‘Masamoto, please. We are old comrades-in-arms,’ said Kamakura in a conciliatory yet devious tone. ‘This is not a matter to be settled in a public park. Let us do this in the proper tradition. I propose a Taryu-Jiai between our two schools.’

‘A Taryu-Jiai?’ repeated Masamoto, taken off-guard.

‘Those three,’ said Kamakura, indicating Jack, Akiko and Saburo with a dismissive wave of his hand, ‘against Raiden, Toru and one of my girl samurai, any of whom could outperform against the ushiro-geri girl!’

‘What disciplines do you propose?’ queried Masamoto, disregarding the insult directed at Akiko, but warming to the idea.

‘Kenjutsu, kyujutsu and taijutsu.’

‘Agreed,’ said Masamoto without the slightest hint of concern.

Jack had no idea what it was, but from the fact that Akiko’s face had gone pale and Saburo had instantly sobered up at the mere mention of it, a Taryu-Jiai did not sound a promising prospect.

‘Any preference as to the timing of this little contest?’ asked Kamakura.

‘How about the day before the Gion Festival?’ replied Masamoto nonchalantly.

‘But that’s three moons away!’ said Kamakura, incredulous.

‘By the look of their performance tonight, your students will need the extra training. We want this to be a real competition, don’t we?’ replied Masamoto, giving a broad smile as he bowed. ‘Besides, I always like to celebrate my victories with a good festival.’

34: YAMADA’S SECRET

34

YAMADA’S SECRET

‘Why weren’t you defending their honour?’ thundered Masamoto.

The reply was muffled and couldn’t be heard.

‘I saw you retreat! Tenno would never have done such a thing,’ continued Masamoto, spitting anger like fire. ‘Why didn’t you help Jack-kun? Correct me if I’m wrong, but you owe Jack-kun a life. He saved you. He’s proving to be more samurai than you’ve ever been.’

There was the sound of sobbing and a mumbled apology.

‘Where is your courage, your valour, your honour? It is you who should be fighting at the Taryu-Jiai, defending the name of my school. Not Jack-kun!’

Masamoto’s voice cracked, and it was accompanied by a crash and the sound of a teacup tumbling off a table.

‘You have brought dishonour on this family and on yourself! Think about what it means to be a Masamoto, then come back when you have an answer! Now get out!’

The shoji slid open and Yamato emerged, his face reddened and wet with shameful tears. He avoided the startled stares of Jack, Akiko and Saburo who knelt outside the Hō-oh-no-ma, the Hall of the Phoenix. This was Masamoto’s personal training hall where only students good enough to be taught the ‘Two Heavens’ technique were ever summoned.

‘Yamato, I’m sorry…’ began Jack, wanting to help him in some way.

But Yamato cut him off with a ferocious glare and hurried off without looking back.

‘It’s not your fault, Jack,’ said Akiko quietly.