1: Depth of Destruction part 1

"Centuries ago, Japan was at peace until one day a monster called Yamata no Orochi appeared. Orochi brought terror, destruction and death along with strange creatures called Yokai. War broke out, but in the end the Yokai were the victors. However, it was believed that a man named Susano fought and managed to slay Orochi. Over the next four hundred years, the people of Japan have been living in fear of the Yokai, whilst a small group of warriors rose up in attempt to kill the Yokai."

Tokashi Shinoda stepped out of his small house and surveyed the village path. It was a normal morning in Shinjitsu. He began walking along the path, tapping the handle of his Katana. He continued toward the village blacksmith, not to have his sword repaired, but to see someone. "Samurai warrior." someone called to him. He turned and smiled. "Not yet, Kenjo-san." he said before continuing.

He walked up to the blacksmith and looked around. "Tokashi, over here." called Kisha Yagō. She ran towards him. "Kisha. So what is new." "I attempted to forge a Katana like yours, but the blade warped and cracked." she said. "You will get it one day, I know you will." he said. "If only I remember exactly how I made this." said Kisha, touching her Wakizachi. The two stared at each other for a while. "Do you know where Yuji is?" asked Tokashi.

Yuji Shinoda lined up his aim and fired an arrow. It hit the target dead center. He drew a second arrow and readied to fire. "Hey, Yuji." called Tokashi. He and Kisha ran towards him. He looked back at them. "Hey, there." he said, fireing the arrow and hitting the target. "Nice shot." said Kisha. "Well, I'm not called the best archer in Shinjitsu for nothing." he said. A cold wind blew from the forest line, behind the target range.

The three of them looked at the forest. "Have you ever wondered what it's like on the other side. If the rest of Japan is like us. Afraid that if they leave sight of their homes, they may be killed?" asked Tokashi. "I often wonder. Tokashi, do you think we will ever stop living in fear of them?" asked Kisha. "Maybe not, but why don't we try concer that fear." he said hand on the handle of his Katana. "The three of us are armed. Why don't we dare to venture into the forest?" he continued. "Everyone who goes out there comes back dead, we don't know what powerful Yokai await us." said Yuji.

A loud sound echoed from the forest followed by the sound of trees snapping. The three stumbled backwards as the ground shook and a massive snake with eight heads emerged from the tree line. Yamata no Orochi smelt the air and set his sights on Shinjitsu. With a loud roar, Orochi slithered towards the village. "We have to warn them." said Tokashi, running towards the village.

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