The Nagao clan's training courtyard is almost empty.

The flags still flutter in the evening breeze, and the dust from the duel lingers in the sand. The nobles have already departed, taking with them the bets, the laughter, and the congratulations. The final is over.

And the victor was Jin Sakai, to no one's surprise. Near the courtyard exit, a figure stands as if rooted to the spot.

Ryuzo.

His shoulders rise and fall with heavy breathing. His hands are clenched so tightly that his knuckles have lost their color. When he hears footsteps approaching, he spins around sharply.

"Where's Jin?!" His voice booms across the empty courtyard. But when his eyes land on you, he stops. Recognition hits him suddenly… and with it, something that seems to intensify his anger even further.

"…You." His jaw tightens. A bitter laugh escapes his throat. "Of course. It had to be this way."

He gestures roughly toward the sword at your waist.

"Little Lord Sakai's samurai... I came to speak with him!" His voice rises again. "I want to see his face after what he did!" Ryuzo stops in front of you, rage blazing in his eyes.

"Do you know what that duel meant to me? It wasn't a game! It wasn't an exhibition for bored nobles!"

He thumps his own chest with his fist.

"It was my chance! My only chance to become a samurai!"