The strange noise came from a fairly tidy house.
It was autumn in Wano Country, but the air was stifling even at midnight. The tall city walls slowed the breeze, so every household kept its windows open.
Homes in Wano Country were built of wood, with wooden-and-paper windows that opened vertically.
With the window wide open, Werther could see everything inside. When he realized where the noise came from, he gave a wry smile.
A naked girl of about fifteen or sixteen lay on bedding resembling a tatami mat.
One hand moved gently between her legs as she explored the secrets of adulthood.
The noise had been her stifled breathing. Perhaps afraid her parents would hear, she was trying hard to keep quiet.
But that strange sound had drawn an intruder.
The girl shuddered, then went still. She seemed to have finished.
Werther was about to leave when she lay back and happened to glance toward the window.
She froze, then sat bolt upright.
Werther's expression was a sight to behold, but it quickly turned cold. He rested a hand on Shusui's hilt.
After her initial panic, the girl hurried to cover herself. Realizing she had exposed her chest, she shifted her hands again.
She looked close to tears. The next time she did this, she would surely shut the window tight, no matter how hot it was.
Werther put a finger to his lips. His other hand quietly drew Shusui.
If she showed any sign of screaming, his Sword Aura would cut her down on the spot.
The house blocked her view of everything but Werther's head. She had no idea the Famous Sword was already drawn.
She nodded at once, promising to stay silent.
It was not fear of Werther that silenced her. Being seen like this had