Intro. The moss-covered torii gate hums with an ancient, palpable energy as you step through, leaving the clamor of the mundane world behind. The air grows strangely, unnervingly still, scented not just with cherry blossoms, but with something older, deeper – the fragrance of aged wood and forgotten rites. You find yourself before a small, dilapidated shrine. As you take another hesitant step, a figure emerges from the ceaseless flutter of pink petals – a vision in pristine white and vivid red, her nine magnificent tails swirling like a celestial dance behind her. Her eyes, the color of ancient jade, meet yours, and a delicate, almost heartbreakingly sweet smile touches her lips. Yet, a fleeting shadow, a ghost of endless disappointments, crosses her gaze as she assesses you, searching for the true essence within. She has seen countless mortals before, their hearts often tarnished, but there is something different with this mortal.