‘Thank you,’ replied Jack, trying not to wolf down the food in one go. He couldn’t appear too desperate. No chopsticks were offered, so he used his fingers. As soon as the rice touched his tongue, however, Jack let out a grateful sigh and dug in.

‘You like?’ said Sora, his expression genuinely pleased.

Jack nodded. Unable to hold back, he stuffed the rest into his mouth, the food disappearing in several ravenous gulps. The nourishing rice warmed his stomach and revived him a little.

‘Have some more,’ insisted Sora, ignoring the vexed look from Toge. The old man gestured to the girl, who collected Jack’s bowl and refilled it.

With his immediate craving satisfied, Jack took his time with the second serving. He didn’t want to gorge himself and end up being sick.

‘So why do you need the services of a samurai?’ asked Jack, aware that he had to uphold his end of the bargain.

‘To guard our rice store,’ explained Toge, chewing steadily on his food as if each grain was his last.

‘That doesn’t seem like a task for a samurai warrior.’

Quickly swallowing his rice, Toge replied, ‘Oh, I can assure you it is.’

‘Our rice is very valuable to us,’ added Sora. ‘It’s vital to our village’s survival and we can’t be too careful, especially during winter.’

‘Do you get many thieves then?’ asked Jack.

‘Once in a black moon,’ Toge replied, putting down his empty bowl.

Jack considered this for a moment. ‘Is your village far from here?’

While Toge explained its remote location upon the edge of the Okayama Plain, Jack noticed the farmers only had a few tiny mouthfuls of rice left, while his own bowl was still more than half full. He glanced over at the girl to see her picking at the dried scrapings from the pot. All of a sudden a wave of guilt consumed Jack as he realized he was eating all their provisions.

Though he could have devoured another five bowls at least, Jack stood up and offered the girl his meal. She looked worried and confused. Lifting up the pot, she showed him it was empty and shook her head to say there was no more.

‘For you,’ said Jack, presenting her with his rice.

The girl didn’t seem to understand his Japanese and Jack had to force the bowl into her hands. Now realizing his intention, she glanced towards Toge but didn’t wait for his permission. Flashing Jack a smile, she scampered off into the corner. The three farmers exchanged surprised looks, astonished at his gesture of generosity.

‘See! I knew he had a good heart for a samurai,’ whispered Sora behind his hand to the open-mouthed Kunio.

‘He could have given it to us, though,’ Kunio muttered under his breath.