In the JOJO world, Joseph's battle with Wamuu had ended.
Wamuu, half his body shattered, knelt weakly on the ground.
For a Pillar Men, losing half a body was barely an injury.
What was truly fatal was the Ripple raging inside him.
Such a powerful Ripple—it felt like a blazing sun.
In Wamuu's long centuries, he had seen many Ripple users, but none this strong.
"JOJO… and Caesar."
Cracks spread across his body as Wamuu clearly felt his life fading.
To be defeated honorably by such a warrior at the end of his life was nothing shameful.
"You are both admirable warriors."
Panting heavily, Wamuu finished his final words.
Then, under the Ripple's effect, he turned to dust and scattered.
"Wamuu."
Joseph looked at the fading ashes with a complicated expression.
Though they stood on different sides, Joseph also acknowledged Wamuu as an honorable warrior.
Unlike that bastard Kars, Wamuu was pure and loyal to his promises—even toward enemies.
So Joseph chose to defeat him in a straightforward battle this time.
He did not consider using his wits to win dishonorable, but he wanted to give Wamuu a dignified end.
"JOJO, what was that strange power of yours…?"
Leaning against the wall, Caesar forced himself to stand.
Though he avoided Divine Sandstorm's killing blow, the injuries Wamuu had inflicted were real.
Such injuries would make a normal adult faint from pain.
Even with Ripple softening the damage, it burdened Caesar greatly.
"JOJO! Caesar!"
Arriving late, Lisa Lisa was stunned by the sight.
Joseph had suddenly run off earlier, and she had chased him in panic.
Along the way, they found Messina with his arm cut off by Wamuu. Following Joseph's plan, Lisa Lisa took Messina back while Joseph went on alone.
By the time she arrived, she found the battlefield in this state.
"Well, I know you two have a lot of questions, but let's head back first."
After the earlier fight, Joseph finally managed to sort out the chaotic memories in his mind.
How to describe it?
It felt strange.
How could a gentleman like him have such an unlovable grandson?
His daughter was so kind and gentle, yet the grandson…
Tsk.
Thinking this, Joseph's expression soured.
He decided that once that brat was born, he would definitely raise him into a proper gentleman.
"Fine."
After staring at Joseph for a moment, Caesar finally answered.
The Ripple Joseph unleashed earlier had shocked even him.
As one of the people who understood Joseph the most, he knew clearly that Joseph's true strength did not lie in Ripple, but in that calm and imaginative mind of his.
Yet when Joseph fought Wamuu, he practically smashed through every attack relying solely on the Ripple burning inside him.
This made Caesar unable to help feeling suspicious.
That appearance… it was as if he were venting his anger.
Just as the three were preparing to leave, a playful voice echoed out.
"Hey now, you're just going to walk off like that?"
A sturdy figure stood with his back toward them on the second-floor railing.
Heavy shadows covered his body, and only the loincloth swaying in the wind could be seen.
"Kars!"
Turning around, Joseph glared sharply at the head-wrapped man.
It was because of this bastard that so many people died.
Joseph's hatred for Kars was carved into his bones.
Unlike the relatively pure warrior Wamuu, this bastard Kars had no bottom line at all.
His personality was as disgusting as the loincloth hanging between his legs.
"Ho ho, nice eyes, JOJO."
Kars lifted his hand slightly, looking down at Joseph with contempt.
Their brief clash earlier had given him some understanding of this young Ripple user.
The kid had a decent brain, but his strength was weak.
Petty tricks would never become anything impressive.
As long as he, Kars, wished, the Red Stone of Aja would be his effortlessly.
"You're looking for this, right?"
Pulling the Red Stone of Aja from his pocket, Joseph stared deadly at Kars.
This bastard might try a sudden sneak attack.
In Joseph's mind, Kars was like American charity — hypocritical and disgusting.
Etiquette? Nothing but the revolting disguise of this man.
Like a monkey wearing clothes.
"Hmph, you specially brought the Red Stone right before my eyes?"
"Then I, Lord Kars, won't be polite."
Bending down slightly, Kars looked like a predator ready to pounce.
"Lisa Lisa, Caesar, leave this place first."
"Don't worry about me."
Given a second chance, Joseph was confident he could beat this bastard.
Because this was the Ripple he gained by burning his own life — the Ripple passed down from his future self, Joseph Joestar.
Since his future self placed hope in him, then he must correct every regret.
Including the regret of not personally smashing Kars' disgusting face.
"We'll wait for you outside."
Gritting his teeth, Caesar responded before leaving the building with Lisa Lisa.
They didn't go far. If anything happened, they could assist instantly.
"Come on then, Kars."
Joseph shoved the Red Stone into the inner pocket of his clothes and grinned boldly.
He knew his mental state was wrong.
According to his usual habits, he should retreat from the building and plan his strategy step by step.
It was what he learned from The Art of War — win first, then fight.
But right now, he really needed to vent.
Hermit Purple brought not only memories and Ripple, but also the hopeless, powerless emotions of his future self.
Knowing his grandson might never return, yet all he could do was lie in a hospital bed staring helplessly at the ceiling.
He who never believed in God had even prayed at one point.
Prayed that that brat Jotaro would return safely.
But he still didn't come back.
Just like Avdul and Iggy — they had promised to defeat Dio together, yet they failed to keep the promise.
And Kakyoin, who said he would retreat first, but still pushed himself too far.
And Polnareff, that bastard.
Promised to stay in touch, but after all those years, the only thing that came was news of his death.
You bastards…
Why…?
"Ripple Overdrive!"
Golden Ripple blazed across Joseph's fist.
A punch filled with fury shot straight toward Kars.
"Brilliant Bone Blade!"
Sharp bone blades shot out of Kars' arm.
Both believed their attacks would win.
Joseph believed his fist would shatter Kars' blade.
Kars believed his blade would cleave Joseph's fist.
Just as the two were about to collide, space twisted unnaturally.
"What?!"
Before either could react, a powerful suction pulled them in.
Right before being fully swallowed, Joseph heard Caesar and Lisa Lisa's panicked voices.
"JOJO!"
Sorry… I'm making you worry again.
The thought flashed through his mind, and Joseph and Kars vanished from this world.