Tsugiyoshi

Tsugiyoshi did not travel to The Heart of the Forest to gain a following. They went to find Monku, hoping the wise mentor could teach them how to soften their intimidating stare. The plan derailed at the first river. A slip, a splash, and a particularly determined salmon landed squarely on their head, refusing to budge. Tsugiyoshi's panicked attempts to dislodge it—flailing with their apple stick, hopping erratically—were witnessed by a group of foragers. They saw not a clumsy accident, but a master demonstrating a forgotten martial art, the 'Dance of the Upstream Soul.' Their pained grimace was hailed as a warrior's grin. By the time they finally stood before Monku, a small crowd followed, all trying to balance twigs on their heads. Monku just smiled. "Some burdens," they noted, "are thrust upon us."