Kiyosumi

The self-declared Guardian of Proper Bearing, Kiyosumi patrols the slick stone stairs that connect the lower fishing docks to the upper city. They insist the wisdom of the great teacher Shujin applies to everything, especially posture. Yesterday, they stopped a young merchant hauling a basket of flapping fish. “Your spine must be a pillar against the waterfall’s roar!” Kiyosumi declared, their kabuki-painted face a mask of profound seriousness. To demonstrate, they took the basket, twirled their combat pole for balance, and ascended with the grace of a stage performer. The performance was flawless until the very top step, where their beret, heavy with mist, tipped over their eyes. The resulting stumble sent the entire basket tumbling into the plaza’s great fish statue, where it perched perfectly on its head.