Bloodbound Secrets

The cold night air carried a sense of unease as Sakura stood over the lifeless body. Her blade, now cleaned of blood, gleamed under the moonlight. She had done this before—too many times to count. Yet, this time, something was different. This wasn't just another kill. It was a warning.

Her crimson eyes shifted toward Ryo, who sat against the wall, his knees drawn to his chest. His hands still trembled, his breath uneven. He wasn't ready for this world—not yet. But soon, he would have to be.

Investigating the Truth

Sakura knelt beside the corpse and began searching through the assassin's belongings. Her fingers worked with practiced precision, and soon, she found what she was looking for—an old, crumpled piece of parchment hidden inside the folds of his robes. As she unfolded it, her gaze darkened. The writing was cryptic, but the message was clear: this man had not come alone.

"So... they're still watching us," she muttered, gripping the letter tightly.

She needed answers. There was only one person from her past who could provide them. But seeking him out meant stepping into a life she had long tried to leave behind.

A Resolve to Grow Stronger

Meanwhile, Ryo's mind replayed the events of the night over and over again. The sound of footsteps approaching, the chilling voice of the assassin, and his own weakness. He had tried to fight. He had tried to be strong. But in the end, it was his mother who saved him.

That realization burned inside him. He couldn't stay like this—helpless, afraid. He needed to become stronger. Not just for himself, but for the day his father returned. He clenched his fists, determination replacing his fear.

"Mother..." he said hesitantly. "Teach me how to fight."

Sakura, still studying the letter, glanced at him. For a moment, she said nothing. Then, a small smirk crossed her lips.

"You have no idea what you're asking for, Ryo."

But he didn't waver. "I don't care. I don't want to be weak anymore."

Sakura studied him, then let out a quiet sigh. "Fine. But you won't like what's coming."

A New Threat Approaches

Unbeknownst to them, another figure had already begun searching for the missing assassin. Hidden in the shadows, he watched their house from a distance, a dagger spinning between his fingers.

"So, you failed, old friend," he whispered. "Then I suppose I'll have to finish the job myself."

The hunt was far from over.

Flashback: A Past Best Forgotten

As Sakura and Ryo prepared for what was coming, a memory surfaced in Sakura's mind. A time when she was the one being hunted. When she had trusted someone she shouldn't have. And when she had learned that in this world, trust was a luxury that could cost you everything.

The past was coming back for her. And this time, there was no running away.