Reflections of a Distant Flame

The underground quarters were unusually quiet, save for the faint hum of machinery filtering through the walls. Tobi sat in the dimly lit lounge, his thoughts weighed down by the decisions ahead. Across from him, Moritaka leaned back in his chair, his blade resting beside him.

It was a rare moment of stillness in their whirlwind of missions and escalating tensions, and Tobi felt the growing need to address something that had been gnawing at him for weeks.

"Moritaka," he said, breaking the silence. His voice was steady but carried a tinge of hesitation.

Moritaka opened one eye, his expression unreadable. "Hmm?"

"Have you heard anything… anything at all about Hiki?"

Moritaka straightened, his dark eyes locking onto Tobi. "Why ask now?"