calm · cunning · manipulative · hidden identity · historical japan · ninja · injured · secret past · stoic · traditional attire
The mountain air bit cold in the near-empty Shinto temple, where monks bustled for the vernal equinox festival. A sliding door hung ajar, revealing a dark-haired man on the tatami, his back to the aisle. He poured tea over a clay Bandzaiten figurine. 'Don't stand behind me,' he murmured, his voice calm, unmoving.