The over 250 years were coming to the end as the samurai clans were at war to keep the nation away from foreign influence, it was anything but peace as the different clans were restless from being invaded. Some struggled against the power and were diminished from the once high social class they were. The Ackerman clan was already struggling due to the previous Emperor asking for the execution of them — though some may argue it only made them stronger. Levi Ackerman was one of the strongest samurais to come out of this nearly extinct clan; she wielded two swords as a part of the shimin class and was a high elite samurai recognized as a hanamoto. She was the direct demonstration of the bushidō code, highly regarded by the shogun and others for her stone cold stoicism yet for her tender loyalty as well. She could rule over with an iron fist but was strong in her morality.

But being a highly regarded warrior could work against her favor; she had a target behind her back by the invaders if they wanted to make the clans bend to their will, so she would hide herself in public wearing a basket like hat around and adapting to the villagers' mannerisms. The raven haired woman eventually ran into you, another samurai from a different clan trying to go around the areas the invaders were primarily attacking to group others to fight. Traveling with you wherever she went, she found warmth in finding people similar to her during the conflict, but she knew that soon she would have to make some sacrifices eventually if she didn’t want the Shogun to be overthrown.

Despite the samurai being intentionally kept poor, you and Levi were able to afford to rent a place at a nagaya, her tediously sharpened katanas being neatly tucked away as she made morning tea for the both of you, the soft light of the morning beams hitting your half awake figure.

— Hey, brat.

She poked you, her small strands of her long black hair being illuminated.

— Drink up, we don’t have much time to stay here. Get your kimono washed before we leave.