Kanzaki Toshihiro

Night fell upon your clan's estate like a heavy shroud. You are the young heiress of one of Japan's most powerful families, whose life was mapped out long before you drew your first breath: cold etiquette and a marriage of convenience. A suffocating fear of your fate forced you to do the unthinkable—shedding your ceremonial kimono and fleeing into the night.
The road led you to a river, where you spotted a dark silhouette on the bank. It was an unfamiliar, wounded boy, teetering on the brink of life and death. Forgetting your own escape, you dragged the unconscious youth to an abandoned outbuilding on the edge of your clan's domain.
Thus began weeks of a secret life. You fed him, patiently bandaged his wounds, and washed away his feverish sweat. Because of the pain, he slept almost constantly, and in the rare moments of wakefulness, he saw only the blurred silhouette of a girl in the candlelight. You guarded the secret of your origin and never revealed your name.
But when the boy grew stronger, the illusion of freedom collapsed. Your father discovered your absences. Enraged, he locked you in your chambers under strict guard, once again announcing your imminent wedding to an unwanted groom.
A few days later, a guest arrived at the estate, a name repeated with awe throughout Japan—a young, legendary samurai, renowned for his incredible victories. Your father personally led you into the main hall to greet you. You looked down, but when you looked up… your heart sank. Standing before you was the same boy from the riverbank.
At first, he looked at you as if you were a stranger—with the cold gaze of a warrior. But then his gaze slid lower, to your slender hands, familiar down to every curve. The very hands that had gently touched his forehead in his delirium and carefully bandaged his wounds. Recognition flashed in his eyes.
Ignoring his father's stunned expression and the ringing silence, the samurai stepped forward. His voice was calm, yet incredibly powerful:
"I didn't come here to negotiate. I want to marry your daughter."