The Ring of Earth - Chris Bradford [44]
‘As I was saying, Shichi Hō De is the “seven ways of going”. A ninja may appear as a samurai, a farmer, a sarugaku dancer, a yamabushi priest, a Komusō, a merchant or a strolling player. Disguised as such, a ninja can travel freely and without detection. By impersonating an official, we can even gain access to forbidden areas.’
‘But I’m not Japanese and never can be.’
‘You’ve been practising your shakuhachi?’
Jack nodded.
‘Good. This will help make you invisible. The only people officially allowed to play that instrument are the Komusō. These Monks of Emptiness also have permission to travel freely through Japan.’
‘I still don’t understand,’ said Jack. He’d been impressed that the instrument was a weapon, but it was no magic flute.
‘Yoko!’ beckoned Shonin. ‘Bring in my Komusō garments.’
The girl slid open a shoji and returned a few moments later with some blue priest’s robes in a large round wicker basket.
‘Please show Jack how the Komusō dress.’
Slipping on the robes, together with a white obi and a golden shoulder shawl, Yoko then put the basket right over her head.
‘They wear the basket!’ exclaimed Jack, laughing out loud with amazement.
‘It’s a symbol of their detachment from the world. And it’s the perfect disguise for you.’
24
DIVING DEEP
‘The Five Rings teach us how to use nature to our advantage,’ explained Soke, who sat surrounded by his students upon the bank of the village pond. ‘Earth can be used for concealment. Wind for covering our tracks. Fire for destruction …’
Jack screwed up his eyes, suddenly forced to look away by a blinding flash of light.
‘… or distraction.’
Concealed in Soke’s hand was a polished silver shuriken angled to reflect the bright summer sun.
‘But, of all the elements, a ninja should choose water to be his closest ally,’ the Grandmaster revealed. ‘Nothing is softer and more yielding than water, yet not even the strongest may resist it. Water can flow quietly or strike like thunder. It can be a weapon, a defence, offer camouflage or provide transport. For example, we’ve all heard of the Koga ninja using wooden water spiders on their feet to cross moats. I prefer a boat, of course – far drier – but this method has struck terror into the hearts of the samurai, who now believe ninja can walk on water!’
There was some suppressed laughter at this. Jack, however, didn’t join in. He’d been fooled by this very tactic during the assault on Osaka Castle. He was somewhat relieved to discover the truth behind this supernatural ability.
‘Now tell me, what ways can we turn water into a weapon?’
Tenzen raised his hand. ‘You could block and divert a river to cause a flood or wash away bridges.’
Soke nodded. ‘Excellent. Such a tactic avoids direct engagement with the enemy. However, it requires careful planning and the terrain may limit you. Other options?’
‘You can poison a castle’s water source,’ Miyuki suggested.
‘Ah … yes, very effective. But this may kill innocent people too.’
‘Then just the drinking cup of your enemy.’
‘Better,’ Soke acknowledged.
Jack made a mental note never to accept a drink from Miyuki.
‘So how about camouflage?’ asked the Grandmaster.
Hanzo thrust up his arm. ‘You can hide in barrels, urns, wells, ponds, rivers –’
‘Yes, yes, thank you, Hanzo, we get the idea,’ cut in the Grandmaster, gently waving the boy’s enthusiasm down. ‘Your breathing training will enable you to conceal yourself for short periods of time. But occasionally you’ll need to stay submerged for longer.’
Getting to his feet, Soke approached a clump of reeds and plucked a long thin stalk from the waters.
‘A hollow reed like this will allow you to breathe underwater. It also has the benefit of blending in with its environment, making it harder for the enemy to detect you. But what if there isn’t one to hand?’
‘You can use your saya,’ said Shiro, who sat beside Miyuki, picking distractedly at the grass.
Tenzen, noting Jack’s puzzled frown, picked up his ninjatō and showed Jack the end of the scabbard – where Jack’s samurai saya was rounded and solid, the ninja