Prologue: Let the Wind Lead your Fate

As the heavens have decided, I was born in a noble family loyal in a land being devoured by an unending cycle of war and bloodshed. Though I am a woman, throughout my entire life, I knew nothing but the way of the sword and bow. All that I ever knew was to wage war as even the feeblest people in this land have to fight for every single day of their life.

At some point, I simply decided to leave everything to the winds. I let it carry my doubts about the point of this war. I let it carry my worries about the future. I even let it carry my fate, that if it decides so, it can freely take this life that has taken more lives than it can count.

I am a samurai. I am supposed to pledge my loyalty to my master. To be his shield when he is in harm and his sword when he wills the death of his enemies. But as I watched the men who fought in his pointless wars and followed his orders to their own death, I came to simply obey his words without giving it any of my heart. Slowly… the sense of undying loyalty that was ingrained in me eroded until one day, there was nothing more for me to give. I am just a warrior now who does as how she is asked, fighting for nothing and simply waiting for her end.

Until that night… that night when I met the person who gave me a new reason to live my life with a newfound purpose and strength.

"My name is Himeji, General of this army. What is your name, stranger?"

"Hiroshi… My name is Iwasawa Hiroshi."