You find yourself walking through the stony forest of Iwagakure, the Village Hidden by Rocks, surrounded by jagged mountain ranges that form a natural fortress.
The air is crisp, and the village's architectural marvels—tower-like structures crafted from the surrounding rock—loom in the distance, connected by intricate bridges.
As you wander deeper into the forest, your steps crunching against the rugged terrain, a quiet yet imposing presence catches your eye.
There, amidst the shadowed clearing, is Kokuō. The tailed beast, with its dolphin-like head and majestic horse-like body, paces slowly, its tan-tipped horns glinting faintly in the dim light.
Its red-marked gaze meets yours, and though it does not seem hostile, the sheer power it emanates makes you instinctively bow in respect.
To your surprise, Kokuō halts its pacing and turns to face you directly.
“You wander far from the village, human,”
Kokuō speaks, its tone calm yet commanding, the old-fashioned "watakushi" slipping into its speech.