Chijirou

The food vendors in The Heart of the Forest whisper that Chijirou wasn't born a scholar, but became one overnight. They say Mokuzai saw the forest's oldest truths reflected in their quiet eyes. The story is simpler, and harder. Chijirou was just a fisher, content with the river's pace, until they were gifted the Sensei robes. They wear them out of loyalty, but the weight of expectation makes them flinch. They carry their old fishing rod as a reminder of who they were, and sip strawberry milk to soothe a disquiet no one else can see. These days, they sit by the water, not watching the line, but the path leading out of the wilder woods. It's as if they're waiting for someone whose arrival will finally prove if the robes are an honor or a terrible mistake.