Age 738, Monday January 16th 1989.
Polnareff walked up the stairs and saw Dio at the top, his arms wide open, a candlelight shining behind him. "At last you show yourself, Dio!" said Polnareff.
Dio began to clap his hands. "Bravo, Polnareff. You managed to avenge your sister while traveling all the way from the Far East," said Dio. "To celebrate, I shall gladly take your life."
Polnareff grabbed the curtain next to him, which soaked up his blood. Dio's eyes narrowed before returning to normal, laughing. "I'll give you one chance. Descend two steps and live. I'll let you be my servant again. If you choose death, rise forth to me," said Dio.
"At our first encounter, fear overcame me like a curse. I let myself submit to your evil. It was the beginning of a futile existence, an existence more horrifying than death itself, a life consumed by the sole desire to do your bidding. But that fear is gone. The only thing that consumes me now is a burning will to fight. In the 45 days since I first met Mr. Joestar and the others, I've traveled the globe and watched my friends die at my feet. I'll never be scared of you again," stated Polnareff.
Dio licked his lips. "Are you sure about that? Then climb these stairs," said Dio.
Polnareff took a step up, only to be below the step where he started from. "Interesting, Polnareff. You've descended the stairs. So you do want to serve me, after all," said Dio, folding his arms.
Polnareff walked up again, only to find he was back on the lower step. His eyes went wide as he looked down. "What? But I went up the stairs. I'm positive," said Polnareff.
"What's wrong? You appear shaken, Polnareff. Could it be that you're scared? In your mind, you thought you stepped up, but perhaps your descent is a case of fear overriding consciousness," said Dio.
"That's impossible! I know I just climbed the stairs!" said Polnareff. He ran up the stairs multiple times, but each time, he found himself back at the bottom.
Polnareff stopped. "What did he do? Is it his Stand? Could it be... Dio's Stand... The World? What is…" thought Polnareff.
Dio walked over and sat down in a chair. "Polnareff, have you ever wondered what the human soul desires most? It is human nature to want to overcome anxiety and fear, to live free from worry. People seek fame, control others, and acquire wealth—all for a sense of security. Marriage and friendship are merely means of securing peace of mind. Humans say they wish to help others for the sake of love and justice, but this is only to settle their own minds. The foremost desire of the human psyche is to achieve a sense of secure serenity. Why, then, would you possibly hesitate in serving me? If you do my bidding, all I speak of will be yours. Are you not afraid to challenge me? You know that your death will be certain," said Dio as his aura enveloped Polnareff.
"It can't be! Am I unconsciously submitting to him?" said Polnareff as his body moved on its own.
"You are a talented Stand user. It would be a shame to kill you. Betray Joestar and become my everlasting assistant. I promise you unending peace," said Dio.
"I must resist. Avdol, Iggy, Sadao, I need your courage!" thought Polnareff as he tried to fight Dio's control.
"Cut the crap, Dio! I've already died once. If I die trying to figure out your Stand's abilities, then so be it!" said Polnareff, jumping on the stairs and summoning Silver Chariot.
Dio got up. "Then you leave me no choice. Prepare to die, Polnareff!" he said, summoning The World. The World wore a headpiece covering its face to below the nose, slanting at a steep angle from the base of its forehead to a peak above the rear of its head, leaving the face of an inverted triangle visible at the front, similar to the Red Crown of Lower Egypt.
It wore small twin diving cylinders on its back, connecting via short, twin-rigid cables to the rear of its mask. Two tank treads ran from the rear of its waist over its shoulders to its front. The backs of both of its hands bore the shape of a simple clock face. Its chin, the base of its abdomen, its crotch, and its knees were topped by heart shapes. It had armor plates on its shins, and its clogs bore curved, sharply pointed toes, similar to those of Dio. "Is that The World? Bring it!" shouted Polnareff.
"Futile! Futile! Futile! Futile! Futile!" said Dio. Silver Chariot and The World were about to clash when the wall next to them broke, revealing Jotaro, Joseph, and Kakyoin with the setting sun behind them.
"Mister Joestar!" said Polnareff.
"Don't worry, Polnareff," said Joseph.
"Dio!" shouted Joseph and Kakyoin.
"Was that Dio? Come on, before he gets away!" said Joseph, rushing up the stairs.
"I have something I have to tell you first," said Polnareff. Everyone stopped.
"I saw him use his Stand, but only for a moment. Or, well, I didn't so much see it as feel it. I can't explain exactly. Look, here's what happened. I was climbing the stairs toward him, when all of a sudden, I was below where I started! I know it doesn't make any sense. I don't get it either. I don't know what he did. I feel like I'm going crazy. And it wasn't some hypnosis trick or feat of supersonic speed. It was a sense of something wholly and completely terrifying," said Polnareff.
"Where are Avdol, Iggy, and Sadao?" asked Joseph.
Tears formed in Polnareff's eyes. "They didn't make it. They died trying to save me," said Polnareff.
"I see," said Joseph, remembering his friends who had died. Jotaro clenched his fist.
"Mister Joestar, the sun is setting. We need to hurry," said Kakyoin, looking outside.
"You're right," said Joseph. Kakyoin dropped a bag with Nukesaku inside.
"Hey, loser. What's upstairs?" asked Kakyoin. Nukesaku peeked out of the bag, shaking. "The towers. There's also a room at the top. It's Lord Dio's dwelling during the day," said Nukesaku.
"Is there another staircase to the tower?" asked Kakyoin.
"No. These stairs are it," said Nukesaku.
"Fine, lead the way," said Kakyoin. Nukesaku got out of the bag and walked up the stairs, running across the room lit by blue candles. In the middle was Dio's coffin, and to the side was a fireplace. Star Platinum punched the boarded-up window, and the setting sun shined through. Nukesaku covered his eyes and screamed, backing away.
"So that's him. We've never met, but I've known about him my entire life," said Joseph. "Yes. I've known him all along. Since the day I was born. The same goes for Jotaro," thought Joseph, looking over at Jotaro. "We'd hoped this day would never come, but we always knew we had to destroy him. As Joestars, we knew one day we would have to come face-to-face with him," Joseph reflected.
"I have no regrets. About the journey I've made, or what's about to unfold. I accept it all. To me, it's never been clearer," thought Kakyoin.
"This feeling. I feel embraced by lightness, by good. Dio is the absence of light, the void. Joseph and Jotaro are my light. My body is battered, but I have no fear. I have goodness, the light, by my side!" thought Polnareff.
"We attack when he steps out of the coffin. Be ready. Who knows what's in there," said Joseph as they walked toward the coffin.
"Loser, open the coffin," said Joseph.
"Lord Dio, I swear, I haven't betrayed you. I led them here because I know you will dispose of them. I'm certain of it! As certain as a man wets himself when pissing in the wind. Please understand!" said Nukesaku.
"Shut up and open the coffin!" said Joseph.
Nukesaku walked over to the coffin. "Please, oh please, kill these monsters, Lord Dio!" he pleaded, slowly pulling open the coffin.
"Get ready, this is it!" said Joseph. Nukesaku opened the coffin, and everyone's eyes widened. Inside the coffin was Nukesaku, badly damaged.
"Huh? Me? Why am I inside? But I was opening the coffin!" said Nukesaku, confused.
"What? How? I never took my eyes off him! Did any one of you see the loser get in or get placed in the coffin?" asked Joseph, looking at the others.
"No. I was watching the whole time, and then, suddenly, he was inside!" said Polnareff.
"Polnareff's right! This isn't a mind trick. And it's not super speed!" said Kakyoin.
"This isn't some game!" said Jotaro.
"It's time to use our secret family technique passed down from generations. Nigerundayo, run for it!" said Joseph, turning and running away, followed by everyone else. Polnareff was frozen.
"What are you doing, Polnareff?" said Joseph.
Jotaro flew as fast as he could, grabbing Joseph, Kakyoin, and Polnareff. They zipped out the window. Jotaro let go of everyone as they righted themselves, hovering in the air.
"What was that? I couldn't see it, but I could sense it is far more powerful than any Stand we've ever come across before. It was like knowing a bulldozer is behind you just from the sound of its engine," said Kakyoin.
"I sensed it too. That insane lust to kill us! It felt like someone shoved an icicle straight down my shirt! If we hadn't escaped, we would've all been killed!" said Joseph. They floated down to a nearby roof.
"This is bad... This is really bad. The sun's almost below the horizon!" said Joseph.
"Darkness is Dio's domain. He has the advantage now," said Kakyoin.
"Don't tell me you're planning to retreat until dawn. Listen, Mister Joestar! I'm not running away now with my tail between my legs!" said Polnareff.
"I'm with you, Polnareff," said Kakyoin.
"Listen, I agree with both of you. But the tables have turned on us. We may have encountered his Stand, The World, but we have no clue as to what it can do. It's like climbing a mountain without knowing the route or knowing where the summit is. Fighting him now would be a guaranteed disaster! It's as inevitable as burping after drinking cola! We know Dio will come after us! He'll try to finish us off before sunrise! In the meantime, we can figure out the true extent of his Stand's powers. We need to wait for that opportunity," said Joseph, clenching his fist.
"No! I can't run! Avdol, Iggy, and Sadao died because of me! I'll fight dirty. I'll go to Hell and back. I'll do whatever it takes to destroy Dio. But I won't run away!" said Polnareff, tears streaming down his face as he charged away.
"Wait, Polnareff!" yelled Joseph.
"Forget it, old man. It's no use when he's like this," said Jotaro.
"Jotaro, what do you think we should do?" asked Kakyoin.
"Polnareff is going after Dio to fight him. We're retreating, but we'll also be fighting him. Which means, we'll attack from both sides," said Jotaro. The sun sank as night fell. Joseph and Kakyoin bargained for a truck.
"Hey, you. We want to buy your truck. Sell it to us," said Joseph.
"What'd you say? This baby's my bread and butter! What're you..." the man started, but Joseph shoved a load of bills into his hands.
Kakyoin and Joseph sped down the street. "I'm flooring it, Kakyoin!" said Joseph. Dio, on top of his mansion, watched them drive away, his cape fluttering in the wind. He disappeared.
Polnareff was on the ground. "So, Dio, you finally show yourself! Run away until dawn? Over my dead body! I'll settle this on my own! I don't know how Dio's Stand works, but it doesn't matter. I'll find a way to defeat him! I'll assassinate him!" said Polnareff.
A hand grabbed Polnareff's shoulder. "Not so fast, Polnareff! I told them we need to let you go 'cause it's no use trying to convince stubborn guys like you. But the old man and Kakyoin insisted I stick with you, so here I am," said Jotaro.
"Jotaro!" shouted Polnareff.
"Good grief," said Jotaro, smiling.
Dio walked down the sidewalk, spotting a limousine. "Ah, the automobile… Such impressive power and speed. In my youth, all we had were horse-drawn carriages," said Dio, patting the limousine. A hand was placed on Dio's shoulder.
"Hold it right there! What do you think you're doing? This car belongs to U.S. Senator Phillips! Wanna puke out your eyes?" said the driver. Dio grabbed the hand on his shoulder and twisted it, breaking the driver's elbow. The guard screamed as he kneeled on the ground. Dio got into the backseat of the limousine.
"My, my... Young people these days. So full of piss and vinegar," said Senator Phillips, smiling. Dio reached over and plucked out his two front teeth, blood spurting out of his mouth.
"Ow!" cried Senator Phillips.
"Hold your tongue and proceed to the front seat. It's time to drive," said Dio.
"Who are you? Do you think you can get away with this?" said Senator Phillips, covering his mouth. "That's right, this is unforgivable! No one gets away with doing something like this to me. I was valedictorian in high school and college! I was captain of my college wrestling team! Even after graduation, people respected me. That's how I became a politician! I'm the owner of a villa on a thousand-acre plot of land in Hawaii! My wife is a gorgeous model twenty-five years my junior! I pay fifty times more taxes than anyone in this town! I destroyed every enemy who's ever stood in my way! And someday, I'll become president. I'm Senator Phillips," thought the senator. "You listen to me, punk! I'll make sure you rot in prison! You hear me? You'll live the rest of your life behind bars!" he shouted at Dio.
Dio grabbed his nose. "I'll say it one more time. Drive," said Dio, tossing Senator Phillips into the driver's seat.
"What is this guy? He's going to kill me! If I don't get out of here, he'll kill me!" Senator Phillips muttered to himself. Desperation overcoming him, he opened the passenger door and jumped outside, only to find himself back in the car.
"Someone help—What?" Senator Phillips exclaimed, eyes wide with terror.
Determined to escape, he opened the driver's side door of the limousine and sprinted into the street, narrowly avoiding a semi-truck. He closed his eyes, hoping to make it to safety. But as he reached the opposite side of the street, he stumbled and fell through the door of the limousine, back in Dio's clutches.
"Impressive, Senator," Dio said with a chilling smile. "But futile. Now, drive. Catch up to that truck. Fail and I'll kill you."
Senator Phillips, shaking with fear, complied and started the engine. "Yes, sir," he said. The limousine sped away, weaving through traffic.
Joseph looked into the rearview mirror. "I can still sense Dio's sinister, foreboding bloodlust. He's after us. I know he's following us!" said Joseph.
"Does Dio know your precise location?" asked Kakyoin.
"No. He stole the body of my grandfather, Jonathan Joestar. I can sense his body somehow, like gravity is pulling us together. But I can only tell that he's close by. I can't pinpoint his exact location. The same way I could tell he was in Cairo, but I couldn't narrow down the precise location of his lair. All he knows is that Jotaro and I are nearby. But he can't tell the difference between us. Most likely, he hasn't realized that we've split up," said Joseph.
Meanwhile, Polnareff was hot-wiring a red motorcycle. "That's strange. Cars always start up when they do this in the movies," said Polnareff. Jotaro was watching, interested.
The limousine got stuck in traffic. "It's a traffic jam. The evening commute is always like this," said Senator Phillips.
"Keep going," commanded Dio.
"But there's nowhere to go," protested Senator Phillips.
"There's plenty of room on the sidewalk. Go," said Dio, pointing.
"The sidewalk? It's covered with people heading home from work!" said Senator Phillips.
"I don't care. Go," commanded Dio.
"Yes, sir!" said Senator Phillips, turning the limousine onto the sidewalk, going as slow as possible.
"Step on it," commanded Dio.
"Yes, sir!" said Senator Phillips as the limousine sped up. Civilians ran screaming as the car mowed down anyone in its path. The windows turned red with blood as Dio folded his arms and Senator Phillips closed his eyes in horror.
The motorcycle engine sputtered to life. Jotaro got on the motorcycle, breaking the chain that kept it chained to a pole. "Okay, it's running. Get on, Polnareff," said Jotaro.
"Right," said Polnareff.
"See what I do for you! You'll spare me. You'll spare this senator's life now, won't you?" pleaded Senator Phillips as they got onto the road.
"No," said Dio.
"That's it! This is a dream! I'm a senator. There's no way I could die. It's a dream! A dream! Hooray!" shouted Senator Phillips, deluding himself.
"There they are. Catch up. Get closer. I can't use The World unless I'm close to them," commanded Dio.
"He's getting closer. It's that car! Dio's in there!" said Joseph. Kakyoin summoned Hierophant Green. Hierophant Green went back to the limousine.
"Kakyoin!" shouted Joseph.
"Kakyoin's…" said Dio.
"Take this, Dio! Emerald Splash!" shouted Kakyoin, firing emerald bullets into the limousine. Dio flicked a bullet, sending all the bullets out the opposite door, blasting it off its hinges.
"Incredible! He deflected my attack with one finger. And all while sitting perfectly still! Then what about this?" said Kakyoin. Hierophant Green formed a ball of Emerald Splash and fired it at Dio, who flicked it upward. The roof exploded. "I concentrated on the Splash, but he still dodged it," said Kakyoin.
The World appeared. "When did he bring out his Stand? How could I have missed that?" said Kakyoin. Hierophant Green crossed his arms as The World punched him, sending Hierophant Green flying into streetlights.
"He's too far away. He flew out of The World's range," said Dio as the streetlights broke and hit the limousine. Senator Phillips swerved the car to dodge the streetlights.
"What's happening?" shouted Senator Phillips.
"And what would I get by telling you? Pay attention to the road and drive," said Dio, laughing. Kakyoin was breathing heavily.
"Careful, Kakyoin! You're too close!" warned Joseph.
"Forgive me. I didn't…" said Kakyoin as blood dripped down his face.
"I remember a few months ago when he said to me, 'Are you really going to vomit out of fear?' 'Relax, Kakyoin, relax...' Never again! I won't lose again!" thought Kakyoin, clenching his bleeding hands.
"Kakyoin, are you alright? Did you catch a glimpse of The World?" asked Joseph.
"Yes. I attacked him from around ten meters away. If I had gotten any closer, I would have been done for. It's clear his Stand holds a power more horrific than we could ever imagine. We may not know its secret, but we do know two things: First, his Stand can't reach as far as my Hierophant Green or your Hermit Purple. It's a close-range power Stand, like Star Platinum, and has a range of about ten meters. Second, it attacked me with its fist, so it doesn't use projectile weapons like bullets. If we can sneak up on him and get within ten meters, we might have a chance," said Kakyoin.
"We have to figure out his secret, but we also need to proceed carefully. We can't be too careful with Dio," said Joseph, looking into the rearview mirror. The limousine was parked diagonally.
"Something's up. His car stopped," said Joseph.
Kakyoin looked behind him. "Watch out! Something's been thrown this way!" said Kakyoin.
Senator Phillips broke through the back window. The truck hit the curb.
"Mister Joestar!" shouted Kakyoin.
The truck went on its side on two wheels, curving and blowing up as it hit a building.
Dio walked toward the destroyed truck, ripping off the door. Seeing no one, he looked upward to see the two vanishing onto the roof of the building.
"What are you doing, Kakyoin?" asked Joseph.
"I've got it. I know how to find the secret of his Stand," said Kakyoin, removing his sunglasses.
"What?" said Joseph. Kakyoin grabbed a hold of his Stand, and Joseph used Hermit Purple to swing across the city as Dio followed them.
For Noriaki Kakyoin, Hierophant Green is a reminder.
"It's about Noriaki. He makes no attempt to socialize with the other children. It's not that he's disliked. He seems rather reserved; too reserved, in fact. As his teacher, I'm very concerned," said his past teacher.
"I'm ashamed to say, but I'm afraid I don't understand it either," said his mother.
It was always the same loop of thoughts running through my head: We all live in cities and meet all sorts of people. But how often do we make a genuine human connection? All of my classmates have address books filled with their friends' names. Each one of them must have a book of fifty, maybe one hundred names. Mom has Dad, and Dad has Mom. But I'm different. I'm sure rock stars and TV celebrities have tens of thousands of friends. But I'm different. I'll never have any friends. No one will ever get me. No one can see Hierophant Green. How can I relate to someone who can't see the real me? That's how I used to think. Until I met Mr. Joestar, Jotaro, Polnareff, Sadao, Avdol, and Iggy. Why does the mere thought of Avdol, Sadao, and Iggy make the hairs on my back stand on end? I know. It's because they're the first people who treated me like a friend. Our goal is to defeat Dio, together. Our journey may have been short-lived, but we grew to be true friends.
Kakyoin swung up to the clock tower. For Noriaki Kakyoin, Hierophant Green was a revelation! "I'll make Hierophant Green the way it used to be. Invisible to everyone! I'll make Hierophant imperceptible to reveal Dio's secret before finishing him off for good!" thought Kakyoin.
Kakyoin positioned Hierophant Green strategically, his Stand blending into the surroundings. As Dio approached, Kakyoin's mind raced, trying to piece together any clues about The World's abilities. The city's ambient noises faded as his focus sharpened. This was his chance to unveil the mystery that had cost his friends their lives.
Jotaro and Polnareff sped down the street. "Look, Jotaro!" said Polnareff as they stopped at the car crash site, where people had already gathered. "The cars are totaled!" said Polnareff.
"Up there. The old man and Dio are on the roof," said Jotaro.
Dio leapt off the buildings and stopped. "I see only Kakyoin and Joseph before me. Interesting. They split up to attack me from both sides. Jotaro and Polnareff must be coming after me from behind. Futile," said Dio, leaping off the building onto the next. Hierophant Green fired at Dio, who blocked every single bullet.
"This is…" said Dio as Hierophant Green's emerald splash came from behind.
"Kakyoin's Hierophant Green!" said Dio as Hierophant Green's emerald splash came from all sides. Dio blocked every attack. "He turned it into a web?" said Dio as part of Hierophant Green touched his leg. Another Hierophant Green's emerald splash came from his left. Dio deflected the bullets into a nearby billboard. As one of the bullets hit him, Dio was stuck in the middle of Hierophant Green's strings.
"That's right! The web fires on contact. And it has you completely surrounded for 20 meters in every direction! I can sense you and your Stand's every move!" said Kakyoin. Joseph peeked out from behind the nearest building. Kakyoin stood with his arms outstretched on a nearby cell tower while Dio stood on a domed building. The billboard collapsed and started to fall.
"Take this, Dio! Twenty-meter radius Emerald Splash!" shouted Kakyoin as emerald bullets surrounded Dio from every side.
"You fool. Find out for yourself. The true power of The World is the power to rule the world!" said Dio.
"Show me your Stand, Dio!" thought Kakyoin.
"The World!" shouted Dio, as all the bullets created a fog.
Joseph saw Kakyoin, bloody and broken, fly through the air.
"What? Kakyoin! Something just sent him hurtling through the air! But how?" said Joseph.
Kakyoin was sent into a water tower, where he began bleeding out. As the water drained, turning red, Joseph shouted, "Kakyoin!"
"What just happened? Did he get me? It's no use. It must be fatal. I can't speak or even move my finger. It's 5:15. And midnight in Japan. I wonder what Mom and Dad are doing. I even wonder if I will see my sister again. I suppose they're already asleep. I'm sorry for causing you so much worry," thought Kakyoin.
Noriaki Kakyoin's last thoughts were not of his family back in Japan. Now his parental musings had given way to the single question that bewildered him more than any other. "I can sense any movement within Hierophant Green's web. But Dio managed to break the entire web in one moment. Not one strand at a time, but all of them at once. Without even a ten-thousandth of a second difference. How did he instantaneously shatter an entire 20-meter-radius area? How? Not even a slight delay… How all at once? How?" thought Kakyoin.
"Kakyoin! Enough! Hermit…" said Joseph, ready to swing over there, but Dio caught his attention.
"Joseph, you're next. For Jonathan's body to finally become completely mine, I must drink the blood of a Joestar. Now's as good a time as any, don't you think?" said Dio, showing off his stitched neck.
"Dio!" shouted Joseph.
"Why all at once? Without the slightest delay in time. Time... Time... The time! I got it. How could this be? There's no other explanation. I have to tell the others somehow! The disturbing reality behind his ability. I have to tell Mr. Joestar. Otherwise, everyone will... die," thought Kakyoin.
"You're not getting away with this! I'll take that body back, for Granny Erina!" shouted Joseph.
"Erina? That country bumpkin? Nonsense. I predict I drink all of your blood. Then you die," said Dio.
Kakyoin tried to fire an emerald splash but spat out blood. His Stand disappeared.
"Joseph Joestar! Die!" said Dio, flying toward Joseph.
Hierophant Green appeared and fired an emerald splash at the clock. The clock face shattered.
"My last Emerald Splash…" said Kakyoin.
"A final pointless attack? Behold, a 'hero' in the throes of death… I suppose that was his last pathetic attempt to make his mark on the world," said Dio, shrugging.
"No! Kakyoin would never just throw in the towel with some meaningless attack," said Joseph.
"Why did he strike the clock? What does it mean? Was he trying to tell me something?" thought Joseph.
"It's a message. I have nothing left... Mister Joestar… You must understand. You must tell the others," thought Kakyoin, his head slumping forward.
"Kakyoin!" cried Joseph.
Noriaki Kakyoin died at that moment.
NORIAKI KAKYOIN DECEASED
"Hermit Purple! Prepare yourself, Dio! Hamon of the Sun!" yelled Joseph as purple vines wrapped around Dio. Hamon energy flooded the vines.
"You senile old fool! Your Stand is the weakest of all!" said Dio as he broke the vines. Joseph jumped down, swinging up to the clock tower.
"You're not escaping me!" said Dio, flying after Joseph.
"Kakyoin, why did you destroy the clock? You were trying to tell me something by aiming for the clock tower, weren't you? It must mean something!" thought Joseph, swinging away.
Down on the street, Jotaro and Polnareff arrived at the crash site.
"Look, Jotaro!" said Polnareff. "The cars are totaled!"
"Up there. The old man and Dio are on the roof," said Jotaro.
From above, Joseph's thoughts raced. "It's Mr. Joestar! And Dio's chasing him. Where's Kakyoin? Did you, Kakyoin, in the face of death, figure out the secret of his Stand? Destroying the clock with Emerald Splash. Destroying the clock's hands. Stopping the clock. Impossible! Dio's Stand... The power of The World... It can stop time!" realized Joseph. Dio smirked behind him.
"Take this, Dio! Twenty-meter radius Emerald Splash!" shouted past Kakyoin.
"The World!" said Past Dio, summoning his Stand. Time stopped. The emerald bullets froze in the air. The World cut the strings.
"Behold The World. Since time has stopped for you, you likely see and feel nothing. Die, Kakyoin!" said Past Dio as The World punched Kakyoin through the stomach.
"You don't even know you're about to die. You have no knowledge of what has just occurred," said Past Dio.
Present Joseph pieced it together. "I got it, Kakyoin! Your dying message... I got it! A Stand that can freeze time? Freeze time and still move freely within space? That's unbelievable! A Stand like that, can anyone beat it? Calm down and think! The word 'panic' isn't in my vocabulary. I will find a way... I will find a way to defeat him!" thought Joseph, as Dio disappeared.
"He's gone!" said Joseph. Joseph landed on the ground, sliding as he dodged The World's fist.
"What's the matter? Aren't you going to hit me, Dio? I thought you were going to drink my blood," smirked Joseph.
"So you're running Hamon through your body to protect yourself. You've wrapped your body with Hamon-infused Hermit Purple, like a cloak of high-voltage wires. Very resourceful. Truly a geriatric genius," said Dio, smirking.
"Same to you," said Joseph. Joseph bent down, revealing Hermit Purple as a second skin with Hamon crackling like electricity over it.
"You figured out I was using Hamon and made sure not to touch me. But I figured one thing out about your Stand. You can stop time, but only for a short while. Only about three to four seconds, I'd say. If you could stop time longer, you would've already killed us back at your mansion, and you wouldn't have had to come after us," said Joseph.
"So you understand The World's ability? Kudos, Joseph," said Dio. Joseph clenched his fist.
"It was Kakyoin who figured it out. Kakyoin didn't die in vain!" said Joseph.
"And so what? So what if you know my ability? What can your pathetic Hamon do?" said Dio.
"Hermit Purple and Hamon!" yelled Joseph as vines with yellow electricity rushed toward Dio.
"Enough! I can kill you without touching Hamon!" said Dio, punching the fireplace as Joseph jumped off the roof. As he fell, he somersaulted back onto his feet.
"Hey, you. What were you doing on the roof? Looking for pretty girls below?" said a group of drunk guys, laughing. Dio looked at the roof, then headed down. Joseph yelled at Jotaro, who was across the street.
"Old man!" said Jotaro.
"Jotaro! Stay back! Don't come near me!" screamed Joseph.
"Jotaro... Such good timing. But he's still out of my range. I'll finish Joseph off first," said Dio, scaring a nearby cat.
"Jotaro! The World controls time! It's a Stand that can stop it—" said Joseph. Dio shouted "Za Warudo!" as time stopped. Dio landed on the pavement.
"In the beginning, I could stop time only long enough to blink. But as my neck began to heal, I was able to stop time for two seconds, then three," said Dio. Without any effort, he poked the cat, making it lose its head as he walked by. The cat's head landed on the plate of a drunk guy.
"Now I can stop time for as long as five seconds. Then again, time has stopped, so all I can say is that it feels like five seconds," said Dio, knocking a guy over. "Soon I'll be able to stop time for one minute... Then ten minutes, an hour... And later, as long as I desire! How fun it will be," said Dio, raising a hand to strike Joseph.
"Being able to stop time to my heart's content…" Dio swung his hand but stopped.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Joseph's protecting his body with Hamon. Hamon was a thorn in my side one hundred years ago, but it's powerless against The World," said Dio, taking a few steps in front of Joseph. Dio brandished a knife, holding the blade in his hand. He reared back his hand and shouted, "Futile! Futile! Futile! Futile! Futile! Futile! Futile! Futile! Futile! Futile!" He threw the knife. It stopped, frozen in time, inches away from Joseph's throat.
"Joseph, grandson of Jonathan, you're dead!" said Dio. He turned around to face Jotaro, putting up one finger and counting his remaining time in his time stop. "One... Zero." Dio put down his finger. Time resumed. Dio expected the knife to go through Joseph's throat, but it clanged against his skin, falling to the floor. Shrieks came from the tables as various injuries happened due to Dio knocking over the guy, while the drunks just continued to eat, unaware of the cat they were eating.
"Nani," said Dio, looking back at Joseph. "This is just a flesh wound," he said as Joseph's wounds healed. A card floated out of Joseph's pocket. Dio plucked it out of the air. "What is this?" he turned it over. The card read:
Effect: Ultimate Lifeform Pillar Men.
Joseph smirked, his body regenerating rapidly. "You thought Hamon was my only defense, Dio? Think again. This card grants me the powers of the Ultimate Lifeform, just like the Pillar Men. Your tricks won't work on me."
Dio looked confused. "I haven't heard of them."
Joseph smirked. "Of course you haven't. You were asleep in your coffin during that time."
Dio's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"The Pillar Men," Joseph explained, "were ancient beings who sought to become the ultimate lifeforms. They were nearly invincible, possessing abilities far beyond those of ordinary humans. I encountered them long after you were entombed beneath the sea."
Dio's confusion turned to curiosity and frustration. "So, you're saying this card gives you their power?"
"Exactly," Joseph replied. "With their regenerative abilities and strength, your attempts to kill me are futile."
Dio clenched his fists. "No matter. The World is still unstoppable. Your new powers won't save you from my Stand's might."
Joseph's eyes met Dio's with determination. "We'll see about that, Dio. This fight is far from over."
With renewed vigor, Joseph prepared for the next phase of their battle, knowing that his newfound powers might be the key to turning the tide against Dio and his seemingly invincible Stand.
"Very well, but that means I would be that powerful as long as I get a taste of your blood," Dio said, picking up the dropped knife smeared with Joseph's blood. His attention then shifted to Jotaro.
"I've already taken care of Kakyoin. Polnareff must be hiding somewhere. But it doesn't matter. You're next, Jotaro!" Dio taunted.
"Dio!" Jotaro growled, baring his fist as he walked toward Dio.
"Oh? So you want to fight? Instead of running, you're moving in closer. How ungrateful. And after your dear grandfather, Joseph, gave me his blood to tell you the power of The World. He was so desperate, like a pathetic student struggling to fill in the last few answers of a test as the final seconds tick by..." Dio mocked.
"I can't beat you to a pulp from far away," Jotaro said, his voice steady and resolute.
"Oh, then approach as you must," Dio said, walking toward Jotaro with an air of arrogance.
The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with the anticipation of their clash. Jotaro's eyes burned with determination, while Dio's confidence radiated as he prepared to face yet another Joestar. The battle that would decide their fates was about to begin.
Jotaro summoned Star Platinum, who launched a powerful punch at Dio. The World intercepted it with a kick, sending Star Platinum crashing into the ground. Jotaro's right pant leg rips.
"You're slow! The World is the most powerful Stand. The World's speed and power far out matches your Star Platinum, regardless of its time-stopping ability," said Dio, smirking.
Jotaro's eyes narrowed. "Your Stand is similar to my Star Platinum. We don't have long range, but we have incredible power and precision. I want to see what's under that helmet," Jotaro said, pointing to The World's helmet.
"I never saw it either," said Dio, intrigued. He commanded The World, "Take off your helmet."
The World obeys, removing its helmet to reveal hair identical to Star Platinum's but blonde. The sight momentarily stunned both Jotaro and Dio.
Jotaro clenched his fists. "So, they're even more alike than I thought. But that doesn't change anything, Dio. Star Platinum and I will still defeat you."
Dio's confidence wavered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "It doesn't matter what they look like. The World is still superior. Prepare yourself, Jotaro!"
"I always wanted to see how much stronger The World is than Star Platinum. Though it seems pointless even to compare," said Dio.
"You wanted to compare? All you did was pat me on the leg. Well, I guess you did rip my 20,000 yen pants, though," Jotaro retorted.
"Why are you Joestars so stubborn? You can never admit defeat, can you? Fine, I'll accept your provocation and resume our comparison," said Dio as The World punched at Star Platinum. Star Platinum put up his arms to block. Then Star Platinum kicked at The World, but The World dodged. As The World punched down, Star Platinum blocked with his elbow. Star Platinum then punched at The World's head, but The World dodged, with Star Platinum grazing The World's skin. A slash appeared on Dio's cheek.
Star Platinum tried again, grazing The World's skin on the other side, and an identical slash appeared on Dio's other cheek. Star Platinum and The World's fists flew, ending as both their fists made contact with each other. Dio's and Jotaro's knuckles hurt from the impact.
"A comparison of punching speed, eh?" said Dio, touching his cheeks as the wounds healed.
"Futile! Futile! Futile! Futile! Futile!" shouted Dio.
"Ora! Ora! Ora! Ora! Ora!" responded Star Platinum as The World and Star Platinum exchanged blows, their fists a blur. The sound of their clashing echoed through the area, the sheer power of their Stands shaking the ground beneath them.
The battle raged on, both Jotaro and Dio refusing to give an inch. Star Platinum's precise and powerful strikes met The World's unstoppable force head-on, creating a spectacle of speed and strength. The determination of the Joestar lineage clashed with Dio's relentless ambition, each blow bringing them closer to the climax of their fated duel.
Joseph, still alive and recovering from his injuries, watched the battle with a keen eye, trying to find an opportunity to assist Jotaro. Dio and Jotaro's Stands clashed with incredible speed and power, each blow shaking the very ground they stood on.
Suddenly, Dio stopped time, retreating to a safe distance and preparing his next move. Jotaro's eyes and fingers moved slightly in the frozen time, catching Dio's attention.
"Could it be? They're the same?" Dio muttered to himself. "It's the same type of Stand as Star Platinum. The World and Star Platinum are the same type of Stand? Jotaro, can you see me? Or are you moving your hand unconsciously?"
Dio hesitated for a moment, trying to understand the implications of what he was seeing. He had no time to ponder, as he had planned his next move. Dio retreated, summoning the infamous road roller. "Time to end this," he said, positioning the massive vehicle above Jotaro. As time resumed, Dio dropped the road roller with a triumphant shout, "Road Roller Da!"
Joseph, frozen in Dio's time stop, could only watch as the battle unfolded. Every time Dio used his time stop ability, Jotaro moved a little more, gradually discovering that Star Platinum could also stop time.
But Jotaro, now fully aware of his Stand's capabilities, summoned Star Platinum to stop time as well. "Star Platinum! Za Warudo!" Time stopped, and Jotaro moved out from under the falling road roller, his movements now in sync with Dio's stopped time. Jotaro used the opportunity to approach Dio, readying Star Platinum for a counterattack.
When time resumed, Dio was shocked to see Jotaro standing before him, unscathed. "Impossible! How did you—"
Jotaro interrupted, "Your Stand and mine are indeed the same type. You thought you could win with just your time-stop ability? Think again."
In response, Jotaro focused his energy and launched a series of rapid punches, shattering the road roller and sending Dio flying. But Dio, ever resourceful, licked the knife smeared with Joseph's blood, growing even stronger.
The battle turned into a deadly game of cat and mouse, with Dio and Jotaro stopping time to gain the upper hand. Each move was calculated, each strike aimed to end the fight once and for all.
Joseph, sensing the turning point of the battle, managed to recover enough to shout out to Jotaro during one of the brief moments when time resumed. "Jotaro! Use your new ability to end this! We need to hold out until sunrise!"
Jotaro nodded, understanding his grandfather's strategy. As the night wore on, the relentless clash continued, with Jotaro pushing his limits to keep up with Dio's enhanced power. The sky began to lighten, signaling the approaching dawn.
Dio, realizing he was outmatched, tried one final time to stop time and deliver a fatal blow. But Jotaro, fully synchronized with Star Platinum, stopped time simultaneously. "You won't get away this time, Dio," Jotaro said, his voice echoing in the frozen world.
In the stopped time, Jotaro delivered a series of powerful punches with Star Platinum, each strike landing with precision. "Ora! Ora! Ora! Ora!" The relentless assault left Dio vulnerable, unable to defend himself.
As time resumed, Dio staggered, unable to comprehend his defeat. "No... this can't be..."
Jotaro delivered the final punch, sending Dio crashing to the ground. "For my grandfather, and for all the lives you've taken," Jotaro declared as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, bathing the battlefield in light.
"No... the sun..." Dio muttered, his body slowly beginning to crumble under the sunlight's harsh rays. "This can't be happening... I am Dio..." his head crumbled the ashes blowing away.
Jotaro stood over Dio, watching as his enemy was finally defeated. "It's over, Dio. Your reign of terror ends here."
