The alliance between Germany and an ancient lifeform struck the highest office of the White House like a thunderclap.
President Roosevelt had summoned Speedwagon and the others precisely because they were the only ones who had submitted prior intelligence. Unfortunately, it hadn't been taken seriously at first. Not until the Polish campaign did the nations of the world finally turn their eyes toward that mysterious unit operating within Germany's borders.
"Mr. Speedwagon." Roosevelt's expression was grave. "Would you tell us everything you know?"
"Of course, Mr. President."
Speedwagon began with the story of the Stone Mask fifty years ago, tracing the thread from that distant tragedy to the recent battle against the Pillar Man Santana in Mexico. He laid out the sweeping saga—spanning three generations—before the White House officials.
When he finished, Roosevelt was visibly shaken. He bowed deeply to the three of them.
"Thank you for everything you've done for humanity." His voice was solemn. "Gentlemen, if possible, I hope for your assistance. We must have enough Hamon warriors to counter those monsters—perhaps even a Hamon legion."
Speedwagon slowly shook his head. "I'm afraid that won't be possible, Mr. President. The birth of a Hamon warrior requires both talent and time. Neither can be rushed. As for ordinary vampires, sunlight and ultraviolet radiation are lethal weapons. I suggest preparations be made in that direction."
Roosevelt fell silent for a rare moment of contemplation before speaking again. "Regardless, we must prepare for both possibilities. I will contact the leaders of Britain and France and relay this intelligence in full. Gentlemen—war is coming."
...
When they left the Oval Office, Speedwagon looked deeply troubled.
Joseph, ever irreverent, clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't overthink it, Uncle Speedwagon. We've got the President of the United States and the strongest nation in the world behind us. Ancient monsters or not, they're just cave-dwelling relics who used to gnaw on rocks."
Joseph understood the power of a nation. Sunlight was the fatal weakness of vampires and the Pillar Men alike. So long as that weakness was exploited, humanity had no reason to lose to man-eating creatures.
Ray Chu, however, wagged a finger.
"JoJo—never overestimate humanity."
He spoke calmly, but his tone carried weight.
"I guarantee that when the Germans advance, other nations will stall and seek compromise. Even if they know Germany is cooperating with non-humans, they won't truly wake up until they've paid in blood. And those monsters' most terrifying trait isn't their strength—it's their immortality."
Immortality.
Some call it a curse. Others, a blessing.
Since antiquity, countless emperors had pursued eternal life to prolong their dominion over those beneath them.
After the Industrial Revolution, the gulf between classes hadn't narrowed—it had widened. Those who controlled resources owned everything: land, wealth, power, armed forces. Ordinary people possessed little more than nominal freedom and the meager right to exchange their labor for survival.
And yet, one thing had always been equal.
Death.
Whether you were a titan of power or a nameless laborer struggling day to day, the end came for all.
Without exception.
But when the chance for immortality stands before you—when illness gnaws at your body and death looms close—how many can truly refuse? Even if it means becoming a vampire, feeding on human blood, never seeing the sun again?
Those who already live by feeding on the people—what choice would they make?
The answer was obvious.
Speedwagon let out a long sigh. "JoJo, for all these years I've built this foundation and searched for the secrets of the Stone Mask for one reason. I never wanted the world to learn of this. A vampire's immortality is a wicked curse."
Joseph fell silent.
He thought of Straizo. A Hamon warrior devoted to eradicating vampires—strong-willed, resolute. Yet when faced with aging and death, even he had felt fear… and in the end, chose to become the very monster he despised.
If even a Hamon warrior could falter, then what of the world's elites—those who held most of humanity's wealth and power, yet now stood at the brink of decline?
The mere thought sent a chill down Joseph's spine.
It was an unsolvable trial of human nature.
And at its root were the Pillar Men.
As they spoke, the car rolled over a gentle slope and into Speedwagon's estate.
The iron gates swung open. Vast lawns and fountains stretched across the grounds. The car came to a stop before a grand European-style villa, where rows of maids and butlers stood assembled to welcome their master home.
Joseph whistled under his breath. He'd always known Uncle Speedwagon was wealthy, but having grown up in the countryside with his grandmother, he had never seen anything like this.
Ray Chu, by contrast, remained utterly composed. To him, wealth was incidental. Personal strength was what truly mattered.
"I've invited a friend from Italy," Speedwagon said as he pushed the door open. "He'll be your new companion—and he'll take you to that place for Hamon training."
The moment Ray Chu and Joseph stepped inside, they saw him.
A tall, handsome blond man lounging on the sofa.
Flirting with a maid.
"The moment I laid eyes on you… I knew you were the most beautiful flower in the world… Your tender lips… intoxicate me…" the blond man murmured ardently, his gaze locked on the woman before him as if nothing else existed.
"Ahem."
Speedwagon cleared his throat and pointed.
"This is your new companion—Caesar Anthonio Zeppeli. JoJo, he's the descendant of your grandfather's closest comrade, William."
"Other than chasing skirts, he doesn't look that impressive," Joseph muttered, stroking his chin as he circled Caesar, even giving his muscles an exploratory squeeze.
A vein bulged on Caesar's forehead.
"Fool!"
His right fist shot toward Joseph's face. But Joseph had anticipated it—he grinned and tilted his head aside, the punch slicing past harmlessly.
"Then take one from me!"
Joseph's fist drove toward Caesar's abdomen. But in his focus on Caesar, he forgot someone—
The maid who had just been in Caesar's arms.
She suddenly sprang into action. Her hands struck Joseph's body in rapid succession, blows landing with uncanny precision. Joseph, who had endured vampires and Pillar Men, found himself trembling under the seemingly delicate fists.
The final punch sent him flying.
"I had some expectations of a warrior who defeated Straizo and a Pillar Man," Caesar drawled as he rose lazily from the sofa, digging a finger into his ear with open disdain. "But this weakling? He must just be the errand boy for the one standing beside him."
"Bastard!"
Joseph slammed a palm to the floor and sprang back to his feet.
"A guy who uses a woman to sneak attack—don't think I'll accept that!"
Caesar gently helped the flustered maid to her feet, not even sparing Joseph a glance.
"Mr. Speedwagon, is this truly the comrade you've chosen for me? He didn't even notice when I infused this beautiful lady with Hamon. If he can't detect that, how does he expect to survive a battle that shifts in an instant?"
He turned his head slightly, voice cool.
"I suggest he go back to the countryside and take up farming."
---
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