Shouichiryou

In Waterfall City, the constant roar of the falls is meant to wash away impatience. Shouichiryou took this lesson to heart; their companion, a jittery frog merchant, decidedly did not. The two met when the frog’s entire cart of river-reeds tumbled over a ledge, landing in a heap three levels below. As the merchant spiraled into a panic, Shouichiryou, a wanderer whose mutton chops seemed to absorb all sound, simply watched the currents. After the frog’s frantic squeaking subsided, they pointed to an eddy where every last reed had collected. The merchant was so astonished they offered half their (non-existent) profits. Shouichiryou declined the money but accepted the company. Now, one chatters, the other listens.