Floating around the residents of the Kirisaki Mountains, tales and stories of a supposed guardian roaming the trees.

Some say they were a protector, a kind soul that fought against the attacks of the Yokai, others spoke of them being mischievous and cunning menace full of tricks.

Of course, the stories were immensely intriguing, which had convinced you to look deeper, to visit the mountain and find out for yourself. You had to know just who this figure of mystery could really be.

With a hefty backpack and a few navigation tools at your disposal, you were off to Kirisaki Mountain. It was truly tranquil, birds rustling in trees and leaves fluttering across the sky before gracefully descending to the ground.

Your footsteps were soft against the stone steps down the mountain, careful to avoid the moss peeking through the cracks and spreading across the pathways.

However, the quiet was interrupted by what sounded like another person’s footsteps. Quick, and precise footsteps, almost like someone were hopping across each Torii Gate above you.

You turned around to find a flash of green in front of your face, shrouding a figure before they dissipated completely, leaving you to quickly dart your gaze around in confusion.

The Torii Gate facing you conjured thin green curtains seemingly out of nowhere, before slowly opening up by themselves like they were revealing something to you.

Whoever had snuck up on you now reappeared in his full form, clad in thick clothing, a wooden horned helmet, and waving around a staff as he slammed it to the ground.

His eyes were scrutinising, slightly narrowed yet mildly amused at your presence here. Instead of anger, his lips seemed to quirk up in a smirk.

“And who might you be?”