‘So why do you do it?’ asked Jack, somewhat amazed by her revelation.

‘I like it,’ said Akiko emphatically, a keen fire lighting up in her eyes. ‘Down there you get to see shellfish, octopus, sea urchins and sometimes even sharks. Under the water, I can go where I want. Do what I want. I’m free… and that’s such a glorious feeling.’

‘I know exactly what you mean,’ agreed Jack. ‘I had that same sensation, when the Alexandria was under full sail and I was allowed to stand on its prow. I felt like I was riding the crests of the waves and could conquer the world!’

They both dropped into silent mutual reverie, gazing up at the autumn brown leaves of the cherry blossom tree, sunlight dappling their upturned faces.

‘Are you feeling better today?’ asked Akiko after a while.

‘I’m fine, thank you. Yamato didn’t hit me that hard anyway,’ he replied with obvious bravado.

Akiko gave him a doubtful look.

‘Well, my nose hurts like hell,’ Jack finally admitted, ‘and I still have a headache, but I’m much better today.’

‘I am responsible. I shouldn’t have let you get involved,’ said Akiko, bowing. ‘I apologize for Yamato’s behaviour. He should not have acted like he did.’

‘Why are you apologizing? It wasn’t your fault.’

‘Because it happened in my house. I am certain Yamato did not mean to harm you. He merely got carried away in the heat of the moment.’

‘Well, I’d hate to see Yamato when he did mean it,’ said Jack vehemently.

‘I’m so sorry. You must understand, Jack, Yamato is under great pressure from his father. Ever since Tenno was killed, Masamoto expects Yamato to be as skilled a samurai as his brother was, despite being younger. But that does not excuse his actions or him calling you gaijin. I am so sorry.’

‘Will you stop apologizing for him!’ said Jack, somewhat exasperated. ‘And why does it matter that he calls me gaijin?’

‘Gaijin means barbarian. It is the name we give to uncivilized foreigners. It’s not very nice and now that you are a member of his family, Yamato is wrong to use such a disrespectful term. It is an insult to you.’

At that moment, Yamato strode out of the house, bokken tucked inside his obi. He gave a purposeful bow in Akiko’s direction, but disregarded Jack’s presence entirely.

Jack watched Yamato begin his kata routine, then decided his own course of action. He packed away Father Lucius’s dictionary and stood up.

‘Where are you going?’ asked Akiko, concerned.

‘To get some more practice in,’ said Jack and walked over to where Yamato had commenced his second kata.

‘Back for more?’ asked Yamato incredulously, not breaking off from his training.

‘Why not? I can’t do any worse than yesterday.’

‘You certainly have spirit for a gaijin,’ said Yamato with mild amusement.