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‘You were right, Jack,’ said Kiku. ‘Daimyo Takatomi was talking about war when he’d described the Hall of the Hawk as a beacon of light in dark times. He must have already known of daimyo Kamakura’s plans.’

‘But what about the Emperor? Doesn’t he rule Japan?’ asked Jack, finding he had little stomach for dinner, and put down his hashi. ‘I thought daimyo Kamakura, as a samurai lord, was supposed to fight for him, not against him.’

‘He wouldn’t be taking power from the Emperor,’ explained Akiko. ‘The Emperor is the symbolic head of our country. The real power resides with the Council of Regents.’

‘So who are the Regents?’

‘They’re the five most powerful samurai lords in Japan. Daimyo Takatomi from Kyoto Province, daimyo Yukimura from Osaka Province, daimyo Kamakura from Edo Pro–’

‘But if Kamakura’s already in charge,’ interrupted Jack, ‘why would he want to start a war?’

‘The Council is only governing Japan on behalf of the ruler-in-waiting, Hasegawa Satoshi.’

‘What do you mean “in waiting”?’

‘Satoshi isn’t old enough to rule yet. His father, who became Japan’s leader following the Battle of Nakasendo, died only a year after the war. Satoshi was six at the time. And our daimyo Takatomi, not wanting Japan to descend back into civil war, set up the Council of Regents. They were to act as Japan’s government until Satoshi came of age. When he does next year, the Council will end and Satoshi will rule Japan alone.’

‘So that’s why daimyo Kamakura’s building an army now,’ said Yamato. ‘He’s intending to take over Japan before Satoshi does.’

‘So, if it does come to war,’ said Jack, lowering his voice and glancing over at Kazuki’s table, ‘would everyone here fight on daimyo Takatomi’s side for Satoshi?’

‘Of course!’ said Akiko, astonished Jack would even ask such a question.

‘Even Kazuki?’

‘Yes. Everyone at this school has sworn their allegiance. We’re all students of Masamoto-sama.’

‘But don’t you remember what I told you about his Scorpion Gang?’

Akiko sighed. ‘And remember how you falsely accused Kazuki of cheating during the Circle of Three?’

Jack nodded reluctantly.

‘Kazuki may not like you, but he’s not always as black as you paint him. He is a true samurai. As a student of the Niten Ichi Ryū, his duty is to Masamoto-sama. He is honour-bound to follow him. Besides, his family fought alongside daimyo Takatomi’s forces at Nakasendo.’

Jack still had his doubts. Locking eyes with Kazuki on the opposite table, he knew his rival wasn’t to be trusted. Despite Akiko’s reassurance of Kazuki’s obedience to the code of bushido, Jack knew what he’d heard that night in the Butokuden when Kazuki, following in his father’s footsteps, had sworn his allegiance to Kamakura’s cause.

Dinner over, the young samurai left the Chō-no-ma and made their way to the Hall of Lions for bed. Summer was at an end, so there was a chill to the night air and few students dawdled long outside. Jack noticed some of them glancing in his direction. They seemed to be talking about him as they passed. Jack wondered whether they were blaming him for the growing troubles, being the only foreigner in the school.

‘Jack!’ called Takuan, strolling over. ‘I think we should increase our number of horseriding lessons. If there’s to be a war, you’ll need to know how to ride well.’

‘Thanks,’ said Jack, forcing a smile.

Though he appreciated Takuan’s help, he wasn’t looking forward to more lessons. They’d started practising the trot and Jack had great difficulty matching his horse’s rhythm. By the end of a session, his bones were pounded so much he could barely walk.

‘By the way,’ asked Takuan casually, ‘have you seen Akiko recently?’

‘She’s gone to ninja training,’ replied Jack, only half-joking. Takuan was always asking after Akiko. It irritated him, though he tried not to show it.

‘Really?’ replied Takuan, his mouth falling open in astonishment.

‘No,’ said Jack, laughing. ‘She sees her priest at this time.’

‘So that’s where she’s always off to!’ A puzzled expression then