Gate to Kagoshima by Poppy Kuroki

Author:Poppy Kuroki
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780861547623
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

WAR

To win any battle, you must fight as if you are already dead.

Musashi Miyamoto

CHAPTER 12

The army moved in their platoons out of the town of Kagoshima. Shinsuke Beppu, the man who had been present when Isla first met Takamori Saigō, led the first battalion, thousands of samurai from the shi-gakkō following eagerly in his wake. The leaders rode horses, some soldiers holding long banners with the Shimazu clan crest painted in white. Some of the men wore lamellar armour, others thick jackets and wide trousers, swords pushed into sash belts around their waists. The ground almost shook with their synchronised steps, and the atmosphere was alive with a thirst for vengeance against those who had tried to hurt their beloved leader.

The air smelled of horse, too, a nostalgic scent for Isla, who had loved to ride on the Scottish hills, and she inhaled deeply to catch the musty, hay-like aroma beneath the traces of steel, grass and men.

Some of those watching the brave samurai shouted well wishes and cheers of encouragement, although others remained silent with their thoughts.

Shinpachi Murata was the chief of a second battalion. It was surreal, seeing these characters Isla had read about at the Museum of the Meiji Restoration, regal and mighty on their horses, faithful warriors at their backs.

They waited behind Toshiaki Kirino’s battalion, and Isla spotted Keiichirō’s cousin, Tatsuzō, talking with a woman and a little boy no older than three. ‘Come back soon, Daddy,’ said his son, and Isla was touched to see that the lad had thrust a tree branch into a sash at his waist, in imitation of his father.

‘I will, Jin. And I’ll bring you back a present from Kumamoto, all right? Be good and take care of your mother.’

Tatsuzō’s wife held his cheeks, scanning his face as though to memorise it. Then her hands fell to her sides. Tatsuzō bowed to his family and turned to join his comrades. What unspoken words crossed between them? Had he said goodbye properly the night before, away from prying eyes?

Tatsuzō Maeda joined his fellow soldiers without looking back at his family. His usually jovial face was serious.

Another small boy, bigger this time, ran after Takamori Saigō, his sandalled feet kicking up dirt and his dog, the same Satsuma inu that had disturbed their meeting, yapping as it ran excitedly beside its young master. A ripple of laughter followed the barking dog and even Nene gave a small giggle of delight.

‘Please, Father,’ shouted the boy. ‘Let me come, too.’

Saigō laughed good-naturedly, patting his little boy on his head. ‘One day you’ll make a fine samurai, Toratarō.’ His hands moved to pet his dog, Tsun. The Satsuma inu’s tail wagged so furiously it smacked Toratarō’s skinny leg. ‘But you can’t come with me. You have to stay here and protect your brothers and sister. Can you do that?’

Toratarō stiffened, his little face screwing up with determination. He stood straight and nodded, though his lips were pressed hard together, like he was fighting back tears.

It was too much.

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