After parting ways with Giorno, Zuke wandered around the area, taking in the local customs and culture of Italy.
Although this was the world of JoJo, where Italy's social atmosphere was far more exaggerated than in the real world, Zuke didn't find it particularly threatening.
Even though he did encounter pickpockets and robbers on the way, their fates were ultimately reversed—they ended up contributing to Zuke's wallet. Using their money, Zuke indulged in Italy's exquisite cuisine.
After satisfying his appetite, Zuke sensed that the feather he had left with Giorno had been triggered.
"Perfect timing."
Having just finished a genuine Margherita pizza, Zuke paid his bill, exited the pizzeria, and then used Instant Transmission to teleport to Giorno's side.
In an instant, Zuke appeared in the plaza of a school. It was already evening, and most students had returned to their dormitories, leaving the plaza almost deserted.
In the center of the plaza stood Giorno and Koichi Hirose.
By the steps on the side of the plaza, an unfortunate janitor could be seen. Based on the original plot, this janitor would reignite the lighter and subsequently be killed by Black Sabbath.
His soul would be pierced by the "arrow" wielded by Black Sabbath, but because he lacked the aptitude for a Stand, he would die instantly.
"Godfather! Over here! Don't stand in the shadows!"
Seeing Zuke appear, Giorno's face lit up with joy, but he quickly became tense, shouting a warning to Zuke.
"There's a Stand that moves in the shadows chasing us! If you stand in the shadows, you'll be attacked too!"
"Huh? Godfather?"
Koichi, who was standing beside Giorno, wore a puzzled expression. He had also seen Zuke suddenly appear in the plaza, but Giorno calling him "Godfather"?
Even from a distance, Koichi could tell that Zuke was Asian and very young. How could someone like him possibly be Giorno's godfather?
If Koichi moved closer, he might even recognize Zuke as the taxi driver who had taken him to the airport earlier.
Before Koichi could react further, a sinister voice came from behind Zuke:
"You saw the 'flame,' didn't you?"
The next moment, a shadowy figure lunged from the shade of a tree near Zuke's feet—it was Polpo's Stand, Black Sabbath.
Polpo had hidden Black Sabbath inside a lighter. Once the condition of "relighting the flame" was met, Black Sabbath would emerge and test those who saw the flame with the "arrow."
Although Zuke hadn't personally witnessed the flame, his interaction with Giorno had made him a target for Black Sabbath.
"Your phrasing reminds me of those restless spirits who keep asking me if I can see them," Zuke said as he turned to face the source of the voice.
Without hesitation, he extended his hand and grabbed Black Sabbath by the throat.
"Urgh…!"
Black Sabbath let out a muffled groan as Zuke's grip immobilized it.
By merging with his Stand, Black Bird, Zuke's body could physically interact with other Stands.
Despite Black Sabbath being slightly stronger in the shadows, its attempts to claw at Zuke's arm and break free were futile.
No matter how hard it struggled, Zuke's arm didn't budge an inch.
"He… He grabbed that Stand! And it can't even break free from his strength!"
Standing in the sunlight, Koichi was stunned by the sight and couldn't help but exclaim.
Originally, he had come to retrieve his passport from Giorno, but he had been ambushed by Black Sabbath.
After a brief exchange with Giorno, Koichi had acknowledged him and decided to join forces to deal with Black Sabbath.
Although they initially had no solid plan, Giorno suddenly seemed to think of something. He broke the black feather attached to his ladybug brooch.
And just like that, Zuke had appeared in the plaza and subdued the seemingly insurmountable Stand with sheer force.
"Release me..."
Black Sabbath emitted a low, guttural sound. Despite being a remote Stand with some level of intelligence, its thinking was evidently limited.
When it realized Zuke wasn't letting go, Black Sabbath tried another tactic. Its mouth suddenly opened wide, launching a sharp "arrow" from within.
This "arrow" was the same kind that could awaken Stands in people. Unlike the one Zuke possessed, however, this arrow lacked the ability to confirm Stand aptitude.
Polpo's strategy with this arrow was indiscriminate—anyone wanting to join his organization would be pierced. Those who survived and awakened Stands could join, while those who didn't... well, they died.
Compared to Kira Yoshikage's method in Part 4 of confirming aptitude before awakening a Stand, this approach was far less efficient. However, over time, it still amassed a considerable number of Stand users.
"Good, I was waiting for you to spit that out."
Seeing Black Sabbath launch the arrow in an attempt to attack him, Zuke smirked.
Without hesitation, he caught the arrow with his other hand and snapped it in half with a decisive motion—
Crack!
The shaft of the arrow broke instantly, and the arrowhead fell into Zuke's left hand.
Although it wasn't as functional as the one he already had, and it might not even carry over to other mission worlds, there was no harm in keeping it. Who knows when it might come in handy?
"Now that I have the arrow, you're of no use to me."
Zuke glanced at the immobilized Black Sabbath. Behind him, Black Bird began to materialize, taking over the task of restraining the Stand.
The two black Stands locked eyes briefly before Black Bird took the initiative. In one swift motion, it tore Black Sabbath in half.
The overwhelming power left Black Sabbath helpless. Its body shattered into fragments, which Black Bird devoured without hesitation.
Standing in the plaza, Koichi was utterly dumbfounded.
This was the first time he had seen such a violent Stand—one that not only tore another Stand apart but also consumed its remains.
Stiffly turning to Giorno, Koichi's voice trembled as he asked:
"This… this person is your godfather?"
To be continued…
Zuke will be the new king of the Saiyans?!
Whis summons Zuke?!
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