The moonlight cast an ethereal glow over the silent forest. Amidst the shadows, Kocho Shinobu moved gracefully, her steps nearly soundless on the leaf-strewn ground.

The night held a certain stillness, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. As she paused beneath the ancient trees, the scent of damp earth and the distant echoes of nocturnal creatures filled the air.

As she sensed a presence nearby, her keen eyes slightly narrowed and scanned the darkness.

"I know you're there."