rey infinito
La Extraña Aventura de JOJO: rey infinito (ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 無限の王, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken Mugen no Ō, lit. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Infinity King) is a light novel written by Junjo Shindo for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure's 35th Anniversary.
It was announced on January 15, 2022 in the February 2022 issue of Ultra Jump and was published in the Spring 2022 issue of JOJO magazine on March 19, 2022 with 3 chapters.[1] Its continuation was announced on November 17, 2022 in the December 2022 issue of Ultra Jump and was published in the Winter 2022 issue of JOJO magazine on December 19, 2022 with 8 more chapters.[2] The final arc was announced on October 19, 2023 in the November 2023 issue of Ultra Jump and will be published in the Winter 2023 issue of JOJO magazine on December 19, 2023.[3]
Set between Battle Tendency and Stardust Crusaders in 1973-1974, a research group from the Speedwagon Foundation is sent to Antigua, Guatemala under Lisa Lisa's orders to investigate the identity of a serial killer with an unknown power. Their investigation leads them to Fernando Alhorn, the leader of human smugglers who has been using the Arrow to awaken abilities in people.
Summary
Guatemala Arc
The Lord of the Flies
In around November 1972, Lisa Lisa, now the head of the Paranormal Phenomena Section of the Speedwagon Foundation after being a special advisor for many years, dispatches a group of investigators to Antigua, Guatemala, to capture a serial killer with supernatural powers. After five months of investigation, the representative of the group, J.D. Hernández, sends a detailed report back to the Foundation's headquarters. All of the 27 victims were devout Christians who were shot in locked rooms with no evidence left behind. From the unusual circumstances surrounding the victims, J.D. theorizes that the serial killer has "invisible bullets", an ability that may be connected to the Ripple. They realize that the killer will most likely strike again during Semana Santa, Antigua's biggest parade of the year in April where the streets will be filled with holy iconography. J.D. enlists the help of two teenage locals, Octavio Luna Kan, and Joaquín Ruiz-Jorruda, to help him find the killer. Utilizing their network of informants on the streets, they successfully track down the serial killer, an indigenous man named Fabio Ubuh.
Octavio pins down Fabio in the plaza but the killer summons a massive swarm of flies, shooting Octavio in the shoulder and back. Lisa Lisa reveals herself, taking off her disguise as a homeless lady, and creates a massive electrified dome using the Ripple on leaves, flowers, and dyed sawdust from rugs. Dubbed "Thousand-Color Overdrive", the technique manages to stop all of the flies. Fabio attempts to summon another horde of flies from his throat but Lisa Lisa redirects them using her muffler. She grabs Fabio by the throat and fills his body with the Ripple, rendering him unconscious. She confirms that Fabio's ability is not the Ripple, but something else.
The Duo's Challenge
They eventually learn that Fabio has named his power "El Señor de las Moscas". Meanwhile, Octavio and Joaquín request Lisa Lisa to employ them as official members of the SPW Foundation. She denies at first, but gives them a challenge consisting of two tasks. After they pass the challenge using their multitude of skills, Lisa Lisa hires them. From both Fabio's testimony and the duo's investigation, a group of human traffickers seem to be connected with Fabio's newfound power.
A Game of Hopscotch
Accompanied by Lisa Lisa, Octavio, and Joaquín, the research group led by J. D. arrive at a small settlement where the human traffickers are rumored to be. A mysterious paranormal occurrence later recorded in the SPW Foundation's files as "Hopscotch" attacks them again, this time by a 15-year-old orphan named Izahela Mena-Mena, assisted by other children. After being placed under the protection of the SPW Foundation alongside the other children, Izahela reveals that a group of human traffickers led by an individual called Alhorn are indiscriminately shooting emigrants from Guatemala attempting to cross the border to Mexico with Arrows, exploiting the surviving victims for their new abilities.
In the briefing room for the research group later, Lisa Lisa recounts the magnitude 8.1 earthquake causing widespread crustal movement in the mountain ranges of Peru. Strangely the research body which attempted to conduct a geographical survey of this area were infected by an unidentified illness causing mostly death, but survivors exhibited unnatural bodily changes such as spontaneous combustion and electric discharge. Presumably, a pathogen which was hitherto confined underground was released. This virus derived from minerals may not be limited to just Peru; it may exist inside an earth-wide stratum. Moreover, the virus most likely encroaches the intrinsic soul and consciousness of humans to overwrite its very foundations. Lisa Lisa reveals she had been investigating this subject for many years, and alongside informed circles and researchers, have hypothesized that somebody who wished for the power of a perfect god had become aware of the existence of these minerals, and processed the ore into the shape of an arrow as a source of a transcendent virus metamorphizing human existence, awakening an ability of extraordinary power surpassing human understanding.
From the inherent nature of the Arrows, they have traversed the world and must have emerged even in battlefields and conflicts. Lisa Lisa states that it is now their duty to retrieve every Arrow in circulation under the SPW Foundation's administration. For the present, they will focus on capturing the subordinates of Alhorn and recover the Arrows they possess in Latin America.
Peru Arc
Dark Experimentation
Fernando Alhorn, born to a wealthy Peruvian oil and mining family, opted for the military over inheritance. He served in the Ecuadorian border conflict with the Agrupamiento del Norte's 33rd infantry brigade. Facing diseases like malaria and witnessing deaths, he traveled post-conflict, working various jobs from day laborer to geological survey assistant. Feeling hollow, he believed he heard an inner scream, which he later identified as his "alma gritando" when he turned 50.
In 1974, Alhorn visits Santa Rosa, staying at a house owned by Dos Santos. They stay for days, drinking and discussing the nature of war, murder, and the awakening of the "alma gritando". However, the house conceals a dark secret: the dead bodies of Dos Santos's pregnant sister and her husband. Alhorn had cruelly killed them with an Arrow, in a bid to awaken their powers. When Dos Santos finds them and also the corpses of his parents, Alhorn reveals that he is testing the link between bloodline or environment and the awakening of powers, since Dos Santos possesses a unique power. Having used the Arrow on numerous individuals, with a success rate below 20%, Alhorn crafted a selection criteria for potential subjects. As they leave the house, they're confronted by Santa Rosa police. Alhorn accuses Dos Santos of betraying him and is ordered to dispatch the police using his "Fantasma", displaying the might of his power.[4]
Tracking Down Alhorn
Octavio recounts his traumatic childhood, marked by the loss of his family, leading to his stay in an orphanage where he met Joaquín, a mute boy. Their bond was deep, with Joaquín being the only colorful memory in Octavio's otherwise monochromatic past. As adults, the two work undercover in San Juan de Lurigancho, Peru, as salvage dealers while actually gathering information for the Speedwagon Foundation. Octavio grumbles about the job, whereas Joaquín is more adaptable. They are not there for profit but rather intel.
The Speedwagon Foundation, known for its rigorous investigator training, had unique expectations for Octavio and Joaquín. Joaquín was the diligent one, thoroughly familiarizing himself with the Foundation's history and teachings. Octavio, less academically inclined, was more interested in learning the Ripple power, which was employed frequently by Lisa Lisa. The Foundation's research division, led by Welmer Domingo, gives a briefing on their investigation of the superpowered individuals they'd encountered in Guatemala. These individuals, when using their abilities, experienced distinct visions. Fabio saw an insectoid noble figure, while Izahela could summon magical chalk. The Arrow was identified as the catalyst for these powers.
The main suspect, Fernando Alhorn, had a criminal history and was now using the Arrow, potentially to create a paramilitary group. Aki Marcela de la Vega, an archaeologist, explains Alhorn's history and plays a recorded interrogation of Alhorn, where he describes a shadowy figure or "Fantasma" that he believed emanated from within him. Alhorn's cryptic words suggested he was aware of the Arrow's effects and might be experimenting on live subjects. Lisa Lisa reveals that two special Ripple-trained investigators, critical to the Foundation's future and her safety, had been near Alhorn but lost contact. Their last known location was in a "barriada," a dangerous, lawless area. Lisa Lisa stresses the need to locate them, asserting their crucial importance to the Foundation and the Ripple's legacy.[5]
Octavio and Joaquín venture into the barriada under the guise of salvage dealers. While there, they notice unusually aggressive behavior among the local cats. Octavio is ambushed by about ten thugs while Joaquín is away. Despite being initially overpowered, Octavio retaliates and subdues the attackers with precise strikes. A police officer arrives, but it becomes evident he's not there to help; he's involved with the ambush. When Octavio mentions the Arrow and Alhorn, the officer becomes tense, drawing his gun on Octavio.[6]
Negotiation Attempt
Using clever negotiation tactics, Octavio reveals information about Fabio and Izahela's powers, intriguing the officer enough not to shoot. Instead, the officer decides to take Octavio to, presumably, Alhorn. Unbeknownst to the officer, Joaquín had been observing everything from a concealed spot. Concerned for Octavio's safety, Joaquín pursues the departing patrol car on foot.[6]
Octavio is taken to a secretive, sprawling compound atop San Juan de Lurigancho by the corrupt policeman. The building seems to be Alhorn's hideout, an old factory turned maze-like fortress. Octavio almost betrays Lisa Lisa and J.D. by attempting to convince Alhorn to shoot him with the Arrow so he can gain powers in exchange for information. When Octavio hints that Alhorn could be a good archer, Alhorn declares how he plans to make war into a sport as privatized conflicts between mercenaries. Octavio tries to negotiate and gain insight into Alhorn's interest in the Arrow but is met with a terrifying display. Alhorn tortures prisoners, believing extreme pain and fear can awaken powers once hit by the Arrow. The three tortured men are revealed to be part of Mexican militia groups who had targeted Alhorn.
Alhorn demands details about Octavio's affiliations and threatens that he'll be next in line for the torture session. Before Octavio could try to flee, Alhorn's guards tackle him and he is imprisoned. In his cell, Octavio admits to himself that the situation is his own fault, but reveals that he stole the jailer's key before he was captured. He escapes, disguising himself in a soldier's uniform he finds in the compound's laundry room and navigating the fortress undetected. Discovering a high-security prison block, Octavio believes Alhorn's intended Arrow victims might be inside, including the two special agents of Lisa Lisa.
Out the window, Octavio spots a figure in the distance, which he believes to be Joaquín. He uses a glass shard to send a light signal in Morse code indicating the prisoners' location. Joaquín acknowledges with a flashlight response, confirming his presence and understanding of the message.[7]
Prison Infiltration and Escape
Joaquín attempts to infiltrate the southern building of the complex. Despite the building's intimidating height, Joaquín, confident in his climbing skills, begins to scale its exterior. However, he unexpectedly encounters a sticky, glowing substance on the wall, which activates when touched, turning the building into a trap. As the wall tilts perilously toward a deadly cliff drop, a haunting chant "Écue-Yamba-Ó" surrounds him. Struggling against the adhesive and barbed net on the wall, Joaquín uses his unique ability to heighten his senses in stressful situations, allowing him to maneuver with remarkable precision in the face of danger. He successfully manages to enter the building via a vent before the building fully tilts over.
Inside, he finds a room resembling a quarantine ward holding around 15 prisoners. Among them is Sasha Loggins, who identifies herself as a close associate of Lisa Lisa and a Ripple user. She communicates to Joaquín using pen and paper, revealing that many prisoners, including herself, were shot with Alhorn's Arrow to observe its effects. Many succumbed, including her partner Gustave Shaulo Messina. Sasha also mentions the presence of multiple evil spirits, suggesting Alhorn's intent to create an army of power wielders. Committed to updating Lisa Lisa on the situation and seeking escape, Sasha offers to assist Joaquín by acting as his "radar" using her ability to detect these spirits. Before they proceed, Sasha pays tribute to Gustave, vowing to return for his body.[8]
Sasha, using a cord made from the same material as Lisa Lisa's scarf, employs her Ripple Overdrive to neutralize guards in their path. As they assist able-bodied prisoners to evacuate, they unexpectedly run into Octavio. Dressed in camouflage, Octavio startles them with a loud greeting. He introduces a new complication by admitting he started a fire as a distraction, hoping to force Alhorn to flee with the Arrow. This action inadvertently turns the facility into a potential inferno when the flames reach a gas cylinder, causing an explosion. Amidst their escape, Sasha chastises Octavio for his thoughtless plan that endangered hostages. As they near the exit, they're ambushed by more guards. Octavio demonstrates his combat prowess by swiftly disabling the soldiers and seizing a machete. Sasha, using her whip and Ripple abilities, also efficiently takes down the adversaries.[9]
The Green House
Their escape route is obstructed by an army of soldiers and the formidable Dos Santos, known to Sasha as Alhorn's right-hand man and her captor. Upon confronting them, Dos Santos uses his ability, La Casa Verde, to turn their environment into a dense forest by accelerating the growth of underground plants. While Dos Santos can manipulate this vegetation, the main body of his power, the "Fantasma", is concealed deep within the woods. The group faces aggressive aerial roots that ensnare them. Although Octavio gets trapped, Joaquín aids in his release. As the vegetation onslaught persists, Octavio, despite possessing a talent to detect enemies' vulnerabilities, feels overwhelmed and discouraged.
Joaquín discerns that the forest has various root types, each serving a distinct purpose. He concludes that by targeting the respiratory roots, they might disrupt Dos Santos's dominion over the forest. Yet, conveying this to the team amid the chaotic environment proves tough. As Sasha tries to shield a child, both get trapped by the roots. Sasha loses hope and feels useless for being unable to protect her partner before and now the child. Suddenly, baby birds unexpectedly hatch from Sasha's hat. This peculiar event distracts Dos Santos, leading him to wonder if these birds are Sasha's power awakening. Concurrently, Octavio discerns that some roots are dormant and uses this insight to navigate through the forest, positioning himself to challenge Dos Santos directly.[9]
As day breaks, several cars led by Lisa Lisa arrive at the vine-covered citadel. The Speedwagon Foundation agents had been tracking Octavio and Joaquín, locating them through signals left by Joaquín. From a vantage point, Lisa Lisa and J.D. spot Sasha, Octavio, and Dos Santos enmeshed in the forest battle. Octavio grapples with Dos Santos, trying to choke him, but is impeded by the forest's roots. Simultaneously, Joaquín maneuvers the forest to help Octavio. Sasha spots Lisa Lisa below her and yells out about her new power letting her hatch unique birds. Lisa Lisa advises Sasha to use the Ripple on Dos Santos, but he is too far for her braided cord to reach. However, her birds manage to fly and attach the braid from Sasha to Octavio and Lisa Lisa. Despite the challenges faced by the birds, especially a determined toucan-like one, the connection is eventually established. With this link, Lisa Lisa and Sasha channel the Ripple into Octavio, which bypasses through him and then surges into Dos Santos, disabling him and halting the forest's aggressive growth. Octavio falls unconscious from exhaustion and is carried by Joaquín.
While heading back down to Lisa Lisa, Joaquín suddenly experiences intense pain. He turns around to see Alhorn at a distance in a truck, holding a crossbow. Both Joaquín and Octavio have been shot by the Arrow, changing their fates. Taunting them, Alhorn departs, hinting at seeing them again in the future. As Lisa Lisa, J.D., and Sasha hasten towards the duo, pain and the looming uncertainty of their transformed destinies cause Joaquín's world to fade to black.[10]
Eternal Night
Joaquín, in a semi-conscious state, continuously awakens to night. He's in the Foundation's infirmary, recovering from being shot by the Arrow. Joaquín senses a change in the staff's attitude towards him, feeling isolated and missing Octavio. Sasha assures Joaquín that he doesn't seem to exhibit any Fantasma like the one Dos Santos had. Lisa Lisa visits, sharing stories of her worldly humanitarian endeavors and expressing her ambition for future generations inheriting her legacy. Joaquín feels that he and Octavio are now intertwined with her narrative. However, Lisa Lisa reveals Octavio suffered an infection from the Arrow, leading to gangrene and a leg amputation in order to save his life. Visiting Octavio, Joaquín finds him changed, full of despair and envious about why the Arrow selected Joaquín instead of him.
Joaquín discovers his power from the Arrow: perpetual night when he's awake, which affects everyone, making them lethargic. Recognizing this uncontrollable curse, Joaquín decides to leave the Foundation so that he doesn't harm Lisa Lisa or the others. Octavio, despite his condition, insists on joining him. Both embark on a journey, avoiding human settlements due to Joaquín's power that darkens the environment and saps life. Octavio grapples with his lost limb, and they eventually paddle up the Amazon river in a rowboat, searching for isolation. In later years, the Speedwagon Foundation would dub Joaquín's ability as "El Aleph".[11]
Characters and Stands
Gallery
Ultra Jump February 2022 Announcement
Store exclusive postcard featuring Lisa Lisa
Ultra Jump December 2022 Ad
Lisa Lisa on the cover of the second arc
Trivia
- The new Stands featured in this short story are named after novels (Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar, Écue-Yamba-O by Alejo Carpentier, The Green House by Mario Vargas Llosa, and The Aleph by Jorge Luis Borges) as opposed to their names being music-related like most Stands, or being based off of films like in JORGE JOESTAR.
- The Speedwagon Foundation investigators in South America refer to Stand abilities as "las Maravillas" (
驚異の力 ).[12] Fernando Alhorn and his men refer to the physical forms of a Stand as a "Fantasma" (悪霊 ).[13]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Vish (January 15, 2022), "Lisa Lisa, Iggy, and Avdol Will Star in Two New JoJo Spin-Off Short Stories", JoJo's Bizarre Encyclopedia.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Vish (November 16, 2022), "JOJO Magazine: Golden Wind Novel, rey infinito Part II, and Manga Techniques Sequel Announced", JoJo's Bizarre Encyclopedia.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Vish (October 18, 2023), "JOJO magazine 2023 WINTER Releases in December With New Novels and Manga", JoJo's Bizarre Encyclopedia.
- ↑ rey infinito Chapter 4: IV - Peru Arc
- ↑ rey infinito Chapter 5: V - Peru Arc
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 rey infinito Chapter 6: VI - Peru Arc
- ↑ rey infinito Chapter 7: VII - Peru Arc
- ↑ rey infinito Chapter 8: VIII - Peru Arc
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 rey infinito Chapter 9: IX - Peru Arc
- ↑ rey infinito Chapter 10: X - Peru Arc
- ↑ rey infinito Chapter 11: XI - Peru Arc
- ↑ I - Guatemala Arc
- ↑ IV - Peru Arc
