[Normal] and [expected]—what are they?
The girl gazed at the dim spring light filling the courtyard, asking herself this question.
After her mother's death, Togawa Sakiko's life seemed to have paused.
The strength she had feigned at the funeral had vanished, and the sorrow she had cried dry on her pillowcase had seeped into every corner of her life. The bright spring day was tinged with grey, and the tea she usually loved tasted only of tears.
Life always presents countless partings, always demands moving forward, but at this moment, the girl only wanted to stop... no, she wanted to curl up in this sorrow.
"Saki, move."
"Mutsumi..."
Her green-haired friend had appeared beside her at some point. The fresh scent both slightly reassured Sakiko and pulled her back to reality.
From the balcony, she looked towards the slowly opening distant gate. The butler was confirming the schedule while arranging the welcoming ceremony.
"The child Mother adopted, then..."
Sakiko's thoughts returned to the day of the funeral, the first time she had seen that unfamiliar brother.
Enrico Pucci, 16 years old.
[Excellent] was everyone's first impression of him.
At a young age, he was recognized by the London Theological Seminary and exceptionally became a priest. His outstanding performance during his probationary period and his unique insights into 'Heaven' were even reported by the news media. His ancestors were also a prominent Venetian family, with an important figure in the religious field appearing in the 18th century.
If not for that plane crash, Enrico Pucci might have become a rising star in modern theology.
Now, he had changed his name to Togawa Fuuki and become a member of the Togawa Family.
Therefore, when the head of the Togawa Family proposed that this young man preside over the funeral, no one in the family objected.
However, even though his presiding that day was flawless, his sorrow while mourning his mother and his sincerity while comforting relatives did not seem fake.
[Indifference] was the only emotion Sakiko experienced from him.
Wakaba Mutsumi, who had grown up with Sakiko and was practically her other half, seemed to sense Sakiko's complex feelings about that brother and tried to offer comfort.
"When Auntie Mizuho closed her eyes, only he was there..."
"Don't say it!"
The girl clenched her fists, the tremor in her heart almost causing her delicate face to break down.
Before Mutsumi, realizing her mistake, could apologize, Sakiko grabbed her shoulders, her eyes filled with determination.
"Mutsumi! Go tell grandfather for me—"
"Today, I, Togawa Sakiko, will personally welcome him."
============
Cherry blossoms outside the car window fluttered past his golden hair, shattering like pale snow on the shoulders of his dark blue suit. Togawa Fuuki pressed his fingers against his temples, and the emerald green pupils reflected in the rearview mirror glinted coldly.
The spring sunlight was like a fine glass knife, dissecting the fragments of memory lingering on his retina.
In the days after his family's plane crash, he would always dream of another self, a brilliant yet desperate Enrico Pucci.
Because [fate] was fickle, he lost his beloved sister and was locked in a deadly struggle with his brother.
Because [fate] was predetermined, he lost his respected friend and sought his path alone.
Because [fate] played its part, he ascended the steps over his enemy's corpse, gaining the key to open the door.
Because [fate] was cruel, his defeat was already sealed, just one step away from Heaven.
An experience like a legend, an ending like a tragedy.
This failed [Heaven's Door] brought Pucci not just astonishment or regret, but a strange desire.
"I can do better!"
"Heaven is not out of reach!"
Struggling with the grief of loss, he was forcibly pulled out of the mire by an invisible hand, bathed in a cleansing storm.
From the day he emerged from the shadows and accepted adoption by the Togawa Family,
A venomous snake named [ambition] quietly came to life in Enrico Pucci's heart, flicking its crimson tongue.
============
The Maybach slowly came to a stop in front of the Togawa residence. The young man looked out through the window, where a blue-haired girl stood inside the gate, having waited for his arrival for a long time.
"Dismissing others to welcome me personally, it seems she has some thoughts about me."
Pucci had a clear understanding of his actions during this period. Whether it was showcasing his abilities in front of the Togawa Family members or engaging in appropriate conversations with people from all walks of life who came to mourn at the funeral, it was all groundwork for his future actions.
The only person he had overlooked, or rather, deliberately overlooked, was the future heir of the Togawa Family, Togawa Sakiko.
A 15-year-old sheltered young lady, with good upbringing, a strong and unyielding personality, and musical talent... How could he make her an asset in his ascent to [Heaven]?
Fawning flattery? Meticulous care?... Or painstakingly cultivating a fragile family affection in the face of self-interest?
Pucci sneered inwardly; his predecessors had done enough of these things.
He suddenly remembered that in another world, his close friend faced the same situation as him in childhood.
"Upon arrival, relentlessly suppress and leave the other party with a permanent psychological scar?"
Pucci made no judgment in his heart, but a smile had already appeared.
He inherited not only memories from his other self but also the ability to change the world and help him achieve Heaven, an ability called [Stand.]
Facing the imminent invader, Togawa Sakiko was still pondering in her heart what attitude she should adopt towards this elder brother.
As the automatic car door quietly opened, what greeted her was a high-flying dark shadow.
"Whoa—"
The dark shadow landed heavily in front of Sakiko, startling the young lady into letting out a cute cry.
It was an exquisitely crafted leather suitcase, and even after such rough treatment, it showed no damage whatsoever.
A golden figure then leaped out. Under the spring sunlight, the young man's silhouette was deeply etched into the girl's eyes.
After landing gracefully, he slowly stood up, his gaze falling upon the girl, followed by an inexplicable aura.
Sakiko was somewhat lost in thought, as if seeing onomatopoeia from a manga, appearing before the handsome young man accompanied by the high notes of a choir.
But she quickly composed herself and offered a polite greeting.
"Good day, Fuuki-kun."
"Long time no see, Sakiko."
An invisible, blurry white shadow emerged from behind the young man. His deep eyes observed the state of the girl's soul.
It was a little girl of seven or eight, encased in a giant paper-mâché armor, pretending to be majestic as she stood on a luxurious wooden chair, glaring at him.
The white shadow moved forward, passing directly through Sakiko's body to behind her, gradually solidifying into a clear human form.
Its bandaged hands were pressed together like a blade, raised above its head, poised like an executioner targeting the girl's slender neck.
"For the days to come..." Fuuki bent down, easily picking up his suitcase, a smile on his face that was so gentle it sent a chill down one's spine.
"Let us... get along well."
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