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Chapter 40. Challengers of Fate
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Even as Zeppeli conquered his inner fears and advanced boldly, the audience watching "Phantom Blood" still had no idea what they were about to witness.
This contrast was stark compared to Zeppeli's mindset within the story. After all, isn't it usually the protagonist who breaks through seemingly unavoidable fates? Especially since...
"This collar won't budge," JOJO thought, as he strained against the iron collar around his neck, veins bulging with effort.
Observing Tarkus's movements, he mused, "Tarkus hasn't revealed how he'll use this killing ground... and that's the most unsettling part."
Clearly, JOJO wasn't quietly resigning himself to being a hostage. When DIO faced the Ripple breathing technique, he developed the Vapor Freeze Technique. Similarly, when JOJO fought Bruford underwater, he utilized hidden air pockets within the underwater caves to breathe and reversed the situation using the river, an excellent conductor of Ripple.
These unexpected battles showcased that the audience's perception of strength in "Phantom Blood" had shifted beyond simple comparisons of power.
Therefore, although JOJO appeared bound and restrained, the viewers knew better than to underestimate him. If they did, it would be Tarkus, not JOJO, who would face misfortune, just like Bruford before him.
Hence, even as JOJO kept a vigilant eye on Tarkus, ready for any special tactics he might employ, and Zeppeli began to outmaneuver the larger Tarkus with agility, Jolyne Cujoh couldn't help but question Pucci, "Hey, Pucci, did you secretly change the script?"
On the day of the seventh episode's broadcast, Jolyne's attention was even more intense than during the premiere of "Phantom Blood." The growing popularity of the show brought with it numerous offers from advertisers and industry peers eager to leverage this success. Despite these enticing offers, she remained resolute in her refusal to compromise the show's integrity.
"It's crucial not to let external influences affect your creativity!" Jolyne insisted. "Pucci, your original script is what I genuinely wanted to film—a work full of sincerity, not something altered just to please the audience."
"We haven't changed anything," Akiyuki Shinbo replied on Pucci's behalf. "While we initially considered such alterations, your reminder helped us rediscover our true selves amidst the external praise."
"Just like Zeppeli at this moment," Shinbo continued.
Indeed, they had been reminded and awakened. Although his words carried some exaggeration, Shinbo, inspired by Jolyne's unwavering belief, intended to assist in realizing her vision.
This mindset shift allowed him to feel something unique while re-filming Zeppeli's death scene, a sensation that only the current team could experience. Understanding Zeppeli's determination in the face of his doomed fate was something the crew now deeply resonated with.
If they succumbed to the false glory bestowed upon them by external acclaim, how could they grasp Zeppeli's mindset? Only by confronting this metaphorical cliff, like Zeppeli, could they discern whether they were merely misguided youths or fledgling eagles ready to rise from the ashes.
This realization, Shinbo believed, was what Jolyne intended to convey. Why else would she choose this critical moment to address it?
"I've seen through everything," Shinbo declared. "After your persistent reminders, President Cujoh, how could we not understand?"
"…?"
Jolyne: What are you talking about?!
"And this is the special style I prepared for this episode!" Shinbo proclaimed.
…
Meanwhile, the story continued without interruption.
"Take this, Tarkus!" Zeppeli shouted as he rose and leaped. Not only did he dodge Tarkus's lunge, but he also used the wall's momentum and gravity's acceleration to spin his body, enhancing his kick. "Ripple Overdrive!!" he yelled, confident in his strike.
Tarkus, who prided himself on his invincible body capable of crushing any Ripple user upon contact, was about to face a formidable attack. The powerful kick, infused with Ripple energy, aimed to destroy Tarkus's undead cells upon impact.
However...
A moment of vulnerability appeared...
Zeppeli's powerful kick left him temporarily without his earlier agility, a flaw that Tarkus quickly exploited.
"From above, huh?"
"No, Mr. Zeppeli! The chain is coming from below!!" JOJO warned urgently.
But it was too late.
Utilizing the Two-Headed Dragon Hall's unique terrain and tools, Tarkus had set his trap. He wouldn't give them time to react.
"Simultaneous attack from above and below!"
"This is my ultimate technique—Hell Heaven Snake Kill!!"
With chains entwining Zeppeli's body and tightening around JOJO's neck, Tarkus forcefully pulled the chains, suspending them both from the ceiling, forming a deadly angle to strangle them.
He triumphantly declared, "Watch as I strangle you both to death!!"
The scene froze, and the screen went black...