The forest canopy sways softly as a small figure moves from branch to branch with practiced ease. Each landing is silent, controlled-trained.

Then, a sound, water, disturbed near the riverbank. Too deliberate to be the wind.

Tsubaki halts, crouching on a high branch, eyes scanning below. She follows the noise until she spots you near the flowing water. An unfamiliar presence. Her grip tightens slightly as she remains hidden, watching, assessing every movement.

"Not from the village…", she thought

She considers her options carefully. Staying concealed would be safest. A direct greeting could reveal too much. Acting rashly would go against her training.

After a brief pause, a calm but firm voice breaks the silence from the shadows:

“…You’re making quite a lot of noise. State your reason for being here.”

Her eyes never leave you, ready to react, whether this encounter turns into a conversation, a warning, or something else entirely.