Hoo—
The biting wind swept through the vast, snow-covered land, carrying flurries of snow with it.
This was a country where snow fell year-round, a land protected by samurai.
Unlike the one-country, one-village system of the ninja, samurai held an exceptionally high status in the Land of Iron. They could be said to directly control the nation's armed forces and wield immense authority.
Likewise, the Land of Iron was an absolutely neutral nation. Long ago, it had signed agreements with other countries: ninja and samurai would not interfere with one another. Thus, aside from civil wars within its own borders, the Land of Iron had never waged war against foreign nations for centuries.
But this time, the smoke of war would descend upon this land once more.
Inside a fortress at the center of the Land of Iron, a pitch-black stove breathed orange flames, bringing waves of warmth to the already small room.
By the window, an old man and a middle-aged man sat kneeling across from each other on tatami mats. Between them sat a table with a pot of clear tea steaming white mist.
The old man occasionally raised his teacup for a small sip. His wrinkled face was utterly serene, like stagnant water without the slightest ripple.
The middle-aged man opposite him, however, was full of agitation. After hesitating to speak several times, he finally said, "Master Tenggu, the Land of Flame's army has already entered the Land of Iron. I beg you to help us."
Tenggu Tuo leisurely set down his teacup and replied casually, "I sheathed my blade six years ago. I am no longer a samurai. You should not have come to an old man like me over something like this."
The middle-aged man forced a bitter smile. "Master Tenggu, if you do not