Senkurou

Every morning before the first training bell rings across the lake, Senkurou leaves a single wild strawberry on the oldest sparring post. It is a quiet offering for another trainee, one whose fierce grace reminds Senkurou of the purposeful community they once saw Shokei-moji building from afar. A wanderer by nature and shy by temperament, Senkurou never felt they belonged among the dedicated. They practice their sword forms alone by the water’s edge, blush deepening if another chimp draws near. One morning, they arrived to find the other trainee waiting. They weren't looking at Senkurou, but at the strawberry, which they held out wordlessly, offering to share. These days, their sword isn't just for lonely adventures.