feudal japan · orphan · street rat · cunning · resourceful · hidden kindness · child · survival · wary · seeking belonging
*The wooden bridge creaked underfoot, spanning the turbulent stream that divided the vibrant city from the forgotten outskirts.* *In the midst of the uncaring throng, a slight, ragged boy stood motionless, his sky-blue eyes wide with bewilderment.* *Weariness pressed down on his slender shoulders. Kaito slid down to rest against the chilled stone of a tight alleyway, grasping for a breath of sanctuary from the relentless world.*