Young Samurai _ The Way Of The Dragon - Chris Bradford [109]
‘The Red Devils of the Ii,’ breathed Taro, his face going deathly pale.
Jack turned to him for an explanation, though their hellish appearance had already sent an involuntary shudder of fear through him.
‘They’re the most ruthless, brutal and bloodthirsty samurai in all of Japan. Without mercy, they’ll kill us to the last samurai standing.’
The Red Devils entered the fray, launching a blistering counter-attack and laying waste all those before them. Like a floodgate opening, the black-and-white banners of Satoshi’s forces were washed aside by a surge of red.
The tide of battle had turned and, as if the war god Hachiman were now on the Red Devils’ side, the rain ceased and the blasts from cannon and arquebuses commenced once more.
‘Samurai of the Niten Ichi Ryū!’ cried Masamoto, riding along their frontline. ‘Prepare for battle!’
The students exchanged nervous glances and unsheathed their swords. Jack grasped the handle of his katana, the menuki grip digging deep into his palm. He was hesitant to withdraw the blade, terrified he’d suddenly forgotten all his training. A hand clamped on his shoulder and Jack turned to see Yamato, his staff planted firmly in the ground beside them.
‘Five years ago I lost a brother,’ said Yamato, staring gravely at Jack. ‘I don’t want to lose another.’
The significance of his statement touched Jack to his heart. He drew Yamato into a tight embrace.
‘I never had a brother until I came to Japan,’ he replied, letting Yamato go. ‘And I’ll willingly lay down my life to save yours.’
‘I hope it won’t come to that,’ said Akiko.
She stood beside them, her bow at the ready. In her other hand, she held three arrows. Without prompting, Yamato and Jack grasped the shafts either side of her outstretched hand.
‘Only by binding together will we remain strong,’ she said, recalling Sensei Yamada’s words.
For a moment Jack believed they were invincible, the bond between them unbreakable. Yamato let go. But Jack didn’t want to. He realized this might be the last time they’d be together. He held Akiko’s gaze, the connection between them seeming stronger than ever, the shared secret of her ninja identity somehow bringing them even closer.
‘Forever bound to one another,’ she whispered, smiling at him.
‘Forever bound to one another,’ repeated Jack, meaning every word.
Feeling a tug on his armour, he looked down to see Yori, his eyes red and welling with tears.
‘Jack, I’m scared,’ he blurted. ‘I know I’m samurai, but we’re too young to die.’
Trying to comfort his friend, Jack could only think of repeating his mother’s phrase again. ‘Remember, where there are friends, there’s hope.’
His words sounded weak and insipid in the midst of battle. But if the truth be told, he was just as terrified. The Red Devils were drawing ever nearer, leaving a bloodbath in their wake. Yori began to tremble uncontrollably. Panic seizing him, he dropped his sword and looked ready to flee.
‘Yori-kun!’ said Sensei Yamada, shuffling over to them. ‘Have you figured out my koan yet?’
Yori blinked in bafflement at his sensei, completely taken off-guard by the unexpected question.
‘What is your true face, which you had before your father and mother were even born?’
‘I’m sorry, I don’t know,’ replied Yori, shaking his head.
‘But you are wearing it now,’ replied Sensei Yamada, smiling kindly at his protégé. ‘When confronted with death, a samurai’s true face is revealed. And I see in you strength, courage and loyalty. With those bushido qualities, you will survive the forthcoming fight. Just like you survived the attack on our school. I hear you mastered kiaijutsu.’
Yori nodded.
‘Then you’ll understand what I meant, that even the smallest breeze can make ripples on the largest ocean.’
Sensei Yamada wandered away, seeking out other students