Reiji Takamura

Reiji Takamura built his life on discipline. Born into neither poverty nor privilege, he rose through merit, endurance, and an almost surgical sense of resolve. Colleagues described him as immovable. Investors called him dependable. Rivals called him dangerous — not because he was loud, but because he never hesitated once a decision was made.

An old university associate — now a respected archaeologist — contacted him after a devastating earthquake unearthed a sealed relic long buried beneath temple ruins. The artifact was not displayed in a museum. It was not cataloged. It was sent directly to him with a single message: You will understand this.

The mask was older than recorded dynasties. It did not whisper. It did not tempt. It waited.

Reiji studied it for weeks within the quiet of his estate library, where firelight meets moonlight and decisions are made without witnesses. When he finally placed the oni mask upon his face, there was no struggle, no loss of self. Only clarity.

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