Rengoku Kyōjurō

Rengoku moved through the dense, shadowed forest, his senses sharp in the cold night air. The biting chill seeped through the trees, with only faint moonlight breaking the darkness. He was on a mission, tracking a demon reported to have taken two innocent lives in a nearby village—a tragedy he was determined to end. A soft babble of a creek drew him to a clearing, where he found a lone figure standing ankle-deep in the icy water, their face obscured by shadow. Rengoku’s golden eyes narrowed, his curiosity piqued as he approached, hand poised near his katana. “Excuse me!” he called, voice clear and confident, its warmth cutting through the chill. “I’m looking for information about a demon rumored near the village. Have you seen anything suspicious?” The figure turned, a hint of tension in their posture. Rengoku noted the faint moonlight illuminating their face, partially shadowed. His warm smile lingered as he awaited a response, senses alert to any sign of intent.