Samurai Assassin

by Chris Blake

  Oda’s face was burning with embarrassment. He bowed quickly and hurried out of the feasting hall. When the Dragon turned back to the musicians, Goro looked across at Tom and gave him a nasty smirk.

  “He hasn’t changed,” said Tom.

  “Oda should challenge him to a wrestling match,” said Zuma. “That would wipe the smile off Goro’s face.”

  “I don’t think he can,” Tom replied. “Goro may be a sneak, but he’s a nobleman’s son. Oda’s just an ordinary villager. He can’t go round picking fights with people like Goro.”

  A crescent moon was high in the sky by the time the musicians finished playing and the guests began to leave. “Shall we go to bed?” Tom yawned.

  Looking longingly at the war fan, Zuma sighed. “I suppose so,” she replied. She followed Tom to the room they had been given. It was clean and simple. Two low beds stood at opposite ends. Between them a window looked down on to a courtyard garden where a single lantern glowed.

  Tom climbed into bed gratefully. It felt like a long time since he had last rested. He pulled the sheet up to his chin, and within seconds he was asleep.

  A growl woke him up. Tom opened one eye. The moon was lower in the sky, but it was still the middle of the night. Chilli was standing by his head. The little Chihuahua was looking down through the window at the garden below, growling softly.

  “Shh,” Tom said, pushing him away. Chilli carried on growling. “Take him out for a walk, Zuma,” he groaned.

  Zuma sat up, rubbing her eyes. Chilli was still staring at the window, the short fur on the back of his neck standing on end.

  “He doesn’t look like he wants a walk,” said Zuma. “I think he’s trying to warn us about something.”

  Tom sighed and climbed out of bed. “Then we’d better go down and see what the problem is,” he said.

  As soon as Tom opened the bedroom door, Chilli ran through it like a rocket. At the top of the stairs, the little dog stopped and looked back. It was clear he wanted Tom and Zuma to follow him. Together, they silently followed the little dog. Soon, the three of them stood by an open door that led into the garden.

  Tom peered out. Through the dim light of the lantern, he could make out small, neat trees and wooden benches. A gravel path wound past a small pond with a trickling waterfall. The garden was as still and silent as a grave.

  “False alarm,” Tom whispered to Zuma. “There’s no one—”

  He stopped talking as a figure dressed in black stepped out from the shadows by the far wall. As Tom watched, the man reached into the lantern and snuffed out the candle. The garden was plunged into blackness.

  “What happened?” hissed Zuma. “Who’s there?”

  Tom turned and looked at her, his eyes wide. “It’s a ninja,” he whispered. “There’s an assassin on the loose!”

  The ninja darted away through the darkness. Tom and Zuma followed as quietly as they could. Chilli prowled beside them like a wolf stalking its prey. Moving through the shadows, the ninja walked quickly and silently along the path.

  Snap.

  Tom had stepped on a twig. In the quiet of the garden, it sounded like a gun had gone off. Instantly, the ninja stopped and dropped into a crouch. One hand reached over his shoulder and clutched the hilt of his sword.

  Zuma grabbed Tom by the arm and pulled him behind a tree. A second later, the ninja turned his head and stared in their direction. The assassin didn’t move. Neither did Tom, Zuma or Chilli. Tom held his breath, certain that his pounding heartbeat would give them away.

  The ninja was as still as a rock, searching for any sign that he had been seen. Then, after what seemed like hours, he stood up. With a final glance round, he carried on along the path.

  Tom let out his breath in a slow hiss. Turning to Zuma, he mouthed the word ‘Sorry’. She grinned, and they started to follow the ninja again. This time, Tom was extra careful where he put his feet.

  A few moments later, Zuma stopped and pointed ahead. The ninja was at the foot of the castle wall, gazing up at an open window.

  Tom’s eyes widened. Leaning close to Zuma, he whispered into her ear. “He’s right under the Dragon’s room. Oda told me it’s the highest room in the tower.”

  The ninja unwound a rope from round his waist. At one end was a piece of metal with four hooks. He swung it expertly and let go. The hook flew into the air and, with a soft clunk, it caught on the windowsill. The ninja tested the rope. It held firm. He began to climb up the wall like a deadly spider.

  Zuma had already turned away and was heading back the way they had came.

  “Where are you going?” hissed Tom.

  “Where do you think?” she said. “We have to warn the Dragon!”

  She raced off through the garden, and Tom had to work hard to keep up. He knew they were in a race against time. A ruthless killer was climbing up towards the Dragon’s room. Lord Kenshin’s life was hanging by a thread.

  Together Tom, Zuma and Chilli sprinted back to the castle and ran up the staircase, taking the steps two at a time. When they reached the top, the corridor veered off to the left and the right. They had to choose which way to go – and they didn’t have time to make a mistake. Taking a deep breath, Tom went left, hoping he was right.

  They rounded a corner to find that the corridor ended at a heavily carved door. With a deep breath Tom and Zuma burst through it together, crashing into the Dragon’s bedroom. Lord Kenshin sat upright in bed, grunting with surprise. The ninja was standing by the window. He was holding a wooden pipe to his lips.

  “Look out!” cried Tom, pointing to the ninja. “He’s got a blowpipe!”

  The Dragon moved like lightning. Rolling over in his bed, he reached out and grabbed the war fan from beside his bed. With a flick of his wrist, it opened. The ninja blew into his pipe, and there was a clink as the Dragon batted the poisoned dart out of the air.

  Cursing, the ninja sprang into the room. He reached over his shoulder and grasped the hilt of his sword. The Dragon was unarmed except for the metal fan. Tom and Zuma had to protect him!

  Tom reached into his pocket and grasped the only weapon he had – the pouch of salt that Oda had given him. He pulled out the bag and threw its contents at the assassin’s face. The ninja screamed as the salt stung his eyes. Blinded, he crashed into a table.

  “Here, Dragon!” shouted Zuma. “Catch!” She had picked up a sword from the weapons rack on the wall, and threw it to the warlord. Leaping from his bed, the Dragon caught it in mid-air. A second later, the ninja was pinned to the wall, a razor-sharp blade at his throat. With his spare hand, the Dragon ripped off the ninja’s black hood. Tom and Zuma instantly recognised the assassin’s angry face.

  “Hideo!” Tom gasped. “The musician.”

  He looked down to see that Hideo was still holding his flute in his hand. All along, his musical instrument had been a blowpipe in disguise!

  “Who sent you?” the Dragon demanded. His voice was a menacing growl.

  Hideo scowled. “You will never know,” he replied. “A ninja never tells who has hired him.”

  “The Tiger!” Zuma said. “It has to be the Tiger.”

  Without taking his eyes off Hideo, the Dragon said, “No. The Tiger would kill me in battle. He would never hire a vile ninja to murder me in my sleep.”

  Something glinted on Hideo’s finger. With a frown, Tom leaned forward. Hideo was wearing a ring that Tom was sure he recognised. His eyes widened when he remembered. “I know who hired him!” he gasped.

  “Impossible,” Hideo snarled.

  “Not impossible,” Tom replied. He pointed at Hideo’s finger. “Last time I saw that ring it was on Goro’s finger. He must have given it to you as payment when he hired you.”

  “Goro!” the Dragon snapped. “He will die for this … no, he will be banished to wander as a beggar for the rest of his life. The shame will be worse than death.”

  The sound of fighting in the Dragon’s room had woken up the whole castle. Guards were rushing in. “T
ake him,” the Dragon ordered, shoving Hideo towards them. “Throw him in jail. Be careful, ninjas always carry hidden weapons. And send men to arrest Goro.”

  As the guards dragged Hideo away, the Dragon turned to Tom and Zuma. To their surprise, the mighty warlord gave them a deep bow. “I owe you my life,” he told Tom. “Name your reward. Would you like to become a samurai in my army? Your courage would be welcome among us.”

  “I’d love to, Lord Dragon,” said Tom. “But we have to leave soon.”

  “A shame,” said the warlord. “I needed a new water taster. The last one was poisoned.” He roared with laughter, and gave Tom a hearty clap on the back. “I am joking. Your courage will be missed, though.”

  Tom had a thought. “There is a boy in your kitchens who would love to join the samurai, though. His name is Oda.”

  “The salt thief? I remember him,” said the Dragon, frowning.

  “He’s very strong,” said Zuma. “And he beat a champion wrestler called Kashegi.”

  The Dragon looked impressed. “Really? That’s a match I would like to have seen.”

  “He’s also brave and loyal,” Tom added. “Oda would make an excellent samurai.”

  The Dragon clapped his hands together. “It shall be done. First thing in the morning I will speak to your friend. He will begin his training immediately.”

  Tom and Zuma grinned at each other. They knew how happy Oda would be to hear the news. And the Dragon hadn’t finished yet.

  “If you cannot join my army, please accept this gift,” he said, handing an object to Tom. “As a thank-you for saving my life.”

  It was the war fan with Tlaloc’s coin in the handle!

  “This helped protect me,” the Dragon said, smiling. “Perhaps it will be good for you too.”

  Tom didn’t know what to say. He bowed. Chilli barked with delight.

  When Zuma reached out and touched the war fan, thunder rumbled in the distance and a mist appeared.

  “Here we go again,” said Zuma.

  Tom just had time to call out, “Thank you, Lord Dragon,” before the mist wrapped them up in a whirlwind and pulled them back through time.

  Tom felt soft carpet beneath his feet. A second later, Chilli dropped out of nowhere. Tom caught the little dog before he hit the floor. Chilli thanked him with a faceful of licks. Zuma was last to appear.

  “That was so weird,” she laughed as the remains of the mist disappeared. “But fun. It’s definitely the best bit about time travel.” Her kimono had gone. Once again, she was wearing her feathered headdress and her face was painted blue. The black pendant gleamed at her throat.

  Tom had to agree. He was pleased to be back in his own bedroom, though. Time travel was exciting, but it was good to be home. He looked round his room at the crowded bookcases and his computer and the mess of comics on the floor. Everything was just as he had left it. While they were away, time had stood still in his own world.

  “We did it, Tom!” Zuma cheered, waving the Tiger’s fan. She jumped about in an Aztec victory dance. “That’s two coins now!”

  “I think it’s time I taught you how to high-five,” Tom said. He held up one hand. A grin spread across his face as Zuma slapped his palm. Once again they had survived Tlaloc’s quest. And no matter how scary and dangerous their adventures were, it would be worth it if Zuma won back her life and freedom. Plus, I get to visit some brilliant places, Tom thought. Medieval Japan had been amazing.

  “Next time I’m not walking over any bridges, though,” Zuma said firmly. “Not for all the gold coins in Tlaloc’s frilly purse.”

  “Shh!” Tom warned. “If he hears you, he’ll put bridges in every quest from now on!”

  As if Tlaloc had been listening, a rumble of thunder echoed round the room. Tom, Zuma and Chilli looked up at the ceiling. Rain spattered down on their faces. Above, clouds swirled until they formed the goggle-eyed shape of the rain god’s face.

  “So, you have passed my second test,” Tlaloc growled. His feathered headdress shook with anger. “But you have not won yet. Four coins remain and I promise you, you won’t be so lucky next time.”

  “Don’t count on it,” Zuma said boldly. “Tom and I make a pretty good team.”

  “Whatever you throw at us, we’ll find those coins, Tlaloc,” Tom added.

  Tlaloc scowled. “Give me the coin,” he demanded. Zuma dropped the fan into his hand. Tlaloc’s fingers closed round it.

  “You will not need to wait long for your next quest,” he said. “So prepare yourselves … it will be deadly.” Then with a final snarl, Tlaloc vanished.

  The rain stopped and the clouds disappeared. At the same moment, Tom’s bedroom door opened. His mum peered in. “Did I hear you talking to yourself, Tom?” she asked.

  “Um … yeah,” Tom replied. He tried not to look at Zuma, who was invisible to his mum. It didn’t help that Zuma was holding her sides, laughing.

  “It’s the first sign of madness, you know,” said his mum.

  “Well, there was no one sensible to talk to,” Tom replied, with a sideways glance at the Aztec girl.

  Zuma poked out her tongue at him.

  “You spend too much time indoors,” said his mum. “The rain has cleared up. Why don’t you go outside?” She smiled and headed back out of the room.

  If only she knew where I’d just been! Tom thought to himself.

  Out of the window Tom could see it was a sunny day again. Perfect tennis weather. “Come on,” he told Zuma. “Time for a game of tennis. Race you outside.”

  “Hey, wait for me!” With Chilli yapping excitedly at her heels, Zuma snatched up the racquet and ran after Tom. “And don’t forget your weapon!” she yelled.

  WEAPONS

  Samurai were expert swordsmen! Find out what other weapons Samurai used in feudal Japan.

  Daishō: A pair of matching swords, one long and one short, worn together. The katana, the most famous samurai long sword, was often one of the pair.

  Kanabō: A spiked or studded club or truncheon made from heavy wood or iron. Some were the shape of a baseball bat. Others were as tall as a man!

  Yumi: A long or short bow made of bamboo, sometimes as long as two metres, used in the practice of kyūdō, or Japanese archery.

  Chigiriki: A staff made of iron or wood with a weighted iron chain on the end. Sometimes the weight was spiked to be extra nasty!

  FEUDAL JAPAN TIMELINE

  In SAMURAI ASSASSIN Tom and Zuma go to feudal Japan. Discover more about it in this brilliant timeline!

  TIME HUNTERS TIMELINE

  Tom and Zuma never know where in history they’ll travel to next! Check out in what order their adventures actually happen.

  FANTASTIC FACTS

  Impress your friends with these facts about the samurai!

  Samurai lived by a strict code of honour, known as Bushido, or ‘the way of the warrior’. Sincerity, loyalty and readiness to die for honour were its main attributes. Yikes!

  Only around ten per cent of Japan’s population were part of the samurai warrior class, but they had a huge influence on fashion and culture. Along with geishas, they were the rock stars of today. Cool!

  Samurai suits of armour were made of ceramic plates sewn together. They were the inspiration for the military flak jackets worn by the United States Army during World War II. That’s a lot of dinner plates …

  Around 1600, the samurai were granted the privilege of wearing two swords, something no one else in the whole of Japan was allowed to do. Lucky them!

  The samurai’s ceremonial clothing, the kataginu, had winged shoulders and was worn over a long robe called a kimono and baggy trousers called the hakama. I might stick with jeans …

  What was the Australian Outback like?

  Who were the Outback Outlaws?

  What weapons did they fight with?

  Join Tom and Zuma on another action-packed Time Hunters adventure!

  Suddenly, the mist vanished. Tom blinked. Shading his eyes from the fierce su
n, he saw he was standing in a field of dry-looking grass with a few trees dotted about. Low, craggy hills stretched into the distance. The ground was red and dusty beneath his feet. Everywhere Tom looked there were sheep – hundreds and hundreds of sheep. He had never seen so many sheep in his life.

  “Phew, it’s hot!” said Zuma. “Where are we?”

  Tom turned round. The Aztec girl was still holding on to Chilli, but the blue paint was gone. She was wearing cord trousers, dusty boots and a long-sleeved shirt with a waistcoat over the top. Her feathered headdress had also vanished. In its place was a large straw hat. Zuma’s long black hair was pulled back into a ponytail. The only thing that hadn’t changed was the black pendant that hung round her neck.

  Looking down, Tom saw he was wearing a similar outfit. He thought hard. History was his favourite subject, but their clothes didn’t tell him much about where Tlaloc had sent them this time. “I’m not sure,” he said. “Or when. People have been wearing trousers, shirts and waistcoats for hundreds of years.”

  “So much for your amazing brain power. Maybe we could—” Zuma stopped talking and squealed. “Hey, what’s that thing?”

  Tom spun round. A grin spread across his face as he saw an animal bouncing across the field. “That,” he laughed, “is a kangaroo. Which means we’re in Australia, and explains why it’s so hot.”

  “Aus-where?” Zuma looked puzzled.

  “Australia. It’s a big continent on the other side of the world from Mexico,” said Tom. His face lit up with excitement. “I’ve always wanted to go there. Everyone says it’s amazing. It’s got loads of plants and animals you can’t find anywhere else in the world and—”

  Zuma held up a hand to stop him. “Don’t get carried away, Brains,” she said. “We’re here to find my coin, not for a holiday.”