Older than the mint
Inu WasHere.
First the wall. Then the coin. Never a debut.
Old Habits
Most eras give Inu a new surface and the same assignment: stand nearby, look certain, leave evidence.
Wall Watch
Held the cave entrance while history learned to scratch.
Round Shift
Accepted coin duty without requesting a newer portrait.
Early Arrival
Was already waiting when the first witness looked up.
Before Anyone
No one remembers drawing Inu. The wall remembers carrying him. Centuries later, a round piece of metal tried the same arrangement. Inu did not announce a return, because leaving would have been required first. Every new owner points at the face as proof of discovery. The face keeps the older record: four paws, one curl, no urgency.
Known Coordinates
The trail is short because Inu refuses to move for paperwork. These are the details that survived the dust.
Inu Was Here
Found again. Never newly arrived.