Bonus 20 chapters (5 chapters for free) are available at [patreon.com/kurato6180]
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Chapter 196. Cujoh Jolyne: I Really Do Have to Thank You
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"Jotaro, do you think Jolyne has been acting a little strange lately?"
In the lounge of the "Stardust Crusaders" filming set, Polnareff suddenly leaned closer to Kujo Jotaro, grinning mysteriously as he said, "You think this could be about that, huh?"
As he spoke, Polnareff playfully extended two thumbs, pressing them together affectionately like a couple in love.
It felt like nothing had been said.
Yet it seemed like everything had been said.
"..."
In response, Kujo Jotaro paused briefly before calmly replying, "Don't overthink it, Polnareff. Jolyne is just feeling competitive; haven't you heard?"
"The rights to the Stand technology we're using for filming were sold off at a high price. While it does show Jolyne's keen insight to invest in this new technology, I think she'd rather regain her investment through "Stardust Crusaders" itself. After all..."
He glanced at Polnareff.
Then he looked at Joseph and the others, who were also nearby.
Kujo Jotaro shrugged and said, "This is our story after all~~!"
"...That's right, this is our story!"
Polnareff, who had wanted to joke with Kujo Jotaro, now had a face full of regret as he replied, "Damn! Thinking like that just makes it so frustrating!"
"Our story is being saved by someone else's story... don't say Jolyne, I'm not happy about it either!"
It had clearly never been an issue before.
But when Polnareff heard Jotaro's alternative explanation, he instantly understood Jolyne's feelings.
Even if the truth was different...
That kind of frustration and dissatisfaction was awful for someone as proud as Polnareff!
Why should it be like this?
They were clearly the first ones to use this new technology.
Why was it said that it was Khara's arrival that saved them?
If there was any saving to be done, they should be the ones saving Khara!
Due to not being Japanese, Polnareff naturally didn't understand the special status of "EVA" during that unique period in Japan.
Even though many online praised the work.
And the numerous advertising royalties it generated confirmed that it truly lived up to its reputation as the "New World Money-Sucking Warrior."
But that didn't stop Polnareff, as a foreigner, from empathizing with the piece.
To him, "EVA" was not much different from other super robot works.
"So we have to work hard, Polnareff."
Joseph, who had been listening to Jotaro and Polnareff's conversation, walked over and patted both of their shoulders, saying, ""Stardust Crusaders" story isn't finished yet. As long as we can... in Pucci's words, successfully reverse the sales of the BD bonuses, perhaps this evaluation could turn around."
"Maybe when Jolyne finds out about this, she might even give me a long-lost hug!"
(Cujoh Jolyne: I really do have to thank you!)
And this was also why Pucci decided to inform Jotaro and the others about it.
Just like he analyzed on 2CH using the alias "White Snake."
Although it might be a bit of an overinterpretation.
The realization was indeed crucial for their future filming.
Especially considering that they would be filming full-dived, using a method that enhances realism by blocking memories, allowing the actors to immerse themselves in the shooting.
If they, as actors, hesitated,
Then even if they succeeded in the script, their performance would still show they failed in the actual filming.
After all, compared to the character in the script, who was in a dangerous situation,
In reality, Jotaro and the others didn't have to defeat DIO under any inherent conditions.
It wasn't like the preconditions for characters to explode with power in shonen manga.
Even if Jotaro and the others had the advantage of being chosen actors, in the "Stardust Crusaders" set, they weren't lacking in chosen actors at all!
Round off the numbers, and that advantage could be said to be non-existent.
Perhaps this was also why Jolyne's expression was so unpleasant when Jotaro commented that their Green Dolphin Studio made a huge profit?
The far-sighted Jolyne had already realized this!
Because in a strict sense, "Stardust Crusaders" was already capable of making money, and one could even say it had made enough.
So regardless of how Jotaro and the others filmed next, it wouldn't affect the fact that they had already made a profit.
Meaning they could relax and let loose.
And how could that situation be accepted by Jolyne, who loved filming, had deep affection for the work, and silently supported them no matter their demands?
Thus, she acted out this dissatisfaction with the result, showing them how unhappy she was!
Implying she was extremely dissatisfied!
She even felt like tearing up the contract for the new technology license right away!
Finally, realizing what was going on, Pucci marveled at Jolyne's excellent acting skills but, of course, couldn't drag her down.
Rather, to ensure they could fully unleash Jotaro and the others' potential,
Pucci emphasized the seriousness of the situation, making sure Jotaro and the others understood Jolyne's dissatisfaction.
The key point being—I've waited so long for an opportunity; I want to prove myself not to show off but to tell them I must get back what I lost!
Thus, without Jolyne realizing it, she completed another total mobilization.
…
Dio's Mansion.
The apartment where DIO temporarily resided in "Stardust Crusaders".
It was about to appear before Jotaro, who had endured a long journey and numerous attacks from enemy Stand users!
The fate between the Joestar family and DIO would finally begin to draw a conclusion at this moment!