Chapters (71)
Captain Kujira led the way through the chaotic rabble, his trident thudding on the wooden dock with each step, its sound parting the pirates. As they headed towards the Killer Whale, they passed the Shogun’s stolen Red Seal ship. Jack was amazed to see that it had been stripped of all its sails, rigging and any other useful items, and now appeared as empty as a beggar’s purse.
‘A shuinsen’s of no use to us,’ explained Captain Kujira, upon noticing Jack’s surprise. ‘It’s too easily recognizable. We need everyday cargo boats or, even better, Sea Samurai ships.’
Jack was momentarily taken aback to see a seki-bune moored at the jetty. The ship was in a poor state, its mast and rigging destroyed, but the hull appeared intact.
‘I captured it during the battle,’ said Captain Kujira proudly. ‘A ship like this will allow us to pass samurai checkpoints unopposed – no one would ever suspect pirates to be on-board!’
Jack now saw that the shuinsen’s main mast was being transferred to the seki-bune, along with other spare parts, to restore the ship to seaworthiness.
‘Jack, Jack!’ cried Li Ling, running over to them. ‘Look what I’ve got.’
She turned round and lifted her dark hair to reveal a small black spider freshly tattooed on the nape of her neck.
‘Was that for saving Captain Kurogumo’s life?’ Jack asked.
Li Ling nodded enthusiastically. ‘And Tatsumaki’s asked me to join her crew. Can you believe it?’
‘Well … congratulations,’ said Jack, trying to sound pleased for her.
‘And I get to wear the black and crimson uniform of her ship!’ she added, showing off her new jacket.
‘Girl pirates!’ Captain Kujira grunted at her exuberance, before impatiently limping on.
The Killer Whale was moored at the far end of the jetty. Docked alongside was the Black Spider. The ship’s repairs were almost complete and the vessel had regained much of its former glory and menace. As they passed by, Skullface and his gang appeared at the gunwales. Jack felt their glare upon him as he and Li Ling ascended the gangway to the Killer Whale’s main deck.
‘Cast off!’ ordered Captain Kujira.
The Killer Whale left the dock and sailed out through the gap in the crater wall. As they entered the straits, Jack noticed a single-sail skiff had cast off too. It carried five ninja pirates and was loaded with fresh supplies. The boat was headed for the dock below the hidden fort atop the sister island. Jack tried to contain his excitement as he eyed the skiff longingly.
‘Are we going on another raid?’ he asked Captain Kujira, wondering when the Killer Whale intended to return.
‘No,’ replied Captain Kujira, laughing. He pointed to a small raft upon which three samurai were frantically paddling away. ‘It’s time for target practice.’
