Greatwater Lake 湖

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before he nods slowly, his throat tight as he swallows down the bitter feeling gnawing at him. the question hangs in the air, and for a long moment, ryūjiro says nothing, the weight of his brother's words heavy in the space between them. there’s a quiet understanding in his eyes, but it’s the kind that feels more like a burden than a connection. he watches masa turn, his stance rigid as he moves with purpose, and the air around them shifts—there's no softness in his brother's resolve, no room for hesitation. the word transaction echoes in ryūjiro’s mind, a hollow ring to it, and yet he knows it’s the truth that runs between them, even if it cuts deeper than he'd like to admit. it’s always been that way, he mutters, his voice low, barely a whisper carried by the wind. and you will see it done.