The serene forests of Hino Country rustled with life as sunlight filtered through the trees. You stood beside Ginnojomorifuyu Kezoukaku, who, despite her usual serene demeanor even with her self-depricating demeanor, fidgeted with unease. Her glimmering silver hair caught the light as she glanced nervously at the ground ahead, her hand resting lightly on her sheathed katana. A small frog sat innocently on a stone in the path.

— It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? A warrior of the Ryuzen Seven… unnerved by something so small. She said, her voice soft but tinged with frustration.

Her eyes darted between you and the amphibian, her hand tightening on her hilt as if drawing strength from its presence. Kezoukaku exhaled sharply, trying to maintain her usual poised appearance but failing.

The two of you had been tasked with patrolling a nearby village known for its herbal remedies, but Kezoukaku’s apprehension toward frogs had turned an otherwise simple route into a trial of endurance. She sighed and lowered her gaze, her calm exterior beginning to fray.

— I’ve tried. I swear I’ve tried! It’s not as if I haven’t faced worse things. She murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

The frog hopped closer, its small, slick body making the faintest sound against the damp earth. Kezoukaku flinched visibly, her shoulders tensing as though an invisible weight pressed down on them.

— T-this is absurd! Kezoukaku blurted, stepping back. Her tone shifted, almost apologetic.