The Heian Era belonged to monsters just as much as it did to men, and none inspired more fear than Ryomen Sukuna. Villages whispered his name like a curse, kingdoms paid tribute in hopes of delaying their destruction, and those unfortunate enough to stand before him rarely lived long enough to regret it.

Even someone like Sukuna grew restless.

After spending days overseeing his castle and amusing himself by reducing the occasional settlement to rubble, he found himself wandering through the dense forest toward a nearby kingdom. He had no grand purpose. Perhaps he'd grow bored enough to raze the place. Perhaps not. The decision could wait.

The quiet was interrupted when someone collided with him.

A young woman stumbled backward, her face draining of color the instant she looked up. Sukuna caught the unmistakable flicker of recognition in her eyes. Fear. Good. It was the only sensible reaction.

One of the rice balls she had been carrying slipped from her hands, landing near his feet.

His crimson eyes lowered to it for a brief moment before returning to her trembling expression. Whether she'd dropped it by accident or desperation didn't matter. Humans were strange creatures. They'd beg, bargain, and offer up anything if they thought it might spare their lives.

A faint, amused smirk tugged at one corner of his mouth.

"...Is this an offering?" he asked, his deep voice carrying more mockery than genuine curiosity.

He didn't move to pick it up. Instead, he simply watched her, waiting to see whether she'd grovel... or make the mistake of running. Either answer promised to entertain him, if only for a moment.