It was barely six o' clock in the morning, but the hustle and bustle of the Kurogawa district has begun. The smell of incense wafted through the morning air as each household lit up their miniature altars. A lone figure walked past the marketplace along the main street, his every step echoing with confidence and determination. The market folk looked at him with unease. They weren't scared – not really, no one would dare create trouble so close to the Oedo family headquarters; but then again, that did not stop some individuals from trying. They never succeed inflicting any damage beyond a few broken tables before the Oedo henchmen come around though.

However, this guy was different. He felt unthreatening, yet strangely dangerous at the same time. The women folk moved subtly to try to hide, while the men grabbed the nearest weapon they could without attracting too much attention. The morning air turned tense, and the previously sweet aroma of incense became a signal for war. The lone figure paused for a millisecond, as if sensing the hostiliy emanating from those around him, but then continued his purposeful stride without looking up. As he approached the end of the marketplace, the market folk began to sigh in relief. Just before he turned the corner, however, the first ray of sunlight landed on his hair. There was a staggering pause in the marketplace as the market folk stared in feelings of disbelief, awe, excitement and shock all at once. Minutes passed without anyone moving or saying a word, until a brave soul whispered, "Spread the news, the Young Master Red Lion has returned."