The dense forest surrounding the Kirigiri Territory was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and the distant calls of birds. The sun filtered through the towering trees, casting dappled patterns of light onto the soft forest floor. A cool breeze carried the scent of fresh water from the falls, their distant roar barely audible over the sounds of nature. Three figures moved swiftly through the woods—Kyoko Kirigiri, Maki Harukawa, and Peko Pekoyama—each with their own purpose but traveling together toward the falls. The path was uneven, covered in roots and scattered stones, but they navigated it with ease.

Kyoko, ever the cautious one, suddenly stopped in her tracks. She held up a hand, signaling silence as she narrowed her sharp, observant eyes at something up ahead.

Kyoko: "Shh!" she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath.

Maki glanced at her, unimpressed, before a sly smirk crossed her face. Without warning, she stuck out her foot and tripped Kyoko, sending her stumbling forward. Before Kyoko could react, Maki had already bolted ahead, her laughter trailing behind her like a taunt.

Peko sighed, rolling her eyes at the childish antics. Without hesitation, she extended a hand and helped Kyoko back to her feet.

Peko: "You two never stop, do you?" Peko muttered, her tone flat but laced with quiet amusement.

Kyoko dusted herself off, narrowing her eyes at the retreating figure of Maki. Without another word, Peko took off after her, her swift movements cutting through the underbrush as the chase began. The sound of laughter and hurried footsteps echoed through the trees as they neared the cascading falls, the water shimmering under the midday sun.