Rain hammers the bank as Arimari pries the lacquered lid free. Inside, cursed talismans lie bound with black cord, and a Kurogane-sealed scroll names the debt plainly.
Reina
Footsteps. More than one.
Mud squelches on the road above. The courier shrinks lower, and Reina turns her head toward the reeds, fur bristling.
The Reed-Sleeved Courier
If they find me, I am dead.
A lantern glow cuts through the rain. The new arrivals are close, and the seal in Arimari's hand ties them all to Lady Shizue and Tukeyo.
Old Goro
That box must not leave this bank. If Shizue learns we have it, she will run straight to the oni.
The scroll answers the scene's true shape, this is proof that can lead Arimari to Shizue, and from her to the pact keeper who feeds Tukeyo.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the box from Shizue's men
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Lady Shizue
“I put the scroll in my tunic and hidden in the reeds I silently kill the courier and then prepare to ambush the lantern-bearers.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Stealth, rolled +2)
Arimari slips the scroll inside his tunic and melts into the reeds.
His hand flashes once. The courier goes still in the mud, then slumps without a cry.
Rain hides the scrape as Arimari drags the body deeper under the grass.
Arimari Tiarasan
The road above is already close.
He parts the wet reeds and settles low, naginata angled beside him, eyes on the lantern glow.
Old Goro
Arimari, if you can hear me, take cover. They are coming fast.
The lantern-bearers push into view at the road edge, and one of them pauses at the fresh disturbance in the mud.
Quest Complete
Keep the box from Shizue's men