Chapter 225. Suffering Abbacchio's Burdens, I'll Bear the Infamy
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It felt as if he was looking at another self…
For Pucci, this was probably a matter of course. But for Kakyoin Noriaki and the others—actors living out their lives in this world—it was a completely different experience.
Especially after Pucci explained that to make it easier for the new actors to immerse themselves in the "Stardust Crusaders" script, they were to take on roles with names identical to their own.
Seeing what "they" experienced in the script…
Before even flipping to the next page to see the upcoming plot, they instinctively thought about how they would react. And sure enough, upon turning the page, they saw "themselves" doing exactly as they had imagined.
A peculiar feeling inevitably surfaced in their hearts.
It felt as if these events were truly happening to them!
If there were vampires, Hamon energy, and Stand powers in this world, then they would certainly act like their scripted "selves" in "Stardust Crusaders", taking the same actions.
This unique sentiment…
It even subtly influenced actors like Polnareff.
For this reason, Polnareff had previously sought Pucci to ask about DIO's Stand ability.
Isn't this the illusion that transcends both the script and reality?
Even though he knew the events in the script were fictional, Polnareff still didn't want to see Kakyoin sacrifice himself!
Similarly, while Kakyoin understood why his scripted "self" needed to act as he did, he wouldn't be deterred by fear of the unknown or by Polnareff's failure to get answers from Pucci.
So, when Pucci saw Kakyoin again…
What he saw was not an actor coming for a film shoot but someone ready to step onto a battlefield, as if he had already accepted the inevitability of death.
"I see. Judging by your appearance, it seems I don't need to say anything, Mr. Kakyoin."
Observing Kakyoin in this state, Pucci, who had felt somewhat apprehensive due to Polnareff's pestering, finally relaxed, no longer wondering whether to give Kakyoin any hints.
He even had the presence of mind to offer Kakyoin a gentle reminder: "DIO's Stand can't be defeated simply by sheer resolve."
"Hey, Director Pucci…"
Polnareff seemed ready to counter Pucci's discouraging words, but before he could speak, Kakyoin, after glancing at Polnareff, Joseph, and Jotaro, simply smiled and said to Pucci:
"I know. After all, Director Pucci, you've reminded us repeatedly that DIO and his Stand, [The World], possess formidable power beyond conventional methods."
"But even so, someone among us has to take on the task of uncovering [The World]'s true ability, right?"
In truth, Pucci wasn't as cold-hearted as he appeared.
Out of gratitude for Cujoh Jolyne bringing him on board and giving him so much directorial freedom as a newcomer, Pucci sometimes went to extreme lengths to enhance the production's quality.
This included choosing "chosen actors" and having Kakyoin and the others experience similar pressures to what their characters felt within the script's world, creating a sense of realism.
Yet this didn't mean Pucci was oblivious to the challenges of these scenes.
Pucci's confidence lay in the fact that the actors were handpicked.
And, knowing Kakyoin's temperament, he was sure Kakyoin would not be deterred by adversity. Instead, he would shine even brighter under pressure!
In simpler terms, this was the "Golden Spirit".
But just in case…
And to ensure his repayment to Jolyne didn't turn into revenge, Pucci had already hinted at the strength of DIO and [The World] in previous discussions with Kakyoin and his team.
If Kakyoin had come alone, Pucci might have discreetly shared more about [The World].
But now…
He suspected he'd been right about Kakyoin's intentions, as the actor hadn't sought spoilers—an indication of confidence.
Having actors portray themselves was a true industry miracle!
"So, Director Pucci, when will you recommend an actor like Kakyoin to me?"
Shinbo, feeling Kakyoin's resolve as he donned his full-dive helmet to enter the scripted world, spoke up. Even though he hadn't yet seen Kakyoin's upcoming scenes, Shinbo's years of experience told him Kakyoin's "Stardust Crusaders" storyline was as good as complete!
"…No, shouldn't I be the one asking you that?" Pucci replied impatiently. "Don't you still have a collaboration with Type-Moon?"
"This project is crucial to Green Dolphin Studio's revenue for the coming years, and yet here you are, slacking off instead of supervising. Is this really how you repay President Cujoh's trust?"
"…?"
Akiyuki Shinbo stared wide-eyed at Pucci as if to say, "I've never seen someone so shameless!" He bluntly voiced his disbelief, "Hey, hey, hey! Director Pucci, you can't just kick me to the curb like this!"
"You were the one who asked me to come and help! How am I now the one slacking off?"
Akiyuki Shinbo started to explain why he was here in the first place, which, to put it simply, was exactly as he had said. Pucci was concerned that his work might run into issues, so he pulled in Shinbo, an experienced veteran, as an insurance policy. This way, if something did go wrong, they'd have Shinbo's real-life industry expertise to fall back on. He was someone who had weathered ups and downs, not just because of the "chosen actor" advantage that Pucci had enjoyed, but from hard-earned experience to survive in the industry.
But now, seeing how things were progressing with Kakyoin, it was clear Pucci didn't need Shinbo anymore. Shinbo, his "toolman," no longer had a role here and was ready to be sent packing. However, Shinbo, who had developed a meticulous habit due to his background, wouldn't just leave empty-handed.
In fact, the reason he agreed to help Pucci in the first place was because of Pucci's talent at spotting actors. Although Shinbo wasn't sure how Pucci did it, there was no doubt that, when it came to finding actors, Pucci was at the top.
Just when Shinbo and the others had finalized the direction of their upcoming project, "Fate/stay night", Shinbo realized that casting would require more than fourteen main roles!
Seven Masters, seven Servants, subtracting Assassin's Master (which was actually Caster), plus Archer from the previous Holy Grail War.
And that didn't include the other characters or a certain purple-haired character who might become a main role for the potential future routes. Shinbo was stuck at this very first casting step. So now that he had the chance to get Pucci's help finding actors, how could he let that go?
"Director Pucci, didn't you forget something?"
"When you asked me to help, you said you'd find suitable actors for me no matter the outcome… Although things didn't go as planned, that still counts as 'no matter the outcome,' right?"
"…"
"Alright, I'll recommend someone for you…" Pucci sighed, "Leone Abbacchio from Passione. Passione's boss made some agreements with President Cujoh, and so a few members from Passione will be appearing in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 5. I planned to keep them here to easily transition into that shoot. But if you need him, so be it."
"Make sure to wrap up shooting quickly and sort out the schedule!" Pucci added, still visibly reluctant.
Apart from being a perfect fit for the role, Abbacchio (who had gone from cop to mobster) was perfect for Red Archer. And Shinbo's directing style could make it all come together.
The so-called "Shinbo style," typically identified with 45-degree tilts, freeze frames, black screens, bold fonts, etc., was often associated with his works. While it wasn't entirely accurate, it wasn't wrong either. Shinbo's style was truly a collaboration, constantly evolving based on the team members and the project itself.
With Kinoko Nasu's crew on board, "Fate/stay night" would be produced faithfully. But Pucci, familiar with the Kinoko's tendency to delay, wasn't sure if they'd meet deadlines. Now, he could only rely on Shinbo. Worst case? Abbacchio might have to shuttle between both productions.
After a second of silence for Abbacchio, Pucci turned his attention back to "Stardust Crusaders".
Why did he go along with Shinbo's "absurd" request?
Why offer up Abbacchio?
Because, in this full-dive production, Kakyoin's plan was coming together perfectly.
This trap was enough to force DIO to reveal his Stand, [The World] with full force.
"Take this, DIO!"
"My 20-meter Emerald Splash!"