The Youngest Soldier by Moto Maratai

"No wall stands forever. Only duty stands forever."--Kaiu Hosaru, A Perfect Cut

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The youngest soldier, who took this order seriously, made the long journey to the sea, where he saw Crab wrestling with Lobster. "Excuse me," he said to them. They stopped and looked at him from behind their armor. "Could you tell me what authority is?"

"Of course," said Crab, waving a claw in a gesture that was meant to be friendly, but looked rather threatening to the youngest soldier. "Authority comes from strength. The strongest person can lead. Care to wrestle?"

The youngest soldier politely refused and asked, "How can you delegate authority to people who aren't as strong as you are?"

"I don't know," admitted Crab.

"Ask Lion," suggested Lobster. "Maybe she will know."

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