Shuuzaburou

There's an old saying down by the lower docks: 'The patient chimp catches the biggest fish, but the stillest chimp catches the lunch.' Shuuzaburou stood perfectly motionless on the rock-hewn steps connecting the sprawling lower town to the main city, a silent, masked protector. A small frog was attempting to scale their leg, its eyes fixed on the glistening piece of tuna resting inexplicably on their head. The sushi was a recent, and permanent, addition. During a vow of absolute stillness, a startled merchant’s entire tray went flying. One perfect piece of maguro landed squarely on their head. They did not flinch. They did not move until the mist from the falls kissed the plaza’s fish statue. By then, it was too late. The unamused expression beneath their mask deepened, and has not changed since.