Heartwarming / JoJo New Universe

As is the case with all pages detailing Main/Heartwarming, Spoilers Off

The heartwarming moments in this series are even more poinant. After all, it's crossed over with a series about pastel ponies.

---

Phantom Blood

• Just from Nathaniel "Night Light" Twilight's last letter to his daughter Lydia (a.k.a. Twilight Sparkle), we learn he was a man decades ahead of his time, raising Twilight to be able to stand on her own two feet. Not something terribly common for the late 1800s.
• George may be more a product of his time (as canon shows) but he is a genuinely good man. He welcomes Twilight with open arms and doesn't question his best friend Night Light's decisions in how he raised his daughter, fully intending to do the same.
• Twilight plays matchmaker with Jonathan and Erina, setting up their canon relationship. She also makes sure Dio doesn't interfere by accident, since she and Erina are schoolfriends and the two are together on a regular basis. Thus Twilight prevents Dio from molesting Erina like he did in canon.
• Dio thought he would steal Erina's first kiss, but it was him, Jonathan! Yeah, Jonathan gets to have Erina's Sacred First Kiss in this story just before she leaves for India.
• Seeing Speedwagon be the first example of Defeat Means Friendship is always heartwarming, but here it gets added to when he finds himself completely charmed by Twilight's beauty framed by the moonlight. Even better, his own charm causes her to reciprocate.
• Even Dio gets a chance at true love, when he meets Enya Geil a hundred years earlier than canon (when she's still young and vibrant). She soon falls for him when he sees the scars on her left hand (which came from a surgery to correct her canon birth defect where her left hand was shaped like a right hand) and found them fascinating to look at rather than creepy.
• As somber as George's death is, it is heartwarming that his instincts as a father caused him to move to protect Jonathan even knowing Twilight could use her Stand to block Dio's knife. Speedwagon even takes the time to comfort Twilight, since she's now lost two fathers.
• After the events at the mansion, ending with it burned to the ground, Twilight puts her part of the inheritance to use and pays for Speedwagon's medical care. It's also shown that she's become something of a second leader to Speedwagon's Ogre Street Gang.
• Twilight gets a pleasant surprise when she learns Erina is back in London and is now tending to Jonathan's injured body. The two reuniting and catching up is just heartwarming in itself.
• Dio declaring that Enya will be his bride when he takes over the world shows he doesn't just see her as a tool or servant... He's genuinely in love with her. It may be the most human Dio's ever been since he stopped being human.
• During the trip to Windknights Lot, Speedwagon starts to feel like he might be the The Load, and wonders if Zeppeli could try to teach him Hamon as well. Zeppeli explains that while in theory anyone could learn Hamon, since every living human has the life force to power it, only a select few have the physical and mental fortitude to use it. He then goes on to say You Are Better Than You Think You Are and that Speedwagon is strong enough on his own.
• Tarkus actually gets a more heartfelt death in this story. After being pumped full of Hamon by Twilight, he finds himself feeling fulfilled, having had the best fight of his life to the point that even his last remaining regret isn't enough to tie him to life.
• When Bruford also realizes he's dying as a human rather than a zombie, he grants Jonathan his sword and calls him and Twilight his "friends from 300 years later".
• Not only does Zeppeli survive thanks to Tarkus dying early, but he's able to help Jonathan in the fight against Morton without issue.
• Jonathan feels particularly motivated to end Morton, since it was largely his actions that caused Tarkus and Bruford to become fallen knights under Dio's control. It shows just how much respect he has for them.
• When Zeppeli sees just how much Jonathan has progressed in his training, he starts to feel the Joestar is like a son to him, and decides to go see his family again once they have won the day.
• Not only does Jonathan get to live past Phantom Blood and enjoy his married life with Erina, Twilight and Speedwagon get married as well with plans to explore America (Twilight caught wind that her father's stone arrow was seen there). This of course would lead into Speedwagon gaining the fortune that would later allow him to create the Speedwagon Foundation.

Battle Tendency

• With Jonathan surviving into this story, not only does Joseph have a strong father figure (after his own father got killed by a zombie), but Jonathan even starts training Joseph in Hamon once it becomes clear he's a prodigy.
• Pretty much everyone in the Joestar's circle of friends takes to Smokey quickly. Applejack in particular is quick to berate a random mobster that gave a racist comment, which is probably refreshing to Smokey since Applejack is from his home state of Georgia but lacks the racial prejudice that sent his family north in the first place.
• As much as Araki worked to humanize Stroheim, a Nazi major who is supposed to be part of the heroes in the story, he still did some terrible things up until his cyberization. So mtnetsurfer worked to correct that in order to make Stroheim fit more into the "hero" classification. This includes sparing all but one of a cadre of prisoners just because they were all brave enough to volunteer for his experiments. And the one that wasn't was the oldest among them.
• Twilight is relieved that her husband Speedwagon is still alive after what Straizo put him through, and just as happy to finally get back the arrow stolen from her father fifty years earlier.
• When the gang runs into Stroheim's unit in Switzerland, they see that Mark's now sporting a wedding ring. Seems in this universe he was able to marry his sweetheart.
• Despite Caeser losing his father at a young age, he still had his grandfather William, who not only made sure his relatives couldn't steal his rightful inheritance, but also started his Hamon training much sooner than canon.
• Throughout his appearance, it's become clear that Caeser was falling in love with Applejack for real. And this hadn't gone unnoticed, as he catches Applejack during her Post-Victory Collapse when Wamuu decides to pull a tactical retreat. Applejack decides Caeser's earned a reward, and the two share a passionate kiss.
• All things considered, the battle between Joseph and Wamuu is lower stakes than canon. Joseph only had the one poison ring attached to him, and it's been long dissolved. And since Caeser wasn't killed by Wamuu, Joseph is less motivated to kill Wamuu. So instead the race comes off as a friendly spar between two warrior rivals, though no less epic for it.
• Joseph offers some of his blood to Wamuu to heal his eyes after their battle. During their talk, it's clear the two have become good friends. This is even reflected in the chapter's title, "Bonds Beyond Species".
• Smokey came along with Speedwagon and the others to help Joseph in order to pay back the kindness Joseph showed him. Speedwagon actually sees a little of himself in the young boy.
• As Wamuu flees the final battle in order to hide from the sun, he finds fresh evidence that more of his kind had settled there. Sure enough, his "Where Are They Now?" Epilogue segment has him settling in peacefully with a European clan of what would later be called Gigans.
• The "Where Are They Now?" Epilogue has a few added gems, such as Caeser settling down with Applejack at her family's farm.

Steel Ball Run

• Shortly after Sadao married Holly Joestar, he was able to gain her father Joseph's approval by applying a tattoo in the shape of the Joestar family birthmark, the familiar five-pointed star. Sadao meant it as a symbol that he felt himself part of the family now, which Joseph (under Jonathan's guidance) took as a positive.
• Sadao makes it clear to Dr. Flock that he's not about to abandon any member of his team, even when it might be more logical to do so. These people have just met and they're already starting to bond.
• Jotaro may not have the best relationship with his father Sadao, but when he hears his dad is taking part in a motorcycle race, he still decides to watch it. And even encourages his father to keep winning.
• Two of the rival racers facing Team Kujo are Jimmie Arrow and his girlfriend Monique Gordon, who intend to use the prize money for their dream wedding.
• They're not the only couple racing, as Sunset and Ryusei are actually high school sweethearts and childhood friends, planning to use their share of the prize money to pay for college. They even plan on getting married afterward.
• As sad as it is to see Joseph so down with the return of DIO, it is heartwarming that just hearing his mom's voice is enough to cheer him up, if only for a little while.
• Even at his lowest point, it's heartwarming to know Rudy did make one loyal friend... Iggy the Boston terrier.
• After the team wins the Steel Ball Run, Sadao decides to return home early to his wife and son.

Stardust Crusaders

• The fact that Jotaro was willing to beat up a bunch of punks trying to harass Fluttershy shows that he's dedicated as a boyfriend.
• Fluttershy returns the sentiment, willing to help Jotaro understand the new power he's gained now that he's a Stand user (though at first he just thinks it's an evil spirit).
• Jonathan continues to be a grounding point for his grandson Joseph, keeping him from destroying expensive cameras just to use his Stand's spirit photography.
• Jotaro may not be a nice guy, but he's also not a bad guy, deciding to save Kakyoin's life despite the fact that he was earlier trying to kill him. Simply because he knew Kakyoin wasn't in his right mind at the time.
• When Jonathan sees that Polnareff, even in his brainwashed state, is an honorable and noble fighter, the aging Joestar can't help but be reminded of Bruford.
• Seeing Anne and Fluttershy bond like sisters can be a great big source of heartwarming. Especially when Fluttershy protects Anne from Forever's Attempted Rape.
• While mtnetsurfer did allow poor Danny to die for plot reasons, he's not as given to allow dogs to be killed as Araki was. Case in point, Fluttershy stops Rubber Soul from using Yellow Temperance to devour a young boy's pooch by threatening the insidious Stand user with poison barbs. Rubber Soul doesn't seem intimidated, but he agrees to back off.
• Once it becomes clear that J. Geil is stalking the team, Polnareff insists on Fluttershy staying near the Joestars, not wanting to risk another incident like what happened to his sister. This shows how much he's starting to bond with the group.
• Hol Horse thinks along the same lines, subtley hinting to his partner J. Geil that he's not going to let the psychotic rapist anywhere near Fluttershy. Pragmatic though it may be, Hol Horse is most definitely a gentleman around women.
• Despite learning that Enya has been captured by the Joestars so they can pry the secret of his Stand from her, DIO wants Enya rescued instead of killed. He cares about her that much.
• Once Avdol reveals to Hol Horse that he survived, it's clear he doesn't hold a grudge and accepts that Hol Horse has pulled a genuine Heel–Face Turn.
• Fluttershy is able to tame Iggy just by cuddling him and calling him cute. Jonathan was able to convince him to help the others by detailing his history with Danny. Between the two of them, Iggy becomes a more stalwart ally for the team throughout the remainder of the story.
• Polnareff manages to keep the woman Malèna from being regressed too far by Alessi's Stand and keeps her safe until Alessi winds up far from them and right in Jotaro's path. Those memories remain when Malèna is returned to normal following Alessi's defeat, and she manages to recognize Polnareff's adult form outside due to a missing earring. Despite the fact that it's clear she's fallen in love, neither of them mention it and she just heads off, clearly understanding that Polnareff has something important to do before they can be together. Truly the two found a bond of love in that harrowing scenario.
• Upon seeing Tomomi beaten by her own Stand due to a twist of fate, Boingo decides to become a better person and stop seeking revenge for what happened to him and his brother, and even try to use his Stand to help others. Iggy, unlike canon, gives him some kind words of wisdom that only strengthen this resolve, with his last prediction in the story showing how his brother Oingo has grown proud of him.
• Like in canon, Iggy saves a young boy from Pet Shop, even revealing that he can talk thanks to Fluttershy's Stand. The boy later returns the favor after Iggy manages to kill Pet Shop.
• When Jonathan and DIO meet for the first time in a century, there's little malice between them. They just talk like two brothers who haven't seen each other in a while. DIO even shows a shred of remorse when he hears Twilight has long since passed away. You can really tell he gained a lot of respect for the two siblings.
• While this version of the story still has a Bittersweet Ending, it turns out more sweet than bitter. Avdol, Kakyoin, and Iggy wound up with severe injuries from DIO, but still survived and are recovering in a local hospital. Jonathan is the group's only casualty, having chosen to sacrifice his own life against DIO. Holly is now recovered, Hol Horse is sent off to France on Polnareff's behalf to let his friends and family know he's alright while he stays behind to watch over the injured, and Jotaro, Fluttershy, and Joseph make a triumphant return back to Japan. The only truly bitter part is that DeKurliss is still at large, ready to set up the conflict in Stone Ocean.

A Gentleman, A Thief, A King, and A Hero

• Just watching All Might do what he can to ease Kariya's suffering under the crest worms, even in the little things like making sure he gets something to eat. All Might is a hero on multiple levels, and this story has that on full display.
• Zenigata had been downtrodden and retired since no one other than Lupin really gave him a challenge as an Interpol inspector. When he learns that Lupin might have possibly revived, it puts a spring back in his step. The dynamic these two rivals have truly cements that they do care about one other, albeit platonically.
• Half of the Servants are called by their titles only, even in the narration. But the titular four protagonists (Jonathan, Lupin, Evan, and Toshinori respectively) are always called by their real names (or in Jonathan and Toshinori's case, by nicknames or even Toshinori's hero code name). That they quickly garner such respect shows a lot about them and how they conduct themselves during the war, with even Lupin playing as fair as he can for his character.
• Twisted as it is, you can't help but enjoy the genuine friendship between Ryuunosuke and Caster. The two really play off each other like they're old college buds or something.
• A minor case, but it seems that in the five years between Stardust Crusaders and this story, Jotaro and Fluttershy have gotten married and even had kids.
• While Kirei does hold evil in his heart to the point where he never truly loved his wife (his last thoughts upon her death is that he was only sad that he never got to kill her), he's not The Sociopath, and does genuinely love his father and daughter as family.
• Despite never accomplishing his goal in life, Evan was able to create a lasting kingdom of peace, to the point where several of his ministers even started marrying each other. He himself would ultimately take on Tani as his queen, with her only asking what took him so long.
• Evan admits to his son Ferdinand that his wish for the Grail is to revive the beloved of Doloran so that he can finally have mortality. Even to his enemies, Evan wants to find them a happily ever after.
• During what turns out to be Lupin's final heist in his previous life, Fujiko decides to let Lupin have a quick romp in the sack with her. As it turns out, this results in their daughter Riko being born. When Lupin meets her in the present day, he quickly settles into the role of father.
• Zenigata's talk with Shiro, which convinces the latter to shoot for becoming a cop later in life. Zenigata may have inadvertently prevented the creation of EMIYA just by encouraging a young boy's heroic dreams in the right way.
• Despite all the children killed by Ryuunosuke and Caster, there is one bright spot. Earlier Zenigata was speaking with Shiro about how two of his school friends disappeared. Much to Zenigata's relief, those two friends are among the seven survivors.
• Kirei is someone who can only feel happy when someone else is feeling despair. But the fact that he feels it even more when the person in question is an Asshole Victim shows that he's not beyond redemption.
• Once Kiritsugu realizes what Zouken is doing to Sakura, he immediately decides to help Lupin in keeping her safe. There's still a hero under all that cynicism, and it's starting to get pushed to the surface.
• It turns out the crest worms have a Weaksauce Weakness... That being The Power of Love. Or rather positive emotions, as Kariya notes when his hope that Sakura will soon be saved starts to weaken the crest worms in his body.
• With Sakura being rescued from the Matou household, having the crest worms removed from her body, and with Zouken now unable to further break her mentally, Sakura starts to cheer up and become more mentally stable. Heal the Cutie at its finest.
• Just the sight of Kariya being able to enjoy something as simple as a beer again, now free of Zouken's influence and ready to retake his life, can easily lift one's spirits after all the shit he went through in canon.
• Not only is Kariya able to confirm to Sakura that he kept his promise, but he even reveals that he's now able to properly adopt her. Seeing Sakura happier than ever will easily melt one's heart into goo.
• While Lupin's bank heist leaves both the Tohsaka and the Einzberns destitute, he does leave the fortune of the Matou family alone, reasoning that Kariya can use the money for himself as the sole remaining heir and provide for his new family.
• The banquet hosted by Rider and Evan is a true bonding moment between the remaining Servants and Masters. Not only is there lots of Food Porn due to all the Impossibly Delicious Food from Evermore, but everyone gets the chance to explain what they want from the Grail. Even Waver discovers something he wants to wish for.
• When the Court of Owls hits Jonathan with an extra dose of the Fraulein Eule, he somehow finds himself in Saber/Artoria's mindscape. The two have a deep conversation, where Jonathan helps Artoria come to grips with her legend and helps her get over her existential crisis.
• Kirei and Risei having a father-son heart-to-heart via confessional. Despite learning that his son was born evil, Risei still believes his son is on the right path and God must have had His reasons for letting Kirei be born the way he is.
• Lupin and Jigen having one last drink together. Despite bringing up the possibility that Jigen might die during the final confrontation, it doesn't veer into Tearjerker territory (yet) as Jigen has made peace with himself and wasn't even expecting to live as long as he did anyway, noting that Lupin's insane luck must have rubbed off on him.
• Throughout the entire story, Rider had never once questioned Evan's claim to kingship, even stating that he felt the same air of regality. During their final battle it comes to a head, with Iskander giving Evan the epic title of "Once and True King", showing just how much how he respects and honors Evan's position.
• Jonathan delivering the final blow to Angra Mainyu labels him as the winner of the Fourth Holy Grail War, and Kiritsugu by extension. The voice that told him of the corruption in the first place explains that the Grail has enough stored mana (from the previous three failed Holy Grail Wars) to grant four wishes total. So Jonathan, gentleman that he is, makes sure to word his wishes so that all four remaining Servants and Masters get what they want.
  Voice: "You truly are a paragon of virtue, Jonathan Joestar. The Grail was right to choose you over Artoria. If you word it so that both Master and Servant are included in the same wish, that should be enough to fit within the four wishes."
• Jigen sadly loses his life fighting against the Owls, but his friends give him a simple send-off with a grave marker that just labels him as a loyal friend. Lupin even notes that Jigen wouldn't have wanted anything more.
• After the funeral, Lupin decides that it's about time Riko got to know her father better. Now that the Grail has given him a brand new life with a brand new body, Lupin's ready to pick up where he left off.
• Just when Kiritsugu and Iris are concerned they'll never see Illya again (Acht wanted the Grail, but it was used up in spite of Kiritsugu winning the war), said daughter is brought to the hospital where Iris is staying. Turns out Lupin snuck into the Einzbern estate and freed her to be with her parents again. Even better, the Grail made her and Iris real humans, meaning Illya will get her wish of growing up to be as elegant as her mother.
• In the early parts of the story, Kayneth had been convinced to give Waver's thesis another once-over. Upon actually finding merit in it, he decides to retire and pass on the title of Lord El-Melloi to Waver, showing that he now recognizes his student as a true Magus.
• The Fifth Holy Grail War of Fate/stay night is noted in this story to have been more of a system reset, thus Everyone Lives. We are told who the Servants were, and Rin (now grown up and a deputized detective) has summoned Jigen back as the new Archer. Looks like Lupin will get to reunite with his old friend again.

Diamond is Unbreakable

• When Jotaro is traveling to Morioh to meet with Josuke, he brings both Fluttershy... And Jolyne! She's only a little girl in this story, but seeing Jolyne interact with her dad in such a positive manner really warms the heart (especially with how frosty their relationship was in canon).
• Josuke may be afraid of turtles, but he doesn't hestitate to heal one that gets fatally injured by some bullies trying to harass him. Guy doesn't even know his heritage yet and already he's acting like a true Joestar.
• We're given more context in this story about why Josuke named his Stand "Crazy Diamond", that being the crazy circumstances in which it first appeared, and how it shines just like a Diamond (appriopriate, given it's named after the Pink Floyd song "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"). Pinkie notes how perfect of a name it sounds.
• In the first chapter when Pinkie heard about the Kujos visiting Morioh, she offered them a welcome party, only for Jotaro to turn her down since they wouldn't be staying long. Once it becomes clear that they'll need to stay in Morioh long-term, Jotaro decides he'll accept the welcome party after all, much to Pinkie's delight.
• It's established early on that Josuke and Pinkie have been childhood friends since elementary school. So to see them get a Relationship Upgrade after the fight with Angelo will definitely spark some joy.
• Just as Jotaro is something of a Stealth Mentor for Josuke, Kakyoin becomes a more active Mentor Archetype for Koichi, seeing him as someone similar to Kakyoin in his younger years.
• Pinkie offers to be a friend to Yukako in order to help her get some much-needed Character Development in hopes it will give her a chance at being with Koichi.
• The whole meeting with Tonio is just sugar for the sweet tooth. The story completely does away with the ambiguity regarding whether or not Tonio might be evil (obviously he isn't) thanks to Pinkie being ironically more grounded and keeping Josuke from jumping to conclusions. This let's the group just sit and enjoy their food, albeit marred a little by the odd effects Tonio's Stand Pearl Jam has on people.
  • Tonio is especially grateful to learn that Pinkie knows Italian, as his Japanese is still rough with a noticeable accent.
• Sanji actually seems flattered that he became Josuke's personal hero, despite the two having never formally met.
• After seeing how far Joseph is willing to go to save a baby that's not even his, Josuke starts to grow to respect his old man and the two really start to bond.
• Pinkie and Reimi hit it off quickly. Reimi may have a more subdued appearance than Pinkie, but she's also an extrovert, so the two of them get along like a cauldron on fire. Pinkie even considers Reimi to be like a sister to her.
• Despite Shigechi having given Pinkie so much grief just last chapter, even going so far as to get her intoxicated, Pinkie still goes out of her way to save Shigechi's life when Yoshikage reveals himself to be a dangerous and sociopathic killer. Pinkie really is The Heart of the team.
• Throughout the background of the story, Pinkie had been trying to help Yukako open up more so that Koichi would start to reciprocate her feelings. As a result, the incident with Aya and Cinderella actually makes Yukako and Koichi hooking up make more sense and come off as more heartwarming than cringe-worthy.
• Koichi awakening Act 3 of Echoes is already badass, but what makes it veer into heartwarming in this story is because he did so to keep Yukako safe. Clearly there's a lot more to their relationship in this new universe.
• Not long after getting his Stand, Kosaku is able to start patching up his marriage to Shinobu. Considering their marriage was shit prior to that, seeing them actually act loving and playful is bound to have people rooting for them.
• It's oddly heartwarming to see Yoshikage of all people falling in love. Specifically with the wife of the man he'd just pulled a Kill and Replace on to hide himself from the Morioh crew. But still, oddly sweet.
• Seeing Kosaku get to properly bond with his son Hayato, including treating him to takeout when he learns Hayato's awakened a Stand perfect for getting dirt on Yoshikage.
• When Yukako is told about Highway Star by Koichi, she's willing to put their planned date on hiatus to help Pinkie and Josuke deal with it. The girl's come a long way since her debut.
• The lengths Yoshikage goes to safeguard Ayaka from Tama's wrath, even risking his own life to do so. Really humanizes the serial killer in a way Araki never did.
• Just as poor Riku was starting to despair upon learning about Bites the Dust, he sees Pinkie and Rohan survive thanks to Smile's power, which freaks out Yoshikage. The young boy starts to feel hope again, blurting out to the whole crew about what he learned, knowing they can make use of it in the next loop.
• When Okuyasu got knocked out by Killer Queen's attack, he was able to meet his brother Keicho one last time. Keicho actually said he was proud of how far Okuyasu had come without him. Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other.
• Jotaro, Joseph, and Fluttershy trusting the future of Morioh to Josuke and his friends shows how much they trust the young group of Stand users.

Golden Wind

• Just the pure yet loving relationship Giorno and Rarity have. Not only do they love each other unconditionally, they fully trust each other. Not that Rarity isn't afraid to call Giorno out if he messes up for whatever reason.
• Rarity and Giorno quickly endear themselves to Buccellati's team (except Abbacchio, at first). Rarity especially compliments the gang on their sense of style.
• Despite the fact that Abbacchio doesn't really like Giorno or Rarity at first, he still deigns to call Rarity by her nickname (everyone outside Buccellati's team calls her "Rarita"). This shows that Abbacchio is certainly a Jerk with a Heart of Gold.
• Buccellati explains to his team that the reason he brought them all was because he needed backup in case he got ambushed on the way to Polpo's treasure, and they were people he trusts unconditionally. He even extends this to Giorno and Rarity, despite them being the newest members.
• Despite only knowing each other for a short time, Giorno and Buccellati are able to perfectly pull off a Dual Heat Attack on Pesci. This shows just how much trust they have in each other.
• For as much as Giorno knows Rarity can take care of herself, he's willing to go all Knight in Shining Armor if she ever is in peril. And for as much as he desires his dream, he won't sacrifice his beloved for the sake of that dream.
• Abbacchio shows he's grown to trust the new recruits when he accepts Rarity's proposal to be the one to escort Trish to her father.
• As they're riding on the elevator, Rarity tries to put Trish at ease about meeting her father for the first time by assuring her that he likely has her best interest at heart. It actually works a little.
• Fugo comes to an ephiphany once he relies on his emotions more than his mind, and it's at this point Giorno cements himself as the leader of the team by giving Fugo what he needs most in that instant... A team he can rely on.
  Giorno: "Will you... Help us?"
  Fugo: "Si lo faro (Yes I will)... GioGio..."
• During a near-death experience (caused by pushing Moody Blues to its absolute limit), Abbacchio gets a chance to speak with his late partner, who lets him know You Are Better Than You Think You Are before showing him the way back to the world of the living.
• While Polnareff still had to fight Diavolo without Jotaro, he did have backup with Avdol and Kakyoin. It's truly heartwarming to see the main Stardust Crusaders still helping each other even years after DIO's defeat.
• A minor case, but it turns out Polnareff and Malèna did wind up hooking up in the end, marrying some years after Stardust Crusaders.
• Upon learning that he's the alternate personality of Diavolo, Doppio decides to act as Trish's father and sacrifices himself to stop Silver Chariot Requiem for her sake. Trish, in turn, comes to see Doppio as her true father.
• Upon becoming The Don of Passione, Giorno makes good use of his position and gives the rest of Team Buccellati positions as capos, showing how much he's come to trust and respect them as both friends and family. Rarity also becomes his underboss, showing both how close they are and how much he appreciates all that Rarity's done for him.
• Despite Zucchero having previously kidnapped and threatened to kill Fugo, he still takes the time to save Zucchero from Manic Depression's effect. The guy's come far since his debut.
• Despite Giorno being the son of DIO, and most of Speedwagon not yet trusting him, the Stardust Crusaders at the very least know he's nothing like his father, and the Joestar family does accept him as one of their own. Epsecially poingnant since in this story he's Joseph's half-brother instead of his great-uncle.
• A mix between this and tearjerker, but Massimo's last thoughts as Fugo's virus kills him is his older brother Tonio, and he hopes Tonio's restaurant is a success. Seems he doesn't share his family's ideology of looking down on a commoner's craft.

Stone Ocean

• Jolyne barely even knows Ermes at this point and she still helps the woman out using her Stand when a guard tries harassing her to get at her hidden cash.
• In the same vein as Speedwagon and Jonathan more than a century prior, Jolyne and Rainbow soon become fast friends while in prison (and even briefly become lovers).
• DIO seemed to be intent on Breaking the Cycle of Bad Parenting prior to his death. Not only did he deem his son Giorno as the one destined for greatness, DeKurliss and even Polnareff suggest DIO would have relished the chance to become a loving father.
• Gwess actually takes the time to direct Rainbow and Jolyne to help a meek female prisoner get back some money she loaned out. It might be because Gwess has more or less become the main duo's toady, but she does come off as a Jerk with a Heart of Gold in this instance.
• It's both hilarious and heartwarming to see Jolyne, an Amazonian Beauty, squeal and glomp her father Jotaro. Clearly their relationship is far better than it was in canon.
• Despite only seeing how I'll Fly works while under Whitesnake's illusion powers, Jotaro decides to trust Rainbow with Jolyne's life and goes to attack Whitesnake directly. It pays off big time.
• While she does intend to use her Stand for her own end later, Ermes is still willing to help out Jolyne and her budding crew in the long-term. She quickly bonds with Rainbow and Jolyne as well. The girl's rough around the edges, but she definitely has a heart of gold.
• A minor case, but instead of taunting the prisoners volunteering for search duty by making them run after an ATV while they're wearing an Explosive Leash, they're each given a moped to make keeping up with the ATV easier.
• Ermes and Rainbow manage to keep Atroe from getting killed when the guard gets too far away and Atroe's band is only kept from exploding by Rainbow's flight field. Ermes even admits she didn't want Atroe to die from circumstances that weren't even her fault.
• Anasui actually comes off as being more emotionally stable in this story, largely thanks to his uncle Funny Valentine. This means he's not as Yandere for Jolyne, although he is still attracted to her.
• We get to see a flashback to Jolyne's birth, and it's a really sweet moment as the five main Stardust Crusaders are there.
• Not only is it nice to see Joseph start to return to his old self again, but we get to see how Shizuka's been doing. In fact, Joseph returned to his Hamon practice just to have the strength needed to raise Shizuka. One can only imagine how raising Holly and George went.
• Seeing DIO and Pucci interact in such a friendly manner with each other. Whether or not there was any sort of sexual attraction, DIO certainly saw Pucci as a genuine friend at the very least. That alone is enough to humanize an otherwise inhuman vampire.
• When the gang is finally getting ready to leave Green Dolphin Prison, Jolyne actually agrees to bring Gwess with them, much to the woman's delight.
• It turns out that while Tomomi never actually wanted a kid, even from DIO, she is admittedly proud of what Giorno's made of his life.
• Surprisingly, despite Anasui being a convicted murderer, Jotaro can tell he's an otherwise decent person and trusts Jolyne to be able to make her own decisions. That's as good as giving his blessing.
• Rikiel proves to be a Noble Demon during his fight with Jolyne, to the point where Joseph decides to have Rikiel buried as a Joestar in the family cemetery.

Spirit Tracks

• George and Gyro tend to play off each other really well. You can certainly tell they've been friends for decades, cracking jokes, watching each other's back, and even knowing when one or the other is acting in an odd manner.
• Many monsters of the alter verse are treated as just that, monsters. But there are exceptions made for certain non-human species, such as lizardmen and goblins.
• Gazef and Brain wind up meeting in a local tavern, chatting away like old friends. It turns out Brain decided to take Shalltear's words to heart and try to better himself, even taking Gazef up on his offer to join as an adventurer.
• Momonga notes how glad he is that he has his friends with him and he strives to carve out a place for himself in the alter verse, and how much of a trial it would be if he were on his own.
• In the first of the flashback chapters, we see how Speedwagon and Twilight are doing between Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency, specifically a year after the former. And it seems Speedwagon is settling quite well into his new life after becoming rich, while still staying true to his roots.
  • Especially nice is seeing how eager his crew of four servants are to serve, even knowing Speedwagon was a gang leader just a year earlier. That's dedication.
• The sisterly bond between Renner and Starlight. It's especially noted that since Starlight is as intelligent as Renner, if not moreso, she finally has someone to relate with.
• After hearing all the horrible things that happened to Tuare, seeing Sebas work to help her get better (helped by Tabula using his Stand to remove her mental trauma) is definitely sweet to see.
• It's subtle, but there are signs that Herohero and Solution are more than just actors playing at being married. Given Solution is a shoggoth and Herohero's Stand let's him become a Blob Monster, the possibility of a relationship between the two is not out of the question.
• Zanac shows he's more than willing to ride out into battle, even if it's not the front lines, rather than stay and cower in the safety of stone walls during a crisis. And all to reassure the people that the royal family is always looking out for them. For someone who looks like a stereotypical evil prince, he definitely shows that he always puts the kingdom first.
• Seeing the four Joestar siblings interact. Not just Holly and George, but also Josuke and Shizuka. Despite Josuke being a bastard child and Shizuka being adopted, Holly and George still see them as siblings. The Joestars really are a close, albeit bizarre, family.
• Both Nfirea and Holly awakening their Stands to save a loved one is heartwarming in itself, but Holly's awakening is double heartwarming. Remember, when her Stand first awoke in Stardust Crusaders, she wasn't ready for it due to being too docile, and nearly died as a result. Now she's found a reason to have a fighting spirit, her family, and thus she'll never be endangered by her own Stand ever again.
• Barbro may be the epitome of Ambition Is Evil, but he does love his daughter Burrow. This despite her being illegitimate. Then again, his father sired at least two illegitimate children (Starlight and Zanac) and still loves them, so it probably runs in the family.
• Just seeing the changed dynamic between Dr. Frankenstein and his creation, to the point where they act like father and son. Victor even gave his creation a proper name, Adam.
• Early on in the story, Hekkeran becomes the newest user for Ticket to Ride, a train-based Stand that serves as a companion piece to Down At the Station, the source of the eponymous Spirit Tracks. Then throughout the story, Hekkeran's team Foresight get to join him by gaining access to three additional cars that attach to Ticket to Ride and give it further battle options. Truly a uniting force for a group of friends offered a new fate in a different story.
• With Barbro disowned for treason, Zanac is named the crown prince of Re-Estize. But he declares that he won't be ruling alone, keeping to an agreement made with Renner and Starlight to share the throne with the two of them in order to more effectively maintain the kingdom.
• The love that quickly occurs between Calca and Ulbert is surprisingly wholesome. This considering the former is the Holy Queen of Roble, while the latter is a Demon King despite being human.
• Just before the final battle, Starlight gives George a Big Damn Kiss, with Lakyus doing the same to Gyro, cementing the two Ship Tease pairs and elevating them to Official Couple status.

Jojolion

• Hajime and Chiaki are able to enjoy Official Couple status in this story. Even better, Hajime is now a genuine Ultimate thanks to Kakyoin, becoming the Ultimate Counselor and gaining his own potent Stand.
• While it ultimately didn't amount to anything due to unforseen circumstances, it was nice of Hajime to try to help Natsumi become a better person for her brother's sake.
• Hajime at one point had helped Riruka and Seiko mend their relationship. This leaves Riruka very motivated to help the school maintain its current state of being, where true relationships can be fostered in a healthy environment.
• When returning from her suspension, Chisa is concerned the 77th Class would have forgotten all about her. But nope! Hajime and Chiaki worked together and kept the class strong until Chisa could return, letting them welcome her back with a heartwarming party.
• In an odd way, it's kinda nice to see that Honami doesn't hold a grudge against Mahiru for providing the evidence that convicted her.
• After hearing all the horrible things that happened to Painwheel since the last time Filia remembered seeing her, she gives her friend a much needed Cooldown Hug. D'aww...
• While things for the heroes still continue on, New Meridian now has a bright new future. The Trinity take back the Skullheart, removing its influence from the world forever, Parasoul no longer has to worry about her little sister, Peacock and Marie reunite as friends and heroes, Squigly gets to stay active and becomes friends with Filia, Painwheel finds a new home at Lab 8, Beowulf finds out his fans still believe in him and there's a whole slew of new challengers ready to take him on, and Cerebella is able to properly marry Vitale without having to kill Miss Fortune. It truly is a better future than anything in canon.
• Before hitting the second arc, we see Junko and Mukuro, and it's clear that their dynamic is far different than normal. For starters, there's no despair involved, and their interactions are far more wholesome. It turns out Junko's Stand helped her understand how illogical a despair fetish really is.
• Compared to the 77th Class, the 78th Class bond much easier. Largely due to how changed Hope's Peak Academy has been over the course of a year, which really goes to show how well Kakyoin has been doing his job.
• Junko stills winds up a babysitter for the Warriors of Hope, but they're much better adjusted. Junko quickly endears herself to the kids, especially after she makes them laugh by delivering a Groin Attack to douchbag Haiji Towa.
• Seeing Shuichi, Maki, and Himiko connect with the alternate versions of the friends they once knew. Especially Shuichi and Maki, who get to resolve their Ship Tease with Kaede and Kaito respectively.
• Seeing the heroes come up with clever ways to help the Sin Stand users find their virtues and master their Stands, becoming better people in the process.
• The final chapter goes out in the most hopeful way possible. Kirumi is able to use her Stand to reunite the Sin Stand users with those closest to them (Sateriasis' beloved, Banica's lover, Riliane's brother, Margarita's best friend, Kayo's husband, Gallerian's daughter, and Nemesis' boyfriend). The 77th Class is ready for graduation, and on happier terms. It's still bittersweet with one canonical death intact (Natsumi's) but it's still more sweet than bitter and Hope's Peak even gets ready to induct the 80th Class as the story ends.

---