Young Samurai _ The Way Of The Dragon - Chris Bradford [96]
Everyone within the castle was stunned by this turn of events. In particular Masamoto, who couldn’t quite believe their enemy had surrendered so easily. The conflict had barely begun. Cautious as ever, Masamoto insisted the Niten Ichi Ryū continue their battle training.
Yet daimyo Kamakura seemed true to his word. The next day his colossal army struck camp and began to retreat in the direction of Edo Province. There was great rejoicing among Satoshi’s forces. They’d won the war without having to engage in direct combat.
As a token of his appreciation for his troops’ support, Satoshi ordered saké and extra rations to be given out. For the daimyo and samurai generals who’d rallied to his cause, he’d decided to hold a celebratory moon-viewing party in his tea garden. The invite had been extended to the students of the Niten Ichi Ryū with whom he felt a certain affinity, being of similar age.
Satoshi welcomed each daimyo in an open-sided tea house set on an island at the heart of the garden. The guests wandered round the meandering paths and bridges, chatting amiably and appreciating the clear night sky, the stars bright as diamonds.
Father Bobadillo was there too, making the most of the opportunity and circulating among the key members of the Council. Occasionally he would glance in Jack’s direction, his eyes narrowing. Jack tried to ignore the priest and kept his distance.
Across from Jack and Yori, on the far side of the oval pond, Takuan sat surrounded by a group of young samurai. Akiko and Emi were either side of him, admiring the reflection of the moon upon the still surface of the water. Inspired by its ethereal beauty, Takuan was composing impromptu haiku to keep everyone entertained.
‘Did you know that a rabbit lives in the moon?’ said Yori, gazing up at the night sky. ‘If you look closely at its surface, you can see him making rice dumplings.’
The sound of appreciative applause floated across the pond. Jack heard Akiko laughing lightly and found himself gazing at her, not the moon.
‘Look, there he is!’ said Yori, pointing gleefully at the nebulous outline of a rabbit.
‘I’ll now compose a poem in honour of each of you,’ Takuan announced, his voice carrying clearly through the night. ‘Akiko, you’ll be my muse.’
There was more delighted clapping and Akiko gave Takuan a bashful bow of her head.
Yori tugged on Jack’s sleeve. ‘Can you see it, Jack? The rabbit’s got a wooden hammer.’
‘You’re suffering moon madness,’ said Jack, irritably pulling his arm away. ‘Everyone knows it’s a man in the moon, not a rabbit!’
Startled by Jack’s curt reaction, Yori took a step back, his eyes showing hurt. Jack immediately felt ashamed. Bowing to Yori, he muttered an apology and strode off towards the well house to be on his own.
Sitting upon the lip of the well, he stared glumly through the open door at all the guests enjoying the party. Why had he snapped at Yori like that? Jack realized he could no longer deny that Takuan’s ever-growing closeness to Akiko upset him. The more time she spent with Takuan, the more Jack realized how important Akiko was to his life. He didn’t want to lose her as his best and most trusted friend.
Nor did it help his mood having Father Bobadillo around. He felt threatened by the man’s presence. Having confirmed his suspicions about the dictionary, Jack was convinced the priest was in league with Dragon Eye and responsible for his father’s death.
With the war now over, Father Bobadillo would insist upon arranging his passage back to England, arguing that it was in Jack’s best interests. But Jack could never trust such a man. The priest surely intended to double-cross him – perhaps lock him in a Portuguese prison; or put him on a ship only to have him thrown overboard; or maybe even send Dragon Eye to torture or kill him.
Although Jack despised his old rival Kazuki for his prejudice and