Chapter 228. [The World]

Chapter 228. [The World]

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So, with DIO trapped within this unbeatable Hierophant's Barrier...

Whatever he plans to do next will be caught by [Hierophant Green], which will then launch an endless series of attacks against him.

Seeing Kakyoin's resolve, DIO merely sneered in contempt.

Of course, DIO had to admit he hadn't misjudged Kakyoin. As someone he once chose as a Stand user, even though Kakyoin later broke free and betrayed him, his talent was worthy of the expectations DIO once held.

After all, what's the purpose of the Hierophant's Barrier?

It's quite straightforward.

Or perhaps, it's because DIO's Stand, [The World], has displayed its ability to Kakyoin and his allies so many times that, even though they can't fully grasp its true nature, they merely see [The World] as a fast-moving Stand.

Similar to [Hanged Man], which can move at the speed of light but only within reflective surfaces, Kakyoin and the others might have assumed [The World] was a similar type of Stand and sought its weaknesses.

Ironically, they were right on the mark.

Even though DIO didn't believe [The World]'s Stand ability had any weaknesses, if they could deduce its true power, he would indeed be defeated.

Whenever he moved using his Stand's ability, [Hierophant Green] would detect it.

But if he didn't move, or moved without using his Stand, he would be unable to escape the relentless attacks and would be pierced by the oncoming [Emerald Splash]!

From the moment DIO stepped into this trap, he was ensnared by Kakyoin's plan.

But then again…

"MUDA, MUDA, MUDA, MUDA, MUDA, MUDA—!"

"You fool, let me show you once more—"

Since you're so eager to see it, Kakyoin, let me give you a good look!

DIO is just that generous!

The [Emerald Splash], spanning a twenty-meter radius, surged forward. The air shattered by the emeralds and the pressure waves from the cutting air made DIO's cloak and hair billow.

Yet DIO remained unfazed, neither fearing the attack before him nor worrying about revealing [The World]'s true Stand ability.

With pride and confidence, he proclaimed, "The true Stand power of [The World] is, in every sense, the power to rule the world!"

Yes, [The World] is invincible!

Even if they uncover its Stand ability, Jotaro and the others still stand no chance!

And even if Kakyoin realizes the truth, so what?

Kakyoin only has a few seconds left!

His life, his will, his thoughts, and everything he wished to convey will forever stop at the moment of death!

This is...

"- [The World]!!"

…

What happened?

Why?

Why was Kakyoin suddenly blasted away?!

This can't be!

Joseph, who had been watching from the sidelines, working with Kakyoin to uncover DIO's true Stand ability, couldn't grasp what had just happened.

He hadn't even seen how Kakyoin was thrown. In the blink of an eye, Kakyoin was embedded in a distant water tank.

Joseph saw nothing in between.

No sign of DIO making a move either.

But Joseph was sure he'd been watching closely!

Why, then?!

"What… happened… did I… lose…?"

Not only was Joseph confused—even Kakyoin, who had borne the attack directly, looked bewildered.

"This is bad… it seems like a fatal wound…"

He wanted to move, wanted to keep fighting, but couldn't. Only his spirit seemed barely present because his Stand hadn't disappeared, and some residual connection remained.

Thinking to himself, he reflected, "I can't make a sound… I can't move a finger…"

"It's five fifteen… which would be around midnight in Japan… I wonder what Mom and Dad are doing… Are they asleep already?... Sorry for worrying you…"

In Kakyoin's final thoughts, what emerged wasn't his family in Japan. While he missed them dearly, a strange question surfaced, overpowering his longing for his parents.

Caught between life and death, his subconscious instinct to flee this scripted world blurred the boundary between his current self and his real self outside.

Though still unable to fully recall his memories, an instinct within him recalled what Pucci had once said—that DIO and [The World] were undefeatable.

And Kakyoin's resolve to fight at any cost...

These two intense feelings overlapped powerfully, breaking through the limits and resonating within him!

After all, DIO and [The World]'s invincibility were engraved in him with unprecedented clarity…

"My Hierophant's Barrier can sense anything it touches, but just now… DIO cut off every link to the Barrier in an instant…"

"Why wasn't it one by one? Not even a fraction of a second delay? All at once… within a twenty-meter radius of the Barrier?"

"Why no delay? Why all at once? Why… at the same time…? Time difference… time… [time]…?"

Yes, in his final moment, Kakyoin realized the truth.

Nothing else could explain it!

DIO's [The World]'s true Stand ability—

It's [Time Stop]!?