Young Samurai: The Ring of Wind Read Online Free PDF Page A

Shizu-san was one of the greatest swordsmiths to have lived, and his blades were revered for both their quality and benevolent spirit. With only a few true ones in existence, their value was inestimable.
    Yori nodded sincerely. ‘They’re offerings for the gods at Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island. We’re donating them on behalf of our
sensei
.’
    The
ronin
squinted at Yori. ‘But this boat isn’t headed for Omishima Island.’
    ‘We’re … going there after the pilgrimage,’ stated Yori, but his hesitation made the reply sound hollow and the
ronin
remained sceptical.
    ‘What sword school do you belong to?’ he demanded.
    Yori paused before answering, ‘The School of No Sword.’
    Since the
Niten Ichi Ry ū
had been closed by order of the Shogun, Jack knew it was wise of his friend to give another school’s name. But even Jack was surprised by such a preposterous-sounding one.
    The
ronin
snorted in disdain. ‘What sort of ridiculous sword style is
that
?’
    Yori swallowed nervously. ‘Would you like a demonstration?’
    Grinning with malicious delight, the
ronin
grunted, ‘A duel! Most definitely.’
    As the
ronin
began to clear the deck of passengers, Jack grabbed Yori’s arm. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’
    ‘We have to get rid of this
ronin
,’ Yori insisted. ‘Otherwise he’ll discover who you are.’
    ‘But did you
have
to challenge him to a duel?’ Jack knew Yori wasn’t a fighter at heart and he feared for his friend’s life. The
ronin
may be suffering seasickness, but judging by the scars on his arms he was a battle-hardened and dangerous foe. ‘Let me take your place,’ suggested Jack.
    ‘Trust me,’ Yori replied, with only a slight tremble to his voice. ‘I can handle him.’
    ‘What’s going on here?’ The captain, a burly man with a face weathered as old leather, strode down the steps from the stern’s upper deck.
    ‘A duel!’ cried one of the merchants excitedly.
    ‘I won’t have fighting on-board this ship,’ ruled the captain.
    Unwilling to lose face, the
ronin
stepped forward. ‘The challenge has been set. My honour is at stake. We
must
duel.’
    ‘My ship, my rules,’ said the captain firmly.
    ‘I’m a samurai,’ said the
ronin
. ‘Do what I say.’
    ‘I’m the captain,’ he shot back, unfazed by the
ronin
’s belligerent attitude. ‘At sea, you do what I say.’
    A tense stand-off occurred between the two men and the ship fell silent.
    Coughing for their attention, Yori bowed to the captain. ‘Perhaps you would be kind enough to lend us the rowing boat? Then we can duel on that island over there without injuring any of your passengers.’
    Yori pointed to an uninhabited outcrop of rock, crowned with trees and ringed by a small beach. The captain regarded Yori thoughtfully, his curiosity roused at the prospect of a fight between a samurai and a pilgrim.
    ‘That’s acceptable,’ agreed the captain, giving the order to drop anchor.
    A couple of his crew lowered the rowing boat over the side. The
ronin
climbed down the rope ladder and waited impatiently for Yori to join him.
    ‘Let me come with you,’ suggested Saburo.
    ‘It’s best that I go alone,’ Yori replied, taking a grip of the swaying ladder.
    ‘Don’t you want to carry a knife at least?’ asked Miyuki, offering him her hidden
tant ō
.
    Yori shook his head and descended into the rowing boat. The
ronin
took the oars and began to paddle. Powerless to prevent the duel now, Jack, Saburo and Miyuki stood by the guardrail, watching their friend bob across the water towards the island.
    ‘That
ronin
will cut him into eight pieces,’ sighed Saburo mournfully.
    By now, all the passengers and crew were gathered along the gunwale, eagerly awaiting the start of this unusual match. Jack noticed the merchants and court nobles were placing bets on the outcome of the duel – and the odds weren’t favourable for Yori.
    As the rowing boat approached the little beach, the
ronin
shipped the