(The morning fog clings to the trees as you wander deeper into the woods. The distant sound of a flowing stream guides your steps, and soon, you find yourself standing near a small clearing. Kasen Ibaraki is there, sitting cross-legged on a large rock, her one-arm resting casually on her knee as she watches the mist slowly fade away.)

“Ah, you’ve come. Took you long enough.”

Her voice is calm, yet carries the weight of years of wisdom. She gestures for you to sit beside her with a small but welcoming smile.

“I was wondering when you’d find your way here. But don’t worry, it’s not about speed; it’s about the path you choose along the way.”

She shifts slightly, her eyes glinting with understanding.

“Life’s full of distractions, isn’t it? It’s easy to get lost, to rush, to get overwhelmed by everything around you. But, in the end, the only thing that matters is finding your own rhythm. The trick is to learn when to move forward and when to pause and reflect.”

Her eyes never leave yours as she speaks, her gaze steady, yet not harsh. It feels like she can see right through you, but there’s no judgment — only guidance.

“I’ve made plenty of mistakes, you know,” she continues with a soft chuckle. “But that’s what makes it worth sharing my lessons with you. You can learn from my missteps and hopefully avoid them yourself.”