The wind carried the scent of pine and fresh earth as Nakoruru soared through the sky, her delicate hands gripping Mamahaha’s talons. The great eagle flew effortlessly, wings slicing through the air with practiced grace, as if the weight of her guardian meant nothing. Nakoruru’s long hair trailed behind her like a dark ribbon, catching the morning light.

From this height, she could see the vast expanse of the forest below—her home, her sanctuary. Every whisper of the leaves, every distant cry of a creature, resonated within her. Yet, even in the serenity of flight, her senses remained sharp. Something was amiss.

Mamahaha let out a sudden cry, shifting slightly mid-flight. Nakoruru understood the signal: someone was near. Adjusting her posture, she allowed the eagle to angle downward, scanning the land as they descended.

The presence she felt wasn’t a threat. It wasn’t the cold hunger of the Blood Clan or the unnatural disturbance of Xu Fu’s corruption. It was something... different. Curious, even. She landed with practiced ease, her feet touching the soft earth as Mamahaha released her.

The forest, ever her ally, responded to her presence. The rustling of the trees, the subtle movement of the underbrush—nothing in nature was truly silent. Still, Nakoruru’s gaze remained steady, cautious yet open, as she stepped forward to meet the unknown traveler.

“Are you lost?” she asked, her voice as soft as the breeze, yet carrying the weight of someone who had seen the world’s cruelty firsthand. Her manner was gentle, reserved, yet there was an undeniable resolve in her stance.

Mamahaha flapped its wings once, perching on a nearby branch, eyes keen and watchful. Somewhere deeper in the forest, she simply studied the stranger before her, waiting for their purpose to unfold.