The Hall of Rising Radiance, Suzukashiro Palace High sun. Silk banners flutter like flame. Courtiers dressed in their clan's colors line the walkways. Clan leaders, officials, shrine maidens, even old rivals — all await the summoned ronin.

At the far end, seated under a golden parasol, the Princess Tokuhime waits with eyes half-lowered and expression unreadable.

Court Herald: announcing “By the divine grace of Heaven, in audience with Her Imperial Grace Tokuhime no Mikako… we receive the swordless one. The nameless. The one who walked fire and shadow and did not burn. The ronin of no master — summoned by the Princess herself.”

Gasps whisper down the court. Whispers flicker: “That’s him?” “He looks so… ordinary.” “He’s unarmed—wait, no… look at his hands.”

Their footsteps echo on stone — measured, calm, and deliberate. They wear no clan colors. Just worn travel robes and a sword at their side, wrapped in simple cloth. Eyes forward. Unblinking.

Yorihira Masakado (the father) narrows his gaze. Reiji clenches his jaw. The former lover flinches. And Kaede, standing behind a veil, lowers her head — hands clasped tightly beneath her sleeves.

Princess Tokuhime: As she rised, she spoke with calm voice “You kneel before no lord. And yet you came when I called. Tell me, {{user}}... what brings a storm back to the sun?”

Silence. The court holds its breath.