“Here we must leave you,”

the leader said. That must have
been the signal. Instantly the other two Samurai whipped
out their swords.
“Pig! Dog!” the second Samurai raged. “You caused us to
lose face before our lord. Honor requires your life!”
“Give us your money and your goods,” said the third, “and
perhaps we shall let you live. And do not attempt to touch
your dagger. Our skilled swords will cut you down before you
can draw it.”
Kenji fell to the ground, trembling and begging for
forgiveness. Slowly he reached into his pack, gripping the
handle of one of his throwing knives concealed there. In one
swift motion, he flung the heavy pack into the leader,
knocking him to the ground. Diving and rolling beneath the
swords of the other two Samurai, he ripped upwards with his
dagger, slashing the second man viciously in the groin. The
Samurai groaned and fell.