‘Yes, Jack. Like life,’ agreed Akiko, ignoring Saburo’s drunkenness. ‘You really are beginning to think like a Japanese.’

They walked back along the river path, the branches of the sakura forming an enchanted bower of blossom and lamplight. Jack and Akiko wandered ahead, while Kiku and Yori juggled the intoxicated Saburo between them.

Under the soft glow of the lanterns, Akiko was even lovelier than usual. He remembered the moment he’d first seen her by the headland temple, her white stallion tethered to the standing stone. And she had been the one reliable constant ever since he’d arrived in Japan – nursing him through his fever, helping him to learn the language, teaching him their customs, then defending him from Kazuki. How could he ever repay her for all that she’d done?

He turned and began to speak, but the words got jumbled up in his throat and all he could do was look at her.

She stopped, returning his gaze, her ebony eyes glimmering in the half-light.

‘Eh, Gaijin Jack!’ snarled a voice. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’

Jack felt his blood run cold.

33: THE TARYU JIAI

33

THE TARYU JIAI

Kazuki’s face leered at him.

‘Didn’t you hear me, gaijin? I said, what are you doing outside school?’

‘Leave him alone, Kazuki. You promised!’ said Akiko.

‘Oh, it’s the gaijin lover! Still can’t defend himself, is that it?’ taunted Kazuki. ‘Need a girl to fight for you, gaijin? Did you hear that, boys, the gaijin has to have a girl bodyguard!’

Snorting with amusement, Kazuki glanced over his shoulder at the four lads who were with him. Nobu rolled with laughter, his large belly heaving. Two boys, whom Jack didn’t recognize, jeered approvingly, but the fourth member of Kazuki’s gang looked decidedly uncomfortable, suddenly finding his tabi of great interest. It was Yamato.

‘Well, Akiko beat you, didn’t she?’ said Jack, and one of the lads chortled.

‘Only because I had my back to her,’ snapped Kazuki. ‘Anyway, I’d be far more concerned about your welfare than mine, gaijin. We’ve got a score to settle.’

‘No!’ exclaimed Akiko. ‘I warned you, I’ll tell Masamoto.’

‘Tell him what? That a few moons ago we had a little argument in the Buddha Hall. I don’t think so. Bit late for that.’

He took a step closer to Jack, goading him to make a move.

‘You forget, Akiko. My promise only extended to the school walls. Outside, he’s fair game. We’re not governed by Masamoto here.’

‘Come on then,’ dared Jack. ‘Let’s get it over with.’

Jack was fed up with the taunts, the whisperings behind his back, the bullying in the taijutsu classes, and the constant intimidation and threats. It was like living under a permanent shadow. He couldn’t be free of it until the matter between him and Kazuki was settled, once and for all.