The Ring of Earth - Chris Bradford [94]
‘Your teaching has given me the hope that I will,’ said Jack, bowing. ‘You’ve also proved to me that a single tree doesn’t make a forest. I swore the ninja would always be my enemy. Now the ninja will always be my friend.’
Soke nodded sagely.
‘If you ever encounter a ninja, or believe they are one, then use this secret hand sign.’ The Grandmaster clasped both hands together, middle fingers entwined, thumbs and little finger extended in a V shape. ‘It’s the Dragon Seal. A true ninja will recognize this and help you.’
Soke turned to go. ‘A final piece of advice: to hide is the best defence.’
57
A HAPPY FAREWELL
Akiko and Jack walked slowly back into the deserted village. They passed through paddy fields, most of the crop trampled and unharvested. Thankfully, the clan had stockpiled food from previous years and hidden it beneath the temple. The smoky tang of burnt wood hung in the air, Shonin’s farmhouse still smouldering away after five days. A number of other houses had been set on fire too, but most had just been ransacked for their rice and provisions.
Fortunately for Jack, Soke’s house had been one of those pillaged but not set on fire. He’d found his pack safe and sound in the secret compartment beneath the floorboards, the rutter untouched within its protective oilskin. Beside it, Soke had left several rations of rice and some essential clothes.
Jack got changed for the journey, then joined Akiko out in the yard. It was sad to see the once thriving village so bereft of life, and neither he nor Akiko wanted to stay longer than they had to. The samurai could arrive at any moment.
Akiko hadn’t spoken a word since she’d said goodbye to her brother.
‘I’m sorry,’ began Jack. ‘Sorry he had to go.’
‘I’m not,’ Akiko replied, her voice subdued but resolute. ‘Kiyoshi … I mean Hanzo is where he rightfully belongs. In the clan, with his friends. They’re his family now.’
‘But what about you?’ asked Jack. ‘You’ve spent the last five years looking for him.’
Akiko nodded. ‘And you found him for me. My kachimushi’s alive and being cared for. That’s all I need to know. It was a happy farewell.’
She looked at Jack, her expression hopeful.
‘Soke’s promised that Hanzo can visit us in Toba once the clan’s resettled. I know he’s eager to meet his mother.’
Akiko reached out and touched Jack’s hand. ‘I owe you so much.’
‘I’m the one who owes you,’ said Jack, gently taking her hand in his. ‘It’s the least I could do after all you’ve done for me.’
They gazed into one another’s eyes, the connection between them more powerful than ever. This second farewell was proving even harder than the first. And now Jack knew what life was like without Akiko by his side.
‘I should go,’ she said, letting her hand fall away. ‘My mother’s waiting for me in Toba.’
‘You could come with me,’ Jack suggested, though he was well aware his journey took him in the opposite direction.
Akiko sadly shook her head. ‘My mother needs to know about Kiyoshi. And I need to be there for her. It’s a daughter’s duty.’
‘I understand,’ said Jack, knowing it had been an impossible request.
Leaning in close, Akiko kissed him gently on the cheek.
‘Forever bound to one another,’ she whispered in his ear. Then she turned and walked away in the direction of the rising sun.
Jack, speechless, watched her figure recede down the village road, past the devastated square, round the pond and beyond. He realized he felt how Akiko must have done that day in Toba he left her behind. His heart reached out for his friend, begging her to come back.
Akiko kept walking, not even risking a glance over her shoulder. Maybe she was scared to. Should he call to her? But he didn’t know what he would say. They were both leaves floating away on different streams.
When she disappeared from view, Jack still stood watching, his hand to the cheek she’d kissed. He dearly hoped to see her just one more time.
But Akiko was gone.
Once again, he was on his own. Perhaps better equipped than before for the hazardous journey ahead – but also more alone. He’d lost Akiko a second time. Then