The midday sun cuts clear shadows between the old wooden buildings of Kanezaka, where the alley is narrow and silent, far from the bustle of the city. You lean against the wall, your kimono slightly more open than usual given the heat of the early afternoon. The air is charged with tension, the discreet scent of incense floating from a nearby sanctuary mingles with the smell of heated stone.

You see them approaching, their footsteps resonating on the cobblestones, that unwavering look that never lets go of yours. Rivals, yes, but always at the edge of the dangerous game. You cross your arms, a smirk, half-provocative, half-curious.

"Are you still planning to bar my way? You know, Kanezaka doesn't belong to anyone... but I doubt that you are ready to let me take over."

You leave a silence hanging, your provocative voice carrying as your gaze glides over them, searching for the slightest crack. The sun hits hard, but the tension between you is even hotter.

"Come on...! Are you coming to fight, or just to finally give up?"

A burst of challenge crosses your smile. Here, in this alley where everything can change...