While Jotaro sought answers within himself at Cape Canaveral, political undercurrents on the Apennine Peninsula were accelerating.
Rome, Presidential Palace, Italy.
Inside a classically decorated, perfectly soundproofed secret room, the atmosphere was so heavy it was almost solid.
The Italian representative was a core Chief of Staff to the President, and opposite him sat the expressionless American General; both their faces were grim.
"General, we have fully understood your government's 'concerns.'"
The Chief of Staff chose his words carefully, tapping his fingertips on the table, "We are equally deeply worried about the recent abnormal events in Japan.
But large-scale military intervention... this is completely different in nature and would cause national panic and extremely complex diplomatic consequences, especially since terrorist organizations are not currently active in Italy. You should go to Japan."
The General suddenly smiled, leaning forward slightly, yet the sense of oppression he exuded intensified sharply. "Mr. Chief of Staff, the intelligence we have received indicates that a Japanese terrorist has recently arrived in Italy, and his threat level far exceeds ordinary terrorist activities.
This involves incomprehensible supernatural powers, and its destructive potential is assessed as strategic. He is preparing to launch a terrorist attack on Italy, so it would be best for your government to accept our help.
We are not discussing, but informing—for our common security interests, my side must take preventive action. The fleet is already en route; this is a fait accompli."
He paused briefly, his tone softening slightly, yet becoming even colder, looking at the other party with a mocking gaze, as if watching a puppet on strings.
"Of course, we are not unreasonable. If your government can prove it has the ability and determination to effectively control, or even eliminate, this threat, then the scale and form of 'joint action' might be open for further negotiation."
The meaning of his words was naked and clear. Either accept full American military intervention, or Italy itself immediately resolve the situation and hand that person over to the American military.
The Chief of Staff's face turned exceptionally grim. What terrorist attack? It was inexplicable. How much worse could Italy's current situation get?
But he deeply understood his own government's powerlessness in the face of such "abnormalities." After a long silence, he spoke with difficulty: "...We need a little time."
"Time is limited, my friend." The General stood up and smiled indifferently, "I hope to see your 'determination' soon."
He knew that the person in front of him could not make decisions, nor could the President of Italy. The true masters of Italy were not them at all. Indeed, they needed some time to talk with the true masters.
After seeing off the American General, the Chief of Staff immediately contacted a codenamed individual through a top-secret line.
Hours later, in an absolutely secure safe house that had undergone countless counter-reconnaissance checks, a one-way video conference quietly took place. The screen was pitch black, with only a processed, cold electronic synthetic voice emanating from it.
The Chief of Staff skipped pleasantries and directly relayed the American ultimatum. He adjusted his tie, ensuring his demeanor was absolutely serious, and then the meeting officially began.
"...So, the Presidential Palace's meaning is," he said with a heavy tone, "that there is now a common, extremely dangerous terrorist running rampant in Italy, causing this crisis.
If we cannot deal with him before he causes a greater disaster or is captured by the Americans, then the consequences will be catastrophic. So please decide, esteemed Boss."
After a long silence from the other end of the screen, the electronic synthetic voice finally sounded again. The voice of "Boss" had no emotional fluctuations, yet it easily decided Italy's fate.
"I will have someone deal with this guy."
"If that doesn't work... let the American military come. It's just some political impact, and any conditions that aren't too excessive can be negotiated."
Even though Diavolo's voice was processed, one could still detect an extreme disgust. "Polpo's death was likely caused by that so-called terrorist. Let the Italian army cooperate with the American military, and sweep through all of Naples."
After another brief silence, as the Chief of Staff's heart pounded anxiously, another voice came, "I will have Beccherotti participate. Remember, his words are my words."
The Chief of Staff took a deep breath, his back already drenched in sweat, his clothes slightly damp. "Understood, Boss. I will convey your wishes to the President."
The communication was cut.
The Chief of Staff, in his suit and tie, couldn't help but sit on the floor, gasping for breath. Despite his high position and immense power, every time he faced Boss, he found it difficult to control his fear.
To be honest, he didn't know who Boss was, nor had he ever seen Boss in person. The President was probably in the same situation.
But he knew that this Boss was Italy's true master. He was the real head of the Italian mafia, but this mafia had entered politics, controlling the government, the police, and the parliament. He was a true Godfather.
Moreover, he and his mafia possessed a power that normal people could not comprehend, and this terrifying power intimidated everyone.
The relevant departments established by the state to collect supernatural items were completely unable to curb anything, allowing them to truly grow, controlling all of Italy.
Even the President had to show loyalty to the other party.
The other party could even kill and slaughter people wantonly in Rome, where the Presidential Palace was located, and no one could stop him.
Everyone who tried to investigate him died... Inside the safe house, Diavolo cut the connection, his crimson eyes swirling with rage and calculation.
To be sought out by the American government for cooperation, what an insult!
He was an Emperor! A Two-Faced Emperor!
This feeling made him feel humiliated; he couldn't even manage his own territory and had to let others interfere. What kind of Emperor was that?
But the pressure from the American military was real, and he could only comply. Italy's size was still too small compared to America.
"Kira Yoshikage, is it? Or whatever you call yourself..." He hissed softly, his muscular body twitching, the color of his pupils changing repeatedly.
"You not only killed my subordinate, but you also dared to invite the wolves. Now I might be investigated... You have completely destroyed my peace..."
Polpo's death was not a big deal, but his Arrow was stolen! That was the foundation of the organization!
Moreover, the people of Naples failed to capture him. He was still roaming around Naples and had even begun to declare that he was looking for the boss of Passione.
This was a blatant provocation against him. He would send an assassination squad to kill him immediately. If that failed, it would be time for the Royal Guard to act.
His authority as the Two-Faced Emperor must not be lost, and he himself felt he could not be exposed. He had to eliminate this unstable factor.
But after a furious roar and assigning the task to Beccherotti, his muscles began to contract, and his pupils completely changed color. His entire body shrunk, becoming a size smaller. No matter how angry he was, he had to continue to hide.
He reverted to the seemingly harmless pink-haired, shy man, Doppio, his face now filled with confusion.
At the same time, his gaze fell on a toy phone nearby, and he made a 'doodoodoo-loo-loo-loo-loo' sound, similar to a phone ringing.
Then he immediately looked at the phone again, "Huh, a call? Is Boss calling me again?"
...Meanwhile, Kira Yoshikage was unaware that his reckless hunting would also lead to him being encircled by the American military. Even if he knew, he wouldn't have time to deal with it.
At this moment, he had hit the jackpot.
He had encountered the most terrifying and absurd Stand in Golden Wind... "What the heck, how is Rolling Stone here?! Fate, you've been saving a big one for me, haven't you?!"