HOSI NO MAKIMONO Twenty-Fifth Release: "[GUILTY] - Crimson Upon the Hands of the Innocent" There are no lyrics for this song. Instead, I invite you to listen closely and share with me what kind of story it is able to paint for you with instruments alone. [GUILTY] will legitimately be my last song for a while in all likelihood, as Suno's new "remixing" system has made my usual workflow uncomfortably tedious. That doesn't mean I'll be abandoning the remainder of my plans for the album these songs belong to, but with these changes alongside other personal priorities, this will likely mark a hiatus of some significant time. Though I can't say I enjoyed the process of making it, I do find it to be an enjoyable song nonetheless. This song seeks to portray the story of one who has been caught with their hands stained blood-red. An unmistakable, indisputable sign of guilt... or is it really? Such is naturally what most would agree. But what if the guilty party, despite their irrefutable crime, was undeniably in the right? They welded the knife with the noblest intentions, or so they claim. Their actions were guided by the pure, selfless goodwill of their heart, and the only consequences that came of them were ones of moral good. Rather than being branded a criminal, they ask that you name them as a hero. Ridiculous as it sounds, perhaps there may be some sliver of truth to their words, against all odds? Though their eyes are hollow, their face devoid of even a hint of a smile, there is an unmistakable gentleness and sincerity behind them. A firm resolve in the righteousness of their actions. Yet you have not the luxury of time to ponder this, for the "hero" is far from done with their work. Many have been saved, yet dozens more are still in need of their succor — and such noble work demands the most utmost secrecy. Thus do you now become the next to receive of their blade of justice. Run as far as you can, but the chase is an exercise in futility. The benevolent hand shall inevitably reach all equally, no matter the method or location. With a sharp pain, the warmth spreading through your body before all slowly goes cold, they leave you with this final message: "Look out for the others for me. I'll be joining you all soon." I hope that [GUILTY] was able to convey the noble efforts of this sincere and innocent soul to you, and bring you some small sliver of enjoyment in the process. Please stay tuned for future releases, whenever they may be.