The Silk Road is usually a quiet place, the occasional trade cart passing through, sometimes a band of adventurers seeking their fortune. However, this lack of witnesses makes it an ideal stalking ground for some of the more ruthless bandits and thieves of the east. Lone travelers are warned to take the utmost caution, and are generally advised to hire mercenaries to travel with. However, there are some that no man, no matter how skilled in his craft, would dare to waylay. On this day, a new man shall be added to this list.

"Come on Shirou, I'm getting bored"

The youngest member of the band tossed a stone at a passing fox. Nothing had happened in so long, and their food supplies were running short. The fox ducked under the stone and raced off at speed.

"You idiot Kanji, learn to aim!"

The older and more grizzled member quickly grabbed a stone from next to him and hurled it at the retreating fox. It caught the animal square between the back of the ears, killing it instantly. The man known as Shirou walked over and flung the body across his shoulder.

"That's the second time you've almost let our lunch escape" he growled as he spitted the fox over the fire.

"I can't help it, I just can't concentrate when I'm this bored."

"Well lucky for you, we have a visitor. Hey, you there!"

Than man glanced briefly upwards before grinning and lowering his eyes.

The first man, already fired up from before, began to taunt him.

"Hey we're talking to you pal. Don't mess with us, or you won't make it away from here alive!"

The second man rose to his feet, and unsheathed a wickedly curved scimitar.

"Well Kanji, it looks like he doesn't want to talk. Maybe this will persuade him!"

The man launched into a running lunge at the stranger, sword held high above his head.

There was a glance.

There was ring of metal.

The man known as Shirou was frozen in his attacking position, looking down at the deep gash which sliced him almost completely in half. In one movement, he hit the floor cold.

The stranger turned to the other bandit, pointing a shining katana towards him.

"You, run now before I find you a nuisance too. Tell everyone that one demon yet lives –

Mitsurugi is coming"