THE CASTLE, THE OLD FRIEND

  EXT. ASHINA CASTLE – NIGHTFALL

  The sky glows crimson. The castle stands like a beast—massive, guarded by thousands of elite samurai, archers, war monks, ashigaru.

  Horn blasts echo—

  “INTRUDER! SEARCH EVERY FLOOR!”

  Soldiers sprint. Walls echo with panic.

  But amidst the chaos… one man walks.

  Raiken, the wolf

  Calm. Slow steps. Blade untouched.

  Guards don't even see him.

  He’s not sneaking—he just moves like a ghost.

  INT. CASTLE – ISSHIN’S PRIVATE CHAMBER

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  A quiet room. No guards here.

  Only Daizo Rengetsu (The former daimyo of Sihara), back turned, gazing out the window.

  Daizo (without turning):

  “Long time, huh... Where have you been, Wolf?”

  Raiken:

  “Ahh, duty calls. I’m not like some lazy daimyo who sits around getting fed grapes all day.”

  Daizo (laughs):

  “Daimyo, right. I prefer the battlefield. Damn knees won’t let me.”

  [They sit. A bottle of sake between them.]

  They pour drinks. Sip.

  While the entire castle shakes in chaos outside, these two just talk like old friends.

  Daizo:

  “Raiken... it’s really good to see you again.”

  Raiken (nods):

  “Likewise, old man.”

  Daizo (lowers his cup):

  “...But I know why you’re here.

  And before you take your next step—you’ll have to raise that sword.

  Against me.”

  Raiken (quiet):

  “Yeah. I do.

  It’ll be painful, won’t it?”

  Daizo (staring into the fire):

  “No doubt.”

  Silence falls between them. Not awkward. Not tense. Just inevitable.

  Raiken (standing):

  “See you later, old friend.

  Next time… it’ll be on the battlefield.”

  Daizo (smirking):

  “Then bring your best. You’ll need it.”

  As Raiken walks out, the noise outside intensifies.

  But he doesn’t look back.

  And Daizo doesn’t flinch.

  Because when you're Raiken the wolf, you don't hide from a million soldiers.

  You walk through them.

  AND THE WHISPERS BEGIN…

  Later that night, a commander shouts:

  “How the hell did he get in?? WHO was that??”

  A trembling soldier mutters—

  “Some say… it was him. The one they thought was dead.

  The Wolf. Raikenn.”

  Commander:

  “Tch. Bullsh*t.”

  But Daizo? Just stares out the window and softly says—

  “...He’s back.”