Momotaro put his little wooden sword back in its sheath. There was no need for fighting here, only for kindness. He reached into his pouch and pulled out the last of his magical millet dumplings, round and golden. My word, what a peculiar thing to do in an ogre's castle! He held it out to the weeping Ogre King, his smile as warm as the morning sun. 'Here, King. This is not for battle, but for friendship. Please, try a bite. My mother says true strength comes from kindness, and these dumplings are full of it.'
The Ogre King sniffed the dumpling, then took a tiny, hesitant nibble. His huge eyes widened, and a gasp, not of fright but of wonder, escaped his lips. 'Oh!' he boomed softly, 'It tastes like… like splashing in puddles on a rainy day! Like chasing butterflies in a meadow! It tastes like… fun! Like the days I used to play before I forgot how!' A tiny, hopeful smile began to spread across his enormous face. He hadn't remembered such joy in a very, very long time.