‘What sort of courage does it take to defeat unarmed farmers?’ said Jack. ‘Such a bandit wouldn’t stand a chance against a samurai like you. Are you willing to join us in our campaign?’

Taking a long draught of sencha, Honen considered the proposition.

‘And if I was to accept, what would my reward be for such dangerous work?’

‘As poor farmers, they can offer three meals a day and lodging.’

The expression on the samurai’s face turned from sympathy to indignation.

‘How dare you, a fellow samurai, offend me with such a paltry offer!’ he growled, slamming his cup on the table. ‘I may be a ronin, but that doesn’t make me a beggar!’

Grabbing his swords, the samurai stormed off.

‘This is hopeless,’ moaned Sora.

‘We can’t give up yet,’ said Jack, though he was beginning to doubt their chances.

With the light fading, the market grew quieter. Still they managed to attract the attention of two more samurai. The first had also heard of Akuma and hurriedly made his excuses to leave; the second balked at the lack of glory in dying for lowly farmers.

‘I’m sure we’ll have better luck tomorrow,’ said Jack, hiding his own disappointment.

Dispirited, Toge paid the bill and the three of them headed back to the storehouse. As they crossed the street, Jack sensed someone following them. Without looking round, he indicated for Toge to take the next alley.

But their pursuer wasn’t far behind.

Weaving through the backstreets, Jack urged the farmers to quicken their pace. Still they couldn’t shake him off. Signing for Toge and Sora to continue, Jack ducked into a narrow passageway. Footsteps crunched in the snow. Jack tightened the grip on his sword. A shadowy figure passed by.

Then stopped.

‘Do you always hide from friends?’

10 An Old Friend

10

AN OLD FRIEND

A round-faced boy with thick bushy eyebrows and an ample belly grinned down the passageway at Jack.

‘SABURO!’ exclaimed Jack, recognizing his old friend at once. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘I was about to ask you the same question.’

Toge and Sora shuffled back, bemused expressions on their faces.

‘You know this samurai?’ queried Toge, eyeing the swords on Saburo’s hip.

‘Know him? I trained with him for three years!’ Jack exclaimed, as he abandoned Japanese etiquette and embraced his friend warmly. ‘We were at the Niten Ichi Ryū together in Kyoto.’

‘And Jack was the teacher’s pet,’ teased Saburo, elbowing his friend in the ribs.

‘Yes, the one that was kicked and punched around the dojo by Sensei Kyuzo.’

Saburo laughed. ‘Well, you needed toughening up!’

‘How did you ever find me?’

‘I was watching you for ages in the market,’ explained Saburo. ‘I couldn’t be certain it was you, so I waited until you left the main square.’

‘Does your samurai friend want to join us for supper?’ interjected Sora.