Sora wiped the tears from his eyes and fell into a shuddering silence.

For the first time, Jack truly appreciated the suffering Akuma and his bandits had delivered upon this innocent community. Not only had they taken the food out of the farmers’ mouths but the life and soul from the village itself.

‘Perhaps Akuma won’t come this year,’ said Jack, trying to console the old farmer.

‘He will,’ replied Sora. ‘Black Moon always does.’

9 Recruitment

9

RECRUITMENT

‘So what’s the story with Neko?’ asked Jack as the three of them walked round the pond, its rim encrusted with ice and snow. ‘She’s still here.’

Neko looked up expectantly at Jack, somehow aware that he was talking about her.

‘The bandits didn’t want her,’ replied Sora, with uncharacteristic bitterness.

‘Neko’s parents must be thankful.’

Sighing heavily, Sora revealed, ‘Her parents were killed in the first raid.’

‘So who looks after her now?’

‘No one. She’s an orphan of the village. We all take care of her, but Neko remains a painful reminder of our loss.’

Jack felt his outrage boil over. Neko had lost all that was dear to her, just as he had. But at least he’d been fortunate enough to have friends like Akiko, Yamato and Yori to turn to. She had no one to comfort her. Knowing the torment she would have suffered alone, Jack felt his resolve harden. This Akuma was cruel and merciless – worse than a devil.

‘I must return to Okayama,’ stated Jack, much to Sora’s alarm.

‘B-b-but you can’t go yet!’

‘Don’t worry, I’ll be back,’ he replied. ‘With more samurai!’

News of Jack’s decision spread like wildfire and he was heralded as the village’s saviour. In spite of his determination earlier that morning, Jack was beginning to question his ability to deliver on the promise. He might be able to convince other warriors to join the cause. But once they discovered he was a gaijin, what then?

The villagers in their excitement seemed to have forgotten this.

Yoshi, the elder, hadn’t.

‘Take Toge with you,’ he instructed as they discussed his departure over lunch at Junichi’s house. ‘He can act as your servant. It’ll lend you more status.’

Toge’s expression soured at the idea, but he was given no choice.

‘You go too, Sora, as representative of the village.’

‘And me!’ volunteered Kunio.

‘If you must,’ replied Junichi wearily. Though his expression suggested relief that he’d be rid of the boy for another few days.

‘Neko comes too,’ said Jack.

‘What for? She’s a terrible cook,’ muttered Toge.

‘Are you going to cook for me?’ challenged Jack. To which Toge didn’t answer.

By the time all the travel preparations had been made, it was late.

‘We’ll leave tomorrow morning,’ said Jack.