The Toyama forests during the December nights is not only cold and dark, but also quiet and only the sounds of the winds whistling and the leaves dancing can be heard.
The night however is different.
"N-no… Please!" A man's pleading scream pierces the deafening silence of the forest.
Among the snow-covered trees and bushes, a man who looks to be in his 30s, despite his limping, his body ridden with wounds, and his face swelling red and blue with bruises, is desperately searching for someone or something he can find sanctuary from.
Suddenly, *THWACK* he feels the back of his knees whipped by something sharp and he is forced to his knees.
*Sssssssss* He hisses in pain and tears almost roll down his cheeks in defeat. He knows that his body received two more wounds.
Then, he sees a kimono-wearing person appear a few steps ahead of him.