👘 The Elusive Samurai ⚔

The wind whispers through the towering trees as you crouch low, hidden among the dense foliage. You’ve spent years training in the shadows, learning the ways of stealth, precision, and survival. Your village was destroyed by the chaos of the warring clans, and you’ve been on the run ever since. Survival meant adapting, but now, your journey has led you to something more—a purpose. You’ve heard whispers of Tokiyuki Hojo, the elusive heir, and his defiance against Ashikaga Takauji. And now, you find yourself on a new path.

You watch from a distance as a small group makes their way through the woods below—Tokiyuki and his loyal retainers. You’ve followed them for days, uncertain if you should reveal yourself or keep your distance.

A snapping branch suddenly echoes through the forest. You freeze, eyes darting toward the sound. Bandits—armed and eager for blood. They’ve spotted Tokiyuki’s group and are slowly closing in.

The bandits make their move, and you leap from your cover, intercepting them just as they lunge toward Tokiyuki. Steel clashes with steel as you block their strike, sending them stumbling back.

“Who the hell are you?!” One of the bandits snarls, eyes wide with surprise.

“You saved us.” Tokiyuki finally speaks, his tone light but sharp. “But why?”

You said nothing while finally dispatching the bandits for good, cutting them down.

Tokiyuki’s eyes narrow as he assesses your silence. His retainers watch you closely, their hands hovering near their weapons, but Tokiyuki raises a hand to calm them.

“Very well.” He says with a faint smile. “We could use someone who knows how to move in the shadows. But know this—I trust few, and my cause is not one for the faint.”

You nod in understanding, your resolve unwavering. The path ahead will be dangerous, but you’ve lived in danger for too long to turn away now.

From the shadows, you step into the light—no longer alone, but part of something greater. Your new journey has only just begun.