Chap 40: welcome to the crew
Walking up to the deck, Takichi grab a towel along with him. He made it just in time to see Jojo climb up the ship railing.
"Good job, knew you could do it."
"You don't seemed to be hurt that much ?"
"I'll take it as you have cone up, then that means the stand user has been dealt with ?"
While everyone was busy with Jojo situation and how to go on without a captain to steer the ship. Takichi decided to just lay low and make himself as comfortable as he can for now. Laying back on a deckchair, Takichi closed his eyes and take a nap.
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"Hey, time to wake up mister." A hand nudged at Takichi shoulder.
opening his eyes lazily, Takichi was awoken by a women, Josane Jostar metalic hand nudge his shoulder.
"We're having dinner soon, can't have a young boy like you stay out here." Her voice show concer over a boy just sitting outside.
Takichi nod and got up to follow her, the sky has change from it's charming blue glows to an orange color since he taken a nap.
'Man did i sleep for too long ?' He throught.
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"What do you mean this is our dinner ?" The not so elder woman yell out.
The group has gathered udner the deck as dinner was supposed to be ready. A heavy emphasis on the word "supposed".
"I'm sorry, but the crew members aren't chef or cooks, they are sailor." The female crew member can only gave an an apologetic face to them before going out.
The table where they eat, he saw nothing but canned food or some weird mucus that doesn't even look like anything that should be put in a human mouth.
'Shame.' All of them was really hungry from a whole day dealling with a stand user or watching one deal with a stand user. Among them, the only real person that feel hungry is Jonaso and Takichi.
"Guys, come on. It can't be that bad. You know what they say. "when in Rome, do as Romans do." It's what i learned when i traveled over the sea." Taking a spoonfull, polnale face turn to run to the nearest place she can vomit as soon as the she put it her mouth.
"Well, too bad you aren't Romans." Kakoyrin covered her mouth with one of her hand.
"Well, i think some of us should go and cook our food then." Avadol suggested. With no volunteer, of course.
Jonaso and, Kakoyrin is still high school student with no cooking experience. While Avadol and and polnale can cook, that was survival in the wild and that doesn't apply much for when they are in a modern kitchen. The last person should hold any cooking equipment around here is miss Josane Jostar.
'These girl really need some help now do they.' Letting out a long sigh, while the womans were still undecided on who should get their hand in, he's already walked to the kitchen.
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"Hey, what did i miss ?" Coming back, Polnale can smell an amazing aroma. 'Could it be, someone else already cooking food, and they're eating. WITHOUT ME.'
Polnale stormed into the room, kicking the door open without so much as a knock, startling the entire Stardust Crusader team.
Josano glanced up from under his cap, eyes narrowing as Polnale swaggered in like she owned the place.
"You could at least try being polite," Avadol muttered, her voice is low and sounding annoyed.
"There is this thing called knocking, you know." Kakoyrin added. "Wait, do they even do that in Rome ?"
"Oy, do you have to be so rude. Or are you that hungry ?" Josane said.
"What, you gurls didn't cook the food yet ?"
"No, where still deciding ?"
"Then where is the smell coming from ?"
That was when realized it, there was a faint scent coming from the kitchen. All five of them all turn their heads and collectively head over to see who was in there making food.
Through the door, Takichi is huming a beat of some internet song while handlling the stove. Wearing an white apron, scent of cooking filled the room, the pan on the stove full of numerous foods all essential to the meals. The kitchen buzzed with a quiet hum, pots and pans gleaming under the soft light from above.
Sound of rhythmic chop coming from his knife against a cutting board filled the air, thin slices of meat fell neatly into a bowl, their scent mingling with the sweetness of diced tomatoes and fresh garlic resting beside them.
The stove has a cast-iron skillet sat shimmering with a thin layer of olive oil, sizzlling as he tossed the onions in, the oil popping and hissing as the edges of the onions began to brown. A wooden spoon in hand followed by a hand stirred slowly, watching the onions turn golden.
Next came the tomatoes, their juices bubbling as they hit the hot pan. The vibrant red mixture began to simmer, filling the kitchen with warmth and the promise of something delicious. Sam added a pinch of salt, a twist of pepper, and a handful of fresh basil leaves, watching them wilt into the sauce with a satisfied nod.
The pasta, boiling away in another pot, was nearly done. He checked the timer, moving swiftly to drain it as steam billowed up, carrying the rich scent of cooked wheat. With a swift flick of the wrist, he combined the pasta with the sauce, the strands of spaghetti gleaming under the rich tomato glaze.
They witness how delicated he was when he cook but still able to look so sophisticated. Then, as he turn to look at them, they all froze not knowing how to react. Takichi would wave his hand to invite them over, Kakoyrin is the first one to come forward.
Wanting to be of help, the rest of the woman try to make themself be usefull by setting up the table, the plates and spoons.
With Takichi coming out, hot food in his hand, by now they're very hungry and can't wait for the meals. He walked into the small dining room, balancing two large trays filled with a feast of dishes.
The scent of savory spices, soy sauce, and a hint of seafood filled the air as he carefully set down the first tray. On the table was large bowls of fried rice, golden and steaming, mixed with bits of vegetables, shrimp, and egg. Next to it, a simple ramen, the broth clear and light, with thin noodles resting beneath slices of tender pork, soft-boiled eggs, and a sprinkle of green onions.
"Ah, it's nice to taste your own country food." Of all the one sitting at the table, she seemed the most at ease, handling the chopsticks expertly and starting on the food without hesitation. "Wouldn't you argee ? Jojo." She said with a small smile, before explaining the food to the others. Calm, composed, and enjoying every bite.
Expressionless as always, Jonaso picked up the chopsticks and silently start eating, unaffected by the familiar dish. Whether it's sushi, tempura, or miso soup, she would simply nod in approval after a few bites. “Tasty,” she’d mutter under her breath, but nothing more. It’s just food to her, but it is good food nonetheless.
Holding a composed face, Avadol approach the food with an open mind. “So this is the famous fried rice." She’d say with a nod of respect. She try the dish out, savoring the flavors with quiet appreciation. “This is excellent. The balance of flavors is impressive,” she said, clearly enjoying the experience.
"Eh, this japanese food isn't that great, I'll stick to good ol' American burgers and steaks! None of this slimy, raw stuff. Give me a well-done hamburger with ketchup any day!" She'd cross her arms stubbornly, staring down the dish.
"Who in their right mind eats something that’s not even cooked? You people need to learn how to use a grill!"Josane scoffed and then lean back in her chair, eyeing the Japanese dishes with open disdain. "You can keep your sushi, your seaweed, and your rice. I'll stick with the real food—American food! Big, juicy steaks, French fries, milkshakes... Now that's what I call a meal!" She'd say proudly, dismissing the Japanese food entirely.
Seeing her over reactive response, Takichi laid down the next dish toward her side. Takumi adjusted the dishes slightly, making room for the second tray. This one held plates of squid ink pasta, its inky black sauce coating each strand with a glossy sheen. The pasta was topped with fresh squid rings and garnished with a sprinkle of parsley, contrasting the dark tones. Surrounding these main dishes were smaller plates of gyoza, their crispy edges slightly charred, and bowls of pickled vegetables, bright in color and tangy in scent.
"Eh, what's is this ? Food shouldn't be black ?" Polnale exclaimed.
"Quiet, you uneducated woman. I won't let you disrespect Italian cuisine." Once more, Josane reaction suprise everyone at the table with her extreme answer.
Polnale leaned back in her chair, a bit taken aback by Josane fiery response. “Okay, okay, take it easy, old hag. No need to blow a gasket over some noodles,” she said, raising her hands in mock surrender. “I’ll give it a real try, just for you.”
Taking in a bite, her face shown a more thoughtful expression. “Alright, alright... it’s not bad,” she admitted. “But I still think it looks like squid ink spaghetti for Halloween.”
Josane rolled her eyes, muttering, “Yare yare daze… These kids have no appreciation.”
Joining with the woman at the table, Takichi didn't show it out since he can't talk. But he really like the praises coming from them, it making him happy to know his skill does make other happy.
Slurping down some noodles, he happily enjoy the scene of Polnale making fun of the fun only to be discipline by Josane.
"Hey, mister Takichi. I wanna ask you about something earlier if you don't mind." Suddenly Avadol asked. "Back then, you draw a star, may i ask what does that mean ?"
'Maybe this is a good time.' His appearance is a secret to them, but if he worded it right he may able to join in the team.
Taking out the note, "jostar, related."
This news obviously came with a shock to them, "ms. Jostar, do you know of any family that could be related to you ?" Avadol, quickly turn to ask for Josane comfirmation.
"Don't ask me, how can i know of all branches of my family tree. Beside just cause he said it does not meanr it's a truth."
While that was true that no one else can verify Takichi claim, but no one should able to find about this.
"Fine, i guess there's only one way to find out." Josane narrowed her eyes as purple vines of Hermit Purple began to sprout from her arm, crackling with electricity.
The vines wrapped around the Takichi arm, the tendrils pulsing with energy. "Alright, let's see if you’re telling the truth," she muttered. The vines glowed as they connected, ready to search for hidden thoughts or intentions.
Her Stand had the power to divine truth, and with it, she could find out the roots to draw out any trace of Dio’s influence. The others watched closely, ready to act if any trace of deception were to be found.
"If you're working for Dio, we’ll know soon enough…" she squinted her eyes. Another vine spread out and take over the note and pen.
"Are you workibg for Dio ?" Under her question, a shock was sent to Takichi hand then to the note, with one vine over the pen. The answer write itself down to reveal the truth to everyone.
As the energy from Hermit Purple surged, Josane eyes widened. She exhaled sharply and released the vines, which dissipated into thin air. "He's clean," she said, looking over at the group. "There’s no trace of Dio's influence. This guy’s not one of his puppets."
Jonaso gave a small nod, tipping her hat back. "Yare yare… looks like you’re in the clear." His gaze softened slightly, though she remained cautious.
Through the answer was clear and Takichi innocence was proven, there is still the question of letting him join them.
"I want to go with you." The note written in his hand make them all stop.
The air was turning tense as the Stardust Crusaders sat uncomfortably in a circle, the distant waves outside crashing onto the ship sides in rhythm with their unspoken thoughts.
Jonaso's frown deepened, her hands shoved into pockets, while mrs. Jostar scratched the back of her neck, clearly torn.
"This isn't a game," Avadol said gravely, her voice calm but firm. "The dangers we face are beyond anything you've known."
Polnale crossed her arms, glancing at the others. "They’re right... You could get killed." But despite the warnings, his resolve didn’t waver.
Takichi head was straight, his eyes looking right at them, his resolve did not waver any bit. If anything, it was bigger than before. It was understand that he would go with them, whether they let him or not.
After a long silence, Josane sighed. "Alright, fine. You can come, but know this — we’re not babysitting. You keep up, or you get left behind. Got it?" Reluctantly, the Crusaders accepted Takichi own decision, unsure if they'd regret it later. The journey to Egypt had just gotten even more complicated.
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[Questline: not so birzarre adventure]
[Join the stardust crusader](complete)
[progress:■■□□□□□]
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[Received +1 special pull]
[Received +1 to all stats]