Chapter 324

Aito lowered his gaze. His chest tightened painfully at the thought of Haruto dying.

Yes, the man had become dangerous. Unrecognizable. Terrifying, even. But before all of that... Haruto had been his best friend. The person who stayed beside him through some of the darkest moments of his life.

And Mrs. Yamamoto looked just as conflicted.

She had watched Haruto grow up alongside Aito. She had cared for him the way she cared for Aito. The idea of deciding his death sat heavily on her heart.

Ryu noticed both their expressions immediately.

"Let's leave them out of this decision," he said quietly. "Whether Haruto lives or dies... we'll decide that ourselves."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Back to what I was saying," Yasu continued. "Aito is