Hashine

The fishers down by the lower docks claim Hashine never meant to sell a single stone. They were a sculptor, content using their earth-sense to find unique river rocks and polish them into smooth, silent companions. Then their rival, Kazuka, dismissed their art as ‘playing with pebbles.’ Spurred by pride, Hashine set up a tiny stall with a single, perfect stone. It sold instantly. So did the next. Now they're a merchant prince, wearing a CEO's suit that always feels like a costume, overseeing deals from a shop overlooking the city's main plaza. They despise haggling, but the permanent scowl on Kazuka's face makes it all worthwhile. The tactical goggles remain, a dusty link to a simpler life they accidentally traded for victory.