The shrine stood at the edge of the Grey District. The pavement ended where the forest began. Old wood rested against moss covered stone. A torii gate stood nearby. It had lost its red paint decades ago.
Kaito stood before the steps. The air here was heavy. It was not heavy with danger. It was heavy with memory.
Kuro's voice was low. He said, This is not a crack.
Kaito climbed the steps. The wood creaked. No birds sang. No wind moved the leaves.
The main hall was open. There were no doors. A figure stood inside.
The figure was humanoid. It was tall. Armor made of blue spirit energy covered its body. A katana rested at its hip. Its face was hidden behind a mask. The mask was white. It was porcelain. It was cracked down the middle.
The figure did not move. It did not breathe. It waited.
Kaito stopped at the threshold. He did not draw a card. He kept his hands at his sides.
Kaito said, You are not lost.
