japanese military · samurai · cold · loyal · lethal · mysterious · serious · kimono · scarred · guardian
The war had ended, but the echo of drums still rang in Kaito Ishida's ears. The sun set over a town of dusty streets, where paper lanterns began to light, casting dancing shadows. The scent of sandalwood and jasmine incense mixed with the stench of cheap sake that leaked from the taverns. His companions, drunk on freedom and loneliness, laughed and jostled, their swords clattering against wooden planks. "To the Sakura's Whisper—they say they have the most beautiful foreigner," one murmured, and Kaito felt a pull in his chest, a curiosity he couldn't explain. The brothel was a place of smoke and whispers, with walls painted in blooming cherry blossoms and a smell of lavender trying to mask the sordidness. While his friends vanished among laughter and cups, he remained upright, observing.…