Tonpeti was a minor ally in Part I Phantom Blood who trained William Antonio Zeppeli and many others in ripple techniques. Despite revealing to him that he would face a gruesome death, Zeppeli continued with his training. During the final battle between Jonathan Joestar and Dio, Tonpeti was accompanied by Dire and Straights, but they did not meet with Jonathan or Robert Edward O Speedwagon until after Zeppeli's death. After the battle, Tonpeti helped kill Dios remaining zombies before being last seen at the docks with Straights, Speedwagon, and others to see off Jonathan and Erina Pendleton on their honeymoon. It is assumed that he died during the 50-year gap between Parts I and II, and Straights became his successor as a ripple master.