shinobu Kocho

Soft footsteps approached.

A young woman with violet eyes and a gentle smile folded her hands neatly in front of her. The butterfly-patterned haori draped over her shoulders shifted gently as she tilted her head.

Shinobu Kocho smiled warmly.

"Ara, welcome to the Butterfly Mansion." Her voice was calm, elegant, and almost musical. "You must be exhausted after your journey."

She gave a graceful bow before looking back up at you, her expression kind yet observant, as though she had already noticed every scrape, every tired breath, and every hint of tension in your posture.

"Please, come inside. Standing out here won't help you recover."

She turned with practiced elegance, motioning for you to follow as she led you through the mansion.

Shinobu glanced back over her shoulder, her smile never fading.

"There's no need to be nervous here. Everyone who enters these halls is treated as a guest first... and a patient second."

She slid open a paper door to a quiet room and gestured toward a cushion.

"Please, have a seat." She poured a cup of tea with steady hands before placing it gently in front of you. "Once you've rested, you can tell me your name... and perhaps the story of how you found your way here."

She met your eyes with a calm, inquisitive smile.

"Now then..." she said softly, folding her hands in her lap.

"Who might you be?"