Silence lingered in the air as everyone's eyes were on Kakyoin and Avdol, the two Crusaders who went on a journey towards Egypt to kill a vampire. With the guys occupying room 606 for the time being to listen to the whole story together with the girls, who are wearing their casual clothes currently used as stage outfits, they are waiting for them to begin.
After staying silent and thinking of what he should say together with Avdol, Kakyoin opens his closed eyes and asks, "…Alright. Is everyone ready to hear what we have to say?"
"Yes Kakyoin," Sakura nodded, speaking to everyone yearning to learn about their adventure before they died.
Taking a deep breath, Kakyoin begins telling the Stardust Crusaders' journey toward Egypt, "Okay. So repeating what I said before, me and Avdol went to Egypt with our friends in order to kill a vampire whose mere existence is causing one of my friend's mother to fall ill and in danger of dying."
"Uh huh. Who are these friends you two had?" Saki inquired, resting her jaw on her hand on a table.
Smiling in fondness as he remembers their faces, he answers, "The mother's son is 「Jotaro Kujo」, who is the grandson of Avdol's friend, 「Joseph Joestar」, a Frenchman named 「Jean Pierre Polnareff」 and lastly, a Bosten Terrier named 「Iggy」 who was recruited by Speedwagon Foundation when we finally arrived at Egypt, making our group six members in total."
"Huh? You have a dog join your group?" Ai questioned skeptically.
"Yes, because he has a Stand called 「The Fool」, which allows him to manipulate sand, which makes him perfect to be in Egypt given it's a sandy country," Avdol explained.
The idea of an animal gaining a Stand doesn't fail to surprise the revived zombies aside maybe Bucciarati and Narancia. Unable to wrap her head around the possibility, Junko says, "So a dog has a Stand like you two? C-Can animals actually gain a Stand as well…?"
"It is possible. I believe any living beings have the capacity to gain a Stand if they have strong wills, be it a human or an animal. Maybe even a plant. And I have to tell you, Iggy is quite a feisty one when I first saw him even after I tamed him, picking up quarrels with Polnareff often," Avdol lets out a chuckle at the memory of his first meeting with Iggy. He had to be careful taming the Boston Terrier unless he wanted to have the dog latching on his face and biting his hair or getting sand to his eyes, mouth, hair and clothes back then. He is happy his efforts paid off by recruiting him.
That said, Iggy seems to not like being part of the group, being indifferent to any of them while outright lashing against Polnareff, getting himself farted on and have his tall silver hair bitten in the end. Good thing coffee-flavored gum, Iggy's favorite snack, was brought over to placate him.
"I see. If Iggy has a Stand, is it safe to assume the other three have Stands too?" Bucciarati guessed. Kakyoin nodded in confirmation.
"That's right. Jotaro's Stand is called 「Star Platinum」, Joseph's Stand is 「Hermit Purple」 and 「Silver Chariot」 is Polnareff's Stand."
Just the mention of Polnareff and Silver Chariot causes Bucciarati and Narancia to raise their head in recognition. They were at least familiar with him before their deaths, so they already guessed who he is and what his Stand is. It is possible they could learn more who Polnareff is from these two, seeing they were friends with him.
"Now that we know your friends are Stand Users," Yugiri began, "What kind of ability their Stands have, you two? Will you share it to us?"
Avdol obliges, "Jotaro's Stand, Star Platinum, possesses supreme strength, precision and speed capable of punching an enemy rapidly without mercy, Hermit Purple manifests as thorny, purple vines coiling over Mr. Joestar's arm that allows him to create pictures of faraway places or people whether on cameras or television, and Silver Chariot has a rapier to rapidly skewer its enemies. It was even capable of shedding its armor to amplify its speed, to the point of creating afterimages."
Whistling in interest, Gyro remarks, "Wow. Your friends sure got impressive Stands. Their powers seem simple on paper, but I believe they're quite formidable."
"Well, Jotaro has the most powerful Stand we've seen so far. Combined with his quick thinking, he's a valuable and dangerous ally." Kakyoin chuckled, "In fact, when I fought him against my will, I get to face his sheer might and fortitude when Star Platinum punched Hierophant Green on its face."
"Eh? Star Platinum punched your Stand?" Lily repeated, staring at him along with others in surprise, "Why is that?"
Kakyoin shuts his mouth when he realized he let that out, "Oh, well… It's because… I was controlled by that vampire the Crusaders were hunting using his flesh bud. Ironically, if I haven't fought Jotaro, he wouldn't pull the flesh bud out of my brain using Star Platinum," he lowered his head in shame due to having he bowed before DIO even if he tried resisting the vampire's allure.
"The same happened to Polnareff too when we were in Hong Kong. I fought against him before Jotaro removed the flesh bud after," added Avdol.
At this point, everyone is itching to learn the name of the vampire already. Prompted by this, Mamezuku asks, "Who, exactly, is this vampire?"
Seeing everyone is growing impatient with the suspense, Kakyoin finally reveals the name of the vampire, "His name is 「DIO」."
This is the first time they heard that name, and yet, some of them, like Sakura, Ai, Junko and Lily become afraid from the name alone. For some reason, this DIO guy sounds like an intimidating man, to the point that his existence motivated Kakyoin, Avdol and their friends to go to Egypt and stop him.
Of the twelve zombies that are listening however, Johnny and Gyro are the most surprised upon learning the vampire's name. Having known Diego Brando, or his nickname Dio, they are flabbergasted that this world has a man with the same name, or nickname in their case, as their jockey rival. Even if it can be explained as being in an alternate universe, they got themselves thinking too deep about the same name topic.
Noticing their behavior, Narancia asks, "Hey, why are you two so surprised and acting like what Kakyoin said struck you to the core?"
"Huh? Oh, you see…" Everyone turns to the western duo as Johnny wonders on how he should explain that he and Gyro knew someone named (or nicknamed) Dio, but Gyro gets to him first before he can say more, "It's because we know someone named 「Dio」 too back in our universe."
"What!?"
Kakyoin and Avdol go wide-eyed when they heard the reason why they're surprised. The same goes for everyone else except Tae.
"You heard me. When me and Johnny were in the race back home, we earned ourselves a rival named 「Diego Brando」, or Dio as he is most known. He's one obstacle in our pursuit of the first place and combined with his tenacity, skills and mutual rivalry, he's a formidable opponent," he elaborated more, ignoring his mouth tasting something terrible just from mentioning his rival determined to win through any means necessary.
"I… I never would have thought someone named Dio was present on your world too," admitted Kakyoin, "Tell me. Did this Diego guy did something heinous like our DIO did?"
"…Well, there's a rumor that he married an 83-year-old woman only to kill her six months later just to inherit her fortune," Johnny clicked his tongue in disgust.
Multiple gasps erupted from everyone after hearing it, "How horrible...!" Yugiri summed up their thoughts.
"Aside from that, he's quite ruthless. Every time we cross paths with him, he attacks us, so we didn't hesitate to fight back on horsebacks because we don't like him taking the first place that belongs to one of us," added Gyro, "So! Now that you all know who Diego is, can you tell us what kind of person your DIO is, Avdol and Kakyoin? He can't be as bad as Diego… right?"
The two looked at each other hesitatingly for a moment. Considering what Diego was like and his worst actions were, it seemed like he's actually not a lot worse than they thought. Even his ruthlessness and rumor of him inheriting an elderly's fortune pale in comparison.
Anyway, they proceed to narrate who DIO, or Dio Brando as he is used to be called, is. Based on Joseph's statements that he asked from his grandma, they reveal how he tried to make Joseph's grandfather Jonathan Joestar's life miserable, how he became a vampire after killing Jonathan's father using a Stone Mask, successfully killing him when he was reduced to a head on a ship after being supposedly defeated, emerged a century later after grafting his head to his body in a coffin, allowing him to survive, how he caused trouble even before he gained a Stand, which caused both Jotaro and Joseph to gain their Stands because they are descendants of Jonathan that DIO was using but also caused Jotaro's mother Holly to become ill from her incompatible Stand, brainwashed Kakyoin and Polnareff, the latter joining them in order to find the man with two right hands that killed his sister and were allied to DIO, encountered Avdol to make him his slave but he escaped for his life thanks to Joseph warning him, sent assassins to hinder and kill the group during the journey and attempted to kill the remaining Crusaders when the sun has set and after Avdol and Iggy died fighting against one of his minions.
Suffice it to say, just the explanation alone is enough for everyone to picture how monstrous and vile DIO is. The simple fact that he became a vampire after he failed to steal the Joestar's fortune and goes on to try and take over the world out of desire to reign supreme above humans who he believes are all inferior as a vampire really leaves an impression.
Among their reactions, Saki and Narancia are gritting their teeth in anger, Sakura, Ai and Junko are absolutely terrified, Bucciarati, Mamezuku and Yugiri have stern expressions but frowning heavily, Lily quivers in fear and hugs Yugiri for comfort, and Johnny and Gyro are aghast to hear DIO reach such lengths to gain power compared to Diego. Even Tae is growling and baring her teeth in anger, apparently having listened.
"T-To think…Someone like D-D-DIO… ex-existed…" Sakura stammered in fear, being a little glad she didn't get to encounter him after hearing who DIO is, "I-If what he did is horrible enough after he became a vampire, I d-dread to guess that his Stand is q-quite powerful..."
Kakyoin chuckled mirthlessly. "You're right on the money Sakura. DIO's Stand, 「The World」, is one of the most powerful Stands I've ever faced. In fact, I died against him to kill me after in my attempt to know the secret of his power. It's… something I can't seem to… get over," he sighed, his hands subtly hovering over his abdomen where his patched-up wound is.
"Huh!? Did… Did you say DIO… k-killed you… using… The World!?" Sakura's exclamation puts everyone's shocked eyes on Kakyoin after he confirmed the one who killed him is none other than DIO.
"That's right. DIO killed me when The World rammed its fist into me and hurled me to a water tank," he nodded uncomfortably, thinking it's about time Sakura and the others learn who killed him and how he died almost thirty years ago. He even showed his bandaged abdomen, leading them to gasped in shock.
"Oh man... That sounds brutal." Narancia winced over the sigh, something everyone shared. Avdol, Bucciarati, Sakura, Junko and Yugiri gave him sympathetic looks. As for Mamezuku, he sees Kakyoin suffered the same fatal injury as him, the difference being the method of his death and receiving smaller wounds on his head and his left shoulder. He again shakes his head to stop thinking about his death.
"You have no idea Narancia," he sighed, feeling uncomfortable recounting his death. He knows it is necessary however, so he has to push through and describe more of his death, "The moment I think victory is in my hands, the next thing I know, I'm in a water tank with a large gaping wound overflowing with blood and water getting mixed up. As I briefly agonized over the wound I got, I set my mind on how DIO managed to break through the 20-meter radius web without triggering the sensitive tendrils and shattering all the emeralds at once, the purpose of which finding out The World's elusive ability. After giving it much thought, I fortunately figured out what The World's ability is. As I was on a brink of death, I used the last of my strength to fire an Emerald Splash to a clock tower, destroying it as a clue for Joestar-san. My last thoughts were hoping Joestar-san to figure out my last message and impart it to Jotaro and Polnareff."
"Well, considering our world is fine, I believe you succeeded on delivering the message Kakyoin," Avdol commended with a hand on his shoulder and smile, being proud of him managing to expose DIO's secret and causing his defeat, "If not for your quick thinking, DIO would have won."
Kakyoin smiled in return, grateful of his small comfort after reminiscing the circumstance of his death.
"Okaaaaaay, it's really sad you died fighting against DIO," admitted Saki, wishing to beat up DIO personally for his misdeeds, "But there is one thing I'm still wondering about… What is his Stand's ability? You still haven't told us, Kakyoin."
"I was going to tell that, Saki," stated Kakyoin, "DIO's Stand, 「The World」, can-"
"Stop time. Did I get that right?"
Johnny is the one to answer it, absolute conviction on his words as everyone turn to him, especially Kakyoin and Avdol, in curiosity and surprise, the latter mostly from the two former Crusaders.
"Eh? What… What did you said, Johnny?" Kakyoin asked.
"The World's ability is to 「stop time for at least five seconds」. Am I wrong?"
"Uh... Y-Yes... That's right..." Kakyoin confirmed in more surprise. Confusion sets in as he asks, "How... How did you know?"
"…It's because I fought against 「another Diego」. Who has the same Stand and power as DIO."
Everyone got more surprised, but moreso for Gyro. "Waaaaaaait! Waitwaitwaitwaitwait! Y-You! You're not… messing with me, right? Did I heard that right?! You fought against another Diego?"
"…Yes Gyro."
"H-How?! When did this happen?"
"After I killed Valentine and I was in the last leg of the race in the streets of New York."
Gyro mused on this for a moment, "…Did he travel to another dimension and recruited that Diego?"
Johnny nodded, "He did. I didn't expect him to use the last of his power to stop me."
"Wow. That… I have no words except it gave me another reason to hate Valentine."
"I sympathize with you. In fact, speaking of two people from different realities having same names but different overall, I was surprised to hear someone named 「Jonathan Joestar」 existed in this world."
"…Why do you think that?" Bucciarati asked.
"Because my full name is Jonathan Joestar."
Another round of surprise goes off. "What's up about two people from different worlds having the same name but differ in attitude and behavior entirely?" Ai questioned it, "Is it… all a coincidence?"
"Maybe it is. Maybe it's not," Gyro shrugged, finding the nature of it interesting while trying not to think about it too hard, "Say, do I get to have a counterpart in this universe as well? If Diego and Johnny have one, it's possible I have a counterpart here in this reality."
"Hmm… Perhaps you have," confirmed Avdol, "I believe I may have heard from Mr. Joestar mention a friend named Caesar Zeppeli, who is the grandson of Will Antonio Zeppeli who assisted Jonathan when Dio first started his act of villainy. Sadly, they both died assisting them, Caesar's especially because he was filled with regret over having partially caused his death."
"Oh, cool. I get two…" Gyro realized something about his possible two counterparts, "Hold on, did you say they both…died?"
"I did."
"And I died as well after imparting the final lesson to Johnny…" Gyro pondered about the fact someone having Zeppeli as their last name dying. He blinked twice before asking, "Is it the Zeppelis' fate to die helping someone from the Joestar family?"
"Gck! D-Don't say that!" Johnny exclaimed, becoming alarmed over the possibility his close friend will die once more.
"What? I'm just making an observation. You act like I will die once again."
"T-That's because… I don't want to lose you again…"
"C'mon Johnny. No way in hell I'm biting the dust after I became a zombie. I did tell you that before, right?"
"Right… You better be not lying Gyro," sighed Johnny.
"Well… To wrap up this talk, DIO killed me by stopping time using The World, Avdol died before I fought against DIO and many years later, we were revived as zombies by Kotaro to protect you seven girls from enemy Stands," Kakyoin believed they have dragged this discussion long enough, so he finishes recounting his memory of the journey to Egypt. Also, he sees Sakura, Ai, Junko and Lily are getting frightened the more they hear about DIO and the wider world they spend their lives completely unaware of, so he has to wrap it up quick if he doesn't want them having nightmares.
"Okay. I finally know how you died Kakyoin. I'm… very sorry you have to remember that again," Sakura somewhat regretted asking him of what he was doing before his untimely death. While she did got the answers, seeing her friend becoming uncomfortable makes her think it's probably for the best she didn't learn a vampire named DIO existed if his evil deeds are what caused him to survive well over a century.
"It's alright. No need to think too hard about it." He assures her, feeling sorry he dampened her mood, "You can take comfort that DIO is no longer threatening the world and that he's not coming back for a long time."
"You're right. No monster will take his place, I'm sure of it thanks to your and Avdol-san's efforts."
Sakura's innocent statement seems to prompt Avdol to mumble something under his breath, "Monster, huh? I wonder what that means to me as a zombie…"
Whether he does not want it heard by everyone or not, Junko heard what he said. She didn't quite heard him clearlt, so she asks, "Hm? Did you say something Avdol-san?"
"Huh?" Avdol is surprised when she asks him. Everyone's eyes are on him as he guesses what prompted her to ask him and replies, "Did you… hear me say it?"
"Um, I may not heard you right, but I believe you said, 'I wonder what that means to a zombie like me?'," She repeated his words to everyone, "Can you please elaborate on that, Avdol-san?"
Kakyoin soon notices his friend was feeling uncomfortable. "Avdol, are you okay? You seem to be… tense and unsure."
The Egyptian didn't want his personal issue to be revealed out in the open so soon, having planned to deal with it all by himself. But thanks to his loose lips, they ended up hearing it.
"*sighs* I suppose I must tell all of you something. Something that's been on my mind ever since I learned I was revived as a zombie," sighed Avdol.
"And what would that be?" Sakura inquired.
"…Kakyoin, Sakura, Saki, everyone…" Avdol began, carefully considering his words in his head and seeing if he could say it out, "…Do you think… I am a 「monster」?"
Puzzled expressions appeared on their faces after hearing his question. Wanting more clarification, Saki asks, "What do ya mean you're a 「monster」 Avdol?"
"Think about it, miss Saki,"he began clarifying, wishing everyone to know the context and make them see where he is getting at, "Zombies are creatures who crave the flesh of humans without any moral compunctions while vampires desire to drink blood from their victims. Aside from sunlight, vampires are scrounges of the night whose superhuman strength, speed, durability, and sense makes them dangerous, especially to someone wicked like DIO. Both zombies and vampires are considered undead and typically, they serve nothing more than monsters who wish to threaten the living due to their lack of moral restraint."
"Uh huh. And based on what ya said about zombies and vampires being monsters…" She rubs her chin in thought, feeling like she's close to getting where the fortune teller is going for.
"Yes. Because I was revived as a zombie, I am wondering if that makes me a 「monster」 too."
The group seemed to understand what Avdol is talking about as his forlorn eyes are directed downward. He's not done yet though and has more to say, "Since DIO once threatened the world and he was in the same category as zombies, it makes me think on whether I have rejected my humanity when I was revived not as a human, but as a zombie. Just learning what I have become makes me feel uneasy from time to time, reminding myself of the day I almost got controlled by DIO in my fortune telling shop. Just thinking about him and his inherent nature makes me shudder over the thought of me becoming evil as a result of being an undead. I know this is detrimental to the 「image」 I like to present myself as, but I… want to get it out of my head if I'm sure I can tell you all my issues. I apologize if I made you all troubled from what I said regarding zombies being monsters, seeing we are all obviously one. I just… want your opinion to see if someone like me deserves to be called a 「monster」."
After revealing his personal predicament to everyone, the Egyptian goes silent, ruminating over his personal issue with a sigh. Ever since he awakened as a zombie, Avdol has an… uneasy relationship with Kotaro, the producer slash necromancer who raised him from the dead. Sure he didn't revived fourteen zombies for malicious reasons, only interested in having them save Saga, whatever that means, but just looking at his discolored arms and himself on a mirror, showing him what he has become when he was resurrected does nothing but bring him distress. As someone who takes pride in himself, he dares not to think he is inadequate to what he wishes to be seen as, and if he was thinking it, he will not take kindly to it and brush it off soon as possible. It's certainly a surprise to him that he kept his issue within him for a month and only became a hindrance when he blurted it out suddenly. Well, to be fair, it is bad to hold one's internal issue within for a long time or else it will fester. You must let it be known to someone you trust, not including Kotaro which he needs more time and interaction to him before he can really trust him.
"Avdol, lemme ask ya somethin'," suddenly asked Saki, her eyes boring on the robed man who turned to her curiously, "Are ya willin' to hear me out? It's important."
"Uhh, sure. What is it you want to ask, Saki?"
"…Is there somethin' different about you after you became a zombie? And how does it compare to when you're still alive and kickin'?"
"Something different?"
"Like, how you act, your state of mind, anything."
"Hmm…" Folding his arms, he truthfully replies, "I haven't done anything different before and after I died. While my body has seen better days, I believe I still feel the same like I was alive."
After hearing his answer, Saki claps her hands together, seemingly satisfied stating, "Well there ya have it! Sounds like you don't have anythin' to worry about being a zombie, Fire Lord!"
"Hm? What do you mean Saki?"
Listening to Saki's words, Sakura understands why she's asking Avdol if he acted any different before he died and after he became a zombie. Seeing he hasn't got it yet, she spells out Saki's intention to him and everyone, "Ah! I think I'm getting where Saki is going at, Avdol-san!"
"What?"
"If what you said is true, then it means you weren't different back when you were alive and when you became a zombie. From what I can guess, Saki was asking you to see if you becoming a zombie completely changed your demeanor. It's a simple thought, really!"
"Yeah! What Egghead said!" The biker exclaimed with a nod and smile directed to him.
"Saki…" Sakura glared at her for calling her that nickname again.
"I'm with the two. Even though we are now an undead, we are definitely not monsters because we haven't abandoned our 「humanity」 thanks to Tatsumi-san awakening us all from our mindless states," Kakyoin told his friend, "And if you're comparing yourself to DIO, remember that he became a vampire on his own accord and became evil enough to try conquer the world, whereas we were revived as zombies but retained most, if not all of our humanity without problems. Even Tae-san, who is still unawakened, more or less hasn't done anything worrying caused by her mindless state," the aforementioned zombie is chewing Avdol's sleeves, seemingly curious to know if she can eat them.
"Mmphhfff," she mumbled between her chewing, looking up to him.
"Kakyoin's right. Us being zombies doesn't mean we became monsters because we are aware of our actions like when we were still alive," Bucciarati agreed with a nod and smile.
"It's like Zipper Man said," stated Saki, ignoring Bucciarati's eyebrow raise when she called him that, "Don't go worryin' your heads off. Remember, we are all in this together as fellow zombies!"
"I may not like my appearance but I'm willing to overlook it for the sake of continuing my profession after my death. The makeup making us look human is a welcome addition," affirmed Ai.
"Same here," Junko concurred.
"The worst that would happen to us as zombies is if we got exposed. Other than that, who cares if I'm one? All I'm glad for is to have a second chance in life!" Narancia isn't worried if they will be found out as zombies as long as he doesn't blow this new lease in life.
"We only just have to exercise caution, everyone," reminded Yugiri.
"But that doesn't mean we mustn't take risk all the time. What better we as zombies if all we do is lie low?" Gyro remarked.
"If I hadn't met Gyro, my paraplegic self would have gone on a worse path. I'm glad the changes stuck on as a zombie," Johnny smiled wistfully.
"Being a zombie isn't bad for me because I get to be young forever!" exclaimed Lily.
"I'm with them. Just seeing I still have my own humanity is enough for me to overlook being a zombie and in a different world," Mamezuku nodded.
Seeing everyone is pretty much assuring him he hasn't rejected his humanity even as a zombie, Avdol lets out an appreciative smile, happy he gets to meet new and supportive friends, "I see. Thank you for your kind words and showing support, everyone. I guess I was a fool in thinking about it."
"You're not, Avdol. It's only natural for you to worry," Kakyoin shakes his head, disagreeing with his statement.
"We are glad you told us, else we wouldn't suspect it otherwise," Sakura said, "Human or zombie, I believe we mustn't let it get over our heads if we want to live."
With Avdol having some closure to his issue of him being a monster, the casual atmosphere slowly returns as they proceed to test the Saganship Z they have. Among them, Saki is really eager to test it out, stating, "Now that we know some aspects of Kakyoin and Avdol's life when they were alive and solved Fire Lord's issue, can we try this product now? It's long overdue we get to try it," as if to emphasize her words, Tae stretches a pharmaceutical strip Lily gave to her.
"Slapping these things on is supposed to fix stiff shoulders and back pain, right?" Narancia questioned, waving the strip in his hand.
"That's the idea," Bucciarati replied.
"There's a warning about putting them on other people," Sakura brings it up, reading the warning written on the back of the box, "Says it counts as practicing medicine."
"Who gives a crap? We're zombies, not people," she realizes Avdol must have heard and assures him, "O-Oh. I meant that in the literal sense Avdol. Don't take it personally."
"None taken." He assures her.
"I'm…not sure that's-"
Saki doesn't spare Sakura's thought before she slaps the strip on her back.
パァン
"Aaaaaaahhhnnnnn~!" Sakura screams in delight and pleasure as the medicinal patch did its job. *
"You too Kakyoin!"
"Hey, what are you-"
パァン
"Uooooooooooooooooo~!" Like Sakura, Kakyoin shouted in pleasure when the strip is slapped on his back.
"Amazing! Any stiff muscles I have are gone in an instant!" Sakura described it happily, moving her body without issue.
"You're right! It feels like I can do anything now that I'm healed!" Kakyoin exclaimed, testing the results by posing. *
"It's because you're zombies! Your body absorbs the strip faster!" Saki proposed, happy to see a positive result and almost laughing at Kakyoin making poses too intensely.
"Look, look!" Lily poses like a ballerina, extending her arms and legs hard but it doesn't pop off from her. "I can move my body a whole bunch and it won't come off!"
"Ahn~!"
"Ahhh~!"
"Whoa~!"
"Whoahoahoa~!"
Junko, Yugiri, Narancia and Gyro tried it and let out moans of bliss when the strips were put on their shoulders.
"Give it a try, Ai!" Saki holds a strip for her, who claims that she's fine without it. The biker again didn't spare her any thought and quickly slapped it on her back. Despite the euphoric shock, Ai tries to resist it despite liking it.
Avdol, Bucciarati, Johnny and Mamezuku put the strip on their shoulders or back and just like the others, they experience the euphoria flowing through their body as any stiff pains and muscles are healed. The same goes for Saki when she lastly put it on her back.
Everyone is enjoying the feeling for a moment, making them imagine they're in heaven just from Saganship Z alone, "Can we use this in performance somehow? Maybe putting them on and then dancing energetically?"
Saki likes what Sakura is getting at. Perhaps this could increase the popularity of these products…
Around 18:00, in the hotel's banquet, everyone currently dining is enjoying Franchouchou performing their song 「Mezame RETURNER」. The idols sing their hearts out as they dance graciously for the captivated audience. Just as they predicted, the pharmaceutical strip did its job healing any stiff muscles, meaning Franchouchou is in better spirits for the performance.
In the middle of the performance, the idols stop as they go fetch the basket full of strips to be given (read: slapped) to anyone so that their body can recover a little after a long day's work. The audience enjoy the sensation, with one man even flexing his muscles as four strips are planted on his back.
After slapping them to the audience, Franchouchou continues the performance, going to the last leg of the song without issue.
"Song for the soul… Saganship Z for the body…" Kotaro said his usual rhetoric, smiling at the great performance of Franchouchou. "Now that's 「relaxation」."
When the performance is finished, everyone gives a round of applause to the girls, bringing a big smile on Sakura's face over the job well done. This includes their bodyguards who are with Kotaro as they applaud the girls, with Narancia and Gyro being the loudest.
To be continued
*Administering dermal patches to people who aren't zombies is considered practicing medicine. Please don't try this at home.
*Think Kakyoin's intense posing except the finger pointing one in the Heritage for the Future game.
What Rianima looks like as zombies:
Kakyoin - The two scars he got when Geb slashed his eyes and almost blinded remain on his face, similar to a large scar Sakura has on her head. The hole on his stomach is wrapped up in many bandages, filled with vital organs and flesh in that part and a spare spine to help his posture.
Avdol - The scar on his forehead and on his back remain on his body, covered by headband and clothing. Other than that, his body looks the same as he was alive, the only difference being his arms being easy to remove from the stump near his shoulder and stitched marks present on both ends.
Bucciarati - His body is in good condition except for the bullet wounds.
Narancia - The same as Bucciarati. In fact, he's the only zombie who doesn't have any physical injuries on his body thanks to Giorno's soul retreating back to his healed body after Narancia died.
Johnny - His head is covered in bandages from top to neck. His eyes, mouth, nose, ears and hair aren't covered.
Gyro - Gyro's torso has three stitched lines of wound converging to his heart, of which a hole is present on where the heart is. Bullet wounds are seen on his head too.
Mamezuku - Any open holes on his waist, shoulder and head are covered in flesh and organs similar to Kakyoin. These filled wounds are then wrapped in many bandages. Also, his left braid and four fingers in his left hand are restored.
