now on by staying in one room in the manor. She is not foolish on intending to settle on another place away from the manor when enemy Stands are lurking about, waiting for her to appear before attempting to kill her. The fight against Black Sabbath, the Stand clothed in Venetian outfit, proved to her that her (undead) life is in danger if she ever goes out without any bodyguards accompanying her. In fact, it was risky taking a walk earlier if danger is in every corner but she really needed to clear her head.

"You're...going to quit Franchouchou...just like that?" Of the three, Narancia takes her word about possibly ceasing being an idol the hardest. Standing up and looking at her eyes, Narancia speaks out his feeling about it. "I...I-I don't think I agree!"

"Narancia?" Junko lets out.

"Your group's next concert has you and Ai as the main lead," He continues. "If you were to quit right now, who's gonna fill in your lead role? Also, having Franchouchou without you in it doesn't sit right with me! Your group would be incomplete without you around!"

"But Narancia, as I said earlier, my approach will only be in the way if I cannot conform to the direction of current idols," Junko repeated morosely. "To me, it signifies that a Showa idol like me has no place in the current times. They have changed from what I have been taught to."

"I know Junko," Nara understands her point but continues being in opposition of her decision. "But there must be a way."

"What way, Narancia?"

"I'm... I'm still thinking about it but if you want to know my answer now, well it's something like... Like..." Scrunching his face, Narancia utters one of the many solutions to Junko's problem. "Maybe you don't have to...adapt to how...an idol interact their fans?"

"Huh? I...don't have to adapt?"

"What do you mean by that, Narancia-san?"

Before he can reply Sakura back, Kakyoin suddenly speaks up after thinking on his proposed solution. "Wait. Narancia, I think you're onto something."

"Huh? I am?" He replied with a surprised expression.

Turning away from Narancia in the moment, Kakyoin turns to Junko and ask a question, now sharing Narancia's feelings about Junko's desire to quit. "Junko-san, if I am curious, are you still confined in the old ways of an idol?"

"Huh?" Looking at the eager teenager, Junko wonders what got him to ask her that.

"Please say yes or no."

Seeing he wants her answer, Junko decides to oblige. "Yes Kakyoin."

"Any chance you want to give the current way of an idol a try? Like taking a photo op?"

Shaking her head, she answers, "No."

"Even if you wish to quit Franchouchou, do you desire to continue as an idol despite being a zombie?"

"Well, to be honest... I want to, but I believe I'll be in Franchouchou's way if I can't conform."

"Actually... Narnacia might have suggested a solution." Kakyoin finally said.

"Eh?"

"I did?"

Wondering what Kakyoin is getting at, Junko, Sakura and Narancia listen to him as he says, "Junko-san. if you are so set in your old ways that having to interact with fans intimately so brazen like you said earlier, then here's my idea that may seem favorable not only to you but to everyone involved: ｢you don't have to｣."

"...I don't have to?" Junko repeated confusingly.

"As in, you don't need to adjust yourself to the current trends of the idol industry," He starts explaining. "Even though everything you know about idols have changed from its beginnings, entertaining your fans has remained the same. The way I see this, you can still be the Legendary Showa Idol as you were known back then without ever adjusting to the modern way of an idol. From that, you do not need to be in the girls' way if the activities are adjusted based on your inclination."

Listening intently, Junko thinks on his proposal about not having to conform while still captivating her fans. Can she do that? Is his suggestion possible? As she said, not everyone can be an idol due to the cutthroat competition and hard work needed to achieve fame. She has achieved that thanks to her tenacity.

While she appears to like Kakyoin's proposal, there is one thing that worries her. Or more specifically, one person. "Do you think Tatsumi-san will accept that? What if he declines?"

"Quite frankly, this is the best I can come up with logically. And knowing Kotaro, I can only imagine it might be difficult to persuade him for sure," Kakyoin concedes her point. "But if he wants Franchouchou to succeed, there's a chance he may let you do your own way of an idol. Loud and rude he is, I don't think he has it in him to interfere the group's work in such a way that impedes the progress of getting Saga's attention."

"...Maybe we should go to him first before I can do what you said Kakyoin. But, thank you for being so concerned about me and the others." Despite her concern, Junko nonetheless expressed her thanks to Kakyoin for suggesting that.

"Actually, your thanks should go to Narancia," The female-looking boy looks at him in surprise when he mentioned him. "If were not for his remark, I wouldn't be stating what I said to you in the first place. That, and he is so worried for your well-being that he is opposed to you leaving Franchouchou and led him to blurt out one possible answer to your problem."

"Hey, all I did was speaking what I think is a solution." He scratches his head as he tries to lessen his role.

"But it's thanks to you that Junko-chan might have a chance to be in Franchouchou while not compromising her way of being an idol," Sakura disagrees, letting her smile show how hopeful she is feeling. "The four of us would be going home with clouds looming over our heads if you haven't said your piece."

"They are right," Junko comes to agree with them as she stands up and looks up to Narancia's eyes. "I have you to thank for saying what you thought to be the best solution to my predicament. Really, I am grateful for you, Narancia-san."

Seeing the three appreciate him for ever suggesting it, Narancia doesn't dare try to downplay what he did. Hopefully, Junko gets to stay with Franchouchou while not dreading on if she has to abandon her old-fashioned way of being an idol and adjust to the current times. At least she is feeling better, something the three have set out to do for Junko.

Letting out a small laugh, he says, "Hehehe, you're making me blush, Junko."

"I hope Kotaro-san comes to accept it." Sakura wishes. If Junko were to quit, the chance of getting her memories back through idol work will take a long time.

"He better be," Narancia stands up while stretching his arms. "Like Kakyoin said, if he wants Franchouchou to succeed, he has to know Junko's demand and accept it without any fuss, especially at the time when she is in the front man together with Ai."

"Oh yeah. About Ai-chan..." Sakura turns to Junko, who guesses what she needs to do, even if she doesn't see eye-to-eye with her. "I have to make it up to her somehow, right?"

"Yes. At least, if she is willing to talk with you." Kakyoin hoped.

A single drop of rain is felt on his head, making him look up and see the gray clouds has covered the sky. It is now evening and after few more drops of rain, it starts pouring down.

"Oh no! Your makeups!" Sakura stands up in panic, seeing they have to go home as their makeups start washing off their faces, revealing their zombie forms.

"Don't worry! It's getting dark so I don't think anyone can see us!" Narancia tries to assure her but it doesn't do anything to quell her rising panic.

"Well either way, we need to get back before our friends are worried we are taking too long outside," Kakyoin stays calm as Junko stands up too. "Come on you three. Let's go."

"Right." Junko allows Kakyoin to lead them, feeling hopeful that perhaps, there is a way for her to stay in Franchouchou while not compromising her outdated ways as a Showa Idol. If she can do that, then she only needs to reconcile with Ai and get her to accept that she doesn't need to follow the current trends of the idol industry.

As the four zombies exit the beach while planning to talk to Kotaro (if he is around) about Junko's predicament, a masked figure wearing a hooded poncho is watching them walk down the sidewalk from above. Strangely, he is not standing on a streetlight or roof but rather, his feet are on stationary rain droplets. This bizarre sight is punctuated more when the masked man starts jumping from raindrops to raindrops, all of which have stopped falling to let him settle his feet as he follows the four zombies covertly...

Wandering by herself as the evening sky starts to darken, Ai is walking back to the mansion after calming down from the outburst directed at Lily. This is something she regrets when Saki scolded her from shouting at the kid who sobbed on Yugiri's arms but she didn't mean to yell at them. She's trying to rebut their claim about how a true idol group needs to rely on each other as teammates that friendship doesn't matter in idol industry due to the hard work involved and that thriving in entertainment isn't easy but she came across as a jerk to the three. She quickly took her leave against Saki's will, running pass Bucciarati and Avdol likely trying to lecture her. They may be looking after her but right now, all she needed is a clear head before she decides to go rehearse.

After all, she is not ready to become a part of history.

Ai is near the playground when the rain starts pouring. Covering her head, she tries to make a run to the mansion before her makeup washes off when a crackling sound is heard accompanied by a flash.

ゴロゴロ...

ドーン!

"AAAAAHHHHHHH!"

Frozen stiff and shell shocked from the rumbling thunder, Ai drops to her knees, not letting her hand off of head in an attempt to protect herself from lightning. She didn't move for few seconds as the fear effectively render her still while her body trembles.

In the midst of the pouring rain, footsteps are heard approaching from behind. Two figures crouch to her level out of concern, especially when they notice her trembling in fear.

"Ai? What's up?" Saki asked, putting her hand on her shoulder.

"Are you alright? You look scared." Bucciarati guessed.

"Let us find some shelter," Avdol suggests, looking at the playground nearby. "I don't think we can go home when Ai is startled."

"Good idea. C'mon Ai, stand up!"

"Well, this is messed up..."

"Indeed... I can't believe I fit in one of these pipes."

"Haha. You're the biggest and broad-shouldered of all of us and it is rainin' hard so..."

"Our makeups are washed off by the rain though. I believe me and Avdol don't need to take cover in here."

"Well suck it up Bucci. We are staying here until Ai has calmed down."

"Bucci?"

"It must be your nickname, Mister Bruno."

Ai looks down with a passive look as Avdol, Bucciarati and Saki talk lightheartedly about their cover place and bringing up Avdol's wide figure that almost prevented him from fitting in a tunnel pipe while Bucciarati only has to duck his head slightly while sitting comfortably. Despite the limited view, the two opt to keep their eyes and ears up so they perceive anything strange that can constitute the presence of an enemy Stands. They are the last thing they want to see right now so they hope a fight doesn't come to it.

After sharing a laugh at Bucciarati's astounded reaction and Avdol spelling it out for him, Saki turns to Ai deliberately ignoring the three as she waits to go home and be done with the day. "...You've got a hell of the look on your face. I guess I do too, though. If I'm being real, I don't get any of this idol or fan stuff, y'know? But when you do anything, it's all about guts. Then comes your crew. That's all you've really got."

ドゴーン!

Saki didn't need to look at Ai when she huddled up to her arm after the thunder roared, again shaking from fear. "I'm kinda surprised you're scared of lightning..."

"It's how I ｢died｣."

Even though they can't see from this position, Bucciarati and Avdol turn to the pipe the two girls are in when they heard her answer with concern etched on their faces.

"Huh?" Saki lets out, now seeing the reason behind her fear.

"Ai," Bucciarati starts speaking. "You died from a ｢lightning strike｣?"

The former Iron Frill leader nods her head.

"...If you don't mind, would you elaborate on your...death?" Avdol carefully asked, not wanting to traumatize the poor girl further.

"..."

After a moment of silence, Ai starts speaking. "It was raining heavily that day Iron Frill's concert is taking place. The venue takes place outside and the group I used to be in, Iron Frill, are performing for the hundreds of fans cheering for us. Bad weather aside, it was supposed to be a normal performance located in Saga, of which being the leader has me take the center stage as the song we are performing for. Then, just as I raised my hand up high in the air... a flash envelope my sight fully... it was an...instant death..."

The three zombies hearing her story are equally surprised, horrified and saddened over her death. A lightning strike, despite being rare, is guaranteed to be fatal when an unlucky person got caught in it. The victim has only a brief second to comprehend it before death envelopes their consciousness or, in an unlikely scenario, survive with crooked wounds lining their bodies that looks like a tree's roots. Either way, a lightning strike is anything but good.

In Saki's case though, she looks more amazed than Bucciarati and Avdol, stating, "Holy crap, girl... That's actually ｢legendary｣."

"Saki!"

The two Stand Users berated her for being insensitive, a sentiment shared by Ai. "That's really not the kind of legend I wanted. This isn't over yet. I'm still here... I-I'm not history yet! I don't care if I'm a zombie, I will get up on stage again, and then-"

ドーン!

"Eeek!"

Seeing Ai so intent on being an idol, no matter the circumstances surrounding it, Saki rubs her head to soothe her, saying, "Guess you were actually pretty fired up, huh?"

Idly listening to her, Bucciarati could only pity her as she took her death hard that almost ended her idol career. Admittedly, he doesn't know much about idols like Saki but from his view, having to thrive within a cutthroat industry could apply to being a part of mafia because all members have to work hard enough to achieve fame or infamy. But when it comes to life-or-death situations, the gangster lifestyle is every bit dangerous due to the ruthless members of other gangs out to kill off any competitors in their turf.

Avdol also pities her, sympathizing with the way their respective deaths are handled, namely that it's so sudden and instant that they didn't have time to comprehend it. Well, they can comprehend their emotions going on before they died like how Avdol is anxious yet intent on pushing Polnareff and Iggy out of danger and Ai singing happily with a wide smile at the climax of the concert. Something that can't take away on their own is their close friends bearing witness to their deaths, possibly traumatised. That is something they don't like to think about.

While he and Avdol sees what Ai hopes to continue after her untimely death, they believe that soon, she and Junko has to make amends before their feud could become a problem that impedes Franchouchou's progress. Keeping the girls safe from enemy Stands isn't the only objective they have as bodyguards.

After Ai has cooled down, she and Saki tells Avdol and Bucciarati they want to go home so they crawl out from the pipe too into the splashing rain.

After stretching her limbs and body, Saki is ready to walk back to the mansion. She beckons the three, eager to get out of the heavy rain and so no one might see them in their zombie forms, even though it's already dark. While Ai and Avdol starts following her, Bucciarati doesn't, who appears distracted by something.

One eyebrow raised, Saki taps Bucciarati's shoulder, asking, "Yo, Zipper Man! What's up? Why do ya look so...alarmed?" She has now noticed how cautious and tense the former capo is.

"Bucciarati?" Avdol also noticed his change of demeanor, walking to his side with a curious look. "What's wrong?"

"...Avdol, take Saki and Ai back to the mansion." He suddenly issues a command, summoning Sticky Fingers with its fists ready.

"What?" Ai looks at him in confusion and concern as she sees his Stand for the first time.

"Go!" He turns his head with stern eyes. "You three need to go! I think... an ｢enemy Stand｣ is here!"

ドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドドド

Upon hearing those two words, Saki and Ai quickly make haste to the exit only to be suddenly blown away by a strong gust of wind. "Whoa!" Saki yelled out, almost getting carried away by the gale only for Avdol to catch her and Ai in his arms. "W-What was that?" Ai wondered, believing the sudden gust of wind isn't natural.

ドゴーン!

Once again, Ai clutches her head in terror with her eyes closed when a thunder roared.

"Hey! What are you three waiting for? Go!" Bucciarati sees them having not left the playground yet and ordered them again.

"I'm sorry Bucciarati but I'm afraid I have to stay with you. Just having you fight an enemy Stand by yourself does not sit well with me." Avdol decides to stay as he puts Saki and Ai down, the former crouching to comfort the traumatized zombie. "I have to assist you in any way I can."

Despite seeing his resolute eyes, Bucciarati is against his decision, especially when the two, who turned human as a sign an enemy Stand is in their vicinity, are still with the two Stand Users. He doesn't doubt Avdol's abilities as proven by their fight against the invisible zombies and its user but right now, Saki and Ai's safety takes priority and Avdol is the one who must lead them to safety.

Before he told them to move out, the miniature clouds sparkling with lightning, the ones that has distracted Bucciarati when Saki told him to leave the playground, starts growing in size before taking shape. He noticed this along with Avdol, Saki and Ai who stands up after calming down from getting shaken in fear as they watch the clouds form into a muscular humanoid Stand that has pair of eyes with vertical stripes, spikes protruding atop its head, wisps of clouds on its shoulder and knees, knuckle braces on its hands and wing-like clouds on its feet resembling the shoes of Greek god Hermes.

バーン!

As the enemy Stand finally makes its appearance, the four become vigilant of the enemy as rain continues pouring from the darkened sky.

"Come on... Stand up... Stand up!"

Johnny implores himself as he pushes his body up from the wheelchair. This is the fifth time he tries standing up and each attempt of getting up has been met with his legs giving out the slight tingling of sensation that is starting to be felt on him, landing him back on the seat. When it appears he is starting to balance himself without anything to hold on, the outcome has remained the same as he sits back on the wheelchair. "Oof!"

"No good?" Gyro assumed watching him struggle to stand up. Mamezuku, Yugiri and Lily (who has calmed down) also watched him standing up and failing while Tae has her attention somewhere, waiting in the living room for their friends to come back.

Sighing in frustration, Johnny gives up for now, replying, "Yeah. I guess I have to wait for few more months before I'm able to stand up without needing the wheelchair. And even before I can walk normally, I may need the cane to support my composure when my legs are still restrictive even after standing up."

"Well don't fret Johnny. Shades did say the progress will be gradual as the months pass by," Gyro pats his shoulder with a smile. "It may take long for you to fully regain your legs but when that day comes, you won't need a wheelchair or cane anymore. Just have patience. It will pay off in the end."

"Here's hoping. Heh, guess I got impatient." Johnny chuckled.

While everyone is searching for Ai and Junko, the remaining six choose to stay in the mansion and wait for them to return. Having been brought to tears by the two idols' argument and Ai's harsh words, Lily is being comforted by Yugiri, who hugs the little girl and rubs her head while assuring her that everything is alright. When the two learn what brought her to tears, Johnny and Gyro believes Ai's behavior is unwarranted as even if she has a point of entertainment being hard, she doesn't need to be angry about it. She should have said it calmly. Mamezuku ony learned about what happened when he got back after trying to find Kotaro, and while he agrees with her remark to Yugiri, Lily and Saki, even he thought she was harsh.

As for where Kotaro is, Mamezuku believes he went somewhere because the van is not parked outside. Considering he and Tae cannot find the producer everywhere in the mansion, probably finding a venue for Franchouchou's next performance, the plant appraiser draws this likely conclusion and relays it to the four when they got back. That is when he and everyone aside from Tae watched Johnny struggle to stand up and failing. If they haven't know about Stands and Spin from both Kotaro and Gyro, they wouldn't think Johnny has a chance to regain the use of his legs again.

"If I were to interject," Yugiri speaks up to get their attention as she is curious of one thing that may help Johnny's poor legs. "Can you use the ｢Spin｣ to heal your legs, Johnny-han? You told me that you managed to walk again through this technique Gyro-han passed down to you."

Remembering their talk about what Johnny's country is like during the end of 19th century when he went off-topic to satiate her curiosity about his struggles before and during Steel Ball Run race (Yugiri also compared some aspects of America to something else based on her understanding, much to Johnny's perplexed amusement), Johnny, after Gyro gives him an okay as he believes there's no harm in telling them about the Spin, acknowledges her remark but he has this to say. "While it is true I learned the secrets of the Spin to get my legs back, it was not until Gyro told me about a level of the Spin formed through riding a horse. This is after I told Gyro that I am close to regaining my legs and how I will not stop until I am ｢above negative｣."

"A Spin through riding a horse?" Lily repeated.

"It's like Johnny said," Gyro takes over from Johnny as he has the most knowledge, seeing they may disclose more of the Spin in the coming months. "The stirrups were invented in the Middle Ages to absorb the power of the horse of its rider. As the Golden Rectangle is required to properly utilize the Spin's properties, a horse naturally galloping at its pace produces energy that is transferred through the whole body coming from the stirrups. If one is able to harness the perfect rotational energy of a horse, an ｢infinite Spin｣ is created."

A look of amazement is present on Yugiri's and Lily's faces with the latter exclaiming, "Wow... That sounds amazing!"

"It is. Perhaps you can walk again if you were to perform this Infinite Spin, Johnny-han," Yugiri guesses. "It will be a miracle for you."

"Well, I would have done that shortly after finding out I can't stand up if there are horses available," Johnny shrugs with a sigh. "I hope Kotaro knows that me and Gyro work best if we have horses."

"Yeah. He better make sure he can bring a horse for us to use. Although, I would like it if Valkyrie and Slow Dancer are the horses we want."

"Are they the horses of your choice?" Mamezuku inquires after silently listening the two, specifically about the Spin formed from a horse.

"Yup. A stock horse and an appaloosa are the horses we used during the race. I wouldn't be home without Valkyrie." The Italian smiles in fondness of the 4-year-old horse with Australian roots that was chosen for its stamina and durability.

"Same goes for Slow Dancer." Nail Jockey added, not regretting getting battered around trying to get on the stubborn appaloosa which got Gyro's attention that made him taught the Spin technique.

Eyeing the two jockeys hailing from the America in the 19th century, Mamezuku sees that his he may get along with these better thanks to them knowing the Spin. If he can describe in his own percentage, it's about ｢61 percent｣.

An amplified Spin formed from a horse galloping at its pace... Sounds impressive. I'm already interested at these two when I heard they are familiar with the Spin, more than any zombies in this house. That doesn't mean I have become fine living with the others and Kotaro but seeing that they appear to be experts, I wonder if I can learn a thing or two from them. While I think I might use the miraculous technique in my own way, maybe I can augment the Spin through my Stand's ability. I have known the Spin ever since I was young and have only demonstrated it through twirling a rope, so perhaps I can finally able to master it.

"Urrgghhh."

"Hm?"

Feeling his leg being nibbled, Rai looks down and sees Tae is lying on the floor with her back, currently biting his left leg as if it's food to her. Unfazed, Rai gets his leg off her mouth and calmly says, "Tae-san, stop biting me. I'm not food."

"Auunnggh." She moaned in response, looking up with her eyes on his. She seems to be pleading him to continue nibbling his leg, at least that's what he can gather.

Giggling from their interaction, Yugiri asks, "You two sure are interesting to have around."

"...What makes you say that?" Mamezuku seems to be slightly insulted, raising one brow.

"You always have your eye on Tae-han for many months," She answers, her breath fogging out of her mouth as she speaks. "I believe you are still analyzing her behavior without stop?"

"It's to past time," He shrugs dismissively, ignoring the still not awakened zombie trying to latch on his back. "I don't have anything to do other than protecting the girls and talking with someone I have my interest on."

"You sure are weird, Mamezuku-san," Despite saying that, Lily isn't bothered of his conduct as she smiles at the sight of the two interacting in their own, weird way. Feeling chilly, she wraps her arms around as her body starts shaking with a look of discomfort. Johnny took notice of her, and he asks, "What's wrong Lily? Are you shivering from the cold?"

"Y-Y-Yes. I-It suddenly g-got...c-c-cold..." She stutters her words, shuffling close to Yugiri.

"Indeed. I can even feel the air freeze." She pointed out, scooping up Lily and wrapping her arms to warm her.

"I think I can see some ice forming in the glass!" Gyro looks at the door where the embedded glass starts forming ice on it.

"W-Well, I t-think we need s-something warm. I d-d-don't think I c-can take this c-cold," Johnny wraps his arms around his body like Lily. "I-It's getting c-c-colder now!"

Just then, Mamezuku starts walking around the living room, turning his head with eyes peeled as he seems to be inspecting the room. He is followed by Tae, who along with Mamezuku doesn't seem inconvenienced by the drop in temperature. Everyone looks at them curiously, wondering what are they looking for. "Rai? What's up?"

Facing them, Mamezuku asks this question with a cautious look. "You four. Can you feel your hearts beating?"

"What?"

ゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴ

As if becoming aware when he asks them, the zombies realize that they can feel their hearts beating. Not only that, they see they are breathing, letting out air from their mouth or nose that becomes cold from the freezing air. Those things wouldn't be possible as a zombie, so to see and feel they are breathing fine and sense the cold air in the room all of a sudden...

ビシッ ビシッ ビシッ

!

"Wha... What was that!?" Lily holds on Yugiri in panic, whipping her head around to find the source of the sound.

Remaining calm in spite of the unnatural situation, Mamezuku's eyes settled in the corner of the room far from the six when a lump of ice has formed. The ice grows big and takes a shape as the plant appraiser can only guess the situation to the four now-vulnerable zombies. "It appears...an enemy Stand has found its way here to eliminate any of us."

As soon as he said that, the lump of ice has taken a complete form of a skeletal creature with a head of a pterosaur and multiple limbs with talons on them, making it resemble a centipede.

ガシャンッ!

The ice shell shattered, revealing the skeletal enemy Stand letting out a vicious cry to the now-alerted zombies.

In an alleyway somewhere, a lone figure leans against a wall on their back, not caring they are soaked from head to toe from the rain nor bothered of the rumbling thunder and flashing lightning. The figure is covered entirely in darkness, concealing its appearance except their silhouette. At first, they say nothing, only leaning idly without a care for the world. Then its eyes open, revealing icy, blue eyes that floats in the dark.

"It appears..." The voice sounds composed but eerie as the male stranger let out a declaration. "All the fourteen zombies are facing the three enemy Stands. I can only pray for them to succeed lest death comes to them the second time..."

The enigmatic figure takes his leave in the dark, seemingly vanishing without a trace.

To be continued

Stand Analysis:

Harvest

Destructive Power: E
Speed: B
Range: A
Durability: A
Precision: D
Developmental Potential: C

A Colony Stand made up of bee-like creatures about 216 or more, what these units lack in strength and precision makes up for the strength in numbers as they have the capacity of overwhelming someone if hundred of these little Stands grouped together and take on one opponent. Their small size allows them to sneak under people's clothes or belongings without any of them ever noticing and their sharp stingers can potentially used for injecting any liquid like alcohol or attack their eyes or even a carotid artery. With all of these in hand, Harvest could potentially be a dangerous enemy if they weren't all simple-minded and focused on stealing any object they have their tiny hands on.

Aaaaaannnndddd DONE! Another chapter finished!

Like the episode this chapter was based on, Ai's death of getting struck by lightning and Junko dying from a plane crash is revealed as the two get in an argument over how an idol should be, with Junko wanting to be perfect to fans and Ai emphasizing on interacting with them up close. Of course, because this is a crossover with JoJo, some deviations from the episode are to be expected as shown here and in the previous chapters. This time however, a major change pits all the zombies against three enemy Stands. I believe most of can guess who the enemy Stands are and what zombies they are attempting to kill.

The next chapter will show three fights happening at the same time, which is an original chapter. While some scenes have deviated from ZLS episodes to accomodate the JoJo elements and characters, this is the first major divergence and the next chapter will follow it with three battles apiece.

Also, it's about time Narancia, Johnny and Rai get to use their Stands. I believe some of you are waiting for them to get in a fight, so don't worry. All the zombies are involved in the coming battle, I just have to worry on how I should plan the fights.

Say, remember when I said that this fanfic may feature romance back in chapter three? Well guess what...

...It's still a hard 'maybe'. *shrugs*

That said, aside from Sakura and Kakyoin, I get to write interactions between some of my chosen paired zombies, especially Narancia and Junko and Rai and Tae. As of now, I'm still iffy on whether I should include romance and have some of them start a relationship for real, especially between Sakura and Kakyoin. Of course, I'm aware that idols are forbidden from ever dating but it's not like I'm following that.

In fact, my most favorite pairing is between Narancia and Junko. Having a shy patched-up zombie in sailor fuku getting along with a boy who looks like a lady with short temper and childish demeanor seems so perfect in my book. I'm looking to see these two get along more, especially the eighth chapter, which adapts episode seven of ZLS...with a twist regarding Junko's hiatus from Franchouchou.

Is there anything left for me to say...? Ah yes. Have you guys read Zombie Land Saga: The First Zombie and Crazy Diamond's Demonic Heartbreak? If you did, then good for you! If not, please read it! The First Zombie shows Tae Yamada back when she was alive battling demons called Sagako and Demonic Heartbreak revolves around Hol Horse and Josuke before Part 4 happened. Oh, Kakyoin has a cousin. I'm thinking on what is revealed in both mangas added to this fanfic as I'm liking what these two mangas show that expands the lore of both series. Again, please read these two mangas if you are fan of JoJo and ZLS! The chapters may published monthly and go on one month hiatus but it will be worth it!

Oh, and yeah, there's that mysterious figure in the tail end of the chapter too. I wonder who he could be...

As you wonder how the three next fights shall go, I'm taking my leave. Please stay safe and hope that some of you don't get infected by Covid like I did. I don't want any of you go sick under my watch as your lives are precious.

With that, I bid you adieu~.