The rhythmic sound of water cascading down the showerhead filled the steamy bathroom. Hanabi leaned against the tiled wall, her sky-blue hair slick against her back, the droplets clinging to her like shimmering crystals. Her hands rested on the warm tiles as she stared blankly at the floor, letting the water ease her tense muscles.
Yet her thoughts were far from calm.
Ashiro's face appeared in her mind—a boy cloaked in mystery, burdened by both his own demons and a destiny he never asked for. How are you doing, Ashiro? she wondered, her chest tightening with worry.
Her thoughts drifted to that fateful day in Okutama forest. They had been escorting Lady Naga to the lake, ensuring she could cleanse herself from the remnants of Kaiju corruption clinging to her. The air had been heavy with unease, the forest shrouded in an unnatural stillness.
It was Kyoto who first spotted him.
"There's someone up ahead," he had said, his voice cautious but curious.
