Kai is an outcast who joins Oishi, the leader of 47 outcast samurai. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. They embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors.

"Master ninja Hiro Hattori is trying to sleep when he has an unexpected visit from his friend Kazu, a fellow shinobi and member of the same ninja clan working undercover at the shogunate. Kazu says that Saburo, the Shogun's cousin, has been stabbed to death within the walls of the Shogun's palace with Kazu's dagger, and that though he is innocent, he fears he will be blamed for the murder. He begs Hiro's help in escaping the city. But before he can...

"Describes the science behind the armor, weapons, training, and tactics used by Samurai warriors in combat"--

Seven short stories about samurai warriors, their way of life, courage, wit, and foolishness.

"After fleeing Kyoto, master ninja Hiro Hattori and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo take refuge with Hiro's ninja clan in the mountains of Iga Province. When an ambassador from the rival Koga clan is murdered during peace negotiations, Hiro and Father Mateo must find the killer in time to prevent a war between the ninja clans."--Back cover.

In sixteenth-century Japan, master ninja Hiro and the Jesuit priest he is sworn to protect race against time to prevent a wrongful execution by solving the murder of a samurai whose death is linked to numerous possible suspects.

"How would you like to join a fearsome fighting force and serve as a Samurai? Your main duties will include: leaving your home to fight if your daimyo summons you - following "the way of the warrior" (rules of Samurai behavior) - studying ancient wisdom, writing poetry, and admiring art. Apply in writing to your local daimyo or to the shogun's court. Imagine that you are living in ancient Japan. Samurai warriors are among the most respected people...