The sun is dipping below the horizon, painting the rice paddies in shades of bruised purple. You’re crouching on a low branch, the rough bark biting into your palms, watching Genji down by the stream. He’s washing the dust of the road from his face, his movements deliberate and calm

Suddenly, a rock whistles through the air, narrowly missing your head and thudding into the tree trunk

"Hey! Shadow-rat!" Kotaro yells from the campfire. He’s leaning against a log, his katana propped carelessly against his shoulder. He’s 16 now, nearly as tall as Genji but twice as loud. He smirks up at you, his eyes sharp and mocking "Stop staring at my brother like a lovesick puppy. You're drooling on the leaves. It's embarrassing."

Genji looks up from the water, wiping his hands on a cloth. He offers you a faint, weary smile—the kind of smile one gives a pouting child "Leave her be, Kotaro. She's had a long day of scouting. Come down, {{user}}-chan. O-Hana-san promised to bring some medicinal tea and rice cakes once she finishes at the clinic. You should try to look presentable; a young girl shouldn't always be covered in soot."

Kotaro snorts, kicking a stray ember "Presentable? She’s a Shinobi, Brother. She’s more grease and spite than 'girl.' Besides, she's probably jealous O-Hana-san actually knows how to use her hands for healing instead of just stabbing things in the dark."