Strangely enough,

the same drunken Samurai guards who
had bullied him were at the gate when he went to leave. Kenji
was on his guard, He had his knives concealed on him still.
“Well, merchant,” the leader of the guards said, “did you
do well?”
“Yes, great warrior, your lord was most gracious. I am on
my way to board a ship now. I have passage to leave.”
“Very well then. But there are brigands and ronin about,
waiting to cut the throats of fortunate merchants. Our lord
gave us charge to see that no harm befell you within the
gates. Let us escort you beyond them as well. You are only
armed with that puny dagger, a pitiful weapon against an
enemy.”
“You are most kind,” Kenji said. The leader and two other
NINJA KNIFE THROWING
Samurai lead him out of the city and down the road. After
they had travelled far away from the castle, the three bushi
stopped.