This animation set explores the internal conflict of a young samurai—someone burdened with a role he didn’t choose yet determined to carry it out. I wanted the weight of the sword and the emotion behind his movement to tell that story.
His idle stance is heavy, reluctant, and uncertain—his body language and facial expression hint that he doesn’t truly want to hold the sword but feels he must. In contrast, the run carries a quiet conviction; he’s pushing forward despite fear. That emotional duality, hesitation and courage, was something I focused on throughout the cycle.