Hell

That's how I consider my situation right now.

A fucking hell

Sweat, dirt, tears, all of that was on my body right now as I had a very familiar arrow stuck in the top of my hand.

"Damn me for watching that anime, I could be in Jojo's world but NO, I had to accompany my friend to watch Naruto of all things!" I cursed under my breath as I pulled the arrow out of where it was stuck.

And now blood was added to the list.

My legs were shaky, and as I muttered "Fucking god, fucking shitty situation-!" I attempted to walk away, just to trip like a dumbass.

I braced myself for the fall, but before I hit the ground, something grabbed me.

I turned to see... something weird.

It looked like a person whose head is covered by a plague doctor mask, while his body is obscured by a simple black cloak. Under it, I could see a humanoid arm, lean and wrapped in bandages.

Arm that was grabbing me and helping me stand-wait, that's it!

"Y-you're my Stand, right?" I asked breathlessly while staring into her eyes.

She nodded, and in a voice that sounded uncannily like mine, she said "Yes, Lucia, i'm your stand"

"So the arrows are really from jojo's, uh?" I mumbled to myself.

As I put the arrows inside my shirt, more seriously, I asked "First, what is your name?"

"You're supposed to be the one who names me, Luci," the stand stated as if i was stupid.

"Y-Yeah, well, I don't know what your ability is, so-" I started, but she interrupted me.

"I can copy abilities of other dead people, but you must know these two things:

First, how the user and the stand(if they have one) sound and look, and lastly, how they died.

Putting a hand on my chin, I asked "So, if I don't know one or any of those things, I can't copy the ability, right?"

She nodded, and declared " Yes, but be careful, Lucia, if you use the ability for more than two hours, even if it's a second more, you will die the same way the person you mimicked did"

My eyes widened in shock, and shouted "W-What?! Y-You're kidding me, right?!"

My stand shook its head, and said in a serious tone of voice "Do you think I'm joking?"

"Your face is covered by a mask, how would I know?!" I said in annoyance

Sighing, my stand said "The point is that I'm not joking Lucia"

"Then I must be very careful with my ability" I said seriously

I looked at my bloody hand, and sighing, I said "But first I must find a place with water to clean my hand, dried blood is a pain to clean"

From there, my stand and I walked (well, floated in my stand's case) until we found a river bank.

I put my finger in the water and put it in my mouth, and after tasting fresh water, I put my hand on the bank, hissing in pain at the contact of my wound.

Meanwhile, I looked at my stand, and nodding, said "Sticky finger"

Suddenly, my stand transformed into Bruno's.

"Fascinating-!" I said, but I suddenly covered my mouth.

My voice sounded like Bruno's in the Japanese language of the anime!

"So that's why I should know his voice?" I asked raising my eyebrows

"Yes" said my stand with Bruno's voice

Sighing, I hit my wound with my other hand, and although it hurt for a second, Zipper appeared on it.

And when I closed it, the wound was gone.

Before I could do anything else, I heard a gasp behind me.

Panicking, I stood up to see who it was, and was shocked to see Kaiza, Inari's adoptive father.

"Y-Your wound is gone!" the man said in shock

'Shit! What do I do?!' I thought as I quickly grabbed the arrows

"W-Wait, please don't go, I was just worried because I saw you in bad shape!" the man said

'Well, if I remember correctly he saved Irani from bullies without even meeting him, that makes sense' I thought, and sighing I added "You're going to want to sit down for this."

I decided not to reveal that I was from another world, but to say that I came from a far away place, that I lost my entire world, family and friends, and that the only thing I had left from my previous life were these arrows, which I had to protect.

Kaiza looked at me with compassion, but asked "I don't understand, those arrows, what are they?"

Sighing, I answered seriously "These aren't simple arrows, you're right, they're special in the fact that, if the one hit with them survives, they can gain a spiritual ability"

"Spiritual ability?" Kaiza asked confused

"The correct term is Stands, they are a physical representation of your soul, and these can have different abilities depending on the person, in my case, I have a powerful ability that has many downsides," I clarified.

"There's something I don't understand, if they're so dangerous, why are you telling me about them?" Kaiza asked

I froze at her question, but an idea quickly occurred to me, and I answered "I can copy abilities from dead people, one of which allows me to see the future, that's why I know you're trustworthy"

Again, not a lie, Epitaph can see the future, just not to the extent that I know about this world

"Kaiza, I know a lot about this world, more than I should, and I want to change it for the better. A man named Gato is coming to this place, and he will be the reason you die." I revealed.

He looked at me in shock, and shouted "W-What?"

I nodded, and added, "You heard me, he will kill you, along with the hope of this place for a long time."

I approached the man, making him flinch.

"Kaiza, I know you're scared. Everyone no matter how brave they are is afraid of death. Well, not everyone. There are people who commit suicide-but whatever, the point is that I can save you, along with the hope of this place."

"R-really? How?" the man asked.

"You have a strong soul and spirit. One non-lethal slash from the arrow will be enough, so you can protect your home, and the ones you love." I declared.

He looked me in the eyes, before sighing, and saying "Well, either you're really good at lying or you really think I can survive."

I laughed a little, and said "Don't worry, I'll immediately heal you when the arrow makes contact, that way you'll have a better chance of surviving."

Kaiza looked at me with a mixture of determination and apprehension. He took a deep breath, bracing himself for the inevitable pain. With my Stand transformed into Sticky Fingers, I carefully positioned the tip of the arrow against one of Kaiza's arms.

"Just a quick poke," I said, trying to sound reassuring. The arrow pierced his skin, and a pained gasp escaped him as I swiftly closed the wound with a zipper.

Kaiza's body tensed, and he began to sweat heavily as the virus from the arrow started to take effect. I could see the struggle in his eyes as the pain and the foreign energy worked against him. I reached out, grabbing his hand firmly.

"I know you can do it, Kaiza," I said urgently, my voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "Remember, you have loved ones to protect! This is your chance to be the hero they need!"

His eyes locked onto mine, and something in his expression shifted. The sweat on his brow seemed to evaporate in the heat of his rising resolve. With a fierce determination, Kaiza's Stand began to materialize around him.

The air grew warm as the ethereal flames danced around him, forming the imposing figure of the Stand. Kaiza's Stand stood tall, radiating an aura of courage and strength. The flames that surrounded it flickered with intensity, casting a warm glow over Kaiza's face.

"Eternal Flame…," Kaiza murmured, his voice now steady and filled with purpose. "I can feel its power."

The Stand's presence seemed to invigorate him, dispelling the discomfort caused by the arrow. The flames around Eternal Flame flickered with renewed energy, ready to defend and protect. Kaiza, now more resolute than ever, looked at me with a determined nod.

"Thank you, Lucia," he said. "I'll do everything I can to protect this place and the people I care about."

I nodded, but my expression turned serious, and said "Yes, but Gato will have many men, no matter how strong our stands are, we need more reinforcements, not only for that, but so that the others can protect themselves on their own"

"And anyway, if someone tries to use their stand for evil, I have ways to eliminate them" I added, remembering Pucci's White Snake

Kaiza stood at the center of the gathered crowd, the people of the Land of Waves murmuring among themselves, confused and curious. He had called them together, but many didn't understand why.

With a steady voice, Kaiza began, "You've all known hardship. You've seen how this land has suffered under the weight of injustice. But today, I offer you something more. I offer you hope."

He raised his hand, and his Stand, Eternal Flame, appeared behind him, unseen by the crowd but still having an immediate impact. Flames burst forth from his outstretched hand, swirling around him in a mesmerizing display of fire and light. The villagers gasped, taking a step back in awe.

"This power—this is more than just strength. It's the flame of determination, a power that can protect, a power that can give us a future."

The crowd murmured louder, eyes wide with amazement. They couldn't see the Stand itself, but the flames were real, and they could feel the heat from Kaiza's burning resolve.

Then, I stepped forward, my eyes scanning the crowd. "I know what you're thinking," I said, my voice clear and commanding. "How can we, ordinary people, stand up in a world ruled by ninjas? How can we protect our homes when we don't have their jutsus or training?"

She raised her hand, and her Stand, transformed into The World, appeared behind her, though the crowd couldn't see it. With a snap of her fingers, everything in the world around them froze. Birds in mid-flight halted, and the winds suddenly stopped. For a brief moment, the entire world seemed to pause. Then, just as suddenly, time resumed, and the people gasped in shock and confusion, realizing something strange had just happened.

"This," I continued as my stand returned to normal, "is a power far beyond what most could imagine. But I tell you now, each and every one of you has the potential for this kind of power. You've seen Kaiza's flames, you've felt the change around you. You may not be ninjas, but you can still protect your home—our home!"

I stepped forward, my voice rising with passion. "Who wants to change your home?! Who wants to fight in this ninja world?! Who wants to bring hope to those who can't become ninjas?!"

The crowd, silent for a moment, began to stir. Eyes filled with both uncertainty and hope, the people of the Land of Waves looked at each other, murmuring among themselves. Then, slowly but surely, hands began to rise. The first one, then another, then more—until the entire crowd was filled with raised fists, their voices joining together in a chorus of determination.

I smiled, knowing that the spark had been lit.

And so, one by one, the adults approached me and I used the arrows on them, making sure to use my stand quickly to heal them before the two hour limit.

And so, the adults of the land of the waves gained unique stands, some were to fight, some to heal, some to create, construct and more unique abilities .

Tired, I declared "Alright everyone, tomorrow we will continue with the children, and then, we will go to see what your stands can do and see with whom you will be paired so we can become more effective!"

Then, tired, I turned to Kaiza, and asked Shilly "I'm sorry to bother you Kaiza, but do you have an extra bed in the house of Tazuna? i don't have a home"

Kaiza led me toward Tazuna's house, the sun dipping low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the village. I could feel the exhaustion in my bones, every step heavier than the last after all the energy I had spent using my stand's ability. Despite that, my heart felt lighter. The people of the Land of Waves now had hope.

As we approached the house, Kaiza opened the door and called inside, "Tazuna! Tsunami! I brought a guest."

The sound of footsteps echoed as Tsunami, Kaiza's wife, appeared from the hallway, her eyes widening at the sight of me. Behind her, Inari peeked out, his curious gaze darting between his father and the stranger.

"This is Lucia," Kaiza explained. "She's been helping us with… some important things. She doesn't have a home, so I thought maybe she could stay with us for a while."

Tsunami's expression softened immediately, and she approached mewith a warm smile. "Of course. Any friend of Kaiza's is welcome here."

Feeling a bit awkward, I gave a small bow. "Thank you… I didn't mean to impose, but I don't have anywhere else to go."

"You're not imposing at all," Tsunami reassured her. "Let me get a bed ready for you."

As Tsunami disappeared into another room, I noticed Inari staring at her intently, his little face scrunched in thought. He stepped forward cautiously, his eyes still glued tome.

"Who are you?" Inari asked, his voice small but filled with curiosity.

I knelt down to his level, offering a gentle smile. "I'm Lucia. I've been helping your dad with something important—something that will make sure no one can hurt your family or this village again."

Inari blinked, his eyes flickering with doubt. "You're helping Dad? But you're just a girl..."

I chuckled softly. "I know I don't look like much. But sometimes, it's not about how you look—it's about what you can do." I hesitated, then added, "You'll see soon enough."

Kaiza rested a hand on Inari's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "Lucia's going to help us protect the village. She's special, Inari."

Inari looked between Kaiza and me, still uncertain but nodding slowly. "If Dad trusts you, I guess I do too..."

I smiled again. "Thanks, Inari. I won't let you down."

Tsunami returned, gesturing to me to follow. "Come on, Lucia, I'll show you to your room."

I followed her down the hall, feeling a sense of warmth and acceptance from this family. Even though I had been thrust into this strange world, surrounded by uncertainty and danger, for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel quite so alone.

…..

The morning sun filtered through the small windows of Tazuna's house, casting a warm glow over the room as the family gathered around the table for breakfast. Lucia sat quietly, feeling a bit out of place but grateful for the hospitality. She nibbled on the bread Tsunami had offered her, but her attention was focused on Kaiza, who sat across from her, his expression serious.

After a few moments of silence, Kaiza cleared his throat. "There's something important we need to talk about."

Tazuna glanced up from his tea, raising an eyebrow. "Important? What's going on, Kaiza?"

Inari looked between his grandfather and Kaiza with wide eyes, while Tsunami paused, concern etching her face.

Kaiza leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Lucia... She's here to help us. Help protect this village. But to do that, you need to understand something. Something... strange."

Tazuna chuckled lightly, trying to lighten the mood. "Stranger than the thugs Gato's been sending? I doubt anything surprises me anymore."

But Kaiza didn't smile. His voice remained steady, calm. "This is different, Tazuna. You've seen me fight before—using just my strength. But what if I told you I had a new kind of power? A power that doesn't just come from the body... but from the soul?"

Tsunami blinked, confused. "What do you mean, Kaiza?"

I sat up a little straighter, listening intently as Kaiza tried to explain.

He looked at his family, then spoke carefully. "There's something called a Stand. Think of it like... a part of yourself, but more than just your body or mind. It's something that represents your spirit, your determination, your will. It gives you powers that can be used to protect, fight, and even heal."

Tazuna furrowed his brows, clearly struggling to grasp the concept. "So... it's like magic?"

Kaiza chuckled lightly. "Not exactly, but close enough. It's something spiritual, a manifestation of who we are inside. Lucia helped me gain my Stand, and now... I can do things I couldn't do before."

Inari tilted his head, his eyes lighting up with interest. "Like what?"

Without missing a beat, Kaiza stood up and stretched out his hand. A flicker of ethereal flames danced around him, wrapping his body in a warm, protective aura. His Stand, Eternal Flame, materialized beside him—a humanoid figure surrounded by shimmering fire. The room seemed to heat up slightly, but the flames didn't burn anything.

"This," Kaiza said softly, his voice filled with quiet awe. "This is my Stand. It's called Eternal Flame. It gives me the power to control fire—not just any fire, but flames that can defend and strengthen others."

Tsunami gasped, and Tazuna's eyes widened in disbelief. "W-What is that...?"

Inari's jaw dropped. "That's so cool!"

Kaiza let the flames fade away, his Stand disappearing back into the ether. He sat back down, his expression serious again. "Lucia has a Stand too, and she can help others awaken their own Stands. But it's not something to be taken lightly. These powers are dangerous if used the wrong way, and we'll need them to protect ourselves from Gato's men."

I finally spoke, my voice calm but firm. "I'm going to make sure that all of you—and this village—are safe. But you have to trust me, and you have to understand that these abilities are powerful. We can't afford to misuse them."

Tsunami placed a hand on her chest, still trying to process what she had just seen. "So... you're saying we can all have these... Stands?"

Kaiza nodded. "Yes, but it's up to you if you want one. It's not something I'll force on anyone. But if we want to protect this place... we need to be ready."

Tazuna rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his mind clearly working to comprehend everything. "Well... if it means keeping the village safe, I'm willing to listen."

Inari, eyes still wide with excitement, tugged at Kaiza's sleeve. "Can I get a Stand too, Dad? I want to help!"

Kaiza smiled warmly, ruffling his son's hair. "We'll see, Inari. But right now, we need to focus on what's coming. Gato's not going to wait."

Tsunami looked at me with newfound respect. "Thank you... for everything you're doing."

I gave a small, tired smile. "I'm doing this for all of us. But remember, with these powers comes responsibility. We have to use them wisely."

…..

I stood before the crowd of newly awakened Stand users, a mix of adults, men and women, all with a look of awe, confusion, and uncertainty on their faces. The sun was high, casting shadows from the nearby trees as the group gathered in the clearing near the edge of the forest. Kaiza stood by her side, his presence a reassuring anchor for those unsure of what they had signed up for.

I took a deep breath, my ten-year-old form dwarfed by many of the adults, but the fire in my eyes made me seem much older. With confidence and authority far beyond my years, I addressed them.

"Alright, everyone. We need to see what your Stands can do," I began, myvoice strong and clear. "And for that, we're going to use the forest here in the Land of Waves to practice."

The Stand users exchanged glances, some nodding hesitantly, others fidgeting as they processed what had happened to them. Lucia wasn't finished.

"And remember," I continued, my tone growing sharper, "if any of Gato's men try to attack us, don't hesitate. Capture or kill them if they refuse to cooperate."

A ripple of shock ran through the group. Murmurs erupted as they looked at each other, disbelief on their faces. It wasn't the idea of fighting that stunned them—it was the way I , a child, had so easily mentioned killing without a second thought.

"Did she just say 'kill'?"

"She's just a kid..."

"Is she serious?"

I noticed their reactions, my eyes narrowing slightly. I stepped forward, raising myvoice to makemyself heard over the murmuring.

"Yes, you heard me," Isaid, my voice icy now. "Gato won't show mercy to us. Why should we show mercy to him and his scummy men?"

The crowd fell silent. The weight of my words hung in the air, and some of the Stand users shifted uncomfortably. But my expression was unyielding.

"Do you think Gato cares about us? About this village?" I continued, my voice full of conviction. "No. He'll use and discard us without a second thought. If you hesitate, if you show weakness, he'll destroy everything you care about. Your families. Your homes. We can't afford to be soft."

Kaiza, standing beside me, nodded in silent agreement, his serious expression backing up my words.

I looked around at the crowd, meeting their eyes one by one, my gaze hard but not unkind. "We're not killers by choice. But if it comes down to them or us, then we choose us. This is the reality of the ninja world, and if we want to survive, we need to be strong."

One of the older men, his Stand still fresh and unfamiliar, raised his hand hesitantly. "But... you're just a kid. How can you be so sure about all this?"

My eyes softened just a fraction. "Because I've seen what happens when people like Gato are left unchecked. I've seen entire lives destroyed because people hesitated. I'm not telling you to be reckless, but I'm telling you not to be afraid to protect what's yours. Gato and his men made their choice. We make ours."

There was a long pause, and then, slowly, the Stand users nodded. They understood. They didn't have to like it, but they understood.

I crossed my arms, my gaze firm once more. "Good. Now let's get to work."

When the Stand users arrived at the forest, a thick silence fell over the group. The trees loomed above them, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, casting shifting shadows across the ground. The tension was palpable, but there was also a sense of determination in the air. Each person had come here with the understanding that today would be the first step in mastering their newfound powers.

I stood in front of them, my gaze sharp as I surveyed the group. One by one, the villagers manifested their Stands. Some were ethereal, others imposing, each unique to the person wielding them. Stands with strange shapes and even stranger abilities filled the space, their presence visible only to those who possessed them.

I nodded in approval as she watched them summon their Stands. My confidence in their potential was clear.

"Very good, everyone," I said, her voice carrying through the forest. "Now, all of you will use the forest as your battlefield."

The Stand users exchanged nervous glances but nodded, ready for the next step.

"Remember," I continued, "this is not just about brute strength. Use your head with your Stands. Think about how your abilities work in different environments, and how they can give you an advantage. After all, only you can develop and fully understand how your Stand works. Your Stand is a reflection of you, so the key to mastering it is learning how to use it in ways others might not expect."

I glanced at a man whose Stand had the power to manipulate water. "For example, the river could be your greatest weapon, but it can also be a tool for defense or escape."

My gaze shifted to a woman whose Stand had an aura of healing energy. "And your ability could be the difference between life and death for your comrades in a battle. Never underestimate support."

The villagers nodded, some more confidently than others, as they began to understand the possibilities their Stands held.

"This forest will be our testing ground. Think of it as your first real challenge. Move, think, adapt. Remember, this is about survival and protecting your home," I said, my eyes gleaming with purpose.

Kaiza stepped forward, his Stand, Eternal Flame, flickering beside him, offering a steady glow. "She's right. Don't hold back. Learn to trust your Stand, and trust yourself. We have a long way to go, but today is the beginning."

I gave Kaiza a small smile before looking back at the group. "Let's get started. Show me what you're capable of!"

As the Stand users scattered throughout the forest, they began their training in earnest. Some experimented with their Stands' abilities, trying to manipulate their surroundings, while others focused on coordination and timing. The air buzzed with excitement and nervous energy as the villagers embraced their new powers, growing more confident with each passing moment.

I stood on the sidelines, observing their progress. My eyes scanned each individual's approach, noting how they adapted to the environment, how their Stands interacted with the world around them. I knew this training was just the beginning, but already, the seeds of something much bigger were being planted.

Standing beside me, Kaiza kept a watchful eye on the villagers as well. His Stand, Eternal Flame, flickered quietly, a steady and reassuring presence by his side.

I hesitated for a moment before turning to Kaiza. "Kaiza, can I ask you something?"

He glanced down at me and gave a warm smile. "Of course, Lucia. What's on your mind?"

I shifted my weight, my confidence in battle sharp, but this conversation was different. My voice grew quieter, more uncertain. "Do you think... Do you think we have the potential to become our own hidden village?"

Kaiza's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the question. He looked out at the villagers, training hard with their newfound Stands, and the thought clearly stirred something within him.

I continued, my voice more serious now. "I know it sounds crazy, but... with all these Stands, and the way we're coming together—protecting each other, fighting for the future—I can't help but wonder if the Land of Waves could become more than just a struggling village. What if we could become a real hidden village? A place that stands alongside the others in the ninja world."

I paused, looking up at Kaiza with determination in my eyes. "And if that happens, I want you to be the leader. The one who guides us. The one who leads this hidden village."

Kaiza's expression softened, his eyes filled with a mix of surprise and humility. "Me? A leader of a hidden village? That's... a big responsibility, Lucia."

"I know,"I said, my voice steady now. "But you have the strength, Kaiza. You have the heart. You've already proven that by protecting this village and your family. The people here trust you. And so do I."

Kaiza looked down at the villagers training before them, watching how they worked together, how they pushed themselves to grow stronger for the sake of their home. The idea of leading them, of turning the Land of Waves into a hidden village, was overwhelming—but also filled with possibility.

He took a deep breath, then turned back to me. "It's a lot to think about. But... I won't say no. If this is what's best for the people here, if this is what can bring us hope and strength... I'll do everything I can."

I smiled, relief and gratitude evident on my face. "Thank you, Kaiza. I know you'll be great."

Kaiza chuckled softly, but there was a seriousness in his gaze now. "If we're really going to do this, we'll need to work hard. We'll need to make sure everyone's ready. This isn't going to be easy."

I nodded, my eyes burning with determination. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

A year passed, and the Land of Waves began to change in ways no one had ever imagined. The once-struggling village was now a place filled with hope, energy, and new life. Thanks to the unique powers of the Stand users, work that had once been grueling became much easier. Fields were harvested faster, buildings were constructed sturdier, and repairs that would have taken weeks were now done in mere days. The people had taken my advice to heart, pushing the limits of their Stands' abilities to be as versatile as possible.

From morning till night, the village hummed with activity, and more and more Stand users began to emerge. Word spread throughout the Land of Waves, and those who sought protection or strength were drawn to the village, hoping to be chosen by the mysterious arrows.

I stood atop a hill, watching the village grow. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had helped guide these people toward something greater. But more than anything, I was glad to see them thriving, living without fear of what was to come. Behind me, Kaiza stood with his arms crossed, the ever-watchful protector of his people.

One day, as they watched the villagers, a young voice called out.

"Lucia! Dad! Look what I can do!"

Both of us turned to see Inari, sprinting toward them, his face beaming with excitement. He skidded to a stop in front of them, catching his breath before grinning up at me.

""I-I got a Stand!" Inari said, barely able to contain his excitement.

I knelt down, my eyes bright with curiosity. "Really? Let's see it, Inari."

Inari nodded eagerly, and with a deep breath, he summoned his Stand.

It appeared beside him, its head covered by a simple mask, with a body that looked robotic and mechanical, covered in twisting, glowing DNA helices. Despite its mechanical appearance, it moved with fluidity, as if alive.

My eyes widened. ""Incredible. What's it called?"

"Passion Pit," Inari said proudly. ""Watch what it can do!"

He pointed to his Stand, and in a blink, his body and the Stand's body switched places, leaving Inari standing where the Stand had just been, while Passion Pit took his place. Inari waved his hand, laughing. "See? We can switch places anytime we want!"

I stood up, impressed by the unique ability. "That's amazing, Inari. You can use that for a lot of things—dodging attacks, getting out of danger, or even confusing enemies in a fight."

Kaiza, smiling, put a hand on his son's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Inari. You've got a great power."

Inari grinned, practically glowing from his father's praise. ""I'm going to use it to help protect the village, just like you and everyone else."

I smiled warmly. ""You'll do great, Inari. Remember, it's not just about strength, but how smart you are with your Stand. Use it wisely, and you'll be able to help everyone here."

Inari nodded eagerly before running off to join the other Stand users for training. As I watched him go, I couldn't help but feel a deep satisfaction. This village, once downtrodden and hopeless, was now full of life, with people who were willing to fight to protect it. And Inari—Kaiza's son—had now stepped into that role as well.

Kaiza, standing beside her, let out a sigh of contentment. "It's amazing how far we've come in such a short time. And seeing Inari with his Stand... it makes me think that we really can create something special here."

I nodded. "We already have. But there's still more work to be done."

Kaiza smiled down at me. "You never stop, do you?"

I smirked. "Not when there's still a fight ahead."

The dreaded day had arrived.

I stood at the edge of the village, my eyes scanning the horizon. Gato's ships were visible in the distance, cutting through the fog that clung to the waters of the Land of Waves. From the look of things, Gato had brought his entire army of thugs—dozens of them, maybe more. Their banners waved arrogantly in the breeze, as if they were already claiming victory.

I narrowed my eyes. They have no idea what they're walking into.

Beside me, Kaiza stood with Eternal Flame flaring around him. His eyes were fixed on the ships, unwavering, his face calm but determined. Behind them, the Stand users were quietly waiting. Each person was ready, their Stands hidden from view, concealed as if they were still just the simple villagers Gato thought they were.

It was better this way, I decided. If Gato thought they were defenseless, his arrogance would lead him to make fatal mistakes. Gato, like in the original timeline, still believed that the Land of Waves was weak—its people too poor, too scared to fight back. He had no idea that the village had become something far more powerful than he could ever imagine.

"You ready for this?" Kaiza asked, his voice steady, through the fire in his Stand betrayed his intensity.

I nodded. "I've been ready for all the year."

Kaiza glanced back at the assembled Stand users, who had formed a line behind them, their faces set in determination. Some looked nervous, but most of them had trained for this day. They were ready to protect their home, to fight for the future I had promised them.

Finally, the ships reached the shore. Gato's army of thugs disembarked with sneers on their faces, laughing as they advanced toward the village. Gato himself appeared at the center, surrounded by bodyguards, his cruel eyes scanning the area with disdain. He had expected resistance, sure, but he hadn't expected anything organized. After all, what could a poor, helpless village do to him?

Gato stepped forward, grinning as he shouted, "So this is the famous Land of Waves? Pathetic! You really thought you could defy me?!" His voice dripped with mockery, earning laughter from his men.

I felt my blood boil at the sight of him, but I held my ground, my face calm. I exchanged a glance with Kaiza, and without needing to say a word, they both stepped forward.

"Kaiza!"Gato's voice rang out, recognizing the village' s symbol of hope. "I heard you were still alive. A shame—I thought my men took care of you. No matter. I'll finish what they couldn't."

Kaiza's eyes burned with resolve as Eternal Flame flared brighter behind him. "You've made a mistake coming here, Gato."

Gato scoffed. "A mistake? The only mistake is that your village didn't give up sooner. Now, I'll have to make an example of all of you."

He raised a hand, signaling his men to advance. They rushed forward, weapons drawn, ready to overpower what they thought were helpless villagers.

I stepped forward, a sly grin spreading across my face. ""Oh, Gato. You have no idea what's waiting for you."

I raised my hand, snapping my fingers.

At that moment, the Stand users moved as one. Stands erupted into existence around them, invisible to Gato's men but very, very real in their effects. The air crackled with power as Kaiza's Eternal Flame surged forward, creating a wall of fire that separated Gato's thugs from the village. The men recoiled in shock, stumbling backward, confusion and fear written all over their faces.

"What the—?! Where did this fire come from?!" one of Gato's men shouted, waving his sword uselessly at the flames.

I smiled coldly. Now it begins

The Stand users wasted no time. One by one, their Stands manifested, unleashing their unique abilities on Gato's men. To the thugs, it was as if the world itself had turned against them. Trees bent unnaturally, trapping them in their branches. The ground shifted, pulling some of them into pits. Others were struck down by invisible forces, knocked unconscious by blows they couldn't see or understand.

Gato's sneer quickly melted into confusion, then fear. "What... What is this?! What are you doing?!"

I stepped forward, my voice loud and unwavering. ""This isn't the same Land of Waves you thought you could control, Gato. We're not helpless. We're not weak. We've become something far stronger than you could ever imagine."

Gato's eyes darted around, panic setting in. His men were being decimated, one after another falling to the unseen powers of the Stand users.

Amid the chaos of the battle, I stepped forward, my voice cutting through the sounds of combat. "We're more than a country!" I shouted, my voice clear and commanding, carrying over the flames, the crashing of waves, and the confusion of Gato's men. The Stand users behind me fell into line, their eyes filled with the same fire that burned in mine.

"We're Namigakure!" I declared, my fist clenched in the air. "The next great village in this world!"

My words hit like a wave, rippling through the Stand users and villagers alike. The people of the Land of Waves, those who had trained and fought under my guidance, echoed my cry.

"Namigakure!" they shouted in unison, their voices filled with newfound strength and unity.

Stands flared with power around them, invisible to Gato's men but felt in the force of the attacks that tore through their ranks. The thugs, disoriented and terrified, stumbled back as the village seemed to rise up against them, their every move countered by unseen forces.

Kaiza, standing tall beside me with Eternal Flame blazing behind him, raised his arm, and the fire that protected the village flared even higher. "We're Namigakure!" he roared, his voice adding weight to my declaration.

The rest of the Stand users joined in, their determination shining through. Each person had a Stand—a piece of their soul that now connected them not just to themselves, but to each other. They were no longer just a scattered village fighting for survival. They were something greater, united under a single banner.

"We're the village hidden in the waves!" My voice rose again, cutting through the battle like a blade. "We will protect our home, our people, and we'll show the world what we're capable of!"

Behind me , the Stand users roared in agreement. Their power, their resolve, surged as one. Together, they had become Namigakure—stronger than ever, a force no one could have expected.

Gato stood trembling, alone now. His thugs were either unconscious or dead, their bodies scattered across the battlefield. Desperation filled his eyes as he turned to run, but before he could make his escape, I stepped forward, blocking his path. My Stand, now transformed into Sticky Fingers, loomed behind me.

With a cold, determined look, I spoke—though it wasn't her voice that echoed, but Bruno Bucciarati's. "You're already dead!" I declared, my words carrying an eerie finality.

In a swift motion, Sticky Fingers lashed out. Zippers appeared all over Gato's body as he screamed in terror. But it was too late—his limbs were cut apart, his blood spraying across the ground. The once powerful crime lord fell in pieces, his lifeless body scattered like broken fragments of his once-untouchable empire.

I , unfazed by the blood, watched as life drained from Gato's eyes, the man's soul departing into the abyss. Without so much as a flinch, I calmly zipped his body back together, like reassembling a broken doll. To me, it was nothing more than a necessary task, no emotion behind my actions.

Turning, I spotted the Puppeteers of Death, the duo who had been quietly observing the fight from the sidelines. Their Stands were infamous for manipulating corpses—one capable of creating perfect duplicates, the other able to control the dead like marionettes.

I wiped some blood from my cheek and looked at them with a commanding presence. "Alright, you two," I called out, "create a corpse exactly like Gato and control it. We need access to his fortune, and this is the fastest way to do it."

The duo exchanged glances before nodding. Their Stands, one a shadowy figure capable of molding flesh, and the other a skeletal puppeteer, stepped forward. Within moments, a perfect replica of Gato's body stood in front of them, indistinguishable from the real one.

I watched as the fake Gato stood upright, its lifeless eyes mimicking the criminal's former greed and cunning. "Good," I said, my voice calm but laced with satisfaction. "With this, we'll have control over his assets, and the Land of Waves will never be under threat from scum like him again."

I turned away from the lifeless body of Gato, my cold expression melting into one of fierce determination as I faced the people of the Land of Waves, now proudly calling themselves the future shinobi of Namigakure. Their eyes, filled with hope and awe, locked onto me.

"This is only the first step, my people!" I called out, my voice carrying strength and conviction. "We've shown that we're no longer just helpless villagers! We are more than what the world sees us as—we are a force, a hidden village in the making!" The crowd murmured in agreement, their spirits high from the battle's victory.

"But to become a true hidden village, we need more than just our Stands," I continued, pacing in front of the crowd. "We need basic ninja training, discipline, and—most importantly—we need allies."

I paused, letting the weight of my next words hang in the air.

"And that's why," I shouted, my voice rising with anticipation, "we're going to make an alliance with Konohagakure!"

The crowd erupted into gasps and whispers, shocked by the boldness of my declaration. Forming an alliance with one of the five great shinobi nations seemed impossible, a dream beyond their reach.

I raised her hand, quieting the murmurs. "We have what they need," I said confidently. "We have strength, we have power, and we have something they don't—Stands. We will offer them something no other village can. In return, they will help us build Namigakure into a true hidden village, with ninjas strong enough to defend our people and secure our future!"

The crowd, slowly processing the gravity of my words, began to cheer. Excitement and hope swelled in their hearts. They weren't just survivors anymore—they were warriors, a rising force with a vision.

Kaiza, standing beside me, placed a hand on my shoulder. "You truly believe we can do this?" he asked quietly, though his voice was filled with newfound belief.

I looked at him, my eyes blazing with certainty. "We have no other choice," I said firmly. "We either rise and become something greater, or we fall. And I refuse to fall."