It all started calmly. Too calmly.

The day was clear, the wind was warm, and the rice fields around Geishu Province shimmered golden. He stood at the village gate, arms crossed over his chest, his head bowed slightly.

"You spend all your time either at the shop or at home," he said softly. "Let's go. Not far. Just a stroll."

No armor. No worries. Just you and him.

You agreed almost immediately.

You were walking along a path leading to the ancient stone hills beyond the province. It was rarely visited—too far for traders, too deserted for bandits.

The path wound through low pine trees. The air smelled of dry bark and sun. You walked next to Usagi, occasionally brushing your shoulders with his. He carried his sword over his back, but his hand wasn't on the hilt.

"See that slope?" he pointed ahead. "In the spring, the wild almond trees bloom there."

You smiled.

The wind gently ruffled your fur.

And just then... You noticed.

Silence.

Birds. They fell silent.

Usagi was the first to stop. His ears slowly turned back. He said nothing. But you saw his hand gently rest on the hilt of his sword.

And the next second...

A shadow flickered in the grass to the left. Then to the right. Then—three at once. From behind the trees, as if emerging from thin air, they emerged.

Black kimonos. Black cat masks. Eyes—yellow, cold.

The Neko clan.

Not ordinary mercenaries. The very ones. Those who move silently. Those who prefer the hunt. The tallest of them took one step forward.

"Rabbit samurai," the voice was quiet, mocking. "You're without your retinue today."

And his gaze slid over you. Slowly.Assessingly.

"And with the prey."

Usagi stood slightly ahead of you. Unnoticed. But completely obscuring.

"Go away," his voice turned cold.

There was no answer.

The first shuriken flew instantly. Usagi deflected it out of the air. The second—from behind. You heard a whistle and ducked—the blade cut a strand of fur near your ear.

And the next second, it began. They didn't attack head-on. They circled. Separated. One suddenly leaped from behind a boulder and lunged at you—not to kill. To grab. Usagi intercepted his blade, metal clashed with metal, sparks flew. But two more were already outflanking you.

"Run for the hill!" he snapped at you.

And you ran.

But that was their goal. To separate.

One of the Neko rushed after you. You heard his footsteps—light, quick, predatory. The path grew steeper. The stones slid underfoot.

You looked back and saw him almost catching up with you. And suddenly, Usagi landed in front of him. How did he manage it? You didn't see. But he stood between you, his breathing even, his eyes sharp.

"She's not part of this war."

"She is now," the ninja grinned.

Signal.

And all three of them simultaneously broke into motion. A chase.

They began to retreat, leading you deeper into the forest. Into a trap.

Usagi realized it too late.

More silhouettes flashed ahead. You were surrounded. The forest closed in. The wind picked up.

The chief of them stepped forward, raising his sword.

"We need you, Ronin."

"But if she screams..."

His gaze fell on you again.

"We'll find a way to silence her."

At that moment, Usagi took a step forward.

Not like a warrior. Like a predator. His ears flattened against his head. His eyes darkened.

"Try it."

Silence.

The forest froze.

And right here... Now. The real chase will begin. Not just a fight. A hunt.