Lovers, Part 3 (Chapter)

Lovers (3), originally The Micro Battle in the WSJ release, is the one hundred sixty-second chapter of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga. It is also the forty-ninth chapter of Part III: Stardust Crusaders.

Summary
Steely Dan explains his Stand, Lovers, is physically the weakest of all Stands, but its powers are deadly nonetheless. Once it enters someone's brain, it creates a link between them and its user - if Steely were struck by a car, hit by a baseball, or even trip on the ground, Joseph would feel the effects several times over. He demonstrates this by cracking his knuckles, causing Joseph to feel a sudden pain on his artificial hand.

Steely Dan also reveals that Lovers is constructing a flesh bud in Joseph's brain; in 10 minutes, Joseph will die like Enya. An angry Jotaro tries to attack Steely, but Kakyoin stops him, fearing what will happen Joseph. Steely smugly taunts Jotaro, daring him to attack. Knowing he won't attack, Steely punches Jotaro in the gut, then hits him on the head with a rock. He announces that once Joseph dies, Lovers will enter Jotaro's brain and kill him in turn.

Joseph tries to think of a plan, running off with Polnareff and Kakyoin. The latter warns Jotaro to keep Steely away until they can deal with his Stand. Steely plans to make Jotaro follow him around town until Joseph dies. When Jotaro declares he will make his oppressor pay, Steely steals Jotaro's wallet and watch.

At a TV store, Joseph uses Hermit Purple to look inside his body. He finds Lovers inside his brain, working on the flesh bud. Polnareff and Kakyoin shrink their Stands and send them inside Joseph's brain to stop Lovers.

Meanwhile, at a ditch, Steely Dan plans to cross over, musing that if he tried to jump, he could twist his ankle, also hurting Joseph. He tells Jotaro to act as a man-bridge, as it would be exhausting to walk to a bridge. When the Star Platinum user does not respond, Steely kicks his leg on a fire hydrant, hurting Joseph badly. Steely then enjoys the pleasure of a strong bridge he made of Jotaro, much to his displeasure.