‘The shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o, the Shinto deity of seas and storms. Anyone wishing to pay their respects must steer their boat through the torii in order to cleanse themselves before approaching the sacred island.’

Jack hoped the Wind Demons were devout worshippers of Susano-o. With land so close, this could be the opportunity they’d been waiting for.

Captain Kurogumo emerged from his quarters and climbed to the upper deck. Cheng followed close behind, bearing a tray with a china cup, a pot of steaming tea and a small jug of saké. He was evidently working hard to impress. Ignoring the tea, the captain went straight for the saké and knocked it back in one go. He coughed and banged his chest appreciatively, the potent rice wine invigorating him for the day. With a quick glance in the direction of the island, he talked with the helmsman. After some deliberation, Captain Kurogumo gave the order to sail on.

Rousing themselves, the pirates went about their duties. Skullface replaced the cage guards with fresh men before barking out orders to the other pirates. A skeleton crew was assigned to sail the Black Spider, while the majority worked on repairing the damage to the ship.

Powerless to alter their course, Jack despondently watched the great torii recede into the distance, until only the peak of Shrine Island was visible above the horizon. Once again, the Seto Sea widened into an open and unending expanse of water.

It wasn’t until mid-morning that Cheng managed to bring more water and rice to their cage.

‘Why didn’t we stop at the shrine?’ asked Jack after he’d taken a long draught from the jug.

‘Sea Samurai patrol these waters,’ Cheng explained, in a hushed voice so as not to let the guards hear him. ‘The captain can’t risk another confrontation with only half the crew and his ship in such a poor condition.’

‘Do you know if we’ll pass land again?’

‘They don’t tell me anything,’ said Cheng, shaking his head. ‘But I overheard the captain say that he intends approaching Pirate Island at night – so no one can follow us and you won’t know how to get back.’

Jack sighed. Captain Kurogumo was sly and shrewd. He wasn’t taking any chances with them this time.

With an apologetic smile, Cheng left the cage and resumed his cabin-boy duties. Jack and the others finished their meal in silence. They all appreciated just how dire their situation had become.

As the day drew on, the wind picked up and the sea turned rough. The Black Spider started to pitch and roll over the rising waves.

‘Looks like we’re in for a rough ride,’ observed Jack, glancing up at the darkening sky.