When Gimmu's team crossed the border, the air changed at once — humid, heavy, carrying the scent of rotting grass and damp earth. The Land of Grass stretched before them in endless meadows that swayed beneath a low grey sky. In the distance stood sparse groves and low hills, while closer to the horizon a dark band of forest marked the border with the Land of the Forest.
The first village they passed through looked almost deserted. The peasants hid inside their houses, only occasionally peering out from behind half-open shutters. Gimmu stopped an elderly man who was carrying a bundle of firewood.
"Please, don't kill me. I've already given everything I had."
"No one is going to kill you. We are from the Land of the Sun. We were sent to deal with the bandits."
The man glanced at the Academy insignia on the students' clothing and fell silent for a long time. Then he spoke quietly, almost in a whisper:
"Bandits… yes. They come at night. They take food, sometimes people. But the real bandits here…" — he looked around nervously — "ever since the Daimyo started collecting taxes 'for protection'." The old man fell silent again.
"Hey, you old fool, what are you whispering about?" A group of three soldiers from the Land of Grass approached them. "And who are you lot? You're not locals."
"We are from the Land of the Sun," Gimmu replied. "A request for help was received, so we were sent to assist."
"Is that so?" The squad leader eyed the students. "I didn't think only children were left in the Land of the Sun. No matter. We've been waiting for you for a long time, though we expected someone… more experienced. Whatever, we are to escort you to the Daimyo. Follow me."
Gimmu said nothing. He merely inclined his head slightly and set off after the captain. Aquill exchanged glances with Jenn and Sai, then they too followed their teacher.
By evening they reached the capital. The Daimyo's palace stood on a small hill and looked more like a fortress than a ruler's residence. In honour of the guests from the Land of the Sun the Daimyo held a feast. Gimmu's team was seated in the places of highest honour and served the most exquisite dishes. The Daimyo — a stout man with hair slicked down so tightly with lacquer that it looked painted on, and with restless eyes — showered them with thanks and good wishes. He ate and drank for three, remaining cheerful and attentive to his guests throughout the evening. When the feast ended, the Daimyo withdrew with Gimmu's team into his study.
"Once again I thank you for answering our call so quickly, master Gimmu," the Daimyo began. "This band of mercenaries is laying waste to our country. Almost no one remains in the villages, and those who do are afraid to set foot outside their homes. I fear a terrible famine awaits us if these scoundrels are not stopped."
"Why do you believe they are mercenaries rather than ordinary bandits?" Gimmu asked.
"I am certain of it, Gimmu-sensei. I know they were hired by the Land of the Forest. As you know, after long years of war and enmity the Warring Provinces finally concluded a treaty, so that if anyone is the first to break the peace, the other countries must unite against the aggressor. Those scoundrels from the Land of the Forest, by means of these so-called bandits, want to force me to break the truce and go to war against them. But that will not happen while I am Daimyo! Our people have suffered too long from all these wars, so I will never be the one to start one. On the other hand, my men are occupied with rebuilding and defending the villages, and there are not enough of them to hunt down this band of mercenaries. That is why I asked for help from my old friend Kato." The Daimyo glanced at the students; his expression made it clear he was not satisfied with those who had been sent to him. "I am sure you will deal with them without difficulty."
"Do not worry. Despite the young age of my charges, they are all highly skilled. My team and I will do everything in our power to rid your country of these bandits."
As they left the hall, Aquill remarked quietly:
"For some reason I don't like him."
"He's a politician, and no one likes politicians," Gimmu replied. "Tomorrow morning we leave for the blacksmiths' village. The bandits were last seen there."