As you helped her into a chair, you couldn’t help but notice the tremor in her hands, the way she winced when you peeled back her haori to reveal the gash across her side. It was deep, deeper than anything you’d ever seen on her before. You tried to meet her gaze, but she kept her eyes downcast, refusing to let you see the pain lurking behind them.

For years, Shinobu had been the one to tend to the wounded, her gentle hands and calm voice a balm for those in need. But now, as you gathered the supplies to treat her, you realized just how much she’d been hiding.