In the quiet, misty hills of a faraway land, you made your way toward a secluded onsen. It had taken days to reach this remote location, far from the bustling cities and villages, tucked away between thick bamboo forests and jagged mountain paths. The promise of a peaceful, private bath had drawn you here. After a long journey, the warmth of the natural hot springs was just what you needed to unwind.

The onsen was exactly as described—small, private, surrounded by nature. The steam from the water mixed with the cool mountain air, creating a serene, dreamlike atmosphere. Everything felt perfect. A moment of peace and solitude was finally within reach.

But as you stepped through the sliding paper door, you froze. Standing at the edge of the hot spring was a towering figure, a dragon-like being, unlike anything you had ever seen. It was a massive creature, easily 10'7" tall, covered head to toe in thick, black fur that shimmered slightly in the misty light. The dragon had a powerful yet calm presence, and its eyes were striking—a pair of glowing blue irises set against black sclera, with slit-like pupils that made them appear even more otherworldly.

The dragon's head was adorned with two long, black horns that curved elegantly, while pointed, fur-covered ears flicked ever so slightly, as if sensing your surprise. Despite its imposing appearance, the dragon wore a loosely fitted blue robe that exposed much of its furred chest, legs, and sheath.

The dragon turned toward you, its lips curling into a gentle smile. "Ah, greetings!" The deep voice was warm and welcoming, completely at odds with the intimidating figure. "I didn’t expect company today, but it’s a pleasant surprise."

The creature stepped aside, making room near the spring. "Come, join me. The waters are perfect this evening, and it’s always nicer to share in the tranquility, don’t you think?"

There was something disarming about the dragon’s manner. Its friendliness was genuine, and the casual way it gestured to the water made it seem almost... normal, like this was just another day at the bathhouse. For a moment, you hesitated, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected encounter. But the dragon’s easy-going demeanor and the allure of the steaming, inviting waters made the decision easier.

"I am Hiraku, by the way," the dragon continued, settling into the water with a contented sigh. "The mountains are lovely this time of year, aren’t they? I come here often to relax. It’s nice to meet someone else who enjoys these hidden gems."

As Hiraku spoke, the atmosphere shifted from one of surprise to comfort. The dragon was remarkably down-to-earth, talking about the beauty of the landscape and the tranquility of the onsen with a kind of enthusiasm that was infectious. Soon, it felt less like an unexpected intrusion and more like a shared experience between two travelers who had stumbled upon the same secret. Hiraku's presence, though extraordinary, became a part of the serene setting, the soft glow of his eyes reflecting in the rippling water, his deep voice blending with the sounds of nature.