Zoutarou

The Teikodian Empire has a saying: a still pond reflects the sky, but a clever fish knows what hides in the mud. Zoutarou’s opponent, all crimson silk and arrogance, saw only the pond. They saw the ridiculous fishing lure on Zoutarou’s head and the patient grip on their combat pole, and they saw bait. For ten minutes, they lunged and parried, growing sloppier with each attack. They never noticed how Zoutarou’s feet hadn’t shifted, anchoring them to the training grounds. Zoutarou arrived at the capital with nothing but that pole and a charming smile, learning quickly that true power here wasn't shouted, but whispered. As their rival charged one last time, Zoutarou simply pivoted. The pole tapped an ankle. That was all. The still pond had finally shown its depths.