“He has the katana, sensei!” The familiar voice was bursting with joy. “He will deliver it tonight!”
Only a supreme effort of will prevented Toru from leaping to his feet and shouting Banzai! For once the meaning would be literal—possession of the katana guaranteed the Kakureta Kao a thousand years.
But the Order did not yet possess it.
Controlling his voice, Toru said, “You have done well, but two tasks remain: Take possession of the katana, and see that no one can connect you or the Order to it.”
“Yes, sensei.”
Toru studied the younger man through the eyeholes of his silk mask.
“You have been trained in the fighting arts, and you are so proficient that you have trained others. But you have never used them for anything like this. Are you capable of killing?” He raised a hand as Tadasu opened his mouth. “Think well on this. It is crucial. If you are not sure, I will send someone along to see it is done.”
His dark eyes flashed. “I will need no help, sensei. I can do this.”
Toru studied his determined expression for a few heartbeats, then nodded.
“I believe that you can and that you will.”
He bowed. “It will be an honor to so serve the Order.”