[ IP ] The Fisherman

`` It's time, Kento.'' 
 
 `` Eh? Who said that? Where are you?'' 
 
 After a moment, Kento's gaze landed on the bird in front of him. Birds such as these had been his constant companions for the 50 years he'd fished these waters, always eager to gobble up some fish guts, or swipe a piece of bait. This bird was different, however. The bird stood still; was not glancing over it's shoulder at every noise. 
 
 `` It's time'' the bird repeated. 
 
 Kento considered this development for long minutes. One benefit of being a life-long fisherman, you learn patience. Finally, `` Are you the God of the River or of the Birds?'' 
 
 The bird seemed amused by this question. `` Why does that matter to you?'' 
 
 `` I suppose it does n't really. You tell me that it's time, which I assume means that I'm about to die, or perhaps I am already dead. Whatever lies next for me, I should n't worry, for it's too late for me to change my fate. However, I think that, if the choice could be mine, I would prefer to be met by the God of the Birds.'' 
 
 `` Can you tell me why you feel that way, Kento?'' 
 
 `` Many men have fished this river before me, and many more will do so after I am gone. To the River God, I am no more special than any of these other men. However, I feel a kinship with the birds. Where other fishermen shoo these birds away, worried about losing their catch, I am always happy to share my catch with them. Happy to clean a few fish before it's necessary, so that the birds may enjoy some entrails. I even look away when a few brave souls snack on my bait. I would hope that I might be a man of note to the Bird God, because of my actions.'' 
 
 The bird cocked it's head and ruffled it's feathers in a manner that was somehow pleasing to Kento; he felt a weight lifted from his old, tired bones. `` It's true that you have been a friend to the birds, Kento. Were I the Bird God, you would undoubtedly be in my favor. However, you would also be in the favor of the River God as well, I think. Never did you catch more than you needed, and always did you treat the river with respect.'' 
 
 `` So you are neither the River God nor the Bird God?'' Kento felt himself lifting off his stool. 
 
 `` No, Kento. I am the God of Fishermen.'' 
 
 `` There is no God of Fishermen.'' A blinding light enveloped Kento. 
 
 `` There is now.''
