The Ring of Earth - Chris Bradford [38]
Miyuki turned and strode off in the direction of the village.
Jack was taken aback by her continued animosity. The other ninja were beginning to accept him and he couldn’t think of any reason to deserve such spite. Recalling his training with Akiko at the Niten Ichi Ryū, Jack wondered how two warrior girls could be so different.
Akiko and Miyuki were like fire and ice.
Training had been a pleasure with Akiko. With Miyuki, it was a trial. If Soke hadn’t held her in so much esteem, Jack would have sworn Miyuki was the ninja sister of Kazuki. Though a gifted martial artist, Miyuki acted as hard and unforgiving as a rock and was almost as malicious as his old school rival.
Akiko was equally talented, possessing an inner strength like the steel of a samurai blade. But she had a gentle side, a warmth and a compassion for others that knew no bounds.
Jack missed her deeply.
21
RICE PAPER
Hanzo shot by the house at full pelt. Close behind was Kobei, followed by two other boys. Wondering what the urgency was, Jack stopped his stealth-walking practice in the paddy field and watched them hurtle down the road. But as they sprinted past the other villagers, nobody seemed alarmed at their haste. When the four boys reached the pond, they rounded the large hanging tree and raced back up the road. Approaching the house once more, Jack noticed they all wore straw hats on their chests.
‘What are you doing?’ cried Jack.
‘Speed … training,’ gasped Hanzo, drawing nearer.
‘But why the hats?’
‘Makes-you-go-faster,’ replied Hanzo, zooming past without stopping. ‘Can’t … let them … fall.’
Hanzo disappeared up the road towards the shrine, a trail of dust following in his wake. Kobei was still hot on his heels, but the other two boys now lagged far behind. This at least explained Hanzo’s remarkable pace in the escape run.
‘Impressive, isn’t he?’
Jack turned round to see Soke, his bright eyes gazing proudly in Hanzo’s direction.
‘He’s certainly full of surprises,’ agreed Jack. ‘After barely a few lessons, he’s skilful enough to wield a real sword. It’s as if he was born with it in his hands. Where does he get it from? His parents? Or you?’
‘No, no, no … He’s a natural. Much like yourself.’
‘Me?’ said Jack, surprised by the compliment.
Soke nodded. ‘I was concerned your samurai training would be a barrier to ninjutsu, but you’ve mastered the basic principles very quickly. Even more impressive, you’ve already become quite adept at shinobi aruki,’ Soke commended. A wry smile then graced his old worn face. ‘Certainly better than when you tried to sneak up on me and Momochi having tea the other week.’
Jack’s face flushed with shame.
‘Don’t worry. Spying is exactly the sort of skill you should be refining as a ninja.’
‘Maybe it’s time I left,’ said Jack, mortified at being caught. ‘I’ve already delayed more than I should.’
‘Nonsense,’ said Soke, waving his hand dismissively. ‘You’ve only taken your first steps in comprehending the Five Rings. It would be irresponsible of me to let you leave half-trained.’
‘But Momochi –’
‘Momochi is just being paranoid,’ Soke interrupted. ‘But that’s a good thing. It’s important that somebody questions matters. Momochi’s suspicious nature has paid off on many occasions. He has a nose for trouble.’
‘I should go then,’ Jack insisted. ‘I have no wish to endanger the village more than I have.’
Despite his noble words, Jack didn’t really want to leave. He felt protected within the valley. Granted, he was worried by Momochi’s intentions, but he was more concerned about the samurai who hunted him. Not that he wanted to stay any longer than necessary among the ninja; it was just that the ninjutsu lessons were increasing his chances of reaching Nagasaki alive.
Soke laid a reassuring hand upon Jack’s shoulder. ‘Momochi’s wrong in this instance. Shonin and I have spoken