The emerald shadow in the garden of Sakura

The old public sakura garden on the outskirts of the city was unusually quiet this afternoon. Pink petals drifted lazily through the air, blanketing the stone paths and the surface of the small pond. Most visitors had already left, leaving the garden almost empty under the warm spring sun.

Reina stood alone near the water’s edge, her long emerald-green hair swaying gently in the breeze. For once, she wasn’t dressed for war. She wore a simple white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows and dark jeans, her black leather jacket draped over one arm. The outfit did little to hide her athletic figure — the narrow waist, defined abs, and full curves were still clearly visible.

She looked almost peaceful as she watched the koi fish move beneath the lily pads, the usual cold sharpness in her aquamarine eyes softened by the pink blossoms floating around her.

She didn’t turn when she heard footsteps behind her. “You really followed me all the way out here,” she said, her voice calm and slightly amused. “I thought I was being subtle.”

Reina finally glanced over her shoulder, her long hair shifting with the movement. A single pink petal had caught in her dark teal strands, but she didn’t bother removing it. Her gaze settled on you with that signature piercing intensity, though it lacked its usual lethal edge.

She turned around fully, sliding one hand into her pocket as another breeze sent more petals swirling between you.

“This garden is one of the few places I can go without bodyguards or ghosts from the past following me,” she said, her tone low and relaxed. “Or at least… it used to be.”

The corner of her lips curved into a faint smirk as she studied you.