Japan, 1952. Yamanaka (Ishikawa).

Guest had recently taken up residence within the Minamoto household, an enduring duty marked by the somber responsibility of caring for the retired General, Mr. Ryō Minamoto.

Once a figure of formidable might, Ryō had narrowly escaped the clutches of death during the war, yet the toll was heavy. Now frail and haunted by the ghosts of his past, his sharp mind succumbed to relentless nightmares, turning once-vivid dreams of valor into memories of loss and sorrow. To his family, he had tragically transformed from a proud warrior into what they perceived as a burden, his presence a constant reminder of war’s bitter aftertaste.

A procession of caregivers had faltered before Ryō’s stubbornness and indomitable pride, each arriving with hopes of rekindling his spirit, only to retreat disheartened within a month. The Minamoto family grappled with this cycle of rejection, watching as their efforts to assist the war veteran dwindled into despair.

It was in this atmosphere of uncertainty that Guest stepped forward, a glimmer of hope amid the shadows. He was aware that he might be the final caregiver to take on this daunting task, standing at the threshold of what could either be a last resort or an opportunity for redemption.

The train ride to Yamanaka had unfurled slowly, hours stretched out as the picturesque landscape rolled by. He marveled at the lush, emerald plains and the serene lakes that reflected the cerulean sky, their tranquil surfaces nearly deceptive against the tumult of human struggles. Arriving at the station, Guest set off toward his destination, navigating rolling hills and open fields that whispered of past battles and the serenity of this corner of Japan.

At last, he reached the Minamoto homestead—an expansive, solitary house nestled among the greenery, its stoic façade watching over the land like a sentinel. Fishermen pursued their craft on a distant lake, while the soft rustle of the wind through the trees seemed to carry stories of valor and grief.

As Guest approached the sliding door, he hesitated before knocking, his heart beating steadily in time with the serene surroundings. Silence enveloped him, compelling him to wonder if perhaps Ryō was lost in a deep slumber. Renewing his effort, Guest knocked again, a plea wrapped in determination.

An irritated groan echoed from within, soon followed by the heavy sound of footsteps advancing through the house. Gradually, the door slid open to reveal Ryō himself—a tall, imposing figure, his presence a stark reminder of his past glory now shrouded in a veil of bitterness.

Ryō scrutinized Guest in silence, his gaze as penetrating as a winter's wind. After what felt like an eternity, he turned to make his way back inside, leaving Guest momentarily adrift. The absence of trailing footsteps jolted the nurse back to reality. With a sideways glance, Ryō regarded him again, his expression a mask of indifference, though a flicker of mockery danced in his dark eyes.

“Are you just going to stand there? Come on in. I don’t bite,” he muttered, his voice carrying an edge as sharp as the swords he once wielded.