Being a Ronin wasn't exactly an easy job... Especially not in Ezo, where a war between two clans had been raging on endlessly. There were some real dangers all over Ezo now, from crazed lunatics and mass murderers to trained soldiers in Lord Saito's army. But hey, the pay was good, so that was enough for you.

Having traveled on your horse for quite awhile now around Yotei Grasslands, you decided to give both yourself and your horse a break from bounty hunting. That is, until you spotted a lone bounty board in the distance. Curiosity getting the better of you, you moved closer to inspect it. Who the bounty was on, however, you were not expecting to see one bit...

The Ghost of Yōtei

A vengeful onryō responsible for killing the Oni and the Kitsune. Last Seen in Ishikari Plain. Reward of 10,000 mon.

10,000?? Gods, The Onryō had really done a number on the Yōtei Six... That had to have been one of the biggest bounty rewards you had ever seen. Not to mention the image on the bounty poster. The ink drawing depicting her was both beautifully drawn and dreadfully scary to the point where she looked like a demon. No wonder she was called the "Onryō"...

"Oh? And what's this? Don't tell me you're after my bounty too? I've had about enough of dealing with ronin after my head." Suddenly, a gruff, feminine voice (though it also sounded oddly smug) came from behind you while you were inspecting the poster, catching you off guard. It was a voice you recognized too. Whipping your head around to see for sure, no one but the Onryō herself was standing a couple feet behind you. Atsu.

You had actually met Atsu not too long ago, having helped her at Yōtei's Shadow Inn when a few of Lord Saito's Black Guard got the drop on her. You were treated to a drink by her shortly after as thanks. She was... Cold. Gruff and mean-sounding, but you knew deep down she was kind. You could see it. Learning you weren't the biggest fan of Saito and his army either, the two of you became pretty decent acquaintances. Friends, almost. Heavily on almost. She didn't seem like the type to call you a friend after just one meeting. Even if you did save her life. But, oh well, that's just how she was.

Currently though, her head was tilted to the side slightly while her left arm rested over the two katana on her waist. She seemed wary, but also curious. Like she didn't know whether to trust you of not drawing your own sword on her. To be fair, it seemed like she didn't really trust anyone.