The Master stood in front of the bridge, he was a thick-bearded old man with powerful aura and muscular features.

Before him, stood his pupil: a gruff-looking, energetic youth.

The Master said, "If the first proposition that you said is true, then you'll be allowed to cross the bridge. If it's false, I'll have to throw you into the water."

"You're going to throw me into the water."

...and the Master accelerated towards the pupil and before he could react, lifted his body over the shoulders and flung him towards the river; causing loud splashes everywhere.

His pupil complained as he tried to keep himself from being swept by the currents, "Since I said the truth, why didn't you allow me to cross the bridge and threw me instead?"

"Truth? What nonsense! You said something that may and may not happen in the future." the Master spoke in a solemn voice, "...and no one can claim to know what the future holds. Therefore, your proposition is false!"

The pupil was sulking as he swam back to the ground, "...but it ended up being the truth, isn't it?"

"It didn't happen when you first said it, you whippersnapper. If you said: I may or may not be thrown into the water, I will still let you cross. Or if you said, at this moment--I was thrown into the water, it's also true.

If you just said your name, you may cross as well—why must bother trying to play smart when the answer is so simple?"

"...sticking to the simple things is boring! What will I learn if I just go for the obvious? It's not like you'll give me that advice if I just tell my name...besides how will you know if my name is real?"

"I have your birth certificate. If you think it's false--we can go to the police."

The pupil shrugged his shoulders and while sighing many times, he went back with the old man. Droplets of water permeating from his cloth seem to signify his tears of humiliation.

'Just you wait, old man—one day I will outsmart you!'

"One thing, you brat."

"Yes, Master?"

"It's not like you can't cross the bridge without my approval. I have no proof of owning it."

"How would I know?"

"I never forbid you from asking questions," the old man paused for a bit, before smiling smugly, "Not like I'd give my honest answers, hahaha!"

"Ugh..."

'This shameless old man!'

The youth kept on grumbling before his master cooked him sliced salmon, fried tofu and vegetable soup. It also had the side dish of grass jelly and green tea.

The geezer laughed so hard at the youth's instant submission in front of delicious food, while thinking of various ways to prank him next time.

Shortly after, he let out the last sigh while tidying up the kitchen.

'Instead of pondering useless things, when will you learn to look after yourself?'