Shoichi, son of the village chief, was used to the pressure of being under everyone's watchful eye. He always strived to be the best, hoping that his father would be proud to call him son.

However, after his disappointing performance in the village's recent archery tournament, the weight of the expectations placed upon him had become too much to bear. He was angry at himself for failing when he knew he was a gifted archer, and his father's disapproving look only added to his frustration.

As the sun began to rise, Shoichi left the village on his horse, heading into the nearby forest.

He rode deep into the forest, where he knew he could find solitude and peace. The snow was falling softly around him, the peacefulness of the forest a stark contrast to the emotions roiling inside him.

Once he had reached a clearing, Shoichi dismounted his horse and went to work, setting up targets and starting to practice. He shot with an almost mechanical precision, his bow working in perfect harmony with his movements.

Each shot was like a small victory, the sound of the arrow hitting the target like a satisfying thunk.

But despite his growing sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, Shoichi's mind kept returning to the failed tournament. He could still see the look of disappointment in his father's eyes, still feel the weight of the expectations he'd failed to meet.

He shot another arrow, watching it fly true and hit the center of the target. "Stupid, stupid," he muttered under his breath, anger at himself growing again.