The Ring Of Earth Part 16

The whole situation put him on edge and he still couldn't believe he'd been talked into it. Although he'd experienced some tough challenges during his training as a samurai breaking wood with his bare hands, running the Gauntlet and even overcoming the limits of mind and body by standing beneath a raging waterfall this topped them all.

A tense silence hung over the crowd of ninja as they waited for the Test of Truth to begin. To Jack's right, Shonin and Momochi observed him with interest, wondering how a gaijin gaijin would fare against such a ninja challenge. Jack glanced nervously over to the group on his right, spotting Hanzo, Tenzen and Miyuki at the front. She was taking some pleasure in Jack's discomfort, attempting to psyche him out by staring at him. Hanzo was fidgeting with excitement. Of all the other ninja students in attendance, Tenzen was the only one with an encouraging smile on his face. would fare against such a ninja challenge. Jack glanced nervously over to the group on his right, spotting Hanzo, Tenzen and Miyuki at the front. She was taking some pleasure in Jack's discomfort, attempting to psyche him out by staring at him. Hanzo was fidgeting with excitement. Of all the other ninja students in attendance, Tenzen was the only one with an encouraging smile on his face.

Jack was already perspiring and his heart raced. He took several deep breaths, trying to calm himself. Soke had advised him to clear his mind of all thoughts, not even contemplate whether he would pa.s.s or fail. To do so would guarantee failure and the consequence could be fatal.

The whole purpose of the Test of Truth was to enter the Ring of Sky to experience the Void and channel the unseen power of the universe. It was necessary for him to enter a state of mus.h.i.+n mus.h.i.+n, 'no mind'. He had to act without thinking without relying on his physical senses.

'Let the Test of Truth commence,' announced Shonin.

Jack knew Soke held a razor-sharp ninjat ninjat in his hands. Without warning, the Grandmaster would strike at his head. It was up to Jack to get out of the way. But, of course, he didn't know in his hands. Without warning, the Grandmaster would strike at his head. It was up to Jack to get out of the way. But, of course, he didn't know when when to move. He had to to move. He had to sense sense the attack. the attack.

This was the Test of Truth.

Jack called upon all his meditation practice with Sensei Yamada. He closed his eyes, emptied his mind and slowed his breathing. Jack took comfort in the fact that he'd experienced mus.h.i.+n mus.h.i.+n once before during a duel. He now sought that supreme mental state of a warrior in combat, one where he expected nothing, but was ready for anything. once before during a duel. He now sought that supreme mental state of a warrior in combat, one where he expected nothing, but was ready for anything.

For a brief second, Jack imagined Soke's sword slicing through his skull, but quickly pushed the gruesome image away. He had had to focus. to focus.

The Grandmaster could attack at any moment.

Allowing his awareness of his surroundings to expand, his survival instinct reached out like tentative fingers in the darkness. The air around him became motionless, time seeming to stand still.

It was no more than a sense of intent. But, in the s.p.a.ce of a heartbeat, he felt a surge of energy push him to one side. He rolled with it, moving a fraction of a second before the gleaming blade of the ninjat ninjat scythed through the air. scythed through the air.

The Grandmaster had struck ... and missed.

Jack came to a stop at the very lip of the rock, teetering on its edge.

'Congratulations!' said Shonin as Jack backed cautiously away from certain death. 'Not everyone survives that test unscathed.'

The students applauded Jack's success, while Hanzo bounced up and down in delight. Even Miyuki acknowledged the feat, begrudgingly clapping along with the other ninja.

Jack was too shaken up by the experience to do anything but breathe a long sigh of relief.

'This completes your initiation into the Five Rings,' said Soke, addressing Jack. 'Having experienced them all now, you're firmly on your way to learning how to endure like the Earth, flow like Water, strike like Fire, run like the Wind and be all-seeing like the Sky. Stay the path and you'll complete the journey.'

The Grandmaster turned to his students.

'Jack's no longer samurai,' he declared. 'From now on, he's a ninja.'

30.

FIRST M MISSION.

Back in the village square, the students gathered round to personally congratulate Jack. Hanzo stood proudly beside him.

'Told you the tengu tengu could do it,' he boasted to Kobei and his friends. could do it,' he boasted to Kobei and his friends.

Tenzen clapped Jack firmly on the shoulder. 'I always knew there was ninja blood in you.'

Jack grinned in response. He never imagined in his wildest dreams that he'd actually become a ninja, let alone feel proud proud of such an achievement. But during his time with the of such an achievement. But during his time with the s.h.i.+n.o.bi s.h.i.+n.o.bi, he'd come to see them in a new light. While Soke hadn't been completely open with the truth, his intentions had proved honourable. The ninja had protected him from the samurai, taught him ninjutsu ninjutsu and even tried to make amends for Dragon Eye's sins. A single tree certainly didn't make a forest. and even tried to make amends for Dragon Eye's sins. A single tree certainly didn't make a forest.

Deep down, Jack knew he'd always consider himself a samurai first and could never reconcile his father's death with being a s.h.i.+n.o.bi s.h.i.+n.o.bi. But he also realized that being a ninja could have its advantages.

The last to approach was Miyuki.

'You did well,' she said, almost managing a smile. 'But all this has just been practice. You're not a true true ninja until you've completed your first mission.' ninja until you've completed your first mission.'

Jack gave Miyuki a questioning look.

'You need to prove yourself,' she explained. 'Come, Shonin has summoned you.'

Miyuki led Jack inside the farmhouse.

'This is an unnecessary risk,' Momochi was arguing as Jack entered the reception room. 'What if he makes a mistake? Or, worse, he's discovered?'

'It's a straightforward a.s.signment,' replied Shonin. 'Besides, he'll be invisible.'

Shonin beckoned Jack to join them. 'Are you ready for your first mission as a ninja?'

Jack bowed his head in response, praying he wouldn't be required to a.s.sa.s.sinate anyone.

'Momochi's in charge. He will brief you.'

The second-in-command looked incensed, his moustache twitching in annoyance. He was clearly unhappy that Shonin had once again overruled him.

Jack was equally concerned. Here was Momochi's ideal opportunity to ensure he failed ... or even orchestrate his capture by daimyo daimyo Akechi. Akechi.

Grunting his disapproval, Momochi reluctantly addressed Jack. 'We believe daimyo daimyo Akechi is planning an offensive against the ninja clans in these mountains. We need to know what preparations he's made: how big his army is; when and where he will attack. The more we know about our enemy's plans, the easier it will be to stop him.' Akechi is planning an offensive against the ninja clans in these mountains. We need to know what preparations he's made: how big his army is; when and where he will attack. The more we know about our enemy's plans, the easier it will be to stop him.'

Despite the risks, Jack realized this might be the opportunity he'd been looking for. Not only could he learn of his location in the Iga mountains, he might find a way to send a message to Akiko.

'I'll need to know where daimyo daimyo Akechi is,' said Jack. Akechi is,' said Jack.

'Maruyama Castle, two days' trek east.'

'Am I to go alone?'

'Of course not!' snorted Momochi. 'One of our most experienced ninja, Zenjubo, will lead the party, which will comprise Tenzen, s.h.i.+ro, Miyuki and you you.'

'So when do we leave?' Jack asked.

Shonin laughed. 'I like like this new ninja!' this new ninja!'

The next morning, they gathered in the farmhouse for their final briefing. Zenjubo, a tough, no-nonsense man of few words, handed out their supplies and equipment. He acknowledged Jack with a brief bow of his head, but made no comment as to his inclusion in the team.

Soke was at hand to ensure Jack was properly attired and prepared for the mission.

'What do you think?' asked Jack.

'Who said that?' Soke replied, glancing round as if Jack suddenly wasn't there.

Hanzo, who'd come along to wish Jack luck, giggled. 'The tengu tengu's invisible! It's magic!'

Jack joined in the laughter. He felt rather stupid wearing a basket on his head, but he couldn't deny the Komus Komus outfit made the perfect disguise. outfit made the perfect disguise.

Soke pa.s.sed Jack the shakuhachi shakuhachi. 'Remember it's not just about looking like a Monk of Emptiness, it's about acting the part,' he reminded Jack. 'That's why the shakuhachi shakuhachi practice was so important. Playing the flute will convince the samurai you're a real practice was so important. Playing the flute will convince the samurai you're a real Komus Komus.'

Zenjubo took his final instruction from Momochi and announced it was time to leave.

'Don't get caught, tengu tengu!' Hanzo called cheerfully after him.

'I won't,' replied Jack, 'as long as you haven't set any traps for me!'

Momochi was standing at the main entrance. As Jack pa.s.sed by, the ninja grabbed his arm.

'A word of warning,' he hissed. 's.h.i.+n.o.bi are everywhere. If you betray us, we are everywhere. If you betray us, we will will know.' know.'

31.

MONKS OF E EMPTINESS.

Jack paid careful attention to their route. He plotted the course in his head like entries in a s.h.i.+p's log, noting unusual features, memorizing distance, direction and time travelled by the position of the sun.

During the first morning, Zenjubo didn't follow any paths not that there were many to follow. Jack realized this was another Ring of Earth defence to keep the village well hidden. But Jack was able to use a couple of distinctive outcrops to get his bearings. Around midday, they hit a main trail and thereafter Jack became more confident he could retrace his steps. The first night, they slept beside a river with a small waterfall, while the second night was located in a forest clearing marked by two fallen trees.

'With the war over, how can daimyo daimyo Akechi justify raising an army?' Jack asked as they broke camp on the morning of the third day. Akechi justify raising an army?' Jack asked as they broke camp on the morning of the third day.

Zenjubo looked at Jack, then nodded at Tenzen to explain.

'Officially,' said Tenzen, 'he's using the non-payment of rice tax as an excuse. At least, that's his reason for recruiting more samurai.'

'You samurai have an easy life,' commented s.h.i.+ro, 'not even having to grow your own rice.'

Miyuki tutted in disgust. 'It's got more to do with his samurai sense of pride. Daimyo Daimyo Akechi wants to finish what n.o.bunaga started. To achieve what the General failed to do. He's determined to wipe out the Akechi wants to finish what n.o.bunaga started. To achieve what the General failed to do. He's determined to wipe out the s.h.i.+n.o.bi s.h.i.+n.o.bi for good.' for good.'

'Quiet!' ordered Zenjubo as they came to the edge of the forest.

Ahead was a long road that led across a gra.s.sy open plain to the castle town of Maruyama. Upon a small hill at its centre, the fortress stood like a lone sentry. Encircled by a bailey wall, its base was constructed of coa.r.s.e-cut stone upon which a four-storey keep had been built. Its walls were crisp cloud-white, topped with curving roofs of grey tile. Set off to one side was a wooden watchtower with un.o.bstructed views of the plain.

'Kasumiga Jo,' whispered Tenzen. Mist Castle.

'Why's it called that?' asked Jack quietly.

'Legend has it that a fog descends to protect it in times of battle.'

'Let's go,' instructed Zenjubo, putting on his wicker basket. 's.h.i.+ro, stay here.'

'Why me?' complained s.h.i.+ro. 'I always get the boring jobs on a mission. Why can't I go on surveillance for once?'

'Do as I say. Guard the packs. Act as lookout. If something goes wrong, tell Shonin.'

s.h.i.+ro crossed his arms moodily, but did as he was told.

Zenjubo turned to Jack in his Komus Komus disguise. He took one look and pa.s.sed Jack a wet piece of bark. 'Rub your hands and lower arms with this,' he instructed. disguise. He took one look and pa.s.sed Jack a wet piece of bark. 'Rub your hands and lower arms with this,' he instructed.

'What's it for?' asked Jack, the bark leaving a light brown residue on his skin.

'The hairs on your arms give you away,' explained Zenjubo. 'They're too light in colour for a j.a.panese. Now, are you clear what you have to do on this mission?'

Jack nodded. They were to enter Maruyama in pairs, beg for alms in various locations, visit the temple, then leave. On their way through the town and castle grounds, they were to take note of the number of troops, horses, any artillery, the level of provisions and the state of readiness of the army. Jack had been partnered with Miyuki to investigate the town, while Tenzen and Zenjubo would infiltrate the castle.

A steady flow of traffic could be seen pa.s.sing in and out of the main gate. Some merchants had packhorses, but most were on foot, bearing their loads upon their backs. Two men, sweating in the heat, shouldered a fancy palanquin and people stepped aside to allow the important dignitary to pa.s.s. Then a young man came running out of town, leaving a trail of dust in his wake as he sprinted down the road.

'He's in a hurry,' Jack commented.

'Hikyaku,' muttered Zenjubo.

Jack looked to Tenzen for an explanation.

'We call them "Flying Feet". He's a courier. Merchants rely on them for business. But judging by his speed, he's delivering a message for the daimyo daimyo.'

Jack was intrigued. Maybe he could hire one of these Flying Feet to contact Akiko. The problem would be finding one he could trust.

Zenjubo waited for a lull in activity before leaving the cover of the forest. Walking slowly in a line, their shakuhachi shakuhachi in their hands, the four of them merged in with the traffic and approached the main gate. in their hands, the four of them merged in with the traffic and approached the main gate.

Through the grille of his basket, Jack saw a number of samurai guards on duty. They were randomly checking the travel permits of merchants entering the town. Only now did it strike Jack just how risky this mission was. If he was discovered, all his ninja training would be for nothing. Jack felt a desperate urge to turn back while he could.

'Just remember,' hissed Miyuki from behind, 'I'll be watching your every move.'

Jack held his breath as they levelled with the guards, but the samurai allowed the four of them to pa.s.s through unopposed. Maybe this was going to work, after all.

Zenjubo led them up the main street. The wooden buildings on either side were a mix of shops, inns, houses and shrines. Various banners and lanterns proclaimed their wares and services. A ball of cedar branches hung outside one establishment, indicating sake sake for sale. The smells of cooking wafted through the air from countless food stalls. Jack spotted an old woman crouched beside a brazier, grilling pieces of chicken. Smiling, he remembered how his old friend Saburo had loved for sale. The smells of cooking wafted through the air from countless food stalls. Jack spotted an old woman crouched beside a brazier, grilling pieces of chicken. Smiling, he remembered how his old friend Saburo had loved yakitori yakitori.

Zenjubo and Tenzen parted company with them in the market square. Miyuki found a spot beside a shrine, put down a small wooden bowl and began to play her flute. For the most part people ignored her, but then an old man tottered by and dropped in a copper coin.

While she was performing, Jack took the opportunity to gather the information they required. Glancing around, he was surprised at how busy the town was. Despite being in the middle of the Iga mountains, it was apparent that a large number of samurai had recently arrived. All the inns had signs declaring they were full and the main street was thronged with people, many carrying katana katana and and wakizas.h.i.+ wakizas.h.i.+. There could be no doubt that daimyo daimyo Akechi was raising a second battalion. Akechi was raising a second battalion.