Jack awoke at first light, fresh and more positive about his forthcoming mission. The weather also appeared to be in their favour. A bright winter sun shimmered across the crisp white carpet of the Okayama Plain and the main road was clearly visible, snaking its way towards the horizon.

All the villagers gathered in the square to wave them off. As the provisions were divided up between the party of five, Jack ensured Neko wasn’t overburdened this time.

‘Kunio!’ he called as the boy went for the smallest load. ‘This rice sack and cooking pot should be no trouble for a strong farmer like you.’

Not wanting to lose face in front of the other boys, Kunio smiled gamely.

‘No problem,’ he grunted, hauling the heavy iron pot along with the cumbersome sack on to his back. He staggered slightly, then followed Jack and the others out of the village.

Working their way past the snow-laden fields, the group crossed the bridge by the mill and soon left Tamagashi behind. Neko skipped merrily at Jack’s side, clearly delighted not to be treated as the village slave for once.

With the route clear, they made good time and by mid-afternoon the outskirts of Okayama came into view. Toge managed to acquire the same rundown accommodation as before and they left Neko and an exhausted Kunio to guard the provisions. Okayama’s main square was bustling with people and there was a buzz of excitement in the air.

‘Market day,’ explained Toge as he led Jack through the crowds and past stalls of fish goods, silk traders, spice merchants and vendors selling everything from oil and wood to farm tools and pottery.

‘That’s good news,’ said Jack, keeping his hat low over his eyes. ‘There’ll be more samurai to choose from.’

They decided the marketplace itself was too hectic to make a personal appeal to anyone, so Jack chose a small tea house at one corner of the square. As well as providing good views across the market, it was an appropriate meeting place for ronin. More importantly, it offered Jack the best escape route should his identity be exposed.

Acting according to his role, Toge ordered a pot of sencha for his master, poured out a cup, then knelt to one side with Sora. The three of them surveyed the market for suitable samurai.

Jack spotted one almost immediately. He wore a plain black kimono and had a neatly trimmed beard. On his hip were a pair of well-maintained swords and he walked with an air of confidence, but not arrogance.

‘Try him.’

Toge jumped to his feet and hurried over to the man. Jack and Sora watched as, bowing profusely, Toge introduced himself and invited the samurai for tea. The warrior appeared to ask a question, to which Toge answered. The samurai then shook his head and walked on. Toge returned to the tea house, a glum expression on his face.