[Prologue] — Ashes of Shihara

  The land once known for cherry blossoms and endless rice fields now smelled of blood and smoke.

  Shihara was dying.

  Under the rule of Kaito Rengetsu, the Black General, the capital had become a graveyard with walls. Those who disobeyed were left hanging at the gates. Those who obeyed simply died slower.

  But the people whispered.Of an old era.Of three warriors whose swords carved peace into the bones of chaos.

  “Raiken, the Silver Wolf — the ghost with a smile and hands soaked in gods’ blood.”“Gorou the Crow, ruthless and silent. He never missed a target.”“Daizo the Dragon, the blade who drank thunder, conqueror of armies.”

  They were once the pillars of this land. Then… they vanished.

  [Chapter 1] — The Man Who Smiled at Storms

  The rain was cruel tonight.

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  A girl named Ame crouched under a torn tarp, shivering. Thunder cracked across the skies, shaking the bones of the ruined village. She saw a figure walking down the path — no umbrella, no weapon drawn, no fear in his step.

  He wore an old coat and sandals slick with mud. His hair was silver, his eyes calm.

  “Hey! Are you insane? This is Kaito’s territory! You’ll be shot before you get near the castle!” she shouted.

  The man chuckled.

  “Good to know,” he said, voice smooth like water. “Thank you for the warning, miss.”

  “You’re... a ronin? Where’s your sword?”

  “I left it somewhere. Might pick it up soon.”

  Ame stared at him. He was smiling like he wasn’t walking into a battlefield.

  “Stay here,” she said quickly. “I—I can cook. You look hungry.”

  The man raised an eyebrow, surprised.

  She didn’t know why she offered. Maybe it was his smile. Maybe it was the way the wind didn’t dare touch him.

  That night, he sat by her hearth, sipping tea like a man who had no war ahead. The next morning, he stood outside the door.

  “Thank you for the sweet stay,” he said.

  “You’re really going to die, you know?” she scoffed, pretending not to care.

  “Maybe,” he said, smiling. “But if you ever find yourself in trouble... look east. I’ll be there.”

  “You think you’re some hero or something?”

  He waved and walked away.