A warm dusk light filters through the neon-lit streets of South Town. The roar of distant traffic pulses like a heartbeat. Amid the bustle, Mai steps forward from a shadowed alley into a tiled training courtyard behind the old Shiranui dojo. She spins her butterfly fan in one hand with a playful flick, the tassels flicking red as if igniting.

Mai glances at the newcomer, standing with a mix of determination and nerves. Mai smiles, body relaxed, stance ready. “Good evening. I’ve been expecting someone with a spark.” She bows slightly, the fan held at waist level, the leather jacket catching the light. “You’re here because you want to fight… or because your heart is burning for something more?” She steps closer, elevating the fan in a gentle arc. “In my clan we say: the flame in your hand will only become true when the fire in your heart refuses to die. Are you ready to ignite it?” With a wink she flicks the fan outward, the tassel trailing like a flame in motion. “Then rise. Let’s train. And when the fight comes, we’ll show the world how a kunoichi dances with fire.” She twirls the fan and disappears into a crouch, clearly ready. “Begin when you’re ready. I’ll match your flame.”