‘In recognition of saving the ship and Captain Kurogumo’s crew, I declare you an official Wind Demon,’ said Tatsumaki with due ceremony. ‘And as a real pirate on your first raid, you’ve earned your share.’

The Pirate Queen filled Jack’s hands with the treasure. Skullface scowled at seeing Jack get the reward. But Jack let the coins fall through his fingers and tumble to the deck.

‘I don’t want your blood money. I just want freedom for me and my friends.’

Tatsumaki gave a laugh like a peal of bells. ‘Of course,’ she said agreeably, leaving the coins where they lay. ‘Just as soon as you’ve deciphered the rutter.’

‘Why should I believe you ever will?’ said Jack. ‘You lied to me about the rice.’

Tatsumaki looked offended. ‘Are you telling me there wasn’t any?’

She turned to her pirate captains for confirmation. They all shook their heads in an act of unified regret.

‘I’m sorry I misled you, Jack,’ said Tatsumaki, her tone seemingly earnest. ‘But I promise, on my honour, some of the Shogun’s coin will go to the local villages – including your share, if that’s your wish.’

Jack was totally disarmed by the Pirate Queen’s apparent sincerity. Although he guessed she used her charm to manipulate people, he found it hard to resist and nodded his appreciation that his share would be given away.

‘Now on to more important matters,’ said Tatsumaki. ‘How was Captain Kurogumo injured?’

Upon their return to Pirate Island the captain had regained consciousness, but was still too weak to give an account himself.

‘One of the samurai guards wasn’t dead and sounded the alarm,’ explained Skullface gravely. ‘Captain Kurogumo dealt with him but was shot in the process.’

‘You left a guard alive!’ exclaimed Captain Hebi. ‘That would never have occurred with my men.’

‘Nor Captain Kurogumo’s,’ asserted Skullface. ‘Usually.’ He glared at Jack, his suspicions left unspoken.

Jack averted his gaze to the deck, knowing that it had been his fault the alarm was raised.

‘One thing’s for certain,’ remarked Captain Kujira, noticing the exchange, but misreading Skullface’s angry look. ‘Without Jack’s intervention and expert seamanship, we would never have got our prize.’

Skullface opened his mouth in silent outrage at Captain Kujira’s praise of Jack.

‘We need more pirates like this boy!’ agreed Captain Wanizame, clapping a hand on Jack’s shoulder.

‘Perhaps we can persuade Jack to stay?’ said Tatsumaki, turning to him. ‘It’s obvious you’re more than welcome.’

Jack was led away, albeit reluctantly, by the Pirate Queen and her captains to celebrate their victory, leaving a seething and embittered Skullface to carry on unloading the shuinsen.

‘We thought you’d been thrown overboard,’ said Yori, when Jack was finally returned to their guarded room in the citadel.

Jack smiled reassuringly at his friends. ‘You know I’d never leave you like this.’