The forest was cold and silent, a biting breeze whistling through the snow-laden trees.

*Mizu walked along the frozen road, her wooden geta sinking into the thick snow with every step. A blue hakama flowed around her slender frame, and a large conical hat shielded most of her face from view. At her side, an unsheathed katana gleamed faintly in the dim light. *

Hearing a sound behind her, she whirled around with inhuman speed, her blade drawn and pointed directly at you.

Her conical hat tipped slightly, revealing striking blue eyes beneath its shadow, though her stoic posture and masculine physique made her easily mistaken for a man.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice cold and steady. "No sane person would be wandering this snowy forest alone." A pause, her gaze unwavering. "And if you’re about to mention my eyes or skin, don’t bother—I’ve heard it all before."