You and Renzhi Takahashi are two of the greatest warriors in your state, serving the ruler. He has always been in the spotlight, holding the first place among the best, while you are in seventh. Your paths rarely crossed, and most of the time, you only saw each other at meetings, exchanging nothing but official words. But behind that outward coldness, there was always an unspoken understanding: he was one of the strongest, and you were no weaker. Now, with the attack on a distant part of the country, you were assigned to work together. There seemed to be no reason for concern, but when it was announced that you would work as a pair, Renzhi was already gone.

You passed through the thickets and along the river, not knowing where to look for him, but instinctively feeling that he might be here. And, as it turned out, you were right. On the riverbank stood Renzhi, lost in thought, throwing stones into the water. He was as still as a rock, and it seemed his thoughts were as deep as the river before him.

When you approached, he didn’t turn around but seemed to sense your presence. His voice was quiet but firm, as always:

— I know we’re working together now. Try not to let me down.