The grand hall was illuminated with golden chandeliers, their glow reflecting off the polished marble floor. The air was thick with the scent of wealth—exotic wines, rare cigars, and the presence of the most powerful individuals in Japan. The prime minister, corporate titans, and underworld figures all mingled, laughing, drinking, and celebrating.
At the far end of the hall, elevated above all others, sat Haruto.
A throne. Not just a chair, but a declaration of dominance. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, his presence magnetic, his aura suffocating. To his right, Satsuki leaned against the armrest, a glass of wine in her hand, a devilish smirk on her lips. To his left, Takashi sat with his arms crossed, his eyes scanning the crowd like a predator.
His family stood at the entrance, frozen in shock.
Haruto's father gritted his teeth. "What… what is this?" His voice was steady, but his hands clenched into fists.
The prime minister chuckled and took a sip of his drink. "It seems your son has been playing a much bigger game than you ever realized."
Hemari's mother grabbed Hemari's hand, whispering, "What is going on?"
Hemari didn't respond. Her heart pounded. She knew Haruto was dangerous, powerful, and manipulative—but this? This was beyond her imagination.
The top 10 richest men in Japan and even some of the world's top 50 businessmen raised their glasses toward Haruto.
One of them smirked. "Haruto, my boy, you should have told us your family was this… normal."
The prime minister stepped forward. "Your son… no, our boss has accomplished more than any of us. He isn't just an ordinary high school student. He controls wealth, power, and people. And tonight, we celebrate his rule."
A thunderous applause echoed through the hall.
But Haruto's father wasn't impressed. His sharp eyes locked onto Haruto. "Since when did my son become this?"
Haruto stood up from his throne, adjusting his cuffs. His presence was overwhelming.
"Father…" he said, his voice smooth yet terrifying. "You always told me to become strong. To never be weak." His lips curled into a smirk. "I simply followed your advice."
His father took a step forward. "Is this what you call strength? Manipulating people? Living in shadows?"
Haruto chuckled. "Oh, father… you have no idea what real strength is."
He gestured toward Satsuki and Takashi.
"Satsuki, my beautiful queen… tell them what I've done."
Satsuki swirled her wine glass and grinned. "Haruto doesn't just control money. He controls everything. Politicians, CEOs, criminals… even the police owe him favors."
Haruto turned to Takashi. "Takashi, tell them what happens to those who betray me."
Takashi cracked his knuckles. "They disappear. Forever."
A dead silence fell over the room.
Haruto walked toward his father, stopping just inches away. His golden eyes locked onto his father's own.
"You raised me, father. But I became something even you can't control."
The prime minister laughed. "Well said! That's why we follow you, Haruto."
Then—BOOM!
The grand doors burst open.
Armed men in black suits rushed in. The crowd gasped. Who dared interrupt Haruto's night?
A familiar voice echoed through the hall.
"Haruto. It's been a long time."
Haruto's smirk vanished.
From the shadows, a young man stepped forward.
The same eyes. The same aura. The same blood.
It was his brother.
The entire room froze.
Satsuki and Takashi's expressions darkened.
The prime minister narrowed his eyes.
Haruto? He simply smiled.
"So, you finally came out of hiding."
---
To be continued…