‘Forget that!’ Saburo exclaimed as he collapsed against a tree. ‘Everyone’s exhausted!’

‘These farmers can either be dead tired – or dead. We have to practise our defence drills.’

‘But it’ll be dark soon,’ countered Saburo, looking to the others to back him up.

‘Even more reason to practise,’ said Hayato. ‘Akuma might launch his attack at night.’

‘He’s right,’ said Miyuki, her ready agreement surprising Hayato. ‘The farmers can rest once Akuma’s dealt with for good.’

As tired as he was, Jack saw the necessity for the extra training. Only through constant repetition would the farmers have any chance of mastering the vital fighting skills in time.

Jack called after Toge. ‘Gather everyone in the square for army training.’

‘What?’ he said, his face looking thinner and more gaunt than ever. ‘If we keep this up, we won’t have the strength to fight!’

‘Well, you don’t have the skill yet either,’ said Hayato matter-of-factly.

Toge scowled. ‘Whatever you command, young samurai.’

After several calls to assemble, the villagers eventually congregated in the square and wearily took up their positions. Standing on the veranda for a clear view, Hayato led them through their drills. The units shambled to and fro, their long spears rising and falling in disorganized waves. Their half-hearted efforts infuriated Hayato.

‘No! An arrow formation!’ he shouted at the Digging unit, holding his hands up in a V-shape. ‘For attack.’

The Digging unit clumsily rearranged themselves on Saburo’s instruction. At the same time, a farmer in the Bridge unit dropped his spear during a mock charge. A mass pile-up of bodies formed as several men tripped over it and went flying. Jack, who’d taken control of the unit for the drill session, began to feel Hayato’s frustration.

‘Stop!’ cried Hayato in despair. ‘All of you, STOP!’

The villagers stood where they were and stared glumly at their young commander.

‘I’ve seen monkeys more coordinated than you! Have you learnt nothing in the past week?’

‘We’re trying our best,’ said Toge indignantly.

‘Well, your best isn’t good enough! You must focus. Do I need to remind you the black moon is almost here?’ A collective shiver ran through the villagers and they all bowed their heads submissively. ‘Then back to your original positions. And this time, FOCUS!’

In the rush to reorganize themselves, even more chaos ensued.

Jack ran over. ‘Maybe we should take a break?’

‘We’ve not made enough progress yet.’

Yori joined the conversation. ‘Perhaps you’re being too hard on them?’

Hayato shook his head. ‘Having attended the Niten Ichi Ryū, I thought you’d understand the importance of rigorous training.’

‘I do,’ said Yori. ‘But they’re not that bad.’

‘Use your eyes, Yori. They’re a lost cause! There’s no fighting spirit. No kiai! No bushido!’

‘I’m sure, when the time comes, they’ll pull together.’

‘I wish I had your faith,’ said Hayato.