Chapter 32: Join or Perish
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Canary, having witnessed the brutal execution, felt a surge of pride for Haruto. Without uttering a word, she stepped away, giving the scene a wide berth, her eyes never leaving Haruto. His actions had spoken for themselves - he didn't just demand loyalty, he commanded it.
Phinx, too, watched the proceedings in silence, a rare respect replacing his usually derisive demeanor. He didn't intervene or utter a word of protest, acknowledging the justice of Haruto's decision. He simply moved closer to Feitan, their presence providing silent support for their young leader.
As for Uvogin, his hulking presence was a comforting constant beside Haruto. His usual boisterousness had given way to quiet solidarity. "The bastard got what he deserved," Uvogin muttered, his voice barely a whisper as he spoke to Haruto.
Pakunoda finally stepped away from the lifeless body of Chrollo, her eyes reflecting the bitter truth she'd just learned. She looked towards Haruto, her usually stern face reflecting a glimmer of gratitude and respect.
Machi, Franklin, and Pakunoda seemed lost. They gazed at the headless body of their former leader in disbelief, the revelations about his merciless nature rippling through them. Aghast, they all shared a look of shared confusion and mourning.
Haruto, towering over them all, cut through their turmoil with his commanding tone. "If you want to change your life, follow me. Be part of my group, and we shall reign this world."
Before any of them could respond, a rustling noise from behind drew their attention. Shalnark and Kurotopi emerged from the underbrush, their faces frozen in shock at the grisly scene. Noticing Chrollo's corpse, they recoiled, and a palpable wave of rage washed over them. The veins in Shalnark's temples bulged, his fists clenching in fury. Kurotopi's eyes hardened, his clenched teeth a silent testament to his rage.
As they sprang towards Haruto, Franklin surged forward, his massive form a solid barrier between them and Haruto. "Stop!" he roared, his voice a low thunder in the otherwise quiet clearing.
Shalnark spat out, "Franklin, you traitor! You stood by and watched?" His voice cracked with emotion.
Franklin raised a calming hand. "Listen. Chrollo... he did something... unforgivable."
Machi, still struggling to compose herself, stepped forward. "He killed Sarasa, Shalnark," her voice trembled, her usual stoicism cracked. "All for some harebrained scheme to kill a clan."
Pakunoda approached the duo, her hands clenched. Her gaze was hardened, a sharp edge in her stormy eyes. "And not just any clan, Shalnark, Kurotopi. The Kurta Clan. Innocent elders and children."
There was a tense silence. Shalnark and Kurotopi looked at each other, stunned. The air seemed to constrict around them, the weight of the news settling in their minds. Kurotopi finally sank to his knees, his aura wavering around him.
At the same time, a seasoned, distinguished man stepped forward. Koshiro, with his age-hardened face and wise eyes, carried an air of authority that matched Haruto's own. He glanced at the gathered crowd and let out a low sigh. "Haruto's reign begins now," he declared, the words echoing with an unspoken promise.
Amidst the chaos, Uvogin remained steadfast at Haruto's side. "And you," he growled, glancing at Shalnark and Kurotopi, "Need to choose. Are you in or out?"
Meanwhile, Haruto stood silent, observing their every move. His regal posture and powerful aura emanated an undeniable majesty. His silence carried more weight than words, as if his very presence commanded allegiance. His eyes, full of unyielding resolve and ambition, darted from one person to the next, waiting for their decision.
Feitan's gaze was on Haruto, a silent, respect-laden sentinel. His body relaxed, the tension leaving his lithe form. As always, his demeanor was a stark contrast to his volatile nature, but his loyalty to Haruto was evident.
Phinx leaned against a tree, watching the scene unfold. A smug smile played on his lips, as if he already knew the outcome. His unblinking gaze remained on Haruto, silently affirming his allegiance to the new leader.
"Are you sure?" Shalnark's words echoed in the clearing, his voice carrying a hint of desperation. He glanced around at the stunned faces, his eyes pleading for someone to refute the horrific claims.
Pakunoda, her face hard, nodded in response. "I saw it, Shalnark. I saw it in his memories." Her voice was raw with a pain she hadn't allowed herself to feel until now. "He sacrificed Sarasa. For wealth. For power."
The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, met with stunned silence. The crude reality seemed to splinter their world, shattering the image of their leader that they had so steadfastly held on to.
Franklin was the first to break the silence. "Then I guess… I guess we have our new leader," he finally said, his voice as rough as his appearance. His eyes flicked towards Haruto, an acknowledgment, a pledge of allegiance.
Machi stood there, her eyes shadowed, her hands clenched tight around her needle. "Haruto…" she murmured, the name rolling off her tongue with the promise of loyalty. She was accepting this new reality, this new order of things.
Pakunoda's eyes never left Haruto, her gaze steady despite the turmoil within her. Her silence was acceptance, an unspoken pledge of loyalty to the young man who'd dealt justice to Chrollo's betrayal.
Shalnark and Kurotopi shared a look. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, they knelt, heads bowed. "Haruto," Shalnark said, his voice choked with emotion. "We follow you." Kurotopi echoed his sentiment with a single nod, his silence as profound as any vow.
The chaotic shift in power felt both sudden and inevitable. The shock of the revelation had stripped them of their faith in their former leader, only to have it replaced by a loyalty to Haruto that felt surprisingly steadfast.
Canary, watching from the sidelines, held her breath. She saw the way Haruto stood amidst the chaos, the confident aura he projected. She saw him take control, witnessed his authority firsthand. Her admiration for him deepened, the seed of loyalty in her heart strengthening.
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