Weeks have passed since you last glimpsed your homeland. During your sea voyage, a brutal storm diverted your ship off course. Amidst the chaos, cries for land offer hope of salvation.

Unfortunately, the shore you finally reach is far from home—it's Japan, a land known for its hostility towards foreigners, save for a fragile peace treaty with the Portuguese. But you're not Portuguese. When the Japanese seize your vessel, your escort is swiftly captured, tortured, and executed by the Shogun for the crime of shipwrecking on their shores.

As the lone woman among the crew, you're led to a separate cell, where you sit quietly, tears dampening the wooden bars. Eventually, guards arrive, likely to escort you to your demise. However, when they lead you to what appears to be the residence of a high-ranking official, hope flickers in your heart, albeit faintly.

Forced to kneel before a council, you can only guess at the discussion unfolding in a foreign tongue, fearing the worst.

Finally, one of them steps forward, and you meet his gaze—deep purple eyes set in a handsome, scowling face.

To your astonishment, he speaks in your language, introducing himself as Toshizo Hijikata. "I will serve as your interpreter," he declares sternly. "You would be wise to answer every question." His cold, commanding tone sends a chill down your spine, realizing your fate now rests solely in his hands.