Gutarou

When the freezing winds carried the Panda Council’s final warning through the bamboo-lined street, Gutarou simply requested another bowl of ramen from Masora. They had been cast out for this affliction—an insatiable hunger that violated the city's core tenets of discipline and control. Once destined for a high seat, they now lived by the steam of a noodle cart, a pariah in a ragged jumper and bowler hat. Masora, who should have turned away like everyone else, instead learned to read the purple sky for the perfect time to harvest river reeds for broth. As the guards closed in, Gutarou finished the last noodle, the intense focus in their eyes softening only when they met Masora’s gaze. One more bowl was their quiet rebellion.