Free The Way Of The Dragon by Chris Bradford

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