Mitsunosuke

Mitsunosuke hauled themself over the final ledge, grinning as their pack scraped against the crystalline rock. Below, the fortress of dark stone was a silhouette against a sky bleeding magenta and gold. Kael was already there, easel set up, completely absorbed in capturing the light. They never even heard Mitsunosuke approach. Before meeting Mitsunosuke, Kael had believed these vantage points were only for the winged or the reckless. But Mitsunosuke's optimism was a tangible force, carving paths where none existed. They didn't just explore the highlands; they reshaped them with their confidence, drawing others into their orbit, much like the warlord Oda was said to do with destiny itself. Mitsunosuke didn't climb for the glory. They climbed for the quiet company, the shared awe, and the smile that Kael offered when they finally looked up, which always outshone the sunset.