As night took its hold, Callum's consciousness drifted into the realm of dreams.

He was no longer confined to the sterile, neon-lit confines of his quarters at Abstergo. Instead, the world around him transformed into the vibrant and tumultuous setting of Bakumatsu Era Japan. The air was thick with the scent of ink and parchment, mixed with the distant aroma of street vendors selling freshly prepared yakitori. Lanterns swayed gently, casting soft, golden glows that danced on wooden facades and cobblestone streets.

Suddenly, a transformation washed over Callum. He was now in the guise of Leopold. His attire was a harmonious blend of cultures: elements of samurai armor seamlessly combined with his usual Assassin attire.

A shadowy figure caught his eye, moving purposefully through the bustling streets. Intrigued, Callum — or rather, Leopold — felt an compulsion to follow. The figure's every step exuded intent, leading him deeper into the winding alleys of the city. With every fleeting glimpse of the elusive individual, Callum's curiosity intensified, pulling him further.

Drawn by an almost magnetic force, Callum ventured deeper into the alley. An enigmatic aura, both alluring and foreboding, resonated from the shadows, enticing him to discover its origin. Despite the instincts of his ancestor, Leopold, urging caution, Callum's insatiable curiosity propelled him forward.

As he delved further, the dim light revealed the silhouette of a woman, distinguished by her unique attire. Her hair, a vivid shade of pink, cascaded to her shoulders and was tied up in Chinese-styled buns. Bandages enveloped her right arm, hinting at past battles or injuries. She donned a pristine white top paired with a verdant skirt, but what stood out was the maroon tabard draped over her, embroidered with intricate patterns of thorny vines. A prominent rose-shaped ornament adorned her chest, just below the collar. Completing her ensemble was a lone shackle on her left wrist and single-strap shoes, mirroring the hue of her tabard.

Choosing a higher vantage point, Callum ascended to the rooftops, effortlessly using Leopold's honed skills. From above, he discreetly trailed the woman, ensuring he remained concealed by the shadows. The rhythmic patter of his feet barely made a sound on the old tiled roofs, and the cool night air brushed past him as he moved with precision.

With every step she took, his intrigue only deepened. The combination of her peculiar attire and the ancient backdrop of Bakumatsu Era Japan seemed incongruous. The bandages, the shackle, and her distinct style – every detail begged a myriad of questions. Who was she? And what chain of events brought such an enigmatic figure to these streets?

From his elevated vantage point, he observed her cautiously. She stood still for a moment, her posture indicating a sense of awareness, or perhaps hesitation. Callum crouched low, ensuring his silhouette wouldn't give away his position. He wondered if she had sensed his presence or if something else had caught her attention. The seconds felt like minutes as he waited for her next move, his senses heightened and every instinct on alert.

The woman abruptly halted, whirling around to face the shadows from where she felt she was being watched.

As Leopold peered from his vantage point, Callum's heart raced, feeling as if her gaze had pierced right through him.

Holding his breath, Leopold's senses heightened, trying to discern her next move. Her lips moved, emitting a soft, melodic utterance that he struggled to catch.

Was she addressing him? Had she known all along of his silent surveillance from the rooftops?

Bound to the memories of his ancestor, Callum felt both a spectator and a participant in the unfolding scene. He was powerless, merely an observer in Leopold's shoes.

There was a moment, a brief pause in time, where the world seemed to stand still. The weight of Kasen's stare was palpable, and as the seconds ticked by, the air thickened with anticipation. Then, breaking the silence, she spoke.

The woman's voice carried a soft, melodic quality, imbuing the surrounding atmosphere with tranquility.

"The evening has quite the charm tonight, doesn't it?"

She spoke with a feathery lightness, as if attempting casual conversation with Leopold. Either she was oblivious to the palpable tension, or she was adept at masking her true feelings.

In any other situation, her comment might have seemed out of place. However, Leopold, ever the embodiment of composure, mirrored the demeanor of his forebears.

With a silent grace, Leopold descended from his vantage point, landing gracefully mere steps away from her.

She remained unflinching, only lifting her gaze to meet Leopold's with an inquisitive look. There was a brief pause, where she seemed to be piecing together his sudden presence.

Once the brief interlude faded, her eyes locked onto Leopold's, her head tilting slightly, a subtle grin playing on her lips.

"Kasen," Leopold began, his voice carrying an urgency, "I've come with a warning."

Upon alighting in front of the woman, Leopold uttered a name with both familiarity and concern.

Kasen Ibaraki, looking at him with a glint of recognition, responded with a slight smile. The tension between them momentarily dissipated.

Leopold continued, his voice strained with urgency, "You've been marked. Onmyoji from the Imperial Court are on your trail."

Kasen's demeanor shifted. While not entirely surprised by Leopold's revelation, the sincerity in his eyes and the gravity of his words made her smile vanish, replaced by a look of mild alarm.

Just as Leopold was about to elaborate, Kasen interjected.

"Why would they want me?"

Her query was gentle, but her voice held an undeniable command.

"The both of us, already know the answer to that,"Leopold observed, his tone carrying the weight of his words.

Kasen Ibaraki's eyes darkened, a flicker of stormy emotion passing through them.

Fully aware of the looming threat she faced, and perhaps a bit irked by Leopold's roundabout way of bringing it up, her demeanor shifted from contemplative to action-oriented.

With her elegant yet powerful stride, she started moving, the rustle of her attire barely audible. The ambient light danced across her form, casting fleeting shadows on the pathway.

"We have to move," she remarked, her voice echoing a mix of urgency and determination.

With a gesture of her hand, she signaled Leopold to follow, ensuring their pace was brisk, with purpose driving every step.

As the two ventured out into the alleyway, the vibrant and lively streets were adorned with colorful lanterns that swayed in the gentle breeze, casting a warm glow over the festivities. Stalls lined the sides, offering a variety of treats, from skewered meats to sweet pastries. Children ran about with sparklers, their faces painted with joy, while dancers moved gracefully to the rhythm of traditional drums.

Both Kasen and Leopold, ever perceptive, seemed to flow seamlessly within the crowd, their movements natural and inconspicuous. Every now and then, Ibaraki exchange pleasantries with familiar faces or share a quick laugh, making it seem like she was just another reveler enjoying the festivities.

Leopold, following her lead, adjusted his posture and demeanor to fit in. The celebratory atmosphere provided a welcome distraction for those who might be looking for them, and every moment they spent lost in the crowd was another moment they were safe from prying eyes.

Leopold's sharp instincts picked up on a figure lurking in the periphery, shadowing them from a distance amidst the crowd.

Suddenly, Leopold noticed their pursuer making a swift exit in the opposite direction.

"They've seen us," he whispered urgently to Kasen.

Kasen's sharp eyes caught the fleeting movement as well. Without hesitation, she pivoted, guiding Leopold through the crowd, her steps swift and sure. The idea was simple: use the throngs of people to vanish from their pursuer's sight and then reimmerse themselves in the ongoing celebrations.

Yet, as they navigated through the crowd, a different sensation enveloped Kasen. A palpable, divine energy resonated in the air around them, its intensity increasing with every heartbeat. Onmyoji were near, and their potent magic was unmistakable.

Quickening her pace even more, Kasen led Leopold through winding paths, their every step a dance of evasion. An imminent threat loomed, making each moment crucial.

In the heart of the commotion, Leopold's sharp gaze caught the distinct features of the eboshi headgear and kariginu robes, trademarks of the Onmyoji. From every corner, they seemed to be closing in on their position.

Feeling the escalating tension in the air, Kasen whispered with palpable urgency, "We need to act fast."

With quick thinking, Leopold delved into his possessions, producing a hefty pouch brimming with gold coins. With a swift toss, he scattered them, sending coins gleaming and bouncing everywhere. Like bees to honey, the crowd was instantly drawn to the glinting gold, erupting into a frenzied scramble.

Spotting their window of opportunity amidst the chaos, Kasen urgently motioned, "Follow me!" She led Leopold deftly through the throng, using the bedlam as cover to meld seamlessly into the festival's shadows.

With the crowd engrossed in the gold coin frenzy, their escape went unnoticed. Swiftly, they wove through the streets, leaving behind the jubilant sounds of the festival, which gradually gave way to the foreboding quiet of a looming chase.

As Leopold and Kasen darted through the labyrinthine streets, a sudden flurry of paper ofuda manifested from the ether, weaving a shimmering, impenetrable barrier around them.

The two halted abruptly, their path obstructed. The distant, yet rapidly approaching, cacophony of footsteps hinted at their pursuers closing in.

"Merde..."

Leopold muttered, his heart racing and eyes darting, searching for an escape route within the confines of the magical snare.

Their predicament became even more dire as the shadows of multiple Onmyoji began to materialize around them. The hunters had effectively cornered their prey, their intent evident in their steely gazes.

"Why are you after us?" Leopold challenged, his voice echoing in the constrained space.

Emerging from the assembly of Onmyoji, a figure with a particularly potent aura stepped forth. "It's the decree of the Imperial Court," he declared, his voice firm. "The Hermit beside you has been leaking secrets regarding our Ishin Shishi. And anyone aiding the Shogunate is deemed an enemy by the Emperor."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in, then added, "Surrender now, or prepare for the consequences." His piercing gaze locked onto Leopold's, and the atmosphere became even more chilling. The potent energy from the Onmyoji seemed to vibrate the very earth they stood on.

"Emmerde..."

Kasen Ibaraki glanced at Leopold with a hint of confusion, her expression unwavering despite the looming menace of the Onmyoji.

Leopold's demeanor made it clear that he recognized their disadvantage.

The once vibrant sounds of the village's festivities seemed to fade, replaced by an eerie silence.

"Come with us peacefully, or we will be forced to use more aggressive methods of persuasion," the Onmyoji continued, his tone still calm and authoritative.

Kasen, with steely determination, moved to stand protectively in front of Leopold, confronting the encroaching Onmyoji directly.

She held her ground, eyes unwaveringly locked onto the chief Onmyoji's. "I don't take orders from the Imperial Court," she declared with firm resolution.

A smirk of contempt played on the onmyoji's lips. "Such audacity for a hermit. We serve powers much grander than what you can fathom. Your desires are of no consequence here." His tone was dripping with condescension, emphasizing the gravity of his position.

Growing visibly vexed, the onmyoji's voice took on a sharper edge. "I have no patience for this trifling. Relinquish your stance now, or face the consequences." His gaze shifted momentarily to Leopold, a cold, commanding challenge in his eyes.

Unperturbed, the Onmyoji began a chilling countdown. "One... two..." His voice echoed ominously, each number amplifying the tension in the air.

"Three..."

As the final count echoed ominously, ethereal chains sprang forth from the ground, ensnaring Kasen and Leopold. They wrapped tightly around their limbs, pulling them closer together and immobilizing them completely. The metallic clinking of the chains mixed with the distant sounds of the festival, creating a stark contrast between celebration and their present predicament.

With a smug look, the Onmyoji surveyed Leopold and Kasen Ibaraki, now bound in chains.

"See? Was that truly so difficult?" he mused, his voice dripping with condescension. He acted as if the entire ordeal had been a trivial game, and their resistance, a mere tantrum.

Leopold responded with a fierce snarl, hurling French expletives at the Onmyoji.

However, the Onmyoji remained unflappable, barely acknowledging the foreign words. His gaze shifted to Kasen Ibaraki, an unyielding certainty in his eyes.

"Your allegiance or dissent regarding the Imperial Court is inconsequential," he declared coldly. "What's paramount is that you will accompany us, willingly or otherwise."

His words were not merely a statement but an ultimatum, signaling he had no patience left for Kasen Ibaraki's insubordination.

Suddenly, with an aura of raw power, Kasen Ibaraki shattered the chains that bound her, revealing her formidable strength.

The Onmyoji, usually so composed, showed a momentary lapse in his facade, his eyes widening in shock at her unexpected display of might.

Kasen's countenance remained unyielding, her eyes filled with fierce determination. "I owe no allegiance to Emperor Kōmei or the Imperial Court of Kyoto," she declared resolutely. "I am my own master."

To further accentuate her point, she undid her hair buns, revealing the sharp, unmistakable horns of an oni, embedded firmly in her skull.

The Onmyoji took a step back, clearly unprepared for this revelation. The horns, a symbol of power and might, were hidden cleverly beneath her hair, a testament to her ability to blend in and yet stand apart.

Gazing intently at the Onmyoji, Kasen Ibaraki's voice was unwavering. "I tread a path distinct from others. You seek to restrain a being of my stature? It's a fruitless endeavor."

Her declaration was not only a warning to the Onmyoji but also a testament to her identity and strength as an oni, a force the Onmyoji had clearly underestimated.

In the face of Kasen Ibaraki's formidable power, the Onmyoji hesitated, their earlier confidence replaced by uncertainty. The charged atmosphere grew thick with anticipation, with each party gauging the other's next move.

But as the reality of the situation settled in, the Onmyoji, recognizing the disparity in their abilities, chose to withdraw. Their exit was marked by a mix of relief and begrudging respect, acknowledging the sheer might of the Oni before them.

With their departure, Kasen Ibaraki shifted her focus to Leopold, her gaze intense yet unreadable, pondering their next course of action.

Amidst the settling dust, Leopold panted, trying to regain his composure after their narrow escape. Across from him stood Kasen Ibaraki, still transformed, her oni visage accentuated by her prominently displayed horns.

To Leopold, her poise seemed unshaken, as if the skirmish with the Onmyoji was merely a trivial episode. Yet beneath her serene exterior, a glint of triumph could be discerned.

Savoring the momentary victory, she addressed Leopold with a blend of camaraderie and mild amusement. "Witnessing the might of an oni firsthand is quite an experience, isn't it?"

She paused, allowing her words to sink in, before adding, "My horns, though hidden for discretion, are a mark of my identity, my strength."

Leopold, still grappling with the adrenaline rush, could only imagine how formidable her full Oni form might appear without the guise of her buns. She continued, "In my eyes, these horns are not just a mark of power, but also of beauty."

Kasen Ibaraki reached out, her strong fingers wrapping around Leopold's arm to hoist him up. As he regained his footing, the distinct silhouette of her horns stood proud against the dimming sky, no longer concealed by her hair buns.

A calm settled over Kasen post-battle, and her voice, previously edged with determination, now bore a hint of vulnerability. "I've never shown this side of me to anyone."

The trust in her eyes was evident as they locked onto Leopold's.

"People see the hermit, the outsider with hidden horns. They seldom try to understand," she admitted, a hint of melancholy in her voice. In her true Oni form, every word she spoke seemed to resonate deeper, "But with you, I feel... seen. Truly seen."

Interrupting their moment, Leopold, his voice laced with urgency, said, "We can share more later. Right now, we need to escape."

Kasen's lips curled into a brief, understanding smile. "You're right," she responded, her gaze scanning their surroundings, her horns catching the last rays of the setting sun. "Let's move. We can't risk another encounter."