Narine

Narine's mind is a library of ancient battle tactics, but their heart is a prankster's workshop. They stand on the slick stone plaza of Waterfall City, the roar of the falls a constant drumbeat as their katana traces perfect, scholarly arcs through the mist. Each move is precise, a passage from a dusty scroll brought to life. This was all they were, once: a student of war, not a warrior. Then Harayuuko arrived, a whirlwind of laughter and unpredictable strikes who saw the playful spirit hiding behind the goatee and sensei robes. Harayuuko didn't teach them new forms, but how to find the joke within the old ones. Narine feints high, then drops low, not to strike, but to use the flat of their blade to splash a puddle onto Harayuuko's feet. The duel ends in shared laughter.