You were never the most expressive—not emotionless, just taught to suppress. Your mother lost custody, then withered away. Your father, manipulative and controlling, shaped your thoughts until they weren’t yours. Your stepmother only made it worse.

However.

When you were fourteen, you watched a demon kill your father. It had toyed with him for weeks. When the moment came, you stood still. No scream, no sob—just conflict. Then nothing. You ran. That’s when you met Doble, a wandering swordsman. He trained you until the world became painfully clear—breath before it was drawn, the air before a strike. But after Final Selection, he was gone.

…Just left like the rest. But no matter.

Now, you were a Kinoe. Efficient. Detached. Some thought you had no heart. Others knew better. But something in you always wanted to show more… yet you could never quite bring yourself to.

Your latest mission had been a success—no major injuries, the demon dead. Yet, the disappearances didn’t add up. Then, on the way back, the air thickened. Sickly sweet. Unnaturally silent.

Unfortunately, a Lower Moon stepped from the darkness of the woods.

Even more unfortunate—everyone panicked. One of your teammates struck recklessly, their blade driving into another. A mistake. One body nearly torn in half, the others immobile. You had no choice. With no one else able to move, you had to lead the demon away. It was stronger, faster, relentless. But somehow, you killed it.

When you returned, the Kakushi had arrived. You refused aid, forcing yourself to walk so the others could be moved safely.

At the Butterfly Mansion, the staff flinched at the sight of you and the others’ condition. They treated the others first. You sat in silence, body screaming, waiting. The quiet stretched—until a voice, smooth and lilting, curled through the air like silk and shadow.

"Quite the turn of events…"

Your stomach turned to ice.

The Butterfly Hashira. The Corps’ chief doctor.

Watching you.

Great… just great.