Chapter 229. The Last Emerald Splash
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If [The World]'s Stand ability is indeed like this...
Then all the strange occurrences make sense.
Whether it was [Hierophant Green]'s barrier being instantly severed, Polnareff's inability to reach the stairs, that idiot suddenly being killed, or the unexpected switch in positions between DIO and him… everything that happened makes sense now!
But what does it matter if he understands?
[The World]'s true Stand ability is practically invincible!
And most importantly, there's no one else who could even think of such a terrifying truth!
He has to pass this on!
If Jotaro and the others remain unaware of [The World]'s true nature, they'll surely die under this Stand ability!
Time stop!
Such is the power it holds!
Even though DIO killed him without finishing off Joseph,
Or chose to confront Joseph when time resumed, instead of during the stopped time,
It seems that [The World]'s time stop isn't very long.
It can't be used to stop time consecutively.
But as long as it can halt time for even a moment,
At critical moments, it could easily kill them when they're unguarded, just as he was.
—So please, I beg you, my body! My Stand!
—Move, just once!
—Just one single movement!
Splurt—!!
Blood, mixed with bits of flesh, sprayed from Kakyoin's mouth.
This was the cost of forcing his Stand into action, even on the verge of death.
A Stand is a manifestation of life energy and spiritual energy.
Although they don't necessarily combine in specific ratios,
Besides vampires like DIO, who can draw on others' life energy to strengthen their Stand,
Ordinary humans can also use spiritual energy to enhance their Stand when life energy is lacking, or even use it to replenish life energy.
The reason Jotaro could withstand Emerald Splash, which even DIO couldn't endure, is precisely due to this.
This is also why Stand users are typically more resilient than others.
However, this form of replenishment is far from a graceful way of restoring life energy.
Unlike vampires or Ripple users, who possess methods to rapidly recover from severe injuries,
It acts more like a backlash when Stand users awaken their Stand without the right compatibility, sometimes even costing their life.
This feedback of spiritual energy...
If a Stand user is unharmed, it's manageable.
But if they're already injured, this backflow not only increases their physical strain but also makes the Stand—
Uncontrollable, as if it belonged to someone incompatible!
Kakyoin's resolve has not given him hope.
Instead, it only burdens him further, drawing him closer to death!
Is everything… over?
Inevitably, this thought takes root in Kakyoin's mind.
DIO is a foe impossible to defeat, even at the cost of one's life.
In other words, for Kakyoin to sacrifice his life and uncover DIO's Stand ability is more than enough.
Even if he does nothing more,
No one could blame him.
And Mr. Joestar, who witnessed the scene, must have realized [The World]'s true ability.
Trust Mr. Joestar, trust the wisdom of his comrades.
The devil's whispers echo in Kakyoin's ears, urging him to give up.
Surrender, and the pain will end.
Surrender, and there will be release.
So, give up.
You've fulfilled your mission already...
—But, is it truly complete?
He can't speak,
As DIO's blow has pierced his lungs entirely.
He can't think,
As with the loss of blood and life energy, his consciousness, even his Stand, begins to fade, abandoning thought.
...This is how it should be.
Is DIO, along with [The World], truly unbeatable?
Are they realms beyond reach, no matter the sacrifice?
...Yet, a voice, unknown whose, reaches his faint consciousness.
Alongside it come faint images: Jotaro's furious expression from before, and Polnareff's remorseful face...
—Are they… worried about me?
—How strange.
—Jotaro and Polnareff aren't even here.
—Am I imagining this because of my own concern for them?
Though he's unsure if this counts as thought,
Listening to his body's cries for survival, Kakyoin feels his strength waning,
But strangely, he feels a sense of spirit rising?
It's as if he's finally, truly, himself.
And in his heart lies one single thought—
He cannot accept this end!
—[Hierophant Green]!!
Like the vibrant green of a melon, the faint figure of his Stand reappears, hazy like a static-filled screen on an old TV.
—So, you too don't want to give up, do you, [Hierophant Green]?
Looking at [Hierophant Green], trembling as if it might vanish at any second,
Kakyoin feels his Stand's resolve emanate, or rather, his own will mirrored through his Stand.
He forces a smile, thinking to himself,
—Then let's fight, one last time!
—If one person alone can't bring down DIO, if even sacrificing one's life isn't enough to touch [The World]…
—Then if two? Three? Or even four of us risk our lives, might we not defeat DIO?
—So...
Rushing water flows through [Hierophant Green]'s hands.
Perhaps due to forcing his Stand before,
Though he should have little life energy left, the surge of spiritual energy miraculously brings forth his remaining life force.
With all his life energy concentrated in [Hierophant Green]'s hands, it roars forth!
—Take this, Mr. Joestar, Jotaro, and Polnareff! My final [Emerald Splash]!