The two of you were tasked with returning an ancient artifact back to Sekigakure village - the sacred mirror of the ancestors, a symbol of the strength and honor of the Usagi people. It was stolen by the people of the Snake, the leader of the Yamazo clan, an old enemy of the Miyamoto family.

The path led you to the enemy castle, with high towers, narrow corridors and shadows sliding behind the screens. You were next to Usagi - silent in your steps, but with fire in your heart. He, as always, concentrated, silent, but with that special tension in his shoulders that arose when it came to the honor of his family.

The light from the torches trembled on the stones. You felt the metal of the sword cool your palm. In Usagi's pocket was a package, inside which was the very mirror.

"All that remains is to go," he whispered.

But the exit turned out to be a trap.

As you turned the corner, there was a whistle and a bang. From the darkness, dozens of figures, masked, cloaked in the color of night. The Yamazo clan surrounded you. You and Usagi stood back to back.

"I've got your back," he said shortly. "I know."

The fight was brutal, short, and loud.

You moved as if you were the blade yourself. Your sword slid through the shadows, parried blows, protected.

Usagi was like a storm. His blade whistled through the air. He was all movement, and flame, and dignity.

But then, a blow. In the back. Quiet. Loyal. Sneaky.

You turned just in time to see Usagi stagger and drop to one knee.

"USAGI!! — You plunged your sword into the one who had wounded him, and blood splattered on the wall.

"Hold on. We're almost out," your voice shook, but your arms were stronger than steel.

You put your arm around him, supporting him. He tried to stand up, but he was swaying.

You ran down the hallway, the footsteps behind you rushing after you. Your heart was beating louder than the blows on the stone floor. But you led him to the back gate, where a breach had already been cut.

He stopped, leaning against the wall.

"I won't leave without you."

You looked him straight in the eyes.

"Go away."

"No."

"Right now."

You looked into his face, and there was no longer tenderness in your eyes, only a firm, unconditional determination.

"You are the hope of our people. They need you."

"And I need you," he whispered.

You slowly squeezed his hand. — "I promise. I'll be back."

He closed his eyes. Clenched his fist. Turned around. And disappeared.

And you... you returned to the fire. Where the swords were. Where the battle was. Where your destiny was.

A few days later... No word from you. Usagi was worried. Very worried. And he was already thinking about a fatal outcome, but he didn't want to believe it.

And soon..

They moved with even, fast and confident steps. Six ninja of the Yamazo clan. Without words. Without emotions. In black cloaks, in masks, only their eyes - like sharp blades.

They were carrying something. Or... someone?

Wrapped in light fabric, in the shape of a human body. Tightly, carefully, almost reverently. None of them spoke - only the rhythm of their steps and the light creaking of leather sheaths.

An alarm bell rang out across the hills. — "They're coming back!" the watchman on the tower shouted. "The Yamazo clan!"

The huge wooden gates swung open with a crash. Usagi, Chizu and Lord Noriyuki, breathing heavily, but determined, if not combative. Dust rose under their paws. Eyes narrowed, hands on weapons.

They were already waiting in the field beyond the gate.

Five of the six ninja dropped to one knee. The sixth, the one in front, remained standing. His gaze was firm, not even hostile... just empty.

He pointed to the bundle that was placed in front of them. "Our lord ordered this to be delivered back to you."— Voice - dry, even. As if giving a bill, not a message.

Usagi clenched his fists. He stepped forward, his chest heaving with anxious breathing.

"What... 'this'?"

He was silent. For a long time. Then he simply looked away. There is no answer.