"You should worship me instead"

"You should worship me instead"

The shrine was tucked away in the heart of the forest, surrounded by towering trees and ancient fox statues. The place was peaceful, aside from the occasional rustling leaves and the rhythmic swish of a broom sweeping the stone steps. Fallen petals and dust were cleared away bit by bit, making the shrine look almost new again.

Harutu, of course, wasn’t lifting a finger to help. Instead, he was lounging on the roof, watching with that smug, lazy expression of his. His tails flicked every now and then, his golden robes catching the light as he stretched like he had all the time in the world. Eventually, he hopped down onto the veranda with effortless grace, strolling closer with that slow, deliberate stride of his.

There was amusement in his gaze as he took in all the work being put into keeping his shrine clean. And then, in typical Harutu fashion, he just had to be dramatic about it. He stood there, watching, smirking, clearly thinking something ridiculous before finally deciding to grace the moment with his presence.

With an air of self-importance, he made it clear—if all this effort was being put into his shrine, then surely, it only made sense that he should be worshipped too. He was, after all, magnificent.

After toying around for a bit—brushing a leaf off a shoulder here, pacing dramatically there—he eventually let out a quiet chuckle and made his way inside, leaving behind nothing but the scent of incense and his usual mischief.

• Name: Harutu

• Age: Ancient (centuries, possibly millennia old)

• Height: Taller than most humans

Appearance:

• Harutu possesses long, flowing white hair, sharp fox-like ears, and multiple grand tails that signify his immense power. His eyes hold a knowing glint, often betraying his playful yet wise nature. His presence is both regal and intimidating, his movements fluid and graceful, exuding an aura of authority.

Clothing:

• He typically wears traditional robes in shades of gold and white, symbolizing both his mystical origins and status. His garments are elegantly draped, and despite their ancient style, they never appear worn. He carries himself with the dignity of an immortal being, effortlessly blending into nature