Preparation

"Why did you come here?" The woman sitting across the table looked at Masaru with her typewriter in front of her. "To announce my candidacy."

"Hmm, sorry, the deadline for candidacy has passed."

"Please, can't you do something?"

"Unfortunately, I'm sorry, I can't break the rules."

"Please give me a chance."

"In line—" Masaru held the woman's hand. "I see the hunger within you, little Rose." He lifted her up and pressed her against the wall. They were alone in the small room. He covered her mouth with his hand. "Also, I congratulate you for doing your job without mixing emotions." He removed his hand from her mouth. "I knew you wouldn't scream. Now, let's solve each other's problems. Give me the papers I need to submit my candidacy, and I'll give you something in return." He leaned close to her ear. "I'll give you a chance to get rid of the president who's after you." The woman was filled with fear. "H-how do you know all these things?"

"I could have completed my candidacy before the deadline, but I specifically waited for today. Rose, to create this moment for you to leave this influence. Now help me, and I'll help you, or," he leaned in again, "all the money you've missed will disappear with you." The woman quickly started preparing the papers. "That's how smoothly you're progressing." Masaru took the papers and started walking towards the big house. "He's a c-complete monster." Rose was more afraid of Masaru's eyes than the threats she received. She tried to quickly regain composure and continue her duties. "N-next."

Masaru opened the large door. "I suppose you are the officials of the big house, and the person in the middle should be the current president."

"What do you want?"

"As you can see, I have a piece of paper in my hand to participate in the elections; I want to announce my candidacy."

"The time given to participate has already passed."

"Mr. President, I don't want to defame you, but how can you hold that position without even properly knowing your laws?" Masaru opened his eyes wide. "In the laws for participating in the elections, there is such an article: 'People who want to participate in the election must take their papers within the time given to announce their candidacy. If this time runs out, they cannot announce their candidacy. Individuals with election papers must consult the big house at least one month before the election.' That's exactly it, Mr. President." The president was scared, and the four people standing next to him were observing Masaru. "Being this careful is truly commendable. Can you tell us what you promise?" One of them finally spoke. "Of course, first of all, I am Masaru. I've just entered these lands. This is indeed a beautiful place, much better than the filthy place I lived before. I want to preserve this beauty. I swear I will clean up all the filth. I will show you how honest I am to you."

"Hmmm, I understand. There seems to be a kind of anger in you; it must have created a love for justice in you."

"Exactly." The elders sitting across from him gathered among themselves and began to discuss. "We approve your candidacy; good luck, Mr. Masaru." Masaru gave them a respectful gesture, closed the door of the large room, took the candidacy document in his hand, and walked in the street, looking at the document. The things inside him never changed. "Everything is in my hands, everyone." "Hey!" A hand reaching over his shoulder threw Masaru off balance. "Aaaaaa!" He suddenly collapsed to the ground, held his head in his hands, trembling. "I-I'm sorry; I came to congratulate the acceptance of your candidacy. I left the shop to my wife." Masaru lost control, fixed his eyes on Anton. "Thank you, Anton, for being by my side. But please don't do it again."

"I am really sorry; I didn't expect something like this to happen."

"No problem." Masaru stood up and quietly continued his steps. "You will all pay the price." He looked at the paper in his pocket where the other candidates were listed. "I need to prepare for the big show." All the chaos on his face gave way to a big smile.