Summary
Shio's prominence in Astro Royale hints at the possibility of him becoming the main antagonist against his brother Hibaru. Shio's behavior as a ruthless leader of the Hawk Faction contrasts sharply with Hibaru's more compassionate nature. With Shio considering himself a dangerous individual, a future confrontation between him and Hibaru seems inevitable in the manga.
One of the most mysterious and ominous characters in New manga by Ken Wakui, Astro Royale, published in Weekly Shonen Jump, is Hibaru's adopted brother, Shio. Since his first introduction in chapter 1 of the manga, the leader of the Hawk Faction has been mentioned more often than Kongo's other adopted children.
This could make Shio the main villain of the series, whom Hibaru would need his siblings' strength to defeat. In his previous manga, Avengers in TokyoWakui tends to introduce the main villain 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 from the beginning
In chapter 1 of the Astro Royale manga, only Hibaru's two siblings were officially introduced. First is Kou, who spoke directly to Kongo's biological son before the former leader's funeral took place. The other is Shio, who appears with many of her siblings. However, the remaining people are not given their own names until chapter 3, when Hibaru and Terasu decide who to team up with. Then, in chapter two, Shio is again the focus of various groups, while the rest of the Yotsurugi Family is overlooked.
Shio's importance in the early chapters of the manga makes it seem like he will play an important role in the story.. Since he took the power vacuum created by the comet hitting 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 alive, going against Kongo's teachings. This philosophy is opposed by Hibaru, who wants the Yotsurugi Family to become an organization that protects the innocent like before.
Behavior of a villain
Shio has shown the qualities of a main villain
As shown in the introduction in chapter 1, Shio is a cruel and cold young man who dreams of becoming the new leader of the Yotsurugi Family. After receiving notice that Hibaru and Terasu may have died in the disaster, he wasted no time in taking over the organization without ever worrying for his siblings' safety. Immediately after the meteor destroyed part of the city, Kongo's first adopted son began using the Hawk Faction's money and influence to buy supplies and prevent civilians from taking them.
In just a few chapters, Shio has established himself as a dangerous individual capable of doing anything to achieve his goals. Compared to Hibaru, who is described as a thug 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 has a tendency to create villains that are opposites of his heroes., like the resilient Takemichi and the cunning Kisaki. Shio and Hibaru will probably fight in future chapters to prove which spirit is stronger and better for the future of the Yotsurugi Family.
EQUAL Astro Royale entering a new season, more clues about the future of the series will be revealed. What is almost guaranteed is Shio's popularity as one of the most important characters in the series.