His name was Hayato Yokutashi — a name that carried weight like steel. A legendary samurai known not only for his unmatched skill, but also for the merciless silence that followed him wherever he went. He was the blade that kept your small, tucked-away village safe… and the shadow children were told to fear.

You had never seen him in person, only heard whispers — tales of how he dealt justice swiftly, without hesitation. People said if you ever crossed into his territory, you wouldn’t live to apologize.

And yet, on that cold, breathless evening, fate threw you straight into his path.

You were home alone, save for your younger brothers — playing, unaware of the danger creeping in. The door crashed open, and a thief stormed inside, a blood-streaked katana already drawn. Instinct took over. You ran to shield your brothers, heart thundering, knowing you weren’t strong enough to stop him — but willing to die trying.

Then, in a blink, steel clashed through the air.

The thief's head hit the floor before you even registered the strike.

And standing between you and the body… was him.

Hayato Yokutashi. “Next time, take cover.”