Jack’s view from the watchtower only confirmed the paddy fields to be empty. To the east, the mill was a burnt-out shell, smoke curling into the sky like a black snake. What little remained of the bridge was impassable, just a few charred stubs poking out of the water. Otherwise, there wasn’t a single soul in sight. The mountain approach to the north was equally bereft of life.

Spotting Neko enter the square, Jack asked Miyuki, ‘What about the forest?’

Miyuki caught Neko’s attention and signed to her. ‘Neko says the forest is clear too.’

In the village below, the farmers began downing weapons and disbanding their units. Even Yuudai’s men abandoned their post to join the others in the square to celebrate Akuma’s departure.

Toge stood upon the farmhouse veranda with Yoshi. He called up to Jack, ‘Can you see Akuma anywhere?’

‘No, but –’

The farmers’ shouts of delight drowned him out before he could voice his doubts.

Toge now addressed the villagers. ‘Thanks to the young samurai and your bravery, we’re free of Black Moon!’

More cheers and cries filled the square. Up in the watchtower, Jack shook his head, unconvinced. ‘Akuma wouldn’t up and leave like this.’

‘Perhaps the shame of defeat was too bitter a pill for him to swallow,’ Yori suggested.

‘Or else, as Toge said, he’s decided to attack an easier target,’ said Miyuki.

‘Akuma’s cunning. He knows the farmers are tired – they’re desperate to believe him gone,’ Jack insisted. ‘He’s simply waiting for us to lower our guard like this.’

‘But the bandits can’t appear from nowhere,’ argued Yori.

Jack hunted the landscape for their enemy and saw only snow. He kept searching …

With each passing moment, Jack’s conviction wavered. Perhaps Akuma had really gone.

The sun rose fully above the horizon, its golden light heralding a new day and banishing all the fears of the previous night. With the battle seemingly over, Jack was suddenly overwhelmed with exhaustion.

‘Since Akuma’s not here – for now – we should rest,’ said Jack. ‘But we must remain vigilant.’

‘I’ll take the first watch,’ Miyuki offered, just as reluctant as Jack to believe Akuma had gone for good.

Too tired to protest, Jack nodded his agreement and ushered Yori down the ladder. He was just about to follow when his eye caught a flicker of movement. He stopped and stared at the nearest paddy field. There was nothing but snowdrifts. Convincing himself he was just burnt out and seeing things, Jack stepped on to the ladder.

Then he heard an ominous rumbling in the distance.

At the same time, Miyuki yelled, ‘Bandits to the north!’

Jack spun to see a massive boulder thundering down the valley. It had been dislodged from the rocky ridge and now careered towards the barricade. Chasing behind it, five bandits charged along on horseback, Sayomi riding upon the ridge above.