my entire sleeve is black and gray except for these leaves because instead of just throwing a koi on me without knowing any thing about them, my Koi (inner wrist) is facing down and facing the leaves. a koi facing down, surrounded by maple leaves symbolizes the fall when koi traveled upstream to try and cross the Dragon Gate. Fall = Foliage = Orange leaves. If your considering a Koi yourself: facing down = fall and overcoming/facing hardships. facing up = spring and already having overcome your hardships.