‘Don’t worry,’ consoled Saburo, laying a hand upon Jack’s shoulder. ‘We both know Akiko was one of the best samurai at our school. Even if Kazuki does find her, she’ll make him regret he ever did!’

Jack took comfort from Saburo’s confidence. It was good to have a friend by his side again – one he could rely on while being himself, without fear of prejudice.

Neko padded over and presented Jack and Saburo with two heaped bowls of rice. They tucked in, while the farmers ate their share in the corner.

‘Good rice,’ said Saburo, through a mouthful of food.

‘Enjoy it while you can,’ replied Jack. ‘The farmers don’t have much to go round.’

Saburo looked up and saw the meagre portions the others had.

‘Glad I wasn’t born a farmer,’ commented Saburo and resumed eating.

Jack realized his friend wasn’t being purposefully hard-hearted. Having been brought up a samurai, he was simply indifferent to the lower social castes.

‘What are you doing with these farmers anyway?’ asked Saburo.

‘I’m helping them to recruit samurai.’

Saburo almost spat his food out. ‘You! What on earth for?’

Jack explained about Akuma and his forthcoming raid at the next black moon.

‘Just one bandit?’ queried Saburo.

‘No, forty.’

Saburo whistled in awe. ‘Those farmers don’t stand a chance!’

‘That’s why I’m going to fight for them.’

Saburo’s jaw dropped open and he stopped eating. ‘You’re not serious, are you? You have to leave Japan before the Shogun or Kazuki find you.’

Jack nodded his intent to stay. ‘If we don’t help the farmers, no one else will.’

‘We?’ spluttered Saburo, his high-pitched exclamation drawing the farmers’ attention.

‘Yes, I was hoping you’d join me.’

‘You’re worse than my father!’ said Saburo, his eyes widening in alarm. ‘You’re both trying to get me killed.’

‘It won’t just be us,’ countered Jack. ‘We’ll recruit another five samurai.’

‘That’s still only seven samurai against forty bandits!’

‘Please, Saburo. These people are desperate and we don’t have much time left.’

Sighing heavily, Saburo considered Jack’s proposal. The farmers had stopped talking and were now transfixed, awaiting Saburo’s answer. Jack realized he may have asked too much of his friend.

‘You’ll be the death of me, Jack,’ Saburo said finally.

‘You’ll help me then?’ replied Jack, both amazed and relieved. ‘We’ll be rewarded with food.’

‘Well, why didn’t you say so?’ said Saburo, grinning. ‘That’s all the incentive I need!’

The farmers threw themselves to the ground in gratitude.

‘But I’m only agreeing to this,’ added Saburo quietly, ‘because it’s you who asked. I expect that I’ll be needed to save your miserable life again!’

11 A Helpful Monk

11

A HELPFUL MONK

‘Pester someone else with your childish games!’ growled the samurai, irritably waving Saburo away.