Read Young Samurai 06 - The Ring of Fire for Free Online Page A

back,’ he replied. ‘With more samurai!’
    News of Jack’s decision spread like wildfire and he was heralded as the village’s saviour. In spite of his determination earlier that morning, Jack was beginning to question his ability to deliver on the promise. He might be able to convince other warriors to join the cause. But once they discovered he was a gaijin , what then?
    The villagers in their excitement seemed to have forgotten this.
    Yoshi, the elder, hadn’t.
    ‘Take Toge with you,’ he instructed as they discussed his departure over lunch at Junichi’s house. ‘He can act as your servant. It’ll lend you more status.’
    Toge’s expression soured at the idea, but he was given no choice.
    ‘You go too, Sora, as representative of the village.’
    ‘And me!’ volunteered Kunio.
    ‘If you must,’ replied Junichi wearily. Though his expression suggested relief that he’d be rid of the boy for another few days.
    ‘Neko comes too,’ said Jack.
    ‘What for? She’s a terrible cook,’ muttered Toge.
    ‘Are you going to cook for me?’ challenged Jack. To which Toge didn’t answer.
    By the time all the travel preparations had been made, it was late.
    ‘We’ll leave tomorrow morning,’ said Jack.
    Jack awoke at first light, fresh and more positive about his forthcoming mission. The weather also appeared to be in their favour. A bright winter sun shimmered across the crisp white carpet of the Okayama Plain and the main road was clearly visible, snaking its way towards the horizon.
    All the villagers gathered in the square to wave them off. As the provisions were divided up between the party of five, Jack ensured Neko wasn’t overburdened this time.
    ‘Kunio!’ he called as the boy went for the smallest load. ‘This rice sack and cooking pot should be no trouble for a strong farmer like you.’
    Not wanting to lose face in front of the other boys, Kunio smiled gamely.
    ‘No problem,’ he grunted, hauling the heavy iron pot along with the cumbersome sack on to his back. He staggered slightly, then followed Jack and the others out of the village.
    Working their way past the snow-laden fields, the group crossed the bridge by the mill and soon left Tamagashi behind. Neko skipped merrily at Jack’s side, clearly delighted not to be treated as the village slave for once.
    With the route clear, they made good time and by mid-afternoon the outskirts of Okayama came into view. Toge managed to acquire the same rundown accommodation as before and they left Neko and an exhausted Kunio to guard the provisions. Okayama’s main square was bustling with people and there was a buzz of excitement in the air.
    ‘Market day,’ explained Toge as he led Jack through the crowds and past stalls of fish goods, silk traders, spice merchants and vendors selling everything from oil and wood to farm tools and pottery.
    ‘That’s good news,’ said Jack, keeping his hat low over his eyes. ‘There’ll be more samurai to choose from.’
    They decided the marketplace itself was too hectic to make a personal appeal to anyone, so Jack chose a small tea house at one corner of the square. As well as providing good views across the market, it was an appropriate meeting place for ronin . More importantly, it offered Jack the best escape route should his identity be exposed.
    Acting according to his role, Toge ordered a pot of sencha for his master, poured out a cup, then knelt to one side with Sora. The three of them surveyed the market for suitable samurai.
    Jack spotted one almost immediately. He wore a plain black kimono and had a neatly trimmed beard. On his hip were a pair of well-maintained swords and he walked with an air of confidence, but not arrogance.
    ‘Try him.’
    Toge jumped to his feet and hurried over to the man. Jack and Sora watched as, bowing profusely, Toge introduced himself and invited the samurai for tea. The warrior appeared to ask a question, to which Toge answered. The samurai then shook his head and