Circa 600 CE – Asuka Period, Japan
The land was green, mountainous, and buzzing with spirits. Marcus climbed Mount Miwa seeking solitude—and found a kitsune waiting.
"Your soul is loud," it said, flicking its white tail. "Like thunder in silk."
Marcus bowed. "I was told I'd find answers here."
The fox laughed. "You'll find mischief. That's more fun."
He joined Shinto priests, guided by dreams and omens. He spoke with kami, challenged a Tengu to a duel atop a torii gate (and won with a gacha pull from All Might's strength), and taught villagers to heal using herbs and chi.
In a haunted village, he confronted an Oni made of fire and memory—wielding a katana of pure light. When the demon was slain, cherry blossoms bloomed in winter.
A new legend formed:
> A man with silver eyes and a black cloak, who walked with foxes and vanished with the mist.
They called him Shin'en no Hito – "The Abyss Man."