The Battle for the Golden Egg (6 page)

Smoke swirled around the battlements. Walls were smashed, tables torched, carpets cooked.

Kingyo-Sama crawled to the open window. He gazed across the moonlit night, towards Castle Baka Tori.

The ninja were celebrating. He could hear the sounds of cheering, laughing and farting.

Kingyo-Sama growled. His burnt eyebrows crinkled in fury.

‘I will get you for this, brother Buta,' he croaked.

‘Mark my words. One day soon, I will have my vengeance.'

baka
idiot

baku
a spirit that eats dreams and nightmares

Bushidō
samurai code of honour

buta
pig

Edo Period
a time in Japanese history between the years 1603 and 1868

kamishimo
a traditional outfit worn by samurai during the Edo Period

kemushi
caterpillar

Kenjutsu
fencing

konnichiwa
hello

mink-u-i buta
ugly pig

ninja
a covert warrior from ancient Japan

nodo no kingyo
thirsty goldfish

obi
a broad sash worn round the waist of a Japanese kimono

oni
ogre or demon

ō-yoroi
armour

sama
a mark of respect put after someone's name, normally used for a person of great importance

samurai
Japanese warrior or knight

sayonara
goodbye

sensei
teacher

shinobi shōzoku
traditional ninja outfit

shōgun
supreme military ruler of the Edo Period

shuriken
small-bladed weapon

tengu
long-nosed goblin

tori
bird or chicken

wasabi
hot, spicy Japanese paste

Japanese ō-yoroi armour