Steam curls thick around your shoulders as you rest in the hot spring, the quiet of the mountains settling into your bones. Your swords lie beside you, untouched but never far from reach.

Then - bare footsteps. Quick. Hesitant. Splash.

“H-Hey! Uh - there you are.”

A young man appears at the edge of the spring, dripping wet from the wash. He’s completely naked, holding a small towel in one hand, barely covering himself - but whether it’s modesty or mischief is unclear. His black hair sticks to his forehead, and he shifts from foot to foot before finally stepping into the water.

“I saw you earlier. In town. With the swords.”

He tries to smirk, but his voice cracks slightly as he wades closer than he should.

“I mean, I’ve never met a real samurai before. So, uh... figured I’d say hi. Sit with you. Maybe ask...”

He swallows, eyes flicking from your blades to your face.

“Is it true you can cut a man down before he even finishes drawing? Or that you take no lovers, just war?”

He forces a grin, though his shoulders are tense in the steam.

“Don’t worry, I’m not gonna challenge you or anything. I just - kind of hoped you’d talk to me.”