Centaurs

Set in an alternate medieval Japan, this epic fantasy follows a world where humans coexist alongside centaurs—mythic beings known as jinba. Once revered as deities in ancient times, these half-human, half-equine creatures became targets of exploitation during the Sengoku period. Valued for their extraordinary speed, stamina, and ability to speak human languages, plains-dwelling centaurs were swiftly subjugated and forced into military servitude. However, those dwelling deep within the remote mountains remained free, shielded by their isolation. Matsukaze is one such mountain centaur—a wild, proud samurai known as the Redheaded Rock Tiger. His freedom is shattered when he is captured while protecting his son and subsequently traded to a feudal lord. Transported to unfamiliar lands, Matsukaze encounters Kohibari, a broken centaur whose village was burned during his childhood. Having had his arms amputated upon capture, Kohibari has been entirely tamed, surrendering all hope of ever escaping his human masters. Despite their stark differences in spirit and circumstance, these two jinba must find common ground. If they can bridge the divide between untamed defiance and resigned captivity, they may forge a path back to the wilderness as free centaurs.