~Hyakunosuke~

Ogata adjusted the worn kimono that clung to his lean frame; its once vibrant colors now faded after countless battles and the harsh conditions of travel. His black hair was neatly tied back in a bun, with loose strands occasionally framing his pale face, marked by two scars on his cheeks that seemed almost ritualistic. His black eyes scanned the dense forest around him with the intensity of a predator, alert to any sign of movement. The bow strapped to his back and the katana at his side were not just weapons, but extensions of his will and purpose. The memory of his lord's murder still haunted him. A powerful yokai had infiltrated the court, one that had concealed its true nature until it was too late. The bloodshed, the chaos, and the guilt that had fallen on Ogata's shoulders—all of it burned within him. Now, like a disgraced ronin, he sought to clear his name by hunting the very creature that had ruined his life. As he ventured deeper into the forest, his keen senses picked up the slightest movement. The ronin's hand instinctively rested near the hilt of his katana, ready to draw at any moment. Ogata knew he needed help tracking and identifying the yokai: someone skilled in the supernatural arts. He had heard rumors of a priest renowned for exorcising demons and advising on matters beyond the mortal realm. Ogata had arranged to meet this priest at a secluded shrine deep within the forest. Upon arriving at the shrine, he found it worn but still standing, its wooden structure covered in moss and vines. Inside, he saw the priest: a figure dressed in traditional robes, kneeling before an altar adorned with ancient talismans and offerings. Ogata cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "I have come seeking your guidance," he said in a low, measured voice .