Sisters of the Sword by Maya Snow Page B

and an accident, and avoid violence until it is necessary.” He folded his hands inside his wide sleeves and settled his gaze on Kenichi. His eyes were as dark as black slate. “If you are ever to be a samurai, then you must learn to control your pride.”
    Ken-ichi’s bow deepened. “Yes, Goku-sensei,” hemurmured, using a respectful term of address.
    â€œGo now, and meditate upon the folly of rash actions.” Master Goku waved his hand toward the doorway that led into the dojo.
    â€œBut this is my free hour, Master Goku,” Ken-ichi spluttered. “We’re going to the village—”
    Master Goku silenced him with a stern look. “I have asked you to meditate, Ken-ichi. You and your friends go back into the school. Immediately.”
    Ken-ichi shot me a furious glare and then stomped back through the gate and into the dojo with his friends.
    I looked back at Master Goku and found his gaze was fixed on me. “Sheath your sword, boy.” His command was quiet, but left no doubt that it was to be obeyed.
    I hadn’t realized until then that my nihonto was still in my hand, and I quickly returned it to its scabbard.
    â€œNow, tell me what you are doing here at my gates,” Master Goku said.
    I wasn’t sure, but his voice seemed gentler than when he had spoken to Ken-ichi. I swallowed hard and bowed. Beside me, Hana bowed, too.
    â€œPlease forgive the intrusion, Master,” I said. “We are two humble boys who have come from far across the province to seek a place in your training school.”
    Master Goku smiled. “I am honored that you havetraveled so far to attend my school,” he said. “But I’m afraid you have wasted your journey. My dojo is full, and there are many boys waiting for places to become free.” He bowed. “You must seek a place in one of the other schools. I wish you good luck.”
    With that, he turned to go back inside.
    Hana threw a desperate glance at me and stepped forward. The guards quickly crossed their spears, blocking her so that she could not go after Master Goku.
    â€œWait, Master,” she called. “Hear our plea.”
    Master Goku stopped in his tracks. He did not turn around, but he seemed to be listening.
    Hana took a deep breath. “My brother and I do not wish to train in any other school,” she said firmly. “For us, there is no other dojo but this one.”
    The guards glared as I went to stand beside her. “We have great potential as warriors,” I put in. “Would you give us a chance to show you that we’re worthy of a place in the best school in the kingdom?”
    Master Goku slowly turned around to look at us.
    â€œPlease let us show you our skills, Master Gokusan,” I went on. “My brother and I have practiced hard…and we could match any of your students in one-to-one combat if that’s what it would take to prove our worth.”
    â€œBelief in the self is an admirable quality in awarrior,” Master Goku said. “One should never approach combat with any element of doubt in one’s own skills.”
    He looked at us both in silence for a long time, regarding Hana first and then turning his unwavering eyes on me. I began to feel uncomfortable under his probing stare.
    â€œI admire your spirit, boy,” he said at last. “Perhaps I will give you a chance. Come inside, both of you.”
    He led us through the gateway and into a courtyard shaded by a tall maple tree. Neatly raked sand crunched beneath our feet as we walked. In one corner, a lone student in black hakama trousers and a short brown kimono was shuffling and turning swiftly in the dirt, practicing his footwork. A couple of servants were still raking the sand on the courtyard floor. They bowed low when they saw Master Goku, their faces full of respect for him.
    â€œYou shall have the opportunity to prove yourselves,” the Master said, “but you will