‘I know who you are,’ she interrupted, strolling over to him. ‘The gaijin samurai wanted by the Shogun no less. Worth ten koban alive or … dead.’ She ran her fingers through his blond hair. ‘That’s a great deal of gold for a golden-haired boy,’ she mused.

Jack shuddered, as much from the knowledge of the increased bounty on his head, as from her chilling touch.

Yori stepped forward and bowed low. ‘With the greatest respect, your majesty,’ he began. ‘While I appreciate such a reward has its temptations for a pirate, may I remind you that the enemy of your enemy is your friend – this makes Jack your ally. By letting us go, you’ll be defying the Shogun. And that would be a true piratical act.’

Tatsumaki eyed Yori with admiration and amusement. ‘You certainly have a gift with words, young monk. But, as you’ve just hinted, Jack’s true value goes beyond riches. It’s about having influence over the powers that be.’

At that moment, the sun’s rays fell on the balcony, bringing with it the full warmth of the day.

‘Saru!’ called Tatsumaki.

A small red face peeked through the silk curtains of a window.

‘Tessen,’ she ordered.

The face disappeared then reappeared, clutching a slim iron fan. The monkey, with grey-brown fur and a short tail, scampered along the balcony rail. A key jangled round its neck. Approaching the Pirate Queen, the monkey bobbed its head in an imitation of a human bow, then handed over the tessen.

‘Thank you, Saru,’ said Tatsumaki. With a sharp flick of her wrist, the fan’s metal spine snapped open to reveal a red painted dragon on a black lacquered surface. The Pirate Queen began gently wafting herself.

The bell rang and the gates to the opulent citadel were opened. Manzo appeared, bearing their packs and weapons. He laid them before Tatsumaki like spoils of war.

‘These are all their possessions,’ said Captain Kurogumo. He held up Jack’s red-handled swords for the Pirate Queen to inspect. ‘These belong to the gaijin.’

‘Impressive weaponry,’ she observed, noting the Shizu signature on the blade. ‘I trust that your fighting skill lives up to this sword’s reputation. I’m intrigued. Who would teach a foreigner such martial arts?’

Jack was about to answer, when the monkey leapt from the balcony rail and landed on his shoulder.

Tatsumaki laughed as the monkey began grooming his hair. ‘Saru’s taken a liking to you!’

‘Must be his ugly foreign face,’ snorted Skullface. ‘Saru thinks he’s a monkey too.’

Jack tried to extricate himself from the nimble beast, but Saru simply scrambled behind his back. Suddenly appearing from beneath his right arm, she reached a paw inside his jacket and snatched out the hidden black pearl. Before Jack could stop her, Saru leapt away, screeching in delight and brandishing her prize.

‘Give that back!’ cried Jack, going after the monkey.