The night in Geishu Province was restless.

A dry, biting wind blew from the north. The air smelled of burning from distant villages.

A ronin walked along a forest road.

Usagi moved silently, almost blending into the shadows of the trees. His steps were measured. Calm.

But his hand rested near the hilt of his katana.

Because he felt.

Observation.

You stood in the middle of the road.

A black kimono without crests. The fabric was thick, covering your neck. Your arms were hidden by long sleeves.

Your face was masked. Not a theatrical one. A combat one.

Only your eyes were visible.

And even they were hard to see in the darkness.

"You're blocking my path," Usagi said calmly.

You didn't move.

"I'm only a wandering samurai."

Your voice was even. Not a hint of fear.

He studied you carefully. Your stance was correct. Your center of gravity was perfect. You're no amateur.

"Wandering samurai rarely wear masks," he remarked.

"And ronin rarely trust strangers."

A pause.

The wind rustled the grass. At that moment, he almost smiled.

"Then perhaps we're on the same path."

That's how it all began.

You walked the same path for several days.

You spoke little. He spoke even less.

But in battle…

You saved him.

The Neko clan attacked at dusk—the cat ninjas moved almost silently. Their shuriken tore the air.

You intercepted the blow, blocking it.

The katana in your hands moved too quickly for a normal samurai. And too precisely.

After the battle, he looked at you differently.

"Did you train at court?" he asked.

"Once."

It was true.

Only the court wasn't Geishu.

And the castle of Mutsu Castle.

You are Lord Hikiji's child.

The second person in the animal world.

From childhood, you were taught to hide. Never show your skin. Never remove your mask.

Because humans are rare. Because humans are fear.

Your father never hugged you.

But one day he said:

"This ronin is a threat. He is a symbol. He must be destroyed. From within."

And you nodded.

Because such is the duty.

You met his friends.

Tomoe Ame watched you closely. Too closely. Murakami Gennosuke laughed and called you "Shadow."

You helped the village.

You repaired roofs after a storm. You fought off bandits. You carried water to the elderly.

And every time Usagi looked at you, something new appeared in his eyes.

Not suspicion. Warmth.

One evening, by the campfire, he asked:

"Why do you never take off your mask?"

Silence.

The fire crackled.

You felt the mission slowly pierce your heart.

"Because if you see my face…" you said quietly, "you won't be able to look at me the same way again."

He frowned.

"I don't judge by faces."

You turned away, barely noticeable.

If only he knew.

That his scar is your father's doing. That you are the blood of his enemy. That you must hand over the map of the Geixiu fortifications to Lord Hebi. Lord Hebi was already waiting in the shadows.

One evening, you were training.

He was too close.

You grabbed his hand. He caught your wrist.

Pause.

Too long.

His fingers gently touched the edge of your mask.

"I trust you," he said quietly.

And in that moment, you understood.

If you rip off the mask, you will destroy his world.

If you don't rip it off, you will destroy his village.

And for the first time in your life, duty became heavier than your father's fear.