JOJO: Bizarre Adventure

"It's not necessarily that bad. Maybe these rules aren't protecting us; they're just freeing us from the constraints of school."

"No, even if this assumption is incorrect, their situation is still quite dangerous."

Travel to all directions.

“If the school is not on our side, then breaking the rules means being targeted by the school.”

"The most troublesome thing is that we know we are playing against someone, and we know that there must be a way to win in the game."

Joe McPee held a pen in his hand and wrote and drew on the storyteller's book.

As mentioned before, those beings who are integrated with the "rules" can divide their surroundings into their own domains and control the creatures within their range with countless complex rules, but they are by no means invincible within their own domains.

Every "strange tale of rules" has a way of survival, escape, or even dismantling of the entire "strange tale of rules".

"But we don't know who our opponent is, nor can we find a way to break through this."

“There’s something even worse.”

"You thought of that too, didn't you?"

"Our identities may not be the same."

Joe McPee said.

"It's very likely that it's Nakajima Katsuki..."

--------

China.

"Is this never going to end?"

ACE closed the book in his hand and looked at the person who had come in.

"And how did you find me?"

Standing in front of him was a man in a suit.

"I don't know who you're referring to with 'again,' but I'm definitely not with those people from before."

ACE took a sip of the milk tea beside her.

"I even changed into a formal suit just to see you."

The man smiled.

"So what do you want? Do you want me to rate your outfit?"

"I've come to see you because of some of your recent actions."

"You are an official of the Chinese government."

"It's not very official either."

"That's done in secret."

"Say what you want."

"In that case, I don't want to fight you."

"I don't want to fight you either."

The man straightened his collar and introduced himself.

"My name is Chai, and I'm a high-ranking member of the 'Shenzhou' special operations team in China. The main reason for this meeting is to discuss your recent operations in China, given the considerable commotion you've caused."

Upon hearing Chai's identity, ACE sat up straighter and pointed to the chair opposite him, saying:

"So it's Mr. Chai. My apologies for not being polite. Please have a seat. This hotel has limited space, and I don't have much to offer to our guests. I'm sorry to trouble you."

“If our intelligence is correct, you are the vice leader of the [Worship the Stool God Cult]. You have done a lot of earth-shattering things in China these days, even the [Ladder Cult] has been turned upside down by you.”

In response to Chai's statement, ACE simply continued drinking her milk tea.

"I'm curious, what exactly are you trying to do? This kind of purge-like activity can't just be about chivalry, can it?"

"Why can't you say that?"

ACE smiled.

"I may not be convincing to say this, but I really can't prove my position."

"No matter what, as a special operations team of China, we must ensure the security of the country."

"I want to say that in the struggles between these countries and organizations, we [the Church of the Bench God] will always remain a neutral entity."

No one can guarantee that they will remain neutral forever.

“That’s the question we should consider. Besides, my actions now are only beneficial to you, not harmful. China is too big, and there are more than one organization of the size of the Ladder Sect.”

Chai's expression remained unchanged as he listened to ACE's account.

"In this era, Kaz's regime has just collapsed, the world order is in disarray, and existing organizations have surfaced. The Chinese government alone cannot completely unify the domestic situation. In addition, with foreign enemies eyeing the country covetously, you are forced to maintain the existing balance. Whether it is the [Stairway Cult], [Magic Rock], or [Shadow], these large-scale Stand organizations are not something you can eliminate. Moreover, moving one would have far-reaching consequences. If you were to take action against any one of these organizations, the consequences would likely be very serious."

It seems that ACE has genuinely studied the situation in China.

"Furthermore, China is currently facing a severe shortage of manpower. In such a large country, there are countless special incidents that need to be handled. Although we have powerful figures like you to oversee things, we are still stretched thin. While the quality is sufficient, the quantity is far from enough."

"You really know a lot about this place."

"Yes."

ACE gave a wry smile.

"But that will only make me seem more suspicious, won't it?"

"It's alright, please continue. I'd also like to know just how widespread our intelligence network is."

"You can't say that, but these things are still easy to find out."

Chai still had that same expression.

"Actually, we also know that this kind of thing can only be kept from ordinary people. We have never intended to deliberately cover up an organization like yours."

"Then I'll continue. After all, these aren't exactly big secrets."

ACE took another sip of milk tea.

"Your strength is definitely among the strongest in 'Shenzhou,' otherwise you wouldn't have been sent to negotiate with an extremely dangerous guy like me."

"That's not necessarily true."

Chai said in a serious tone.

"Based on our assessment, your strength is probably no weaker than the top combatant in our team, so we may send a relatively incompetent fringe member to find you, in order to prevent unnecessary casualties."

"But as things stand, that possibility hasn't materialized, has it?"

"Well, actually, my strength is second only to the strongest person in 'Shenzhou,' I'd say I'm the second strongest."

"I would be honored, and judging from our pleasant exchange so far, there shouldn't be any unnecessary loss of combat power."

ACE smiled and sighed.

"Regarding the current situation in China, I believe my presence is not a bad thing for you. We are an overseas force and pose no direct threat to you. Moreover, if we maintain a state of non-aggression, our presence can deter other major powers to some extent. At the same time, some of our actions will help you deal with some troublesome enemies. In any case, it is not a bad thing."

ACE stared into Chai's eyes, his gaze filled with sincerity.

"Actually, there's another reason."

Chai laughed.

"Yes, you and I both know that."

Chai's meaning was quite clear, a point that both of them understood.

“Your power is too great. Even the strongest among us probably wouldn’t be confident of defeating you. And you are just a vice leader. Add to that the other high-ranking members of your organization and the military forces of those vassal states, and you are not someone we can easily declare war on right now.”

"Actually, whether you believe it or not, I can tell you something."

ACE lay back on the chair.

"Many of the high-ranking members of our organization are not much less powerful than me, and that cult leader is even stronger than me."