Spin
The Spin (回転, Kaiten, literally "rotation") is a supernatural phenomenon wielded by multiple key characters in Steel Ball Run and JoJolion.
It is a state of perfect or near-perfect rotation which produces a unique form of energy that can be applied for a multitude of uses. It's possible that the Spin is a counterpart to the Ripple power featured in the original timeline.
Summary
The Spin is a state of rotation defined by its closeness to perfection, that perfection being the Golden Rectangle (黄金長方形, Ōgon Chōhōkei), more specifically the Golden Spiral that is derived from the Rectangle, a mathematically endless spiral, and a feature said to be omnipresent in the surrounding nature and a fortiori in works of arts.[1]
Unlike the average rotation, the Spin is persistent and produces more rotational energy[1] than it takes to create. That rotational energy is transferred to nearby objects in the form of vibrations[2] and can be wielded for a wide array of purposes.
The Spin is a specialty of the Kingdom of Naples. It is intensively used there either for medicine or for battle. All characters capable of performing advanced Spin techniques are either Neapolitan or have been taught by a Neapolitan.
Using the Spin
Because of its miraculous property, the Spin has been wielded as a technique by a chosen few at least since the Middle Ages[3] from which several specialized skills have been derived.
Users of the Spin typically try to spin objects to follow as best they can the Golden Rectangle, creating a near endless rotation that may then create an infinite amount of rotational energy, before throwing said objects at a target. To do so, they apply a small force causing the object to Spin near perfectly, giving it an impulse of energy to start the rotation, and then let the rotation perpetuate itself. One advice given to neophytes is to visualize the perfect rotation and then trying to emulate it.[4]
The Spin is deceptively and relatively easy to learn at the basic, as the novice Johnny Joestar manages to produce a conclusive Spin with a cork within a day of learning about the power's existence;[4] however, it is extremely difficult to master. The Spin must be imbued into a medium that will keep on spinning and must be thrown so the object can transfer the energy through contact. Thus, a Spin user must be able to expertly aim and throw objects in order to hope for a result. One must also know the human body extremely well to exploit the effects of the Spin on people to the fullest. For instance the Zeppeli Family are trained as surgeons to use the Spin on criminals on death row,[5] otherwise, the Spin may only result in a simple enhancement of destructive energy. Others like the members of Naples' royal guard only use a highly specialized application of the Spin on the human body.[6]
Tools
- See also: Steel Ball, Wrecking Ball, and Tusk
The Spin can be applied to a variety of objects. Examples include corks,[4] bullets[7] water,[1] or typically any object on which there is an axis around which the object can rotate well. Tusk is a Stand linked to the Spin which uses Spin-imbued finger and toenails.
Experts in the Spin like Gyro prefer special Steel Balls: steel spheres characteristic of a baseball or boule, which he calls and shows to be something near the perfect tool for applying and maintaining Spin. While the Zeppeli Family uses a grooved version for maximum faithfulness to the Golden Rectangle, others like Wekapipo use special spheres embedded with smaller satellites to spread their zone of attack. Objects that aren't perfectly sphere-shaped do not produce a perfect Spin and are thus subpar compared to the Steel Balls.[1]
Johnny Joestar's Stand Tusk, developed with Gyro's mentoring, allows Johnny to spin his fingernails and toenails[8] to act like bullets. Unlike the Steel Balls, the nails possess more metaphysical properties.
Golden Spin
- See also: Tusk ACT2 & ACT3
The Golden Spin (黄金の回転, Ōgon no Kaiten, literally "gold rotation")[1][9][10] is a superior state of rotation that only the masters of the Spin can use. To use the Golden Spin, one must approach the Golden Rectangle, a rectangle with a proportion equal to the golden ratio (approximately 16:9) that when recursively divided into a square and another golden rectangle, traces the path of the Golden Spiral; a self-similar and thus endless spiral. Used as a scale, the Golden Rectangle allows the creation of a perfect rotation and thus an infinite amount of energy. The Gold Rectangle is actually observable in nature, from the wings of a butterfly to the shape of a tree to snowflakes, and by extension in works of arts.
Gyro's Belt Buckle is notably shaped in the proportions of the golden rectangle and can be used as a model. The Zeppeli Family regularly uses the Golden Spin thanks to their knowledge of the golden ratio. Gyro then taught Johnny how to use the Golden Spin, allowing the latter to achieve greater forms of his Stand.
One can prevent Spin Users from using the Golden Spin by choosing the right battlefield, one that is devoid of life so that there is nothing that a Spin User can observe to discern a golden rectangle. For instance, Wekapipo and Magent Magent ambush Gyro and Johnny in the middle of a frozen strait.[6]
Horseback Golden Spin
- See also: Ball Breaker and Tusk ACT4
Developed in the Middle Ages to bypass the shield and armor of mounted knights, stirrups were invented to harness the power of a running horse. The horseman must let the horse run with the force of the Golden Rectangle, meaning it must gallop at its most natural speed. At this perfect pace, the horse spontaneously creates the energy of the Spin; it can then be harnessed through the stirrups and passed on through the body, into the arm and wrists to further empower the throw of the Steel Ball. Thus, a truly perfect rotation emitting an infinite amount of energy is created.[3][11][12] The Golden Spin is associated with the power to produce gravity, the only force supposedly capable of going between dimensions.[9]
Unlocking the Golden Spin on horseback grants mastery over an infinite amount of energy, therefore, several miraculous feats are possible. First and foremost is that its wielder spontaneously develops a Stand or evolves it should they already have one. Gyro manifests the Stand Ball Breaker,[13] while Johnny develops Tusk's final evolution: Tusk ACT4.[14]
Gyro's Ball Breaker and Johnny's Tusk ACT4 appear to represent the infinite force of the Golden Spin which trumps many powers. Both are notably capable of bypassing the interdimensional barriers of D4C Love Train that hide and protect Funny Valentine and his Stand Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,[13][15] and it is shown that Tusk ACT4 is impervious, to an extent, to THE WORLD's ability to stop time itself.[16]
Although it is almighty, the horseback Golden Spin is incredibly complicated to set up. One must not only have a healthy horse, but also have the expertise to feel when it runs at its natural pace, in addition to the need of being proficient in the Spin and possessing a projectile that can be imbued with the Golden Spin. An imperfect thrown sphere will result in a failure[17] and any interference during the horse mounting, like bumping into an obstacle[12] or the horse being attacked, will completely interrupt the process.[14] During the events of Steel Ball Run, only two people on Earth could reproduce the Golden Spin on horseback. There exists a workaround for setting up this technique. Johnny uses a Steel Ball on his horse's leg, making it kick him with the energy of the Golden Spin. Johnny was thus imbued with the energy of the Golden Spin and by spinning his nail at the same time, could reproduce the same infinite Spin he would have by riding his horse.[14]
Effects and Uses
Objects imbued with the Spin have a range of effects on humans, animals, or the environment. However, the energy of the Spin dissipates in the environment, requiring either direct contact or at least closeness to a source of rotational energy to be affected by it.
The Spin is used for a wide range of destructive, defensive, medical, and utilitarian purposes depending on the available tool.
General Use
- The Spin naturally enhances the destructive power of a projectile and thus can be thrown to simply inflict damage. A Steel Ball imbued with the Spin can destroy great chunks of rocks.[18] Wekapipo's satellites are also propelled with as much force as bullets, being able to tear Gyro's hand.
- The Spin can affect the body to harden it and enable it to easily transmit energy somewhere else, granting supernatural but temporary sturdiness. It allowed Gyro to becomes bulletproof[19] and withstand the blast of one of Boku no Rhythm wo Kiitekure's bombs and only harm his leg[20] or Wekapipo to redirect the energy of a Steel Ball.[21]
- The Spin is partially used to take control of the projectiles it is imbued to. Thanks to this phenomenon, Users of the Spin have control over how their projectiles react and can aim better, yet also have the projectiles return to their hands so as to not waste them.
- Object imbued with Spin can be used to reinforce the Spin of other projectiles, for instance increasing the effective range of the Steel Balls.[22]
- Spinning objects have a high rotation speed and thus can create a large amount of friction. Thus, they can maintain objects in place like a cape to function like a sail[23] or unravel objects like a tree's bark.[24] Steel Balls, in particular, are shown to create makeshift ropes,[25] and even carve into metal to create bullets.[26]
Zeppeli Steel Balls
The Spin has been long studied as a human anatomical corrective and medical treatment by the Zeppeli Family, doctors renowned throughout Italy but also royal executioners of the King of Naples. They employ a generalist form of the Spin with Steel Balls thrown at targets, granting them a wide array of uses, although their careers orient them toward affecting the human body.
- The first and most featured direct use of the Spin is to trigger muscle reflexes. For instance, Johnny's lame legs suddenly stood up when he touched a spinning Steel Ball.[27] It allows among others to control the movements of enemies to an extent, for instance immobilizing a thief[28] and making that thief shoot himself,[27] as well as triggering a violent horse kick.[14][29]
- The vibrations of the Steel Balls can be used to remotely visualize and affect objects, for instance detecting hidden obstacles[2] or more pettily make bottle corks pop.[30]
- To bring a clean, certain, and painless death, the royal executioners of Naples use the Steel Ball to immobilize those about to be executed and decapitate them swiftly. In this specific use, the Steel Ball is applied to the nape of the neck. [31]
- The Spin can even flatten limbs and the body so that the target can twist themselves into narrow spaces.[32]
- On one occasion Gyro applies Spin to himself to wring water out of his body.[33]
- The Zeppeli Steel Balls can also affect the skin and tighten appearance to either make the target look wrinkled and malnourished or inversely beautify someone's skin and enhance their silhouette.[34]
- They can also shave someone's hair.[34]
- Gyro can twist plants into bending away from his path.[35]
- Gyro can rotate water itself to create a makeshift sphere and deflect attacks.[1]
- By rotating two Steel Balls near each other, Gyro can modify the density of the air to reflect light and create mirages, fooling enemies into wasting attacks.[36]
Interestingly, people are not able to feel whenever they are affected by the Steel Balls. Johnny held a still spinning cork in his hand without realizing it[30] and during their final confrontation, Gyro was able to hit Valentine several times with the Golden Spin and hide its effects, including the tearing off of an ear.[11][9] Targets of the Spin usually only notice the Spin through viewing the body twisting itself, or indirect consequences of the Spin. Gyro explains it as the Steel Ball numbing the senses of the skin and thus stopping the body from feeling the stimulus.
Johnny's Tusk
See Tusk for more precise uses of Johnny's nails.
Johnny Joestar utilizes the power of the Spin to generate his own Stand, Tusk. His medium for the Spin is his own fingernails and toenails, using them as projectiles. Almost entirely offensive in nature, Johnny's "nail bullets" are seen as a purely weaponized version of the Spin. Outside of battle, the spinning nails can also be used in eating as well as in brushing Johnny's teeth.[34]
As Johnny develops his Stand's power, he also develops more advanced applications of the Spin and his nail bullets within the context of combat. Later on, Johnny unlocks Tusk ACT4 that utilizes the infinite energy and rotation of the Golden Spin, which proves useful during his battle with Funny Valentine and the alternate Diego Brando.
Neapolitan Royal Guard's Wrecking Ball
The royal guards of Naples use a highly specialized and aggressive version of the Spin, using Wrecking Balls instead of simple spheric balls.
- The smaller spheres embedded in the Wrecking Ball act as extra projectiles that can suddenly spring out of the main sphere and can attack multiple targets with precision and from unexpected angles.[37]
- Moreover, even if the satellites miss their target, the shockwave they create in their passage causes hemispatial neglect, crippling the opponents in battle[6] and allowing Wekapipo or allies to hide from the enemy.
Josuke Higashikata's Soft & Wet
See Soft & Wet for more information about Josuke's bubbles.
The bubbles created by Josuke Higashikata's Stand, Soft & Wet, are actually soft, fine strings that rotate at extreme speeds using the Spin, giving the appearance of spheres. The rotation of these lines was described by Rai Mamezuku as an "Explosive Spin" (爆発的な回転 lit. "Explosive Rotation"). These bubbles can be used to "plunder" properties of objects and living organisms and use them offensively and defensively. The bubbles can also themselves be used as weapons, as they can generate small explosions when popped as a result of Soft & Wet's fusion with the late Yoshikage Kira's Killer Queen. The correlation between the Spin itself and Soft & Wet's plunder ability has not been fully explained.
Soft & Wet: Go Beyond
After learning of the mechanic behind his Stand's ability, Josuke was able to apply the Spin more intentionally, making his bubbles rotate at extremely high speeds and using them as projectiles in a similar fashion to Johnny Joestar's "nail bullets." However, upon demonstrating this technique, Josuke discovered a second application of the Spin: the ability to create invisible, uncontrollable, bubbles, which are able to phase through any barrier and operate outside the logic of the physical world. Due to the thinness of Soft & Wet's lines (which have been described as being "infinitely close to zero") and the immense speed at which these invisible bubbles rotate, they have been described as bubbles that "don't exist in this world". After learning to produce these "non-existent" bubbles consciously, Josuke dubbed his new technique Soft & Wet: Go Beyond (Ｓ＆Ｗ 越えて行く, Sofuto Ando Wetto Gō Biyondo).
Upon hitting an enemy, Go Beyond inflicts devastating injuries, instantly eroding wherever contact was made before bursting with enough force to launch a grown adult multiple feet in the air.[38] Currently, Josuke is unable to aim Go Beyond without assistance. The only known workaround to this limitation requires him to perform a combined attack with Yasuho Hirose, where the latter uses her own technology-based stand to guide Josuke's bubble through a cellphone in his hand and out of another one in her own.
Users
Gallery
Golden rectangle's explanations
Rai explaining the Rotation of Soft & Wet's Bubble's
Johnny harnessing the Golden Spin on horseback
Gyro sees the golden rectangle in snowflakes
A battlefield without the Golden Rectangle
Johnny sees the Golden Rectangle in nature
Gyro explains the existence of the Golden Spin
Johnny makes Slow Dancer kick him with the Spin...
...and is able to use the Golden Spin
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Steel Ball Run Chapter 43: Silent Way, Part 4
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Steel Ball Run Chapter 5: 1st Stage: 15,000 Meters
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Steel Ball Run Chapter 72: Ticket to Ride, Part 2
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Steel Ball Run Chapter 15: The Desert Born Outlaws, Part 1
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 20: Gyro Zeppeli's Mission, Part 1
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Steel Ball Run Chapter 52: Wrecking Ball, Part 2
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 53: Wrecking Ball, Part 3
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 27: Tusk, Part 3
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Steel Ball Run Chapter 81: D4C, Part 14 -Love Train-
- ↑ JOJOVELLER: STANDS, p.256
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Steel Ball Run Chapter 79: D4C, Part 12 -Love Train-
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Steel Ball Run Chapter 80: D4C, Part 13 -Love Train-
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Steel Ball Run Chapter 83: Ball Breaker, Part 1
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Steel Ball Run Chapter 85: Ball Breaker, Part 3
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 86: Ball Breaker, Part 4
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 92: High Voltage, Part 3
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 84: Ball Breaker, Part 2
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 9: Long, Long Downhill
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 25: Tusk, Part 1
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 22: The Terrorist from a Faraway Country, Part 1
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 54: Wrecking Ball, Part 4
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 23: The Terrorist from a Faraway Country, Part 2
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 11: The Final Stretch: 1,000 Meters Left
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 30: Scary Monsters, Part 3
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 55: The Victor's Qualifications
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 44: Silent Way, Part 5
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 Steel Ball Run Chapter 2: Gyro Zeppeli
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 1: The Steel Ball Run Press Conference
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 6: The Dried-Up River; Diego Brando
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 Steel Ball Run Chapter 12: 1st Stage: Disqualified from Victory
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 21: Gyro Zeppeli's Mission, Part 2
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 29: Scary Monsters, Part 2
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 32: 3rd Stage Goal: Cañon City
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 Steel Ball Run Chapter 45: The Promised Land: Sugar Mountain, Part 1
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 8: Crossing the Forest
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 66: D4C, Part 1
- ↑ Steel Ball Run Chapter 51: Wrecking Ball, Part 1
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 106: Go Beyond - Tooru is blasted into the air and backward into the Higashikata garage respectively by two hits from Go Beyond.
