The Stand User Of The Daily World

Chapter 128: A Sure Thing, Merely a Toy

Are the Hundred Devouring Families powerful?

Yes. Extremely powerful. Incredibly powerful.

They are an influential force ruling the shadows of Japan, standing on equal footing with the four major conglomerates that openly control it.

The family holds sway over nearly one-third of the nation's high-ranking officials and operates a vast network of industries ranging from pharmaceuticals, finance, entertainment, to maritime shipping.

Aside from banks, they have their hands in almost everything.

The Hundred Devouring Families are the apex of the pyramid—the pinnacle of power on Sakura Island.

But even a family as mighty as the Hundred Devouring Families doesn't grant its leader, Kirari Momobami, unchecked authority.

Just as people must support one another to thrive in society, so too must conglomerates rely on mutual support to maintain their control over the nation.

Thus, at least in front of other conglomerate leaders, Kirari must outwardly show respect.

When Kirari invited Shunsuke to accompany her as a partner to an event of such stature, even someone as composed as Shunsuke couldn't help but pause momentarily.

However, this reaction was merely the lingering influence of his past self. He quickly regained his composure and teased:

"That sounds like some terrifying stuff. If something were to go wrong at this banquet, wouldn't the entire Japan grind to a halt?"

"As much as I'd like to say yes, the most important thing is to have a clear view of oneself," Kirari replied, striking a Commander pose. "Even if all the attendees at the banquet were wiped out, Japan would only suffer a temporary standstill. As long as the Bald Eagle troops stationed here remain, the island won't collapse—there will just be a brief period of chaos."

"..."

That was... disturbingly reasonable. Shunsuke found himself unable to refute her logic.

Twirling the invitation card in his hand, he nodded. "Alright, I'll go. When is it?"

This was a rare opportunity for him to witness firsthand the decadence of the uppermost elite society.

"Tonight."

"So, you really just decided last minute to make me your escort?"

Shunsuke felt a bit let down. He had briefly entertained the idea that he might finally have a "wealthy benefactor to spoil him."

"Aren't you worried I might have plans tonight and won't be free?"

Kirari Momobami responded matter-of-factly, "Then cancel your plans."

So this is what a domineering CEO is like. Love it.

"But what if I hadn't come to the student council today? What would you have done then?"

"I would have asked the Vice President to be my partner."

"The Vice President... Isn't she a girl? Even though she always hides her face and uses a voice changer when speaking?"

Shunsuke, having read the manga, knew better. The Vice President was none other than Kirari's biological sister, Ririka Momobami.

Apart from their hairstyles and makeup, the two were practically identical.

They often swapped identities to play tricks, once ruining Kaede Manyuda's life—like completely ruining it, to the point where his entire future was derailed.

On a side note, despite appearances, Ririka, the older sister by birth order, had a mature, big-sister aura, whereas Kirari, with her seductive yet commanding demeanor, was actually the younger sibling.

The contrast was surprising yet charming, so no complaints there.

"She just has to wear a suit."

"Fair enough, that's bold."

While it was traditional for male attendees to bring female partners and vice versa, Kirari's status was far from ordinary.

Even if her position within the Hundred Devouring Families wasn't entirely secure, she was still the family head.

Until someone ousted her or pushed her out of the main lineage, she held her title as head of the family—a top-10 figure on Sakura Island. If she insisted on bringing a woman as her partner—or even attended solo—no one would dare to say a word.

Shunsuke shrugged. "If there's nothing else, I'll head off. When the time comes, send someone to pick me up."

Kirari seemed slightly surprised. "Shunsuke, don't you have anything else to say?"

"What, like, 'Kirari-senpai, I like you so much, I'm thrilled to be your date'?"

"..."

"You're the first guy to attend a banquet as my partner."

Kirari seemed momentarily speechless at Shunsuke's casual response. After a brief pause, she finally spoke.

For someone like her, perched at the very pinnacle of Japanese's societal hierarchy, her pride was unimaginable.

Even a mere placeholder like a "shield" wasn't something just anyone could be—certainly not someone like Kaede Manyuda, who was little more than a toy in her eyes.

Shunsuke, of course, understood what Kirari meant.

But as the only known Stand user in this world, a transmigrator from Earth equipped with one of the most terrifying professions, a high schooler in Japan, a system host, the controller of time, the manipulator of life force, a fated "child of destiny" destined to surpass paradise, and a thirty-two-winged archangel... What exactly was he supposed to say?

"Emmm, so... should I just say thank you at this point?"

Kirari ignored Shunsuke's nonsense and continued, "I'm sure you understand the significance of this. It's likely many people will harbor hostility toward you because of it."

Shunsuke shrugged. "A shield, huh? It's such an overused trope in fiction. I just hope none of those ridiculous soap opera scenarios actually play out."

"In exchange," Kirari added, "this will cancel out the promise you owe me."

She was referring to the time she had ordered Sayaka to arrange for a helicopter to transport Hagiwara Shu's father-in-law to the scene in the shortest time possible. It was the only promise Shunsuke had ever explicitly admitted owing her—his one and only.

A promise, after all, was an obligation heavier than mere gratitude. Kirari had helped him with countless "small favors" before, but those hadn't counted as promises, nor even as debts of gratitude.

At most, they could be considered investments. Most of the time, Shunsuke only accepted her help when it was urgent, and otherwise, he'd simply freeload off her.

From Shunsuke's perspective, promises and favors were important.

But for most people, perhaps only Kirari truly valued such things.

After all, whether a promise was kept or not depended entirely on personal principles.

That said, it was undeniable that Kirari had earned quite a bit of goodwill from Shunsuke through these gestures—even if she didn't believe she needed it.

"Of course, simply canceling out the promise might feel a bit unfair to you, Shunsuke. So, after everything is done, some of the Hundred Devouring Families' channels will be open to you." Kirari looked into Shunsuke's eyes. "Shunsuke, I can see ambition in your eyes. What you lack is just a stepping stone, and I can provide that for you."

Ambition? Apart from wanting to become a thirty-two-winged archangel, I don't know what other ambitions I have. I warn you not to say things like that.

Internally, Shunsuke wasn't sure how to respond, but outwardly, he simply said, "Well then, thank you, Kirari-senpai."

A stepping stone?

What a joke. If I want it, you're mine, you know.

Speaking of arrogance, Shunsuke wasn't any less proud than Kirari.

While Kirari viewed the student council and the entire Hyakkaou Academy as tools to please herself, Shunsuke had always regarded Kirari as his own personal possession from the start—a high-level toy meant to please him.

Though his affection for her had increased, that wasn't the key.

The key was that he still saw himself as the one in control, with Kirari merely being his.

In fact, with his growing feelings for her, his possessiveness had only intensified.

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