Toge bowed his head in apology. This was the first time Jack had seen him since their return from Akuma’s camp and he hoped the farmer was coping with his grief. It must be hard to see all the other families reunited when his own never would be.

Under Hayato’s command, the units went through their drill formations. Jack was as relieved as Hayato when the farmers managed to keep in line and maintain at least a semblance of coordinated defence. But in spite of their efforts, their skills were still greatly lacking. Practising their attack manoeuvres, the units were hesitant and would run all ways rather than make a concerted charge.

After several false starts, Hayato called for a break and the young commanders gathered together on the farmhouse veranda.

‘They wouldn’t scare off a flock of birds!’ he muttered.

Jack nodded reluctantly in agreement. ‘Akuma’s going to plough straight through them. They’ve got no confidence in their abilities.’

‘These farmers lack courage,’ stated Hayato. ‘And we need a fighting force if we’re to have any hope of defeating the bandits.’

Yori raised a hand. ‘Even a sparrow has courage when it flies with others. Individually the farmers know they’re weak. We need to convince them there’s strength in numbers.’

‘What do you suggest?’ said Jack.

Yori thought for a moment. ‘A battle cry. One that will unite them.’

‘Good idea,’ said Hayato, nodding approvingly. ‘By all means, give it a try.’

‘I meant for you to teach them …’ said Yori, but Hayato had already stepped aside for him.

Jack offered him an encouraging smile as his friend nervously took centre stage on the veranda. The villagers stared back, wondering what the little monk was about to do.

‘A lion’s roar … can frighten the greatest foe … even if the lion has no claws,’ Yori began in a timid voice. ‘A strong battle –’

‘Speak up!’ cried a farmer near the back.

Yori cleared his throat and tried again. ‘A strong battle cry will scare your enemy; help focus and strengthen your attack; even overcome your own fear. So I want you all to shout.’

The farmers looked doubtfully at him.

‘Scream as loud as you can,’ urged Yori.

Feeling self-conscious, only half the farmers made an attempt.

‘You can do better than that!’ said Yori. ‘Roar like a lion.’

The second shout was louder, more farmers taking part, but they still lacked any conviction. Their third effort was no better. Yori began to despair.

‘You need to shout from your hara, your centre,’ he explained, pointing to his stomach. ‘Put your ki, all your energy into it. Like this!’

Taking a deep breath, Yori opened his mouth and roared.

‘YAAAAAH!’