Chapter 224. Polpol, the Shit Licker
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What exactly is DIO's Stand?
This question becomes captivating throughout this episode's storyline, as DIO continuously uses his eerie Stand ability.
During Sora's relentless refusal to admit defeat...
Evidence-based discussions occur as scenes from earlier in "Stardust Crusaders"—particularly the moments where the purple thorny vines appear in DIO's hand—are scrutinized with ample screenshots. This transformed the conversation from a few answers into a puzzling mystery that captivated more and more people.
Many began to notice the question Sora raised: If [The World] is DIO's Stand, then what is [Hermit Purple]?
Could it be that DIO's body from the neck up is his own, while the body below belongs to Jonathan, giving him two distinct Stands due to these unique physical traits? [The World] and [Hermit Purple]?
Or could [The World] be a name symbolizing the entire world, allowing this Stand to have the power of all other Stands, including that of [Hermit Purple]?
Curiosity was at an all-time high!
The topic inevitably sparked more and more theories from imaginative viewers.
After all, not every viewer had Sora's intense sense of competition.
And not everyone had the experience of confidently concluding something in front of their younger sibling, only to be embarrassed in the very next moment, diminishing their pride as an older brother.
Drawn in by this episode of "Stardust Crusaders", particularly by DIO's use of [The World], viewers were captivated yet perplexed, as they knew DIO was using his Stand but couldn't determine what he was doing.
It was like a forum post where someone shares an intriguing manga screenshot from a pink-hued app but skips the crucial parts, making everyone shout, "The hero has arrived!" and demanding to know the name of the manga.
So, almost the moment shooting wrapped up...
Pucci, surrounded by "Stardust Crusaders" crew members, was swarmed by the production team.
"Director Pucci, please tell us!"
"We swear we won't tell anyone, not even if Jotaro-san asks us directly!"
They proclaimed these vows with utmost sincerity.
"Hey, are you guys still part of the "Stardust Crusaders" crew?!" Polnareff chuckled, half-mocking, his tone full of righteous indignation. "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure tells a story of courage! It's about spreading courage to others and uniting for a common cause!"
"Look at yourselves—where's your pride as members of "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" and "Stardust Crusaders"?"
"So… Director Pucci, can you tell me what DIO's Stand is?"
Squeezing past the crowd after his little speech, Polnareff reached the center and, with a shameless smile, echoed the same question. "Anyway, since Jotaro and I haven't met DIO yet, and since Kakyoin will be the one to reveal his Stand's power, why don't you give me a sneak peek?"
"I swear I won't tell anyone!"
"…"
Really, Polnareff?
This unfiltered request brought a wave of eye-rolls from the production members who had blushed moments earlier at Polnareff's loud scolding.
Yet, Polnareff ignored it all.
After the release of the episodes with [Hanged Man], [Emperor], and [Justice], and earning the nickname "Polpol the Shit Licker", he'd long since lost any trace of shame.
Nothing could be worse than that nickname!
Damn it! Why did I agree to act in such scenes?
As Polnareff silently regretted his younger self's foolishness, he reasoned that this shameless approach was a necessary sacrifice.
And, frankly, Pucci was just too wicked!
Even the main actors—excluding DIO, who knew the truth—were clueless about the Stand abilities of [The World].
It was all for authenticity.
Both in the script's universe and in the production, the goal was for the actors to truly experience the process of unraveling [The World]'s Stand powers, to feel that sense of accomplishment step by step.
…
"So, we ended up with nothing…"
"Damn it! Could Pucci be any stingier with information?!"
Since it was about 'authenticity,' of course, Polnareff hadn't been able to glean anything useful from Pucci.
In fact, Pucci had even sent them all back, claiming they needed to start a new shoot. And after shooing them away, he had the audacity to say, "The truth behind [The World] will absolutely shock you!"
Doesn't he realize that saying that just makes us more curious?!
"This was expected, though. Didn't we guess as much when Director Pucci didn't tell us the truth?"
Beside Polnareff, Kakyoin Noriaki smiled and said, "Thanks, Polnareff, for trying to gather intel on [The World]."
"Now, let me handle the last bit of intelligence gathering! To be honest, when I read the script, it felt as if I were in another version of my own story… If it were me, this is exactly what I'd do!"
As Kakyoin walked toward the full-dive filming setup, he added, "I just want to see… if I'll succeed in this…"