Kakita walked towards the waterfall... at a very different place mentally from the first day he arrived. But the world was cyclical... rhythms mattered to Kakita.

He found space near the bottom of the falls and began walking through his steps...

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OOC: Expecting

He wasn't alone. Black beady eyes watched from within a small alcove, alert to Kakita's every movement, silently judging each step and movement. The crow watched carefully, noting the change in the man's demeanor through his motions. The bird let out a series of sounds that might have passed for a chuckle.

Kakita stopped and smiled at the bird.

"Funny is it?"

The crow was silent for a moment, then took a few steps forward.

"I do find it amusing, yes."

Kakita smiled and nodded, "Perhaps you'd like to show me how it is done instead?"

He tilted his head, "Or would that mess with the illusion?"

"I'm far from an expert, I just recognize the old crow's handiwork when I see it."

The bird gave Kakita a pointed look. "You did well, but the fight is far from over."

He nodded, "'Grandfather' prepared me for this moment... And now I must prepare others for theirs. The days ahead are dark... but light guides us forward."

He asked, "Why is it you travel with Shinsei?"

"Shinsei does good work, and he'll have his part to play in what is coming, as will we all."

Crow mused for a few moments. "This is entirely different than previous iterations. Jigoku has gotten... creative. It has me worried."

Kakita nodded, "What more... can we do? Did you fight Jigoku the last time?"

"There's not much more that can be done, aside from finding the Thunders to fight against this new threat. Jigoku will always find a way to have its war."

Crow cawed softly. "I was there last time, but I am no fighter."

He nodded but questions ran through his mind, "I have heard faint rumors of these 'Thunders'... What are they?"

"Warriors, mostly. Some strong in mind or spirit over body, and fated, all of them, to fight against the darkness when the war starts."

"Can we not all be Thunders then?" He asked.

"An Empire of Thunders..."

Crow shook his head. "Only a select few champions can stand against Jigoku's champion. This is how it always is."

“I see… How do we find them?”

He paused, “I guess that’s the wrong question… How do they find themselves?”