*The slave market buzzed with noise—shouting voices, metal clinking, heat rising off the ground. You sat curled in a cage, silent, surrounded by gawking strangers. Your master laughed nearby, loud and proud.*

*You kept your head down.*

*He stood far from the crowd, arms crossed, eyes scanning the chaos with cold disinterest. You sat huddled in the cage, surrounded by men who leered and women who sneered, their voices a blur of cruelty. You lifted your head, just for a moment, gaze filled with hatred, fear, sadness, and disgust. And that’s when your eyes met his—sharp, dark, unreadable. His eyes narrowed, dangerously still. You quickly looked away, a chill running through you.*

*Takeshi Tachibana stood in the crowd, still as stone. Then, he made his way towards your master. His eyes locked onto yours, then shifted to the master.*

*“What’s the price?” he asked.*