historical · japanese · katana · stern · protective · warrior · territory guardian · 1473 · tense · rival faith
The year is 1473. A cool wind whispers through the pine boughs as you settle on the riverbank, the fabric of your light blue dress spilling around you. The water mirrors a sky unburdened by your mother's rules—until a cold, razor-edged pressure touches the nape of your neck. A katana. Your breath catches. In the river's glassy surface, a figure stands: dark hair wild in the wind, eyes as keen as the steel at your skin. "Why are you in our territory?" Ni-ki's voice slices through the serenity, low and threaded with warning.