Ravens Requiem

Kage Karasu (Shadow of the Raven) —moved through the dense canopy with fluid grace, his form barely disturbing the leaves as he passed.

The full moon hung heavy in the night sky, casting silver threads of light through the branches. His right eye glowed softly beneath his mask, the star pattern within scanning methodically through the darkness, reading the whispers of movement in the forest around him.

He came to rest on a thick branch, his cloak settling around him like folded wings. The moonlight caught the edges of his mask, making the black porcelain seem almost alive. With practiced ease, he extended his right arm, holding it steady as a magnificent raven descended from the darkness above.

Tsukiko (Child of the Moon) —was no ordinary bird. Her feathers shimmered with an iridescent black that put the night sky to shame, and her eyes glowed a soft, ethereal pink, like cherry blossoms caught in twilight.

She settled on his arm with the grace of a dancer, her talons carefully gripping the armored bracer beneath his cloak.

Kage lifted his index finger to her head, gently stroking the soft feathers. She leaned into his touch, a soft trill of contentment escaping her beak.

"I know you went to see her, didn't you?"

Tsukiko's voice was melodic yet knowing, carrying both warmth and wisdom. Her pink eyes studied him with an almost maternal concern.

Kage lifted his gaze to the moon, its perfect circle hanging like a silver medallion in the vast expanse of stars. The light caught the edges of his mask, highlighting the intricate details of the raven design.

"Yes, I did," he replied, his voice soft but carrying an edge of steel beneath its surface.

"I had to. She has been taking care of her father by herself." He paused, his glowing eye reflecting the moonlight.

"That money I got from the rogues will be enough to take care of her and get her father the best help."

Tsukiko ruffled her feathers, adjusting her position on his arm. Her pink eyes seemed to glow brighter in the moonlight, reflecting both concern and understanding for her companion.

Tsukiko tilted her head, her pink eyes narrowing slightly.

"I'm glad you're looking out for her," she said, her voice softening. "But you have to be careful. You're an SSS-Rank Classified Ninja in the Bingo Book. Every hunter and mercenary out there would kill for a chance to take you down."

Kage chuckled softly, the sound low and almost musical.

"I know, Kiko-chan," he replied, his tone teasing. "And I promise, I'll be careful."

Tsukiko's feathers fluffed up in what could only be described as a blush. She let out an indignant squawk, ruffling her wings.

"I told you, don't call me that, baka!" she snapped, her voice carrying a mix of embarrassment and irritation.

Without waiting for a response, she spread her wings and took off into the night, her form disappearing into the shadows of the treetops.

Kage chuckled again, shaking his head as he watched her go.

"She'll never admit it, but she likes it," he murmured to himself.

With a deep breath, he crouched low on the branch, his glowing eye scanning the horizon one last time. Then, in a burst of black energy, he vanished, the forest left silent in his wake.

Kage reappeared in a clearing, the air around him heavy with an unnatural stillness.

Before him stood a massive black tree, its gnarled branches twisting upward like skeletal hands clawing at the night sky. The bark was dark as obsidian, its surface smooth yet marked with faint, glowing runes that pulsed softly in the moonlight. The tree exuded an aura of ancient power, its presence both foreboding and awe-inspiring.

Without hesitation, Kage approached the tree, his movements deliberate and precise. He brought his hands together, his fingers weaving through a series of complex hand seals with practiced ease.

The seals flowed seamlessly, each one unlocking a hidden layer of the tree's power. As he completed the final seal, he slammed his right hand against the tree's surface. The runes flared to life, their glow intensifying as the ground beneath him began to tremble.

With a deep, resonant groan, the earth split open at the base of the tree, revealing a hidden stairwell that spiraled downward into darkness. The air that rose from the opening was cool and carried the faint scent of damp stone and moss.

Kage removed his hand from the tree, the runes dimming once more as the bark returned to its dormant state. Without a moment's hesitation, he descended the stairs, his footsteps echoing faintly against the stone walls.

As he moved deeper into the passage, the opening above him began to close, the black tree sealing the entrance as though it had never been disturbed. The world above returned to its eerie stillness, leaving no trace of the hidden path that lay beneath.