Young Samurai_ The Way of the Sword - Chris Bradford [57]
The selection process appeared to progress smoothly, until all of a sudden the discussion became heated and voices were raised.
‘I object!’ protested Sensei Kyuzo, slamming a rock-like fist on to the wooden floor. ‘He didn’t complete the trial.’
Every eye and ear in the dojo focused upon the quarrelling sensei and, despite Masamoto’s attempts to subdue the dispute, snatches of the argument were still clearly audible.
‘…your opinion is somewhat biased,’ accused Sensei Kyuzo of Masamoto, his annoyance getting the better of his discretion.
‘Can you honestly say you’re impartial?’ interjected Sensei Yosa.
‘That’s beside the point. The boy failed the trial. You cannot bend the rules for one individual!’
Masamoto held his hand up for calm. ‘Enough. If my vote is contentious, I withdraw it…’
The row nonetheless rumbled on, but in tense whispered exchanges so that the students were no longer able to overhear. Jack’s heart sank. Sensei Kyuzo had promised he would do everything in his power to stop him entering the Circle.
‘What is your opinion, Sensei Kano?’ Masamoto asked of the bō master a moment later. ‘We are in a stalemate situation and require your vote.’
The great man leant forward to give his opinion. A few moments later, the issue was apparently resolved as the teachers returned to a more amicable discussion, though Sensei Kyuzo still looked sour as vinegar.
* * *
Like a cannon shot, a single handclap resounded in the Butokuden and Masamoto announced, ‘The time has come!’
The entire school stiffened to attention as the selection panel turned to face the students, their expressions stony. Behind them, the school’s carved gilded phoenix kamon hung proudly above the sensei’s heads.
‘Young samurai! To all those who participated in the trials, we bow to you.’
With a single sweeping glance, Masamoto took in the three lines of students, the power of his gaze making it appear as if he had looked at each of them in turn.
‘We’ve carefully considered your performances today. The five students selected for entry to the Circle of Three are those who completed at least one trial and acted like a samurai in all by showing true bushido spirit,’ explained Masamoto. ‘When your name is called, step forward to receive our judgement.’
Jack let go of any remaining hope, biting back on the bitter disappointment he now felt. Having not completed a trial, he realized the Circle of Three would remain a distant dream, the Two Heavens technique a mystery to him for many more years to come.
‘Emi-chan,’ summoned Masamoto.
Emi limped out of line to take her place in front of the judging panel, the Gauntlet clearly having taken its toll upon her.
‘You performed well. You’re a fine kyudoka and although you were frightened by the Gauntlet we were most impressed with the way you regained your composure in the face of such danger. That took courage. However, your overall result was not quite good enough to warrant you entering the Circle. I’m sure your father would agree in this instance. Three to two against.’
Emi-chan bowed to the panel. As Jack watched her hobble over to the sidelines, it dawned on him just how challenging the Circle of Three must be, if even the daughter of the school’s benefactor was rejected.
A sense of disappointment descended over the school as the next six entrants also failed to make the grade. Jack, however, felt a little better knowing that the bar had been set so high.
‘Tadashi-kun,’ summoned Masamoto.
A strong boy with broad shoulders and dark half-moon eyebrows stepped forward. Jack recognized him as the boy who had first entered his name for the Circle.
Masamoto nodded once. ‘Formidable spirit throughout, especially in the tamashiwari. It was a shame you were knocked down towards the end of the Gauntlet, but no matter. Four to one in agreement. You are through to the Circle.’
The school gave a great cheer. At last one of the entrants was deemed good