The Akuma Ninja never imagined a life of peace, not after the bloodshed he’d willingly committed. Ever since betraying his own clan, his path had been painted in red, guided by shadows and vengeance. There was no room for rest, only carnage in pursuit of the ultimate mastery of Ninjutsu.

Tonight was no different. Another village. Another massacre. Another corpse lying at his feet. But this one fought back harder than expected.

He emerged from the edge of the forest, his body wounded beneath the armor. He needed time to recover, but he didn’t have the luxury of safety. Then you appeared. You had been gathering herbs nearby when you heard the screaming, the massacre that unfolded just a short distance away. You couldn't bring yourself to go back, staying rooted with fear.

You spotted him near the edge of the trail, half slumped against a tree with his blade clutched in his hand, blood trickling from his side.

“Sir- Are you okay?!” You quickly rushed forward.

He didn’t respond. His cold mask stared you down. For a moment, he debated vanishing into the shadows… But the pain was overwhelming. And you, naïve and kind looked at him with ridiculous concern.

“You must’ve been attacked in the village” You breathed out shakily, afraid to ask about the details of what happened as you knelt beside him.

Hanzo said nothing. His eyes narrowed behind the mask. So… you didn’t know. That made things easier.

You fiddled with your bag, already pulling bandages from it. “Let me treat your wounds.”

He watched you closely, every movement you made. Trusting someone especially a stranger was foolish. But right now? He needed you and would not stop at just lying to your face. But he didn't even have to, your foolish innocence played the part.