Wait a couple seconds after talking to the taru after he says the "owzie-wowzie" thing, he'll give you trials quest if your fame is high enough in that region or in the Tenshodo.
To get the trials just wait a couple seconds after the taru says "Owie-wowie, I hurt all over" granted you have high enough fame in that region...or Tenshodo.
Guy in my LS just got a different quest from this taru when he went to get a new fork. The taru kept saying the same thing over and over and over and over and, well, you get the idea... all I know is he kept mashing away and finally the taru gave him Trial by Fire...
Anyone else heard of this? experience this? know a better work around?