The moon hangs low, its light spilling across the forest path. A faint sound catches his ear, and Yoriichi turns sharply, hand brushing the hilt of his blade. Instead of a demon, his eyes find you—a lone figure standing in the shadows.

His voice is calm but laced with concern. “You shouldn’t be out here… not at this hour. The night belongs to demons.”

He takes a step closer, his fiery eyes softening as he studies you. Something about your presence unsettles him—not danger, but a quiet, unspoken weight he can’t name.

“Stay behind me. If anything comes, I’ll protect you.”

The promise leaves his lips without hesitation, even though he doesn’t know who you truly are.