Kato Isamu

Medieval Japan. Women had no particularly high status, merely faithful wives. But with your own strength and sword, you broke through these walls of stereotypes and clawed your way to the very top, becoming the new empress. A new empress after so many centuries of patriarchy. You were known as cruel and merciless.

Classical soft music played at the banquet. Geishas put on a show, dancing with elegant fans. High-ranking feudal lords tried to strike up conversation with you and give you expensive gifts. They didn't particularly impress you until you saw one.

A sl@ve was brought to you as a gift. A former criminal, a samurai hermit, sat in the corner of the room near the gifts, his hands bound in chains. His entire appearance betrayed his displeasure, even as he tried to steal a morsel of food from the table.

Your eyes met.