The Ring of Earth - Chris Bradford [53]
The students applauded Jack’s success, while Hanzo bounced up and down in delight. Even Miyuki acknowledged the feat, begrudgingly clapping along with the other ninja.
Jack was too shaken up by the experience to do anything but breathe a long sigh of relief.
‘This completes your initiation into the Five Rings,’ said Soke, addressing Jack. ‘Having experienced them all now, you’re firmly on your way to learning how to endure like the Earth, flow like Water, strike like Fire, run like the Wind and be all-seeing like the Sky. Stay the path and you’ll complete the journey.’
The Grandmaster turned to his students.
‘Jack’s no longer samurai,’ he declared. ‘From now on, he’s a ninja.’
30
FIRST MISSION
Back in the village square, the students gathered round to personally congratulate Jack. Hanzo stood proudly beside him.
‘Told you the tengu could do it,’ he boasted to Kobei and his friends.
Tenzen clapped Jack firmly on the shoulder. ‘I always knew there was ninja blood in you.’
Jack grinned in response. He never imagined in his wildest dreams that he’d actually become a ninja, let alone feel proud of such an achievement. But during his time with the shinobi, he’d come to see them in a new light. While Soke hadn’t been completely open with the truth, his intentions had proved honourable. The ninja had protected him from the samurai, taught him ninjutsu and even tried to make amends for Dragon Eye’s sins. A single tree certainly didn’t make a forest.
Deep down, Jack knew he’d always consider himself a samurai first and could never reconcile his father’s death with being a shinobi. But he also realized that being a ninja could have its advantages.
The last to approach was Miyuki.
‘You did well,’ she said, almost managing a smile. ‘But all this has just been practice. You’re not a true ninja until you’ve completed your first mission.’
Jack gave Miyuki a questioning look.
‘You need to prove yourself,’ she explained. ‘Come, Shonin has summoned you.’
Miyuki led Jack inside the farmhouse.
‘This is an unnecessary risk,’ Momochi was arguing as Jack entered the reception room. ‘What if he makes a mistake? Or, worse, he’s discovered?’
‘It’s a straightforward assignment,’ replied Shonin. ‘Besides, he’ll be invisible.’
Shonin beckoned Jack to join them. ‘Are you ready for your first mission as a ninja?’
Jack bowed his head in response, praying he wouldn’t be required to assassinate anyone.
‘Momochi’s in charge. He will brief you.’
The second-in-command looked incensed, his moustache twitching in annoyance. He was clearly unhappy that Shonin had once again overruled him.
Jack was equally concerned. Here was Momochi’s ideal opportunity to ensure he failed … or even orchestrate his capture by daimyo Akechi.
Grunting his disapproval, Momochi reluctantly addressed Jack. ‘We believe daimyo Akechi is planning an offensive against the ninja clans in these mountains. We need to know what preparations he’s made: how big his army is; when and where he will attack. The more we know about our enemy’s plans, the easier it will be to stop him.’
Despite the risks, Jack realized this might be the opportunity he’d been looking for. Not only could he learn of his location in the Iga mountains, he might find a way to send a message to Akiko.
‘I’ll need to know where daimyo Akechi is,’ said Jack.
‘Maruyama Castle, two days’ trek east.’
‘Am I to go alone?’
‘Of course not!’ snorted Momochi. ‘One of our most experienced ninja, Zenjubo, will lead the party, which will comprise Tenzen, Shiro, Miyuki and you.’
‘So when do we leave?’ Jack asked.
Shonin laughed. ‘I like this new ninja!’
The next morning, they gathered in the farmhouse for their final briefing. Zenjubo, a tough, no-nonsense man of few words, handed out their supplies and equipment. He acknowledged Jack with a brief bow of his head, but made no comment as to his inclusion in the team.
Soke was at hand to ensure Jack was properly attired and prepared for the mission.
‘What do you think?’ asked Jack.
‘Who said that?’ Soke