Yamato stepped up to the mark. His basic technique was good, and his first arrow struck the target but was wide of the bull. The Yagyu School sensed victory and began to shout. However, Yamato was too bold with his second. He drew back with such force that the arrow shot past the target and embedded itself in the old pine tree at the far end of the garden, much to the relief of Jack, Saburo and Akiko.

The match was not over.

‘One point. Yagyu.’

Yamato blatantly ignored Jack and the others as he sat down, clearly displeased with his performance.

Akiko now advanced to the firing line.

‘She’s got to hit two bullseyes to win!’ whispered Saburo in despair. ‘When has she ever done that?’

‘Today?’ said Jack hopefully, seeing Akiko draw a long slow breath to calm her nerves.

Jack had witnessed Akiko hit the centre once before at this distance, but that had been the only time during their entire period of training. Could she now score twice in a row when it mattered most?

As Akiko prepared for the shot, the noise of the crowd faded to a low murmur like the sound of a receding wave. In one fluid movement, she loosed her first arrow. It flew true and straight, striking the target dead centre. A cheer erupted from the Niten Ichi Ryū.

‘Come on, Akiko!’ shouted Jack, unable to restrain himself.

The official called for silence and the applause rippled away.

Akiko set herself up for her second and final shot of the match. If she got this, the Niten Ichi Ryū had the first round.

The eyes of the entire crowd were upon her and her hands began to tremble uncontrollably under the pressure. Jack could see her battling to control her nerves. Gradually, she slowed her breathing and her hands steadied. Raising the bow above her head, she drew back to make her shot.

‘GAIJIN LOVER!’ came a cry from the Yagyu side.

The shout shattered the silence. For the briefest of moments, Akiko appeared stunned, struggling to control the delicate balance between her mind and body as the insult rebounded within her head.

Jack fumed, knowing Akiko had to maintain the flow of her draw otherwise she would miss.

She loosed the arrow an instant too soon.

The arrow spun awkwardly. Yet it still struck the target. But had it hit the centre?

The whole crowd drew in its breath as one. The official ran over to examine the arrow’s placement, its tip embedded at the very edge of the centre.

‘Centre strike! Four points Niten Ichi Ryū,’ announced the official, satisfied with the arrow’s mark.

Jack and Saburo both punched the air with their fists. Akiko had done it!

Akiko bowed triumphantly as the official cried, ‘First round to Niten Ichi Ryū.’

36: THE DEMON AND THE BUTTERFLY

36

THE DEMON AND
THE BUTTERFLY