The Ring of Earth - Chris Bradford [21]
‘Your understanding of the ninja is misguided. Like the frog, you’re judging things from one narrow perspective, that of the samurai. All you know is what they’ve told you and from your own regrettable experience of Dragon Eye. But just as a single tree doesn’t make a forest, nor does one ninja represent all shinobi.’
Jack gave a hollow laugh. ‘Since meeting you, Soke, I’ve been hung from a tree, tricked into entering a ninja village, knocked unconscious and now kidnapped. My opinion of ninja has not changed.’
‘That is one truth, but I see another,’ said Soke. ‘Good fortune caught you in that tree. Our meeting meant I could guide you to safety. At Shonin’s house, I rescued you from yourself, avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. Finally, Miyuki prevented you being captured by the samurai patrols.’
Jack found Soke’s words unexpectedly persuasive, but ninja were known for their ability to deceive. ‘Why should I believe you? Unlike samurai, ninja have no code of conduct.’
‘True, we do not follow the seven virtues of bushido. Instead we cultivate the spirit of ninniku. A compassionate heart, one that doesn’t harbour grudges and always seeks peace and harmony. The essence of a ninja is a pure heart.’
‘Yet you still assassinate people.’
‘Occasionally the ninja are employed for such work by the samurai and their daimyo. But the single life of a leader can sometimes save thousands of soldiers’ lives on the battlefield. Is that not better?’
‘That depends upon who you kill.’
‘A fair point,’ agreed Soke, putting down his tea. ‘And that is why assassination is not our preferred means. Our true skills lie in espionage and strategy. The information we gather allows an enemy to be defeated, not by direct combat, but by using such intelligence to undermine and weaken our enemy’s position. So you see, while the samurai seek open warfare, we, the ninja, seek to avoid conflict through our actions. We only engage in combat as a last resort.’
‘But you’re mercenaries without honour,’ argued Jack.
‘That is what the samurai would have you believe. In truth, we are farmers, merely trying to survive and preserve our way of life. The Iga clans have been persecuted by the samurai for generations. Thirty years ago, that warlord Oda Nobunaga almost wiped us out. Even though our village survived, it’s still a target for daimyo Akechi. Did you know that Hanzo’s parents were murdered by samurai?’
Jack sadly shook his head.
‘The ninja may be as opposite to the samurai as the moon is to the sun,’ continued Soke, ‘but we’re not the devils you think we are. And samurai are not the saints you imagine.’
‘That may be your truth,’ accepted Jack, ‘but it isn’t mine.’
‘I realize it’ll take time to convince you. But tell me, Jack, who is hunting you now … and who is protecting you?’
They both knew the answer.
‘From the beginning, I said it’s a matter of trust,’ Soke continued. ‘I will trust you now by returning your swords. I know how important they are to a samurai.’
Soke retrieved the katana and wakizashi from his room and, bowing, placed them before Jack.
‘I’m free to go?’ queried Jack in surprise.
‘By all means, leave,’ Soke said, indicating Jack’s pack, untouched, by the door. ‘But you’re clearly of great interest to the Shogun. I’d be surprised if you survive more than a day.’
Jack picked up his swords. ‘It’s a risk I’m willing to take.’
‘You do have another choice,’ said Soke as Jack headed to the door.
‘And what is that?’ Jack asked cautiously.
‘Stay here until the samurai move their search elsewhere. You still have a long journey ahead and if you were to learn a few ninja skills, you might just reach your destination alive.’
‘Me? Train as a ninja!’
Soke smiled. ‘Only by becoming one will you truly comprehend the Way of the Ninja.’
13
TREE FIGHT
Jack walked out.
Shouldering his bag, he strode off towards the one and only road in the village. The old man was out of his mind. How could Soke suggest that he become a ninja? It’d be going against his father’s memory to even contemplate such an idea. The shinobi