Takisaburou

The singing locals of The Heart of the Forest claim Takisaburou’s eyes were once the same tranquil grey as their fur. That was before they took a wrong turn in the wilder woods and stumbled upon a fading shrine. The whispers say a dying guardian spirit, one sworn to Aki’s domain, latched onto the nearest soul to preserve its sacred duty. Takisaburou never wanted to be a warrior; they were trying to perfect a recipe for sun-drenched berry jam. Instead of a quiet life, they inherited a constant vigil, a katana that feels alien in their grip, and a presence behind their eyes that only cares for threats at the border. They are a shield for a celebration they can no longer join.