The Night of the Katana

 The silence of death

The attack showed the perverse nature of the culture of Japan.

A country noted for its basis in honour, yet, its history is discoloured by the breed of killers who kill using the darkness of the night to hide. What honour can be gained from killing a defenseless man in his home? A house you entered without permission, to kill his family.

The night of the attack in the story, was like any other night. Yet, it was to turn out to be so different, as if to be from a different era.

Kendio Madan had gone to bed that night, thinking of his trip to the country to gain some focus as his mind had began to wander; the death of an old friend reminded him of life's frailities.

He didn't consider himself old, but age had slowed him, and dulled the pain in his mind. Yet, the urge to purge himself of the sins bestowed on him still dwelled.

Since the day he was attacked, Kendio slept with a katana by his bed for safety, than peace of mind. He knew his age could not counter the speed of the younger assassin who would be sent to despatch him. 

For the crime of standing against his superior, to question the action taken, Kendio knew he'd made himself a marked man. For that reason, he had sent his wife and children to her parents for safety. The last thing he needed was to consider if a second killer was massacring his family in the other room, as he fought for his life.

The breeze carried the aroma of the cherry blossoms to his room, as Keito, his cat sofly purred in her sleep Kendio began to relax; even when he slept he was partially awake.

The birds flew in the sky, and all appeared calm, then Keito's breathing changed. 

"Thank you, my friend, I knew I could trust you," he whispered as he silently withdrew his katana from its sheath.

It is a code, once drawn the sword cannot be returned without drawing blood; this night, Kendio knew there would be nothing to worry about on the matter. His killer was closing in, but he didn't realise that the hunter as now the hunted. 

The killer may have memorised the floor plan of the house, but he hadn't familiarised himself with the new items the family had installed.

As he entered, he tripped a silent alarm. Kendio slipped through the house, aware of where the furniture had been moved to, and rounded his adversary. 

The killer withdrew his blade. before he could get it out he felt a blade penetrate close to his spine.

"Stay still, and you may live. Make any sudden moves, and I will leave you alive, but as an invalid, no use to your sueriors or your family. The choice is yours."

Slowly, the killer put his blade back in ts sheath. 

"Tell your superiors, either leave me alone, or I will go on the rampage. An honour killng is one thing; sneaking into a person's home to kill them in their bed is dishonourable."