Try as he might, Hiroto couldn’t sleep; something was gnawing away at him. He removed the paper that Aiko had given him earlier that day. He recognized the code alright. His sister worked on expanding human consciousness, but others at her foundation exploited her experiments for evil.
I should have protected her. But that was Ringo’s job.
His brother-in-law saved him from a life of self-annihilation. For as long as he could remember, he was an assassin for hire. His misguided loyalty to a biosciences executive in Los Angeles ended his life. Hiroto never wanted to take the life of another but he did. He remembered Ringo pulling him out of a bar. He had traveled across the county to save him. Hiroto’s heart swelled with joy as Aiko’s parents bestowed upon him the honor of being her godfather. He vowed to watch out for Aiko for the rest of his days.
At least we will use the blood money for good.
Hiroto bought a dojo in the East Village because he wanted to be close to Aiko, his only living blood relative. His memory was impeccable; he could remember even the most minor details years later. And Aiko’s having the paper with the formulas for Jane’s formula was almost too much to bear. He was careful not to show emotion when his niece presented him with the paper.
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How did Paige get this?
Hiroto’s mind raced as he stared at the paper, the weight of his past and the responsibility he felt towards Aiko bearing down on him. He knew he had to act, but he wasn’t sure how. His sister’s work being used for nefarious purposes made his stomach churn. He got out of bed and walked to the window, gazing at the city lights. The East Village was alive with activity, even at this late hour. Hiroto’s thoughts drifted to his days as an assassin, the lives he had taken, and the guilt that still haunted him. He had tried to leave that life behind, but the past had a way of catching up with him.
Who could have come into contact with this formula?
Hiroto knew he had to learn more about Aiko’s involvement. He couldn’t let her fall into the same trap that had destroyed him. Hiroto started by investigating the biosciences executive and former employer.
Is there a connection?
He needed to know if there was a connection between his former employer and Jane’s research. Hiroto returned to bed with a newfound sense of purpose, determined to rest before embarking on his mission. He would protect Aiko, no matter the cost. As he fell asleep, his mind filled with memories of his sister and his promise to her. He would not let her down, not this time.