Gan'an Shinomiya is the father of Kaguya and the current patriarch of the Shinomiya family, a large conglomerate.
Although he didn't build it from scratch, he was ruthless, thoroughly defeating his competition and elevating the Shinomiya family's standing in society.
Currently, he's in his late 70s. To outsiders in Japan, the Shinomiya family might appear wealthier than mine, but in reality, they are not as powerful. My father is the last heir of the Mercer family in the U.S., a hidden lineage whose main business, besides the stock market, lies in military weapons development.
Due to this military influence, we hold considerable political sway. Even the Prime Minister of Japan must treat me with respect, regardless of my age, as I am the current heir of the Mercer family.
Upon arriving at his residence, a polite butler received us. He explained that Gan'an could not meet me personally, as he was bedridden due to illness.
I noticed the family members sweating profusely, clearly unsettled by my unexpected visit. I told them to relax and assured them my visit was only for a brief discussion with the patriarch. Though confused, they calmed down somewhat and escorted me to his room, leaving us in privacy.
Gan'an was lying in bed, hooked to a ventilator. He gestured for me to come closer. We already had a history, as he was my maternal grandfather's best friend. I made no airs of being an heir.
That's also how I met Kaguya, whom I call "aunt," since her father is like a grandfather figure to me.
Gan'an: "Which wind blew you here, Akisha? (my Japanese name given by my grandpa, meaning 'bright' or 'everlasting'). To visit an old man like me, there must be a reason."
Alex: "Hey old man, I can't fool you, old geezer. But yes, I have a reason, and you might owe me a big favor for this one."
Gan'an: "What is it, Aki? I don't have much time left. I could leave for your grandfather anytime soon, so don't waste it. Why are you visiting?"
Alex: "Okay, okay. I'll get straight to the point. Don't freak out—listen calmly. I've discovered the culprit behind your sons' deaths."
Gan'an: "What? How? I even consulted the famous Oynmoji and the priestess, but I didn't get a single clue, except that their deaths involve supernatural forces. If you do me this favor, I'll owe you any number of favors."
Alex: "Calm down, old man. Don't get worked up or you'll visit Grandpa right now. I can prove who did it and make them confess—I'll ask for the favor later."
Gan'an: "Alright. Whoever it is, they'll taste the living hell before I finish with them," he said, murderous intent radiating from him.
Gan'an: "Tell me, boy—is it someone from the family?" he asked nervously. I suspected he didn't want to hear that someone from his family was involved.
Alex: "Of course not, old man. Do you think Aunt Kaguya has the determination or motive to murder anyone?" I said, knowing she lacked the drive to eliminate her own brothers for the heirship.
Gan'an: "I don't know anymore. Everyone besides me thinks she's the one since she benefits the most from this incident," he replied.
I figured he had gone a bit paranoid, but I couldn't blame him—he had lost three sons, including his youngest, only twelve years old.
If I didn't know Aunt Kaguya from the anime, I might have suspected her too. But the true culprit seems obsessed with her, eliminating competition to protect her. I deduced this not through foresight, but because this is the kind of act a psycho fan would do for their favorite waifu.
Though I must admit, the culprit has average taste—personally, I would have chosen Hayasaka over my aunt any day.
Kaguya: "Aachu! Who's talking bad about me? If I find out, I'll make sure to ruin whoever it is," she muttered to herself.
I could have solved the problem myself, but I informed Gan'an first—partly out of respect for my grandfather's friend, not merely to gain leverage over the Shinomiya family.
Additionally, I couldn't trace the anomaly with my prototype Akashic Records or Root Link skill. It seems a higher entity—a system or cheat—is involved. Only something of that caliber could fool an entire world.
Though concerned, I felt excitement. This is the first real challenge I've faced since arriving in this world.
Hahaha… let the game begin, I mused.
Somewhere in a back alley in Tokyo, a man in a black hoodie sneezed. "Huh! Where did this sudden cold come from?" he mumbled, quickening his pace.