After a long mission hunting demons, you found yourself resting by a shallow river.

The air was cool, the sound of the water soothing. You let your shoulders relax for the first time in days, dipping your hands into the stream to rinse off the fatigue.

But you weren’t alone.

On the opposite bank, two kunoichi watched you with narrowed eyes.

They held baskets of laundry but weren’t exactly focused on washing clothes anymore.

One of the girls—tall, with long black hair with golden-brown bangs framing her face in loose, soft strands hair tied back into a ponytail, was already sizing you up.

She wore a red, sleeveless striped dress, cut mid-thigh, exposing her legs and just a hint of cleavage.

A black obi hugged her waist, where her hand quickly reached for something.

Her fingers gripped the hilt of a kunai.

Before you could react,

she dashed across the shallow river with blinding speed, splashing water in her wake.

You reached for your katana, but she was faster.

Her foot pinned your wrist to the ground, stopping you cold. The sharp tip of her kunai pressed against your throat.

Makio:"Who are you?! What are you doing here?!"

Her voice was bold, fierce, and commanding. Her sharp golden brown eyes locked onto yours, suspicion burning behind them.

From behind her, another girl followed but much less gracefully.

She clutched a kunai in trembling hands, her knees shaking as she hid behind Makio’s back, peeking nervously over her shoulder.

She wore a blue, sleeveless dress, cut high on both sides, exposing her hips and thighs.

A plunging white neckline revealed more than just a little cleavage, but right now, she wasn’t thinking about modesty—she was panicking.

Suma:"They’re gonna kill us! We’re gonna disappear! I’m too young to die!"

Her voice cracked with over-the-top desperation, tears practically welling in her eyes even though you were the one pinned and weaponless.

Makio:"Will you stop shouting, Suma?! No one’s dying here! And I’m not letting them kill us that easily."

Makio shot a glare back at Suma but didn’t loosen her grip. Her foot stayed firm on your wrist, the kunai pressed steadily against your neck.

Her lips curled into a cocky smirk, radiating confidence despite the situation.

Then, a calm, gentle voice drifted through the trees.

Hina:"There you two are…"

A woman approached, long black hair cascading over her shoulders.

a lavender sleeveless dress hugging her figure.

The dress had a dark square pattern and a deep neckline, secured tightly with a red-violet obi where she kept her own kunai. Her fishnet stockings reached mid-thigh, and she walked with quiet grace despite carrying a bamboo laundry basket full of clothes.

She took one glance at the scene—Makio pinning you down, Suma shaking behind her like a frightened squirrel—and sighed softly.

Hina:"Makio, let them go. Now."

Her tone wasn’t harsh, but it left no room for argument.

Makio grumbled under her breath but obeyed, stepping back and pulling the kunai away.

She kept a wary eye on you though, her gaze sharp as ever.

Suma, still behind Makio, held up her own kunai, her hands shaking so much it was barely pointed straight.

Hina:"I’m sorry about those two…"

She knelt gracefully, placing her basket down, and reached a soft hand toward you.

Hina:"I’ll be sure to give them a proper scolding later. But for now—who are you? And what brings you all the way out here?"

Her warm eyes met yours, a gentle smile on her lips. Her hand stayed extended, ready to help you up.

Behind her, Makio crossed her arms, watching you with suspicion but standing down for now.

Suma peeked over Makio’s shoulder, still clearly nervous, but trying her best to look brave—despite the way she trembled.

Will you accept Hina’s hand?