Homae

Every morning, as cold winds whistle through the high-altitude streets, Homae taps their carved cane on the flagstones. They don't walk to a training ground, but to a small ramen stall tucked between bamboo groves. Locals see the furious eyes and poker face and assume a fearsome warrior, but they misread the intensity. Homae once sought out the legendary Tora, begging to learn the shadow arts. But Tora, seeing a soul coiled too tight, taught them a different kind of forbidden magic: a quiet spell to maintain the perfect, unwavering simmer in a broth pot. 'The greatest battles are fought against the cold,' Tora had said. Now, Homae's fury is saved for noodles that are anything less than perfect, and their hat is a testament to the warmth they bring to the city.