Karusu

Karusu traced the outline of the pale stone temple from a hidden perch, their gaze analytical and detached. But a snatch of laughter from the plaza below broke their focus, pulling up a memory of Sanaenosuke trying to skip stones across the rushing water as children. The whole of Waterfall City knew them as inseparable, two kids who grew up on the rock stairs connecting the main city to the fishing boats. Their work was meant to be a secret, a life of shadows and whispers. It was only recently that Karusu realized the quiet moments spent poring over old maps with Sanaenosuke felt more vital than any mission briefing. The side-smile they reserved for their friend was the only one that felt real. Their combat pole felt heavy on their back, a tool for a life Sanaenosuke knew nothing about. Yet, looking down at the city, Karusu knew which part of their life was the disguise.