Young Samurai _ The Way Of The Dragon - Chris Bradford [25]
‘I don’t think you’re her favourite samurai any more,’ commented Saburo in Jack’s ear.
‘Thanks for pointing that out,’ replied Jack, irritably digging Saburo in the stomach with his elbow.
‘I’m not the one who almost got the daimyo’s daughter killed!’ Saburo complained, rubbing his injured belly.
‘That’s enough! Jack’s already made his formal apology to the daimyo,’ interrupted Yamato, seeing the shame in Jack’s eyes. ‘The new boy does seem to be making rather an impression, though.’
Jack looked round and saw that the girls in the hall had their attention turned towards Takuan, many whispering and giggling behind their hands. Takuan, who was engaged in conversation with Emi, glanced over in their direction and spotted Akiko beside Jack. He gave her a broad smile and inclined his head, inviting Akiko to join them. Akiko returned the greeting, her face blushing at the attention.
Still smarting from Emi’s harsh reception, Jack was surprised to find himself irritated by this exchange. ‘He looks more poet than warrior,’ commented Jack. ‘What’s he doing in a samurai school?’
Akiko frowned at Jack. ‘I expect that he’s going to train with us.’
‘Us?’ said Jack.
‘Yes, he probably knows a lot more than just poetry considering his mother’s reputation. We should go and welcome him.’
Jack lingered behind as Akiko, Kiku and Yori went over to greet Takuan.
‘Hey, the gaijin’s back!’ mocked a familiar voice.
Jack groaned. Of all the people he didn’t want to see the first day back at the Niten Ichi Ryū, it was Kazuki.
His sworn enemy strode over, arrogant as ever. His head recently shaved, and wearing his jet-black kimono with its red sun kamon emblazoned on the back, he looked every bit the son of a man supposedly related to the Imperial Line. His dark hooded eyes glared at Jack as if offended by his very presence.
Kazuki was flanked by the core members of his so-called Scorpion Gang: Nobu, who by his huge girth appeared to harbour hopes of becoming a sumo wrestler; Goro, a tough-looking boy with deep-set eyes; and Hiroto, thin and wiry as a stick insect, with a cruel, high-pitched voice. The only one missing was Moriko, the black-toothed samurai girl, who studied at their rival school, the Yagyu Ryū. The gang, formed in preparation for daimyo Kamakura’s supposed crusade, were firmly against the idea of gaijin settling in Japan. Since Jack was the only foreigner in the Niten Ichi Ryū, he was their primary target for harassment.
‘We were trying to decide whether you’d been roasted, boiled or burnt alive!’ said Kazuki.
Jack stared impassively back. He was determined not to give Kazuki or his gang the reaction they wanted.
‘Go away, Kazuki,’ said Jack. ‘That’s old news.’
‘Is it?’ Kazuki taunted. ‘The last I heard, daimyo Kamakura was offering rewards to those who brought Christians to justice. You do realize, Yamato, that these gaijin are spreading an evil religion. They’re trying to convert samurai to their alien beliefs in order to overthrow all the daimyo and rule Japan for themselves.’
‘If that was the case, why would daimyo Takatomi convert to Christianity?’ challenged Yamato, stepping between Jack and the approaching gang. ‘He serves the Emperor and is no fool.’
‘He doesn’t realize the true extent of their plans,’ replied Kazuki, lowering his voice, ‘Unlike daimyo Kamakura who’s passing a law that will banish all Christians from Japan. And good riddance to them!’
‘That may be daimyo Kamakura’s will in Edo Province, but it’s not here in Kyoto,’ retorted Yamato. ‘Now back off!’
Kazuki took a step closer.
‘I’ve no quarrel with you, Yamato. My issue is with the gaijin only. There’s no need for you to be involved.’
Yamato stood his ground, eyeballing Kazuki.
‘You pick a fight with Jack, you pick a fight with me too.’
10
THE MATCH
Kazuki and his gang closed ranks against Jack, Yamato and Saburo.
The Hall of the Hawk was busy with students and the confrontation passed unnoticed amid the crowd.
‘Why do you always insist on protecting the gaijin?’ demanded Kazuki.
‘Because he