Chapter 20 – The Man Who Stands Above

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the school gates. The day had been a bloodstained storm, yet the night promised something even darker.

Haruto walked with measured steps, his body still dripping with the blood of the fallen. Himari clung to his side, her mind still in disarray from what she had witnessed.

Satsuki and Takashi followed behind, silent but alert.

That's when it happened.

A car was waiting for them.

Not just any car.

But the most expensive car in Japan—a custom-made, jet-black Rolls-Royce Phantom, its sleek frame exuding an aura of unmatched power.

Every student still lingering outside froze.

"What the hell…?"

"Who in this school could own a car like that?"

"Wait… that's not just any car. That's…"

The moment Haruto stepped forward—the car door opened.

And then, he stepped out.

A tall man, draped in a perfectly tailored black suit, his aura commanding the very air around him.

The entire schoolyard fell silent.

It was as if time had stopped.

"No way…"

"It can't be…"

The man smiled slightly and extended his hand toward Haruto.

"It's been a while."

The Prime Minister of Japan.

The most powerful political figure in the country, standing before Haruto like an old friend.

Every student sucked in a breath.

The teachers, the delinquents, even the gang members who had come to challenge Haruto earlier—all of them took a step back.

"Why is the Prime Minister here?"

"Why does he know Haruto?"

"What the hell is Haruto…?"

Even Himari felt a chill creep down her spine.

Haruto remained silent for a moment. Then, without hesitation, he reached forward—

And shook the Prime Minister's hand.

---

The World Bows to Him

Every student felt their legs tremble.

The Prime Minister—the most influential man in the country—stood before Haruto, not as an authority figure, but as an equal.

Or worse—as someone beneath him.

"This bastard… he's even connected to the government?" Aoi murmured, watching from above. She smirked. "He's even more dangerous than I thought."

Takashi, usually unfazed, adjusted his glasses. "Interesting."

Satsuki, on the other hand, grinned.

"This is why I love you, Haruto."

The Prime Minister finally spoke.

"Come inside the car."

His tone was casual, but the weight behind his words made it clear—this wasn't a request.

Haruto turned to his companions. "Satsuki. Takashi. You're coming with me."

Then, he turned to Himari. "Go home."

Himari's eyes widened. "No! I want to come too!"

Haruto's gaze turned sharp.

Then, in a voice colder than ice, he said—

"No. It's dangerous. I don't want my step-sister getting hurt."

Himari froze.

The words hit her like a bullet to the chest.

She opened her mouth, trying to argue, but then—

Haruto's gaze darkened.

He stepped closer, leaned in, and whispered—

"I am not in danger."

Then, with a smirk that sent pure fear into everyone's bones—

"I am danger."

---

The Entire School Trembles

The moment he spoke those words, something changed.

A pressure filled the air. Unseen, yet suffocating.

Students fell to their knees.

Teachers took a step back.

Even the delinquents from before—the ones who had attacked Haruto—flinched.

It was as if Haruto's very presence commanded their fear.

"What the hell…?" one student gasped. "Why does it feel like we're standing before a monster?"

"No. Not a monster."

"A king."

Aoi, watching everything unfold, finally laughed.

She whispered to herself, "Haruto, you absolute devil."

Then, her eyes narrowed.

"And the Prime Minister is backing him? That means…"

Her smirk widened.

"This country is already his."

---

Inside the Phantom – The Road to Power

The moment Haruto stepped into the car, the atmosphere shifted.

The door shut, sealing them inside.

The world outside faded away.

The Prime Minister sighed. "You made quite a mess today."

Haruto leaned back, resting his arm on the seat. "They came to kill me. I simply responded."

Takashi adjusted his glasses. "I assume this isn't just a friendly visit, Prime Minister."

The older man smirked. "Always sharp, Takashi."

Then, he turned to Haruto, his expression serious.

"It's time."

Haruto remained silent.

The Prime Minister's voice dropped to a whisper.

"They're making their move."

Satsuki leaned forward, her excitement barely contained. "Finally… it's beginning."

Himari's face flashed in Haruto's mind—but he ignored it.

His world was moving forward.

And she wasn't part of it.

---

Meanwhile… at School

The students were still in shock.

Aoi leaned against the window, watching the Phantom disappear into the distance.

She chuckled to herself. "Well, well. Looks like the real game is about to start."

Then, she turned, her eyes filled with dangerous excitement.

"I can't wait to see how far you'll go, Haruto."

---

End of Chapter 20 – "The Man Who Stands Above"