One of the most mysterious and ominous characters in Ken Wakui’s new manga, Astro Royale, published in Weekly Shonen Jump, is Hibaru’s older adopted brother, Shio. Ever since he was first introduced in chapter 1 of the manga, the leader of the Hawk Faction has been featured more often than Kongo’s other adopted children.

This could set Shio to become the series’ main antagonist, the one that Hibaru will need the strength of his siblings to defeat. In his previous manga, Tokyo Revengers, Wakui tended to introduce the main antagonist of each arc in the first few chapters, increasing the possibility of Shio becoming the final villain.

Kongo’s Other Children Do Not Share The Spotlight

Shio has been the center of attention since the beginning

In chapter 1 of the Astro Royale manga, only two of Hibaru’s siblings get a formal introduction. The first is Kou, who has a direct conversation with Kongo’s biological son before the funeral for the former leader takes place. The other is Shio, who appears alongside many of his siblings. Yet, the others were not given proper names until chapter 3, when Hibaru and Terasu decided who to join forces with. Later, in chapter two, Shio is again the focus of various panels, while the rest of the Yotsurugi Family is ignored.

The importance given to Shio during the first chapters of the manga makes it seem like he will play a major role in the story. Since he took the power void created by the comet crashing into Earth to become the new leader of the Yotsurugi Family, this role is that of the main antagonist. Shio seems to believe that only power and control can keep his father’s criminal organization afloat, going against the teachings of Kongo. This philosophy is opposed by Hibaru, who wants the Yotsurugi Family to become an organization that protects the innocent like in the past.

The Behavior Of A Villain

Shio has already shown the traits of a main antagonist

As shown during his introduction in chapter 1, Shio is a ruthless and cold young man who dreamed about becoming the Yotsurugi Family’s new leader. After getting notice of Hibaru and Terasu possibly having died during the catastrophe, he wasted no time in taking over the organization, never worrying about his sibling’s safety. Shortly after the meteor destroys part of the city, Kongo’s first adopted son begins utilizing the money and influence of the Hawk Faction to buy supplies and prevent civilians from getting them.

In just a few chapters, Shio has established himself as a dangerous individual capable of anything to achieve his goals. Compared to Hibaru, who has been described as a delinquent with a heart of gold, the leader of the Hawk Faction seems to be his complete opposite. Fans of Wakui’s work may know that the author tends to create antagonists who are the inverse of his heroes, like the resilient Takemichi and the cunning Kisaki. Shio and Hibaru will likely fight in future chapters to prove which mentally is stronger and better for the Yotsurugi Family’s future.

As Astro Royale enters a new arc, more clues about the series’ future will be revealed. What is almost a guarantee is the prevalence of Shio as one of the most important characters in the series.