Death of the Gods

The muffled hum of the turbines echoed softly through the luxurious cabin of the private jet. The aircraft sliced through the skies with precision, soaring over the vast ocean below. Its wings gleamed under the golden rays of the sun, which shone intensely on the horizon. The sky was nearly clear, with only a few wisps of clouds scattered above, and the waters below sparkled like an endless blue mirror.

Inside the cabin, the contrast was evident. The space was both elegant and spacious, featuring cream-colored leather seats arranged with careful sophistication. Small polished wooden tables separated the seats, and a soft, dark carpet covered the floor. Despite the luxury and comfort, the atmosphere between the occupants was dense—almost suffocating.

Akiha sat across from Rodrigo, her legs crossed in a formal posture. She wore a long black skirt and a navy-blue blazer, complemented by a crisp white shirt buttoned all the way up to the collar. Her straight, jet-black hair shone like liquid ink, styled to perfection. Her piercing blue eyes were fixed on the man before her, carrying a restrained gleam—a mixture of expectation and distrust.

Rodrigo, on the other hand, looked visibly uncomfortable. He wore casual clothes provided by the police station before being handed over to his supposed family—a plain white shirt and blue cotton pants. A pair of non-prescription glasses rested on his face. His posture was stiff, arms crossed tightly as if trying to shield himself with an invisible barrier.

His eyes, however, remained fixed on the oval window beside him. He watched the waves below and the distant mountains of the Japanese archipelago, deliberately avoiding the girl's constant gaze. Rodrigo knew she was waiting for him to say something—anything—but he had no idea what to say.

"So..." Akiha finally broke the silence. Her voice was firm, yet carried a hint of hesitation, as if carefully choosing each word. "Do you have nothing to say? No explanation? No questions?"

Rodrigo didn't look away from the window. His mind was in turmoil, struggling to organize his thoughts. Every detail of this absurd situation weighed on him—from waking up in Shiki Tohno's body to facing this girl who claimed to be his sister.

He took a deep breath before answering:

"I don't know what you want me to say."

Akiha narrowed her eyes, clearly frustrated by his vague response.

"Maybe... something about what happened? Where you've been all this time? Or even why you're acting like you don't know me?"

Rodrigo finally turned to face her. His expression remained neutral, but inside, his heart pounded.

"I'd like to know that too."

Akiha leaned slightly forward, her eyes scanning his face as if searching for cracks in the mask he was trying to maintain.

"You don't seem like yourself."

Rodrigo felt a lump form in his throat. Her words struck him like a blow. She was right. He wasn't the same, and the longer he stayed in this body, the harder it would be to hide it.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" he asked, this time holding her gaze.

Akiha hesitated, perhaps surprised by his sudden shift in tone.

"It means... you look lost. Like you don't know who you are. That worries me."

Rodrigo remained silent. He could try to defend himself, make something up, but he knew Akiha wouldn't buy it. She seemed sharp—someone who wouldn't be easily fooled.

The silence returned to fill the cabin. Rodrigo looked away again, staring at the distant horizon. He knew this flight was just the beginning. Once they landed, he'd face even more questions, stares, and expectations.

He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts. He couldn't let doubt or fear consume him. If he was truly stuck in this new life, he'd have to find a way to survive.

Akiha, meanwhile, continued watching him, but this time with a different look—something between curiosity and genuine concern. She crossed her arms, keeping quiet, though her mind was as restless as Rodrigo's.

The jet continued its course, heading toward Japanese soil. Their destination was approaching, but for Rodrigo, the real journey was just beginning.

The tension in the cabin seemed to thicken with each passing second. The distant hum of the jet's turbines served as a constant backdrop, filling the void left by their fragmented conversation. Akiha kept staring at Rodrigo, as if trying to draw answers out of him through sheer willpower.

After a few more moments of silence, she finally spoke again. Her voice was more controlled this time, but still carried a trace of frustration.

"The investigators said..." She paused briefly, watching Rodrigo to gauge his reaction. "They said you lost your memory. And that, because of it, your brain started... creating a false story to protect itself."

Rodrigo turned his gaze away from the window and slowly looked at her. His eyes showed a mix of exhaustion and irritation.

"False story?" He repeated her words with a dry tone. "Are you serious?"

Akiha held her ground.

"They think the trauma of... disappearing... might have triggered some kind of disorder. Something that made you create false memories to cope with what happened."

Rodrigo let out a heavy sigh and leaned back in his seat, running a hand down his face as if trying to keep his composure.

"Do you really believe that?" he asked, glancing sideways at her.

Akiha hesitated for a moment before answering:

"I don't know what to believe anymore. You were gone for so long, and when you finally come back, you act like..."

"Like I'm not who you think I am?" Rodrigo cut her off. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, locking eyes with her. "Let's be honest here. I know this sounds crazy. But this idea that I created some elaborate delusion to escape from something? It's so ridiculous I can't even put it into words."

Akiha pressed her lips together and looked away, perhaps unsettled by the intensity of his words. Rodrigo took the opportunity to continue.

"Think about it. I woke up in a body that isn't mine, with a completely different appearance from what I knew. They put me in a cell and expected me to just accept it like it was normal. And now they want me to believe I invented an entire past life in my head?" He shook his head. "I may not remember what happened to... Shiki. But that doesn't mean I'm lying about who I was before all this."

Akiha frowned and looked at him again, this time with a more cautious gaze.

— And who do you say you were?

Rodrigo hesitated. He knew telling the truth wasn't a viable option. Not even he understood how he had ended up there, let alone how to explain it to someone else.

— Someone who made a lot of mistakes — he finally replied, his voice quieter. — Someone who's trying to start over.

Akiha stared at him for a few more moments before looking away again.

— It's hard for me to accept this — she admitted, leaning back in her seat and crossing her arms. — But… maybe it's even harder to ignore the fact that you seem… different.

Rodrigo turned back to the window, feeling the weight of her words. Deep down, he knew she was trying to find some logic in all of this — just like he was.

— I just need time — he said, almost in a whisper.

Akiha didn't respond. She simply sat there, staring into the void, lost in her own thoughts.

The jet continued its course, cutting through the blue sky and steadily approaching solid ground. Rodrigo knew that conversation wasn't over — in fact, it had only just begun. And deep down, he also knew he couldn't avoid it forever.

Rodrigo leaned back in his seat and let out a silent sigh, briefly glancing at Akiha. Her expression remained firm, but he couldn't help but notice the subtle signs of exhaustion — slightly tense shoulders, hands clasped tightly on her lap, and eyes fixed on the opposite wall as if trying to maintain composure at all costs.

He shook his head and looked back outside, but he couldn't stop his thoughts from racing.

He was being too harsh with her.

Rodrigo had never been good at handling situations like this. Harsh words and a defensive attitude had always been his way of protecting himself, but now, seeing things from the outside, he could tell he was acting like an idiot.

Akiha...

She wasn't just a 17-year-old girl. She was the heir to the Tohno family — a family that Rodrigo knew, thanks to his memories of the Tsukihime visual novel, was far from ordinary.

The weight she carried on her shoulders was immense, even more so considering what Rodrigo remembered.

The death of her father.

An event that, to Rodrigo, had been just a piece of narrative within the story, but to Akiha, was a real and painful wound. The patriarch of the Tohno family had died under mysterious circumstances, leaving a void in the family's power structure. With Shiki gone — first due to the car accident and then his disappearance — Akiha had been forced to grow up far too soon.

Rodrigo recalled what he knew about her from the game. Since childhood, Akiha had been molded into a leader. Formal education, strict etiquette, and even training in business management and political relations — she hadn't had a childhood.

And all of it worsened after Shiki — or rather, the real Shiki — had his accident.

Rodrigo pressed his lips together, remembering the details. After the accident, Shiki had been severely injured and deemed unfit to inherit the position of family head. He was sent to live with a branch family, leading a simpler life far from the responsibilities that fell upon Akiha.

That also meant she was completely alone.

Eight years.

Eight years carrying the burden of being the heir and the sole person responsible for preserving the family's honor and secrets. As Rodrigo thought about this, he began connecting the dots.

If this "Shiki" he had now replaced had disappeared while living with the branch family, then Akiha had likely spent the past several years trying to keep control over an increasingly unstable situation — all while facing the uncertainty of having lost a brother who, despite everything, was still important to her.

Rodrigo took a deep breath, feeling a weight settle in his chest. As much as he disliked her suffocating formality, he could now understand where it came from.

She had to be strong. Not because she wanted to be, but because she had no choice.

And now, after all that time, her "brother" was back — but he was different. Rodrigo could imagine how confusing and frustrating that must have been for Akiha. Not only having to handle the family's responsibilities but also facing the return of someone who was supposed to be a pillar of support and instead felt like a stranger.

She must have been desperate to find some sort of explanation.

Rodrigo looked at her again, this time with a softer gaze.

Akiha still held her firm posture, but Rodrigo now saw beyond it. He saw the hidden exhaustion, the vulnerability masked by that armor of discipline and authority.

She might have only been 17, but the pressure had forced her to grow up far too fast.

Rodrigo felt a pang of guilt. As surreal and complicated as his situation was, he knew he wasn't the only one struggling here.

Maybe... maybe it was time to start treating her differently.

He turned his gaze back to the window, feeling the jet tremble slightly as it cut through the air currents. The sky remained clear, but Rodrigo knew they would soon land — and everything would become much more complicated.

He would have to face Akiha.

Not as a stranger.

Not as a reformed criminal lost in a world that didn't make sense.

But as the brother she expected — or at least, a version of him that wouldn't let her down more than he already had.

Rodrigo kept looking out the window, watching the scattered clouds as the jet sliced through the sky. No matter how hard he tried to focus on the present, his mind wandered, trapped in a maze of thoughts and doubts about his situation.

If he had really "replaced" Shiki Tohno, then he would need to start acting like it.

To honor Shiki's relationships...

The idea weighed more heavily than he cared to admit. Rodrigo had never been the sentimental type, but he understood the value of maintaining bonds, even those that weren't originally his.

First, there was Akiha.

She was right there, sitting across from him, struggling with the weight of her responsibilities and trying to keep control over the situation. Rodrigo felt he owed her, at the very least, an honest attempt to be someone she could rely on.

But what about the others?

Rodrigo leaned his elbow on the armrest and rubbed his face, trying to organize the fragmented memories he still had of the game.

Arihiko Inui.

Rodrigo tried to recall more about him. Arihiko had been Shiki's childhood friend — or at least that's how he remembered it. The guy seemed like the easygoing type, always striking up conversations and trying to lighten the mood.

Rodrigo let out a faint chuckle.

— I could really use a friend like that...

But beyond that vague impression, the details were blurry. He couldn't picture Arihiko clearly. He knew the guy was laid-back and maybe a bit of a flirt, but the rest of his image was foggy.

Rodrigo made a mental note to prepare himself if they ever met. He would need to improvise to keep up appearances.

Then there was Ciel.

Just thinking about her sent a shiver down his spine. He remembered that she was a senior in school, but the strongest impression he had was of her mysterious and deadly aura.

— The assassin nun... — he muttered softly, too quiet for Akiha to notice.

If he recalled correctly, Ciel was a member of the Burial Agency — a secret organization dedicated to hunting vampires and supernatural beings. She was highly skilled and had an intriguing personality, shifting between a friendly, playful demeanor and a cold, calculated focus when it came to her mission.

Rodrigo stroked his chin, trying to pull more details from his memory.

If Ciel were involved in this story, then he'd definitely need to prepare for the worst. Even without complete certainty, Rodrigo knew that this world probably followed the same dark rules as the game. Vampires, demons, and monster hunters weren't just fictional figures here.

But what about the rest?

Rodrigo tried to pull up more names and faces, but his memory felt rusty. After all, he had played Tsukihime almost ten years ago. Since then, his life had taken such chaotic turns that the game's story had become just a distant memory, buried under layers of more urgent and painful experiences.

The time in prison.

The struggles for power.

The violence and blood.

Rodrigo closed his eyes for a moment. Maybe that was why his mind had wiped away so many details. Survival had always come first, and now he was reaping the consequences of that survival.

But that didn't matter anymore.

The world he had been thrown into now demanded a different kind of adaptation—and Rodrigo knew that, to survive, he'd need to not only remember who Shiki Tohno was, but also find a way to balance that with who he had always been.

Rodrigo opened his eyes, turning his attention to the sunlight glinting off the ocean below.

Maybe it was time to accept what was in front of him.

If he was trapped in this reality, then he'd need to play the game again.

But this time, the choices would have far more real consequences.

The jet touched down smoothly on the private runway, the gentle impact of the wheels hitting the ground snapping Rodrigo back to reality. He exhaled a long breath, feeling his shoulders relax ever so slightly after hours of veiled tension.

Beside him, Akiha rose gracefully, her posture impeccable as always. Rodrigo glanced at her as she adjusted the hem of her skirt, her movements calculated, almost automatic. It was as if every gesture of hers had been rehearsed since childhood—the weight of etiquette and family leadership etched into her bones.

— "Nii-chan."

Her voice cut through the silence, firm but with a tone of expectation.

Rodrigo felt a chill run down his spine.

"Nii-chan."

He knew the meaning. "Older brother." But hearing it directly, so naturally, was unsettling.

Rodrigo squinted for a moment, frustrated. If it were my old self...

A thought crossed his mind.

If it were the Rodrigo from a few years ago, he'd probably be cursing me right now.

The old Rodrigo wouldn't miss the chance to make a crude comment or, at the very least, mock the situation. "How the hell are you ignoring a girl like that? You should already be hitting on her, damn it!"

He almost laughed at his own imagination but kept his composure.

— Let's just get on with it — he said, more to himself than to Akiha.

Rodrigo followed his sister out of the jet.

---

The heat from the asphalt rose to meet him the moment his feet touched the firm ground. The sunlight reflected off the metallic surfaces of the airport, creating spots of light that danced around them.

Rodrigo stopped for a moment, his expression hardening as he took in his surroundings.

Japan.

Even having seen it so many times in photos, videos, and even the game, being physically there felt different. The details were too vivid to ignore—the shining hangars, the perfectly organized signs in Japanese, the calculated movements of the staff in immaculate uniforms.

It was all so... clean.

Compared to the chaos and grime of the prisons and alleyways in Brazil, this place felt surreal. Like Rodrigo was walking on a live model of a world that shouldn't exist.

He closed his eyes briefly and inhaled deeply, feeling the breeze against his face. There was something comforting about the smell of the air, a mix of airplane fuel and the salt from the distant sea.

But it was different.

The familiar scent of concrete and pollution from the streets of Brazil was missing. Instead, there was a freshness that almost made him relax.

Almost.

— "Nii-chan?"

Akiha's voice broke his contemplation. Rodrigo opened his eyes and turned to her.

— I'm coming.

He began following her, his footsteps echoing on the asphalt. But as he walked, his mind still struggled to adjust.

---

Akiha walked ahead, her low heels clicking lightly against the ground, guiding him with confidence. Rodrigo, on the other hand, remained alert, instinctively analyzing every corner around them.

He noticed the discreet presence of security guards dressed in black scattered around the perimeter. They moved in synchronized patterns, their quick but trained gazes scanning the area.

Heavy protection.

It wasn't surprising. After all, the Tohno family likely had enemies, both human and... other types.

Rodrigo licked his dry lips.

He knew he'd need to keep his guard up.

---

In the airport lobby, the movement was controlled, but it still caught Rodrigo's attention. Digital panels displayed flight times, while passengers moved in an organized manner between the gates.

He noticed a group of men in suits in the distance, clearly part of Akiha's security detail. They discreetly waved as she passed, and Rodrigo took the opportunity to analyze them.

Nothing unusual—at least at first glance.

Still, he kept his senses sharp. Old habits die hard.

---

As they moved through the lobby, Rodrigo glanced again at Akiha. She maintained her impeccable posture, but there was a stiffness in her shoulders that he couldn't help but notice.

Maybe she was nervous too.

— Hey... — Rodrigo said, breaking the silence.

Akiha turned slightly, raising an eyebrow.

— Is all of this normal for you? Private jets, armed security...

She seemed to hesitate for a moment before replying:

— This is how it should be. As members of the Tohno family, we have responsibilities and... risks.

Rodrigo snorted, looking away.

— Sounds like a hell of a job.

Akiha stopped for a moment and looked directly at him.

— And it is.

Rodrigo fell silent. There was no denying that.

---

When they finally left the airport, a black car was waiting for them. The security guards opened the doors for them, and Rodrigo hesitated for a second before getting in.

As he settled into the comfortable seat, he realized the feeling of being watched still hadn't gone away.

Brazil was dangerous, but this?

This was a completely different game.

Rodrigo leaned back in the soft leather seat of the car and let out a sigh. For a moment, he observed the security guards around them, their eyes sharp as they scanned the environment like predators hunting invisible threats.

— This reminds me of the time I worked as security for a presidential candidate — he murmured, more to himself than to Akiha.

But upon hearing this, Akiha looked away for the first time since they got into the car.

— Security? — She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. — You worked as a bodyguard?

Rodrigo blinked, realizing too late that he had spoken out loud. He scratched his neck, briefly considering whether to make up an excuse or just keep going.

— Yeah... something like that — he replied, avoiding details. — It was a temporary job. I needed the money, so I took it.

— And you really protected a politician? — Akiha asked, crossing her arms and leaning forward slightly, her tone wavering between curiosity and disbelief.

Rodrigo laughed without humor.

— Not a politician... A president. Or at least, he thought he was going to be — he said, with a bitter expression. — I was hired by a private company to bolster his security during the campaign. But the guy was an idiot. Always making fiery speeches in dangerous areas without thinking twice.

— Idiot? — Akiha repeated, clearly surprised by his frankness.

— Yeah, the kind who thinks they can solve all the country's problems with a few empty promises. In the end, I ended up protecting the most hated man in several favelas — Rodrigo snorted. — There was one day we almost got shot by a gang. Machine guns, explosions... that kind of stuff.

Akiha went silent for a moment, her eyes studying Rodrigo as if she was trying to piece together the story he had just told with the image of the "older brother" she knew.

— That doesn't sound like something you'd do — she finally said, her tone softer, but still skeptical. — I mean... Shiki was never the type to... take risks like that.

Rodrigo turned his gaze to the window, watching Akiha's reflection in the glass.

"It's because I'm not Shiki, remember?" he replied, his voice laden with genuine exhaustion. "But, if you think I'm making all this up, you can ask any experienced security guard. They'll tell you what it's like to be a walking target."

Akiha opened her mouth to respond but held herself back. Perhaps, deep down, she knew he was telling the truth—or at least, believed he was.

Rodrigo turned his gaze back to the outside, and the silence returned to the car.

But deep down, his mind kept working.

He knew this conversation would only raise more questions. And, as much as he wanted to avoid misunderstandings, he couldn't afford to seem vulnerable or naïve in front of Akiha.

Rodrigo shifted his eyes from the window and rested his head against the leather seat. The muffled sound of the engine and the car's slight swaying made him sink deeper into his thoughts.

"Alright... I really am going to have to figure this out on my own."

He knew that sitting still and waiting for things to resolve themselves was the same as signing his own death sentence. His experience in the streets and forgotten alleyways had taught him that a long time ago.

"In the slums, trusting in someone's kindness was like pointing a gun at your own head and slowly pulling the trigger... waiting for the bang."

Rodrigo clenched his fists. The idea of depending on someone made him uneasy. He'd done that before—relied on friends, partners, and even empty promises from politicians. In the end, he was always betrayed or abandoned when he needed them most.

Now, the situation was even worse.

Vampires. Oni. The Church. And that damn Arcueid Brunestud.

He swallowed dryly thinking about her.

Arcueid was beautiful. Gorgeous as hell. That type of almost supernatural beauty that took your breath away. Golden hair like pure gold, hypnotic red eyes, and a goddess-like body. In the game, she was pretty much every otaku's wet dream.

But in real life?

Rodrigo let out a muffled laugh.

"Not a chance..." he murmured, shaking his head.

As easy as it was to romanticize Arcueid as the "perfect waifu," he knew better than anyone the absurd risk she represented. She wasn't just a vampire... she was a primordial being. A living weapon made to hunt and kill other vampires.

Getting involved with her?

99% chance of ending up dead.

And that remaining 1%? Well... considering his history, Rodrigo was pretty sure he wouldn't be in that percentage.

"Beautiful as hell... but suicide."

He shook his head again, trying to push the thought away.

Still, standing still wasn't an option either. He needed to act. He needed to adapt.

"First, I need to figure out how far this mess goes. How much of this world is like the game and how much is different. I can't just trust it'll follow the script. And even if it does... the game was already hell. Here, it's a thousand times worse."

Rodrigo ran his hand over his face.

Akiha was another complicated piece. Formal, rigid, and shaped by years of training to lead a rich and influential family. She already carried too much weight on her shoulders—and now she had to deal with him, a "brother" who was supposedly traumatized and mentally unstable.

He couldn't trust her, but he also couldn't push her away too much. For now, he needed to maintain appearances and buy time.

"And what about the others...?"

Rodrigo tried to remember.

Arihiko Inui. His supposed best friend. An outgoing guy, always ready to help, but clearly unprepared for the kind of crap that was about to go down. Maybe he could use him as a source of information about the school and the local environment.

Ciel. A veteran with a kind smile... and deadly skills. Rodrigo didn't remember the details, but he knew she was connected to the Church and hunted vampires. She could be either an ally or a deadly enemy, depending on how things played out.

And, of course... the enemies.

Rodrigo took a deep breath.

In the game, the city was infested with hidden dangers—vampires, undead, supernatural creatures that seemed straight out of nightmares.

But here? Would it be the same? Or worse?

Rodrigo closed his eyes for a moment and remembered the dark streets of the slums, where danger came from every direction. He remembered running through narrow alleys, ambushes, and gunshots echoing through the night.

"If I survived that, I can survive here too. But only if I act fast."

He opened his eyes and looked at Akiha, who remained silent beside him.

Rodrigo knew he had to play this game carefully. And, above all, he needed to be ready for when—not if—things went south.

Rodrigo reclined in the car seat and closed his eyes for a brief moment, trying to push away the fragmented memory that invaded his mind like distant thunder.

The cold rain... the smell of blood... and that woman.

He saw her face, even if only for a moment. A distorted image of pain and desperation. She was lying there, gravely injured, and he wasn't in much better shape. Blood was dripping from his face, mixing with the water that dripped from the edge of his forehead.

But before he could dwell further on the thought, Rodrigo opened his eyes quickly and shook his head.

"No." he murmured to himself. "That doesn't matter right now."

The present was more important. The "now."

And the "now" meant dealing with threats far beyond human understanding. Rodrigo had fought monsters before—monsters made of flesh and bone, carrying weapons and hatred in their eyes. But now, he faced a different kind of beast.

Supernatural beings. Vampires. Demons. Creatures with powers that defied the natural laws.

Rodrigo clenched his jaw.

If only his eyes were working...

The Mystic Eyes of Death Perception were an incredibly powerful weapon, but also dangerously unstable. Rodrigo knew that. He remembered the risks—searing pain, brutal migraines, and, in the worst case, brain hemorrhages that could kill him before his enemies even got a chance.

And, right now, they weren't working.

Maybe it was the shock from transitioning into this body. Maybe it was something psychological. Rodrigo didn't know. He just knew he needed another option—something reliable to face what was coming.

That's when the thought came to him.

Versatility.

Rodrigo knew that raw power wasn't enough. He had enough experience to know that strength without strategy only led to defeat. Even the strongest men fell when they underestimated their enemy or failed to adapt.

But what if he could create weapons?

Nothing too extravagant—nothing like the Noble Phantasms of the Servants or the real magic of the most powerful mages.

Just enough.

Tools he could use to turn the tide, to manipulate the battlefield in his favor. Curved blades, hidden daggers, sharp spears... or even improvised weapons with explosives and traps.

Build. Adapt. Win.

The idea grew in his mind like a seed in fertile soil. He remembered the improvised knives he had made in prison, the handmade weapons crafted from scraps of metal and wood.

Maybe he could do something similar here.

Or maybe... something more.

What if he could create weapons specifically designed to kill supernatural creatures? Enchanted tools, blades capable of cutting spiritual energies or paralyzing vampires.

Rodrigo ran his dry tongue over his lips.

He didn't know anything about magic—not really. But if this was truly a world shaped by fantasy, then he needed to figure out how it worked.

After all, if he had inherited Shiki's body, maybe he could awaken something new as well?

Something that would be all his own.

The car swayed slightly as it passed over a small bump, pulling Rodrigo back to reality. He looked out the window and saw heavy traffic in the distance, with tall buildings approaching as they neared the mansion.

Time.

He needed time to understand the world he was in. He needed to study the environment, the enemies, and the allies. And more than anything, he needed to find a way to compensate for his weaknesses—before it was too late.

Rodrigo glanced sideways at Akiha. She seemed lost in her own thoughts, but her face still wore that mask of composure and control.

Rodrigo took a deep breath.

"If I can't trust her... I'll have to survive on my own."

And for that, he needed to arm himself.

His fists clenched involuntarily.

Physical weapons. Mental weapons. And maybe, magical weapons.

Rodrigo was already tired of being dragged along by the tides of fate. It was time to start paddling against the current.

Rodrigo leaned his head back against the seat, his gaze fixed on the passing landscape outside the car window. The Japanese city was clean, organized, but to him, it felt like a gilded cage—beautiful on the outside, suffocating on the inside.

Weapons...

He needed to think this through carefully. If he were going to face vampires, demons, or any supernatural creature, relying solely on physical strength and his fists would be suicide.

First, storage.

Rodrigo remembered the "familiars" that vampires had in the world of Tsukihime. Spirits, shadows, summoned creatures that could take various forms and functions—ranging from direct attackers to messengers and support tools.

But what caught his attention most was the possibility of using a familiar as a support weapon, specifically for storage.

If I could have something like that... he thought. A spirit capable of storing and summoning weapons instantly. That would solve half my problems.

He imagined for a moment a shadowy spirit, shaped like a walking vault, opening up to release sharp blades, chains, spears, or even improvised grenades.

Versatility. Quick equipment switching.

It was exactly what he needed. The only problem? Rodrigo had no idea how to summon a familiar.

Magic... curses... pacts with demons?

He clicked his tongue. This part would be the hardest. Maybe he would need to search through the Tohno mansion or old archives—Shiki, or whoever he was, must have some inherited knowledge.

But what about the weapons themselves?

White weapons?

He thought of katanas, daggers, and long swords. Yes, those weapons could work, especially against vampires who were vulnerable to quick, precise cuts. However, there was a clear problem: speed and superhuman endurance.

Even with training, he knew he wouldn't be able to keep up with a vampire's speed with sheer brute strength.

Then, light or fire weapons?

Ultraviolet lights could mimic sunlight and slow down vampire regeneration. The problem was that creating something like that would require specific materials and time—things he didn't have in abundance.

Firearms?

That thought almost made him laugh. Owning a firearm in Japan was like trying to find gold in the middle of a trash heap—possible, but unlikely.

If he tried to get one legally, he could already imagine how the psychological interview would go:

— Why do you want a weapon? — To kill vampires and monsters.

Denied.

He'd probably leave the consultation with a mental health alert on his record.

And the black market?

Rodrigo had dealt with arms trafficking in Brazil, so he knew exactly how it worked. But Japan was different territory. The local mafia, the Yakuza, was known for being more organized and discreet than Brazilian factions, but still dangerous.

They don't forgive debts.

If he bought something on the black market, he'd be committing to a group he couldn't just walk away from. Still, it might be his best chance.

The problem would be access.

Rodrigo didn't know anyone in Japan. He didn't know who to approach, where to seek information, or even how to start a conversation without raising suspicions.

Maybe Shiki's friend, Arihiko Inui...

He tried to remember this character, but his memory was hazy. He knew Arihiko was outgoing and somewhat impulsive. Maybe Rodrigo could use that to get close and, with luck, learn something useful about the local underworld.

Rodrigo drummed his fingers on his knee.

If I can't get firearms, I'll have to improvise.

He envisioned possible tools:

Combat knives, lightweight and easy to conceal.

Chains or whips to keep distance and immobilize enemies.

Improvised explosives, if he could get his hands on some chemicals.

Portable UV flashlights, if he found a specialized security equipment store.

And if none of that works... use the environment as a weapon.

Rodrigo had learned to fight with anything at hand—bricks, pieces of wood, rusty pipes. If necessary, he'd do the same here.

However... he needed to act fast.

Japan might be organized, but that also meant he'd be monitored at all times. Buying suspicious products or messing with the mafia would attract attention.

He sighed.

Rodrigo looked at Akiha, who remained quiet, then at the horizon where the top of a building cut through the blue sky.

"I have to survive. No matter how."

And for that, he would have to become more than just a man with memories and skills from the past.

Rodrigo would need to reinvent himself—both as a warrior and as a strategist.

And, if necessary, make pacts with monsters to kill other monsters, so be it.

Rodrigo looked out the car window as the streets of Japan passed by slowly. His mind was still caught in plans and strategies, but something was bothering him. He needed to confirm the year he was in. Taking a deep breath, he turned to Akiha, who had her arms crossed and was staring straight ahead, maintaining her flawless posture.

— Akiha... — Rodrigo called, trying not to seem as uncomfortable as he felt.

She turned her face slightly, her expression serious but curious.

— What is it, Nii-san?

Rodrigo hesitated for a second, but then asked:

— What year is it, again?

Akiha blinked, surprised by the question.

— 2014, — she answered without delay, furrowing her brow slightly. — Why are you asking that?

Rodrigo looked away, turning his gaze back to the street through the window. He needed a quick and convincing answer.

— Just... curiosity, — he said, trying to sound casual. — You know, my memory is still a mess. Sometimes things seem a little out of order.

Akiha relaxed slightly upon hearing this, though there was still a trace of suspicion in her tone.

— I see... — she replied gently. — If you need anything to help with your recovery, just let me know.

Rodrigo nodded, but inside he was relieved. He still didn't know if he could fully trust her, but for now, he needed to keep up appearances.

Rodrigo watched the urban landscape pass by the car window as his mind worked frantically. The fact that it was 2014 still echoed in his mind. This time represented a mix of technological limitations and hidden opportunities. He quickly remembered Bitcoin, which was starting to gain value on the market. Rodrigo knew that 2015 would bring a sharp drop in prices, something he could use to his advantage. But the immediate goal was to acquire enough BTC for operations in the black market, taking advantage of the cryptocurrency's anonymity to fund his plans without raising suspicion.

The first need was to set up an operational base. Rodrigo knew that the Tohno mansion had enough space to improvise a laboratory or workshop. He imagined turning a garage or basement into a place to manufacture weapons, create explosives, and program security systems. If he couldn't find a suitable space, he could even suggest minor renovations. However, his main concern was convincing Akiha to allow it. Rodrigo considered emotionally manipulating his sister, using her diagnosis of mental instability, but rejected the idea. Instead, he planned to present the project as a form of practical therapy to deal with his traumas and regain his independence.

Thinking about the practical side, Rodrigo considered the tools and materials he would need. His programming knowledge would allow him to create encrypted systems for secure communication and information storage. His skills in chemistry would be useful in producing poisons, explosives, and flammable substances. Finally, his experience with tools and weapon-making would allow him to create custom blades and improvised devices. He knew Japan had strict restrictions on firearms, making the black market a risky but necessary alternative. Using BTC would be essential to avoid tracking and direct transactions.

As he planned his strategies, Rodrigo remembered the vampires and supernatural creatures. Fighting these threats would require more than brute strength. He considered summoning a spiritual familiar to act as a mobile storage, carrying weapons and objects to make his movements and combat more versatile. He also imagined developing weapons that used ultraviolet light as a vampire's weakness. Silver-coated knives or blades dipped in symbolic materials were also on his list of options.

Rodrigo knew he needed to plan meticulously. He couldn't afford to let urgency or anxiety make him slip up. Before taking action, he decided to organize everything into a list to stay focused and avoid failure:

Rodrigo's Plan – Order of Increasing Priorities

1. Establish an operational base: Find a location in the mansion to turn into a workshop and laboratory.

2. Convince Akiha: Present the project as therapy to deal with traumas and regain independence.

3. Obtain BTC: Create a false identity and start buying Bitcoin to fund transactions in the black market.

4. Equipment and tools: Purchase materials for programming, weapon manufacturing, and explosives production.

5. Invest in digital security: Create encrypted systems for communication and information storage.

6. Build a basic arsenal: Manufacture knives, blades, and explosive devices for initial use.

7. Explore weapons against vampires: Develop silver blades and devices with ultraviolet light.

8. Seek spiritual familiars: Research summoning methods to acquire a creature that functions as a mobile storage.

9. Monitor the Bitcoin market: Take advantage of the 2015 crash to increase investment and expand financial resources.

10. Build contacts in the black market: Locate reliable suppliers and create support networks outside the Tohno circle.

Rodrigo closed his eyes for a moment, mentally repeating each point. He knew that any deviation could cost him his survival. Opening his eyes again, he saw Akiha watching him with concern. Rodrigo took a deep breath and, with a slight smile, decided that the first step would be to convince his new sister. From there, the plan would start to take shape.

The car glided smoothly to a stop in front of the mansion, its engine quieting as if respecting the imposing environment around it. Rodrigo blinked, snapping out of his trance of thoughts when he heard Akiha's firm voice.

— We've arrived at our destination, Nii-san. — She opened the door before the driver could reach it, but maintained her elegant posture as she stepped out of the car.

The driver, a middle-aged man with graying hair and wearing a sharp suit, quickly circled the vehicle to open Rodrigo's door.

— Akiha-sama. Shiki-sama. — He gave a slight bow, his voice respectful, though heavy with formality.

Rodrigo let out a quiet sigh at hearing that form of address. Akiha, at least, seemed used to it, but for him, it was still strange to be called with such reverence. Stepping out of the car, Rodrigo adjusted the blazer he had received before boarding and looked up to face the mansion in front of him.

The building was colossal, with gray stone walls and classic details that screamed wealth and tradition. The columns supported a grand entrance, and the stained glass windows reflected the sunlight, creating colorful patterns on the walls. To Rodrigo, it looked more like a fortress than a house.

He felt an uncomfortable weight on his chest. Despite having dealt with mansions before—through private security jobs for politicians and businessmen in Brazil—Rodrigo had never felt at ease in places like this. Mansions had a cold air, as if they were designed to impress and intimidate, not to welcome.

Turning discreetly, Rodrigo glanced back. The view from the hill caught his attention. Now that he was out of the car, he noticed how the land sloped in multiple levels, creating layers of vegetation and winding paths leading to the main entrance. He could see a road disappearing among the trees below, indicating the long journey it had taken to get there.

— I hadn't realized we were going uphill, — Rodrigo murmured to himself, crossing his arms and squinting as he gazed at the distant horizon. The mountainous landscape and clear blue sky gave a serene air, but for him, it only emphasized the isolation of the place.

He let out a brief, nasal chuckle, shaking his head.

— I was so busy making plans that I didn't even notice where I was heading... — he thought, turning his gaze back to the mansion.

Akiha was already a little ahead, talking to the driver about the luggage delivery and instructions for the staff. She quickly turned around, gesturing gently for Rodrigo to follow.

— Come on, Nii-san. I'll show you your room.

Rodrigo nodded and followed behind her, but not without taking one last look at the landscape. He didn't know whether to feel relieved or apprehensive about being here. Either way, he knew this place would become the center of his plans—and perhaps the starting point for something even more dangerous.

Rodrigo passed through the wrought iron gate, which opened with a soft creak, revealing the expansive garden of the Tohno mansion. The polished stone pathway stretched straight toward the main entrance, flanked by rows of meticulously trimmed bushes and blooming flowerbeds. With his first step, he felt the faint rustle of leaves under the gentle breeze that swept through the place.

As he walked alongside Akiha, Rodrigo noticed the driver returning to the car, likely to head toward the parking area or leave the property. His eyes wandered across the sides of the garden, surveying the space. The place exuded wealth, but also a disconcerting coldness.

He paused for a moment, watching the sculpted bushes and perfectly aligned flowers. Crossing his arms, he made an offhand comment:

— I feel sorry for the staff here. Keeping this place spotless must be a nightmare.

Akiha turned her face toward him, her sharp gaze contrasting with her elegant posture.

— Kohaku and Hisui do an exceptional job, — she responded firmly, almost defensively. — They've been taking care of everything since I took over the house.

Rodrigo raised an eyebrow. Her formal tone bothered him more than it should have, but he let it go. Before he could reply, Akiha continued:

— One of them will be assigned as your personal maid. — She said casually, already walking toward the mansion's entrance as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Rodrigo stopped for a moment, his hands falling from his pockets as he stared at Akiha's retreating figure.

— Personal... maid? — he murmured to himself.

A chill ran down his spine. It wasn't just the outdated concept that irritated him, but the word itself. Maid. The term reminded him of difficult times in Brazil, when people were treated like disposable objects. Created as a product of the system or a useful tool for others. Rodrigo absolutely hated that idea, but he kept the comment to himself, deciding to bring it up later.

As he resumed walking, his eyes roamed the garden once more. Despite its beauty, the space felt devoid of life. The trees were small and aligned so precisely that they seemed like stage props. No swings hanging, no gazebo or hidden bench among the bushes.

— Hey, Akiha. — Rodrigo called, still analyzing the area. — Didn't you let anyone build anything here? Like a gazebo or a tea house, I don't know?

Akiha stopped halfway but didn't turn to face him.

— I expelled all the workers and gardeners after our father's death, — she said in a dry tone, as if the decision was final and unquestionable.

Rodrigo frowned and let out a heavy sigh.

— So you've been here alone this whole time?

Akiha didn't answer. Her silence spoke louder than any words. Rodrigo stood still for a moment, feeling the weight of the unspoken truth. He already knew the answer, but hearing — or rather, not hearing — it only confirmed what he had suspected.

Without thinking too much, Rodrigo took a few quick steps to catch up with her. Akiha remained still, her shoulders slightly tense, as if she was trying to maintain her composure even under the weight of that revelation.

Rodrigo raised his hand and placed it on her head, messing up her hair with a clumsy pat. Akiha's eyes widened, and she took a step back, clearly surprised by the gesture, but she didn't push him away immediately.

— Look, I may not remember being your brother... — Rodrigo began, looking directly into her blue eyes. — But if there's one thing I can promise, it's that I'll do my best to make this beautiful face of yours smile again.

The almost imperceptible blush on Akiha's cheeks was her only reaction before she quickly averted her gaze and hastened her steps toward the door.

Rodrigo stood still for a moment, watching her walk away.

— Damn... Did I say too much? — he thought, letting out a sigh before following her.

Still, as he climbed the steps to enter the mansion, Rodrigo couldn't help but feel that he had planted a small seed during that interaction. Maybe, just maybe, he could truly be a brother to Akiha — or at least someone she could trust.

As soon as Rodrigo and Akiha stopped in front of the massive, dark, intricately carved wooden door of the mansion, it opened with a smooth, almost silent motion, revealing the figure of a young woman. Her red hair cascaded in soft waves, tied with a discreet blue ribbon at the back of her head. Her orange eyes briefly flashed with surprise before her expression was carefully controlled, assuming a flawless posture.

— Shiki-sama...! — Her voice sounded in a tone of almost suppressed surprise, as if it had escaped without permission.

Rodrigo blinked upon hearing the greeting. Even though he expected something like that, being addressed with such formality still made him feel slightly uncomfortable. He noticed how the girl quickly regained her composure, lowering her head in a slight bow before straightening her body again.

— It's a pleasure to see you again, Shiki-sama. And you too, Akiha-sama. — Her voice now sounded firm, professional, with a warm touch that didn't go unnoticed.

Rodrigo watched as Akiha gave a slight nod, acknowledging the girl without breaking the serious and controlled expression she had maintained since the car.

— Kohaku, I hope everything is in order at the mansion, — Akiha said in a formal, calculated tone, as if testing the maid's efficiency right away.

— Yes, Akiha-sama. Everything is as per your instructions, — Kohaku responded quickly, maintaining the same respectful posture.

While the conversation continued, Rodrigo took the moment to observe Kohaku. Despite the maid's uniform being discreet, he noticed how the details of her attire were well-fitted and elegant, matching the mansion's atmosphere. She exuded efficiency and professionalism, but there was also something more to her presence—a kind of kindness hidden behind the rigid formality.

Rodrigo crossed his arms and briefly looked away, still trying to adjust to the atmosphere of the place. However, he felt her eyes return to him, with a subtle gleam of curiosity.

— It's good to see you again, Shiki-sama, — Kohaku repeated, as if wanting to reinforce the phrase, though Rodrigo could detect a slight tremor in her voice.

He realized that, for Kohaku, this reunion was probably more than just formality. There was emotion held back—perhaps relief or even nostalgia. Rodrigo, however, didn't know how to respond. He forced a slight smile and nodded.

— It... it's good to be back, — the words sounded strange to him, but they were enough to make Kohaku subtly relax her shoulders.

— If I may, I have already arranged both of your rooms, — Kohaku continued, regaining her professionalism. — Would you like to settle in first, or would you prefer the dinner to be served immediately?

Akiha glanced briefly at Rodrigo before responding:

— Prepare some tea for us. We'll handle dinner afterward.

Kohaku gave a quick bow and turned to lead them inside. Rodrigo followed silently, feeling the weight of the luxurious walls and corridors stretching ahead of him. He couldn't deny that the place was impressive, but he also couldn't shake the feeling that he was stepping onto a stage set for a play, one where he didn't even know what role he was supposed to play.