Kikunoka

The Heart of the Forest has a saying: 'A song sung with a full mouth is truer than any scroll.' Kikunoka, who arrived with three ancient texts and a perfectly balanced katana, found this philosophy maddening. They came to study the unique properties of the amber-leaved trees, whose sap was fabled to enhance a blade's edge. They sought discipline, quiet reflection, and ancient knowledge. Instead, they found a permanent festival. The locals, obsessed with food and merriment, tried to trade their astronomical charts for berry tarts. Their meditation was interrupted by impromptu dance circles. The pink visor, meant for intense study, mostly just got smudged. They still wear the sensei robes, but now they always have a choc stick tucked in their cheek. It doesn't help them understand anyone, but it does get them invited to dinner.