Jack, for the first time since his arrival in Kyoto, relaxed. Clearly Kazuki was still carrying out Sensei Yosa’s punishment. Jack’s only concern was that Yori had not turned up for dinner either. Akiko said she had seen him heading over to the Buddha Hall and thought he may have gone there to see Sensei Yamada. However, when dinner started, Sensei Yamada shuffled in alone.

There was still no sign of Yori when the meal drew to a close and Jack was certain something had happened to him. He grew even more anxious when he saw Nobu waddle out of the door in a hurry.

‘Akiko, I’m worried about Yori. He’s not turned up for dinner.’

‘I’m sure he’s fine, Jack. He’s probably meditating somewhere. I’ve often seen him in his room meditating morning, noon and night. He has some lovely sandalwood incense. He even let me try some –’

‘I’m serious, Akiko. After kyujutsu today, surely he has made an enemy of Kazuki.’

‘Jack. Kazuki lost face, but he wouldn’t dare do anything to Yori. It would be against his honour.’

‘Honour? What honour? He attacks me without any problem.’

‘That is true, but you’re…’ Akiko appeared suddenly uncomfortable. ‘… gaijin… a foreigner. He does not see you as an equal. Yori, however, is Japanese, from a samurai family with a long and honourable history.’

‘But Masamoto has adopted me, surely I deserve the same respect…’ said Jack, but he trailed off.

Jack could see it in her eyes. He was not equal. He never would be. Not in hers or Kazuki’s eyes. He looked round the table. Saburo and Kiku politely avoided his gaze. Yamato stared coolly back. It was apparent to Jack that Yamato still only tolerated him because his father had commanded him to, despite Jack having saved his life.

‘So honour is only reserved for the Japanese, is it?’ Jack said, challenging them. Akiko’s face crumpled like a snowdrift and she bowed to avoid his furious glare. ‘Fine. Well, at least maintain your honour for Yori and help me find him.’

‘Yes, good idea,’ said Saburo, attempting to diffuse the situation. ‘Perhaps Yamato and I can go and look for him in the Niwa? Akiko and Kiku can try and find him in the Shishi-no-ma. Jack, you can check out the Butsuden. Akiko’s right, he’s probably just meditating somewhere.’

Saburo quickly got to his feet, urging everyone to begin searching, and they all hurried out of the Chō-no-ma.

It was another cold starry night and a half-moon hung in the heavens, illuminating the courtyard in a ghostly pale light as the lone figure of Jack climbed the stone steps to the Butsuden’s entrance.