Jack began to appreciate the shrine’s significance for his friend. The Emperor was viewed as a living god and such a gesture would have bestowed great spiritual wealth on the temple.

Yori led them over to a fountain housed within a small covered pavilion. Fresh water spouted from an ornate dragon’s head into a stone basin. Setting aside his pilgrim’s staff, Yori picked up a wooden ladle and washed both his hands then mouth in a purification ritual. Saburo, Miyuki and Jack observed the same rite before entering the Hall of Worship.

Within its cool darkened interior, they were greeted by calming wafts of jasmine incense and the soft murmur of prayer. Several monks in white robes and black cloth hats knelt in a line, hands clasped in worship. Behind them were a group of pilgrims, some local fishermen and three samurai bearing arms. Although their heads were bowed in devotion, Jack kept his distance from the warriors. He knelt to Yori’s far side as the four of them paid their respects.

‘The shrine is dedicated to Oyamazumi, the protector of sailors and samurai,’ whispered Yori. ‘He’s the brother of Amaterasu, the sun goddess –’

The monks’ incantation stopped and the head priest rose to his feet. He walked over to the three samurai, who prostrated themselves and held their swords outstretched.

‘Many samurai make such offerings in the hope of success in battle, or as thanks for victory,’ Yori continued under his breath. ‘Sensei Yamada told me daimyo Kamakura came here after he won the Battle of Osaka Castle.’

Jack felt his heart harden at the mention of the name of the Shogun. He was the man responsible not only for the civil war and the exile of all foreigners but for the banishment of Jack’s guardian, Masamoto. If it wasn’t for daimyo Kamakura, Jack wouldn’t be on the run with a price on his head.

Accepting the samurai’s weapons, the priest walked over to a large set of double doors. As he approached, they opened to reveal an adjoining chamber.

‘That’s the Hall of Offerings,’ explained Yori, seeing Jack’s eyes widen in amazement. ‘It houses every gift donated in honour of Oyamazumi.’

The chamber was overflowing with ceremonial swords and armour. Blades hung like silver scales from every wall, tall racks of spears and bows lined the sides, and taking pride of place in the centre of the room was a gleaming suit of silver-white armour.

‘That belonged to Minamoto Yoritomo, the first Shogun. Such gifts are the reason why the temple possesses so much divine power. Many believe the spirits of the great warriors live on through this shrine. At night, monks have even heard battles in the Hall of Offerings.’

The priest returned, closing the doors behind him. The monks’ incantation resumed as the priest presented each of the samurai with an omamori talisman.