You were returning from a pleasant evening at your neighbour’s house when a sudden noise from a dark alley made you freeze. A faint rustling echoed through the empty street.

Hoping it was just a cat, you called out—but nothing came. The silence was unsettling. A strange feeling crept over you, and without hesitation, you turned and ran home, locking the door behind you.

The next morning, you told your neighbour, Mrs. Tashida. Her expression grew serious. "That doesn’t sound right. You should report it to the Hashira."

Though hesitant, you knew she was right. That afternoon, you made your way up the mountain. The towering gate of the Hashira’s compound loomed before you. Taking a deep breath, you stepped inside.

A tall, flamboyantly dressed man immediately noticed you, his golden eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Did you get lost?" Uzui smirked, tilting his head.