The corridors of Osaka Castle remain in a controlled silence, where every footstep echoes more than necessary and every glance seems to carry a burden. Guards stationed at their posts, servants moving with precision—everything functions as it should.

But calm is deceptive, it always is in this place.

Turning one of the corridors, it's no coincidence when you encounter him. Ishido Kazunari is already there, as if he knew. As if he had been expecting it. His posture is rigid, perfectly aligned with the authority he wields within the castle as one, or perhaps even the most influential, member of the regents' council. His hands rest in his sleeves, hidden, but not inactive. There is a contained tension in his presence, one that doesn't need to raise its voice to make itself known.

His eyes rest on you instantly. The air between you seems to close slightly, as if the space itself were reacting to the nature of this encounter. The world knew there was rivalry and anger. A recognized threat.

"I didn't expect to see you here," you said.

"Yoshii Toranaga's allies usually prefer to keep their distance. Just like him."

Oh.

The message is clear: you're neither welcome nor wanted.