A Saiyan's Journey

Although the main mission was completed, no new prompts popped up.

Zuke wasn't in a hurry. He remembered that achievements usually only appeared after he exited the mission world, so it was likely that no notifications would appear while he was still inside the mission world.

Before heading to Rome to retrieve the "Arrow" from Polnareff, Zuke searched through the laptop and eventually found the internal communication software of the organization.

Fortunately, since Diavolo never allowed anyone to get close to him, he hadn't considered the possibility of someone else using this laptop.

The communication software within the "Passione" organization had no security measures in place. It could be opened and used immediately, which was convenient for Zuke.

Soon, Zuke found Bucciarati's name in the communication software and sent him a new instruction:

"When you see this message, the escort mission has already ended. From now on, you are free to act as you wish."

"However, before you do so, gather at a nearby location and send me the meeting point."

"I will personally come to meet you."

Zuke sent the instruction to Bucciarati's team in the tone Diavolo would have used as the organization's boss.

After all, if Zuke had outright told them, "Your boss is dead," anyone who saw the message would naturally become suspicious.

At this point, Bucciarati's team had not yet officially decided to betray Diavolo, so Diavolo's orders were still absolute within the organization.

As for why Zuke wanted Bucciarati's team to gather and send him the location... it was, of course, because Zuke planned to harvest their Stand abilities.

Since he could gain their abilities by consuming some Stand fragments without having to kill them, it seemed like a fair trade for helping them eliminate Diavolo, right?

After sending the instruction, Zuke waited for a while but didn't receive a reply from Bucciarati. He then closed the laptop for the time being.

It was likely that Bucciarati's team was still on the train, battling the traitors of the organization—the members of the assassination squad. They would naturally see his instruction once the fight was over.

They might be confused, but since no one in the "Passione" organization knew the true identity of their boss, Diavolo, they wouldn't question the instruction.

They would obediently follow the orders and wait for Zuke to arrive.

Incidentally, Zuke also did a good deed—he used the communication software to send orders to some subordinates, lifting the blockade on Polnareff.

After all, in Diavolo's eyes, Polnareff was already dead, so it was only reasonable to remove the communication blockade on him.

From now on, Polnareff could finally contact the outside world.

...

In the hotel, Polnareff sat upright in his wheelchair, holding the "Arrow" he had agreed to give to Zuke.

The biggest difference between the "Arrow" and other "arrows" was, as its name suggested—a golden beetle was carved on the tip of the "Arrow."

This was likely added to distinguish it from the ordinary "arrows."

After all, while other "arrows" couldn't evolve a Stand even if they pierced one, this "Arrow" could evolve a Stand, placing it on a completely different level.

Although he didn't know how quickly Zuke could arrive, Polnareff thought it would take at least an hour to get from Venice to Rome.

However, he soon realized he had overthought it. About ten minutes after ending the call with Zuke, he heard a knock on the door.

He was stunned for a moment, then wheeled himself over to open the door, only to find Zuke standing at the doorway with a smile.

This was completely different from the ruthless demeanor Polnareff had seen during the video call—though that attitude had been directed at Diavolo, so Polnareff thought it was understandable.

"As agreed, I've come to take the Arrow."

Zuke closed the door and looked at the "Arrow" in Polnareff's hand—the golden beetle on it confirmed its authenticity.

"Of course, no problem. I'll hand the Arrow over to you. What you do with it afterward is none of my concern."

Polnareff nodded and handed the "Arrow" to Zuke without any hesitation.

On one hand, he truly wasn't greedy for this kind of "Arrow" that could awaken Stands. On the other hand, he no longer had the strength to control an evolved Stand.

His Stand, "Silver Chariot," had evolved into what he named "Silver Chariot Requiem"—but the first time he evolved his Stand, he clearly felt it was on the verge of dying...

So, he immediately took back the "Arrow" from "Silver Chariot Requiem," causing it to revert to "Silver Chariot."

"This 'Arrow' can evolve a Stand, but based on my previous experience, to maintain the Stand in its evolved 'Requiem' state, you must keep the Arrow embedded in the Stand at all times."

Polnareff explained to Zuke based on his own experience.

"So, once you decide to use this Arrow to evolve your Stand... if it succeeds, you likely won't be able to remove the Arrow from your Stand afterward. You need to be mentally prepared for that."

"Of course."

Zuke nodded. If it were just an ordinary "Arrow" used to awaken a Stand, he already had one in the real world and didn't need a second one as a backup.

So, embedding this "Arrow" into his "Black Bird" Stand permanently seemed like a good choice.

Moreover...

[You may choose 1 reward to take out of this world]

[1. Koichi Hirose's passport]

[2. Dell C400 laptop]

[3. Arrow]

After coming into contact with the "Arrow," Zuke's system prompt window indeed changed. The previously grayed-out third option now displayed "Arrow."

Although it didn't specify it was the "Arrow," the only "Arrow" Zuke had touched was this one, so there was no doubt this option referred to the "Arrow" in his hand.

If he embedded the "Arrow" into "Black Bird Requiem" and then chose another "Arrow" from the reward options... what would happen?

Would he take two "Arrows" out of the mission world?

A faint smile appeared on Zuke's face as he softly called out:

"Black Bird."

In the next moment, the figure of "Black Bird" emerged behind Zuke.

"Is this your Stand? It's called Black Bird?"

Polnareff looked at the black figure behind Zuke and nodded.

"Then..."

Zuke played with the "Arrow" in his hand, glanced at "Black Bird" beside him, and then forcefully thrust the "Arrow" into "Black Bird's" chest.

Under Zuke's control, "Black Bird" showed no resistance and was easily pierced by the "Arrow."

Then, a burst of intense light erupted from the point of penetration.

To be continued…

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