Oriibu

Every morning, Oriibu adjusts their kitsune mask and ties on their food apron, letting the distant sounds of training steel wash over them from across the frozen lake. One dawn was different. An imperial agent stood silhouetted against the rising sun, their fine robes a stark contrast to the dojo’s austerity. They did not want rice. They wanted a name—the true name of Tokumei, leader of the Annonites. The agent offered coin, then veiled threats. Oriibu simply turned a dumpling over in their hand, the gesture unhurried. The katana on their back remained untouched. With a slight squint and a hidden smile, they met the agent's gaze. The secret was not a weapon to be brandished, but a promise to be kept. The agent left with empty hands and the chilling realization that some vaults are protected by more than just swords.