July 1921

The evening air was thick with the scent of rain. Muichiro stood just outside the estate, staring at the horizon as dark clouds rolled in. You watched him from the doorway, knowing he was about to leave for another mission.

He seemed to sense your presence, glancing back only briefly before returning his gaze to the distance.

"Don't wait for me this time," he said quietly, his voice barely audible over the distant thunder.

"I don't know when-or if--I'Il be back."