A Dose of Diamond Dust

Showdown in Morioh (Confronting Oku)

The air was still. Josuke was finally in a place to confront Okuyasu. However, Josuke knew what needed to be done. He had to reason with the madman himself. "Okuyasu! Your name is not Hanagami Tsubasa. Your mind has fallen apart, you've lost your own identity, replacing it with a shadow of a character from that very show. You and Hanagami are nothing alike. You think you're a hero searching for love, but you've become the villain instead."

Okuyasu began to shake. Josuke was confused by this motion. Suddenly, Okuyasu burst out laughing. "Josukeee! You think I'm delusional. You think I'm the one searching for love, but it is really you. I know you Josuke. In the back of your mind, deep down, you have feelings for me. I know it because of last night, because of your reactions to my advances. You want me, and I want you." Josuke calmly shook his head, and remained at his distance.

"No, that's not true Okuyasu. I know you tampered with the dish somehow. That spaghetti was suspicious as hell." After turning to the side, Okuyasu grinned. "You want to know the truth, do you Josuke? Well I'll have to oblige then, to let you know... that you've been completely wrong this whole time. That spaghetti... was perfectly fine. The Worcestershire sauce... was flawless. But there was one important thing you missed..." Okuyasu turned and pointed at Josuke. "The drinks! The glass of wine I gave you had 80% alcohol in it. Just as I had planned, you were drunk in no time at all. Your senses were so numbed, you could barely resist! I almost had you..."

Josuke fell back in shock. "So I was drugged? I knew it! Something wasn't right, I had a strong feeling. But Okuyasu, your revelation there doesn't frighten me much at all. In fact, I have to say I'm kind of relieved now, knowing I'll never fall for a monster like you!" Okuyasu turned back to Josuke. "It doesn't matter to me what you think or feel about me now. Our deal is still on, and I will have a swift and complete victory against your pathetic Stand. Let us begin!"

But deep down, what was left of Okuyasu's heart was shattered. The desire for a complete, mutual relationship with his friend would never be fulfilled. The drugs, and their effects, had ruined his mind. There was no going back now.