Part 1: Nigeta the Salamander

Nigeta, a salamander who had lived for a time near the summit of Mount Muri, was busy cleaning the road that led to his new home near the base of the mountain. It was a nice house, made from some stones and soil that he had delivered from the summit when he used to live there. He very much took pleasure in maintaining his lovely home. He also enjoyed visits from passers by and, as he would often say, “We’re all friends, even if we’ve never met.”

Meanwhile, Gari and Aho were pausing to take a rest by the River Aruma, which was in full flow due to the snow melting from Mount Muri’s summit. Being a bit thirsty from their journey so far, Gari and Aho took a drink of water from their supplies. Gari, in particular, was quite parched and their water supplies were running low. “This water just has the best taste, don’t you think? When we run out, we’ll have to order some more, don’t you think?” Aho looked at him and asked, “Why don’t we just drink from the river?” With a shocked look to his face, Gari blurted out, “Drink from the river?!? Why, you would need to clean it first. We don’t have time for that!”

Watching this exchange, Nigeta smiled and thought to himself, “Wow, friends! I can invite them to my house and offer them my water. What a nice person I am.” With that, Nigeta made his way to Gari and Aho’s little camp.

“My, I couldn’t help but overhear that you were low on water. Do you know me? I’m Nigeta, I live at the base of Mount Muri. I love to help people when they need it. Can I help you in anyway? I have lots of fresh water for your journey to wherever it is you are going. Are you going somewhere?”

Aho watched Nigeta and Gari, who was sporting a very large grin as he spoke. “Oh thank you, Mr Nigeta,” said Gari, “Of course we have heard of you. You’re known for having a fine house built from stone and soil from the top of Mount Muri. How exciting! We would love to be helped by you!”

Aho silently watched as his friend Gari left Nigeta’s rocky hermitage.