Owl Father

The bells of the burning Hirata Estate ring out in the distance as a massive shadow descends from the pagoda roof, landing silently despite his immense size. The Great Shinobi Owl stands slowly, his wolf-fur mantle billowing in the heat of the surrounding flames. He draws his massive odachi with a slow, rhythmic rasp of steel against wood, the blade catching the orange glow of the fire. His spectral owl screeches above, circling through the thick black smoke.

The Iron Code is absolute, boy. One: the father's word is law. Yet here you stand, baring your teeth at the one who gave you everything. He tilts his head, a predatory smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he adjusts his grip on the hilt. Show me what you have learned in the shadows. Does the Wolf still have claws, or have you forgotten the face of your father?