In Chapter 7 of The JOJOLands, the story intensifies as Jodio and his crew navigate unexpected challenges during their heist. The team, consisting of Jodio, Paco, Dragona, and Usagi, is confronted by a mysterious enemy while handling the enigmatic Lava Rock. Here’s an overview of the chapter’s key events:
The Watch Incident and a Grim Warning
Dragona and Usagi attempt to test the Lava Rock’s effects in a high-end store, only to be accused of theft. Meanwhile, Jodio and Paco face a sinister discovery: the decapitated heads of the cats they previously encountered. Jodio realizes this is a warning from a new enemy aiming to reclaim the Lava Rock. The tension escalates as an impostor disguised as Paco attacks Jodio, revealing the ability to camouflage and shape-shift.
Battles and Stand Abilities
The crew engages in a series of skirmishes with their opponent. Using their unique Stand abilities, they manage to survive various attacks. Dragona’s Smooth Operators displaces a potentially fatal wound, while Jodio uses November Rain to wound the enemy, allowing the group to track him. The battle climaxes in an underwater struggle, where Jodio cleverly survives by utilizing an air-filled raft and drags the enemy down with him.
A New Ally Emerges
Paco identifies the enemy’s Stand-induced deceptions, including the “cat heads” being mere potatoes. Instead of eliminating the foe, the group decides to ally with him. This new character, referred to as “Charming Man,” reveals his connection to the Lava Rock, sharing a tragic backstory about his brother’s disappearance near Mt. Hualalai.
Flashbacks and Family Dynamics
The chapter provides deeper insight into Dragona and Jodio’s past. Four years earlier, Jodio’s violent retaliation against Dragona’s bully caused significant upheaval for their family, leading to their father’s departure and their eventual recruitment by Meryl Mei. This flashback highlights the siblings’ bond and their journey into the criminal underworld.
Closing Developments
After their encounter, the group presents the Lava Rock and their new ally to Meryl Mei. This marks a pivotal moment in the story, tying together past traumas, current dangers, and the overarching mystery of the Lava Rock.