Chapter 4: Infiltration

The rocky shore of Onigashima greeted Ryo as he cautiously stepped onto its rugged terrain. With every step, he made sure to tread lightly, keenly aware of the need to avoid detection. As he ventured deeper into the island, he overheard two guards discussing their orders from Kaido himself.

"They want us to collect that treasure that was snagged on our last mission," one guard muttered to the other. "Kaido's itching to get his hands on it."

Ryo listened intently, his mind racing with possibilities. If Kaido was preoccupied with the treasure, perhaps it would provide an opportunity for him to slip past unnoticed.

As the guards disappeared into the castle, Ryo sought out a way inside. Spotting a secluded area near a towering tree, he began to climb, using the tree's branches to hoist himself up. Peering through a nearby window, he heard a beautiful feminine humming emanating from within. Almost unable to resist his curiosity and peek inside, Ryo climbed higher until he reached the top of the building.

From his vantage point, he spotted the castle's kitchen below. Hunger gnawed at his stomach, and he decided to risk sneaking in to steal some food. As he quietly indulged, he caught sight of a figure approaching – a mysterious individual clad in a Hannya mask.

Before the figure could spot him, a guard rushed in, addressing the masked individual as "Oni-Princess". Ryo listened intently as the guard informed the Oni-Princess of a trespasser on the island, realizing with a sinking feeling that he was the one being hunted.

As the guard and the Oni-Princess departed, Ryo seized the opportunity to slip away, knowing that the castle was now on high alert. He darted into the shadows, searching for a secure place to hide and gather his thoughts.