The Ring of Earth - Chris Bradford [26]
Soke indicated for Jack to pull the log from the stream.
‘Like a river flowing down a mountain, whenever you encounter an obstacle, move round it, adapt and continue on.’
Now Soke led Jack into the village square and over to a building that resounded with the rhythmic clang of hammer on metal. Here, Soke introduced Jack to the bladesmith Kajiya. He passed Soke a newly forged ninjatō for inspection. The blade glinted in the light of the blazing furnace.
‘I’m aware the samurai consider the sword to be their soul,’ said Soke, glancing at the katana and wakizashi on Jack’s hip. ‘But for a ninja, it’s just another tool, a means to an end.’
He returned the sword to Kajiya with an appreciative nod. Then both he and Jack watched as the bladesmith fanned his furnace to an intense heat, removed a glowing orange blade and resumed his hammering.
‘Fire is energetic, forceful and fast-moving,’ explained Soke. ‘Our weapon techniques are closely associated with the Ring of Fire. But this element also influences other areas of ninjutsu, in particular the discipline of kajutsu – the Art of Fire. This can be as subtle as spreading a rumour. Or –’
BANG!
Jack dived to the floor as the ground exploded in front of him and a cloud of smoke rose into the air. Rolling to his feet, he drew his sword. He didn’t know whether they were being attacked, or if the furnace had exploded.
Then he heard the two men laughing.
‘Did you see him jump?’ chortled Kajiya, tears of laughter streaming down his face.
As the smoke dispersed, Jack noticed the remains of a small container of gunpowder lying on the ground.
‘Very funny,’ said Jack, grinning along with the joke as he resheathed his sword.
‘Kajiya likes to prove a point,’ said Soke, patting the bladesmith on the shoulder. ‘As I was saying, kajutsu can also be as blatant as an explosion. A ninja must learn to use gunpowder and fire for destruction, for diversion and if necessary for dealing death. But the Ring of Fire shouldn’t be considered an aggressive element. Its essence is motivation.’
Soke pointed to the hilltops. ‘Up there, we have hidden woodpiles. On the approach of an enemy, they’re lit by lookouts and these smoke beacons give the village advance warning of an attack.’
Bowing their respects, they left Kajiya to his work. Soke now guided Jack up the path towards the Buddhist temple. The sun had disappeared behind the mountains and dusk was fast approaching. Halfway up, they stopped beside a small Shinto shrine surrounded by wild flowers.
‘I’m curious to know,’ said Soke, ‘what you consider your best sword technique to be.’
‘I suppose in terms of speed, kesagiri, a double diagonal cut.’
‘Show me,’ said Soke. ‘I’ll be your target.’
Jack gave the Grandmaster an uncertain look as the old man positioned himself in front of him. ‘I don’t want to hurt you …’
Soke smiled. ‘Don’t worry about me. I need to see your skill up close.’
‘Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you,’ replied Jack, preparing to attack. In a flash, he drew his katana and sliced through the air, cutting up through Soke’s waist and then down diagonally across his chest.
Both times, Soke moved out of the way.
‘Impressive,’ he said, nodding approvingly. ‘How about your best kick?’
Jack sheathed his sword, then launched himself into a flying front kick.
Soke waited until the last second before moving aside.
‘Good. And your best punch?’
Jack turned round, flicking out his arm and delivering a spinning backfist to the head. Soke ducked beneath.
‘You’re very fast,’ he acknowledged. ‘Now, how about –’
‘Why not show me your best move?’ said Jack, breathless from the unexpected exertion.
‘I already have,’ replied Soke. ‘The best move is simply not to be there.’
‘This is the Ring of Wind, isn’t it?’
‘Now you’re learning!’ said Soke. ‘The Ring of Wind embodies the spirit of ninjutsu. Evasion is far better than engagement. Silent walking, escape running and shallow breathing to feign death, all derive from this element. See how the leaves in the trees above us move.