Chapter 3
At the temple the disciples were muttering among themselves. Kouryuu had disappeared, leaving the courtyard littered with fallen leaves. It was the first time he had ever done such a thing, and they had complained to the master who had just returned from his walk, but he had told them to wait until Kouryuu returned before they could settle the matter. Shuei remained quiet, amused that the disciples were making such a fuss over the boy. Doubtless the master would forgive him, being a Buddhist - not to mention having high favor for him ever since he arrived - though they would probably punish him for leaving his duties. What did he go looking for, so late in the afternoon? He hadn't expected the boy to do something so rash. He awaited Kouryuu's return, wondering what it was that Kouryuu was bringing back with him.
Down the courtyard came cries of "He's back!" and "Who's that strange boy with him?" Shuei went casually to meet Kouryuu, his curiosity piqued by the announcement that Kouryuu had brought not something, but someone back to the temple.
"Oi Kouryuu! Who's your friend?"
"It's none of your business." Behind Kouryuu walked another boy, his eyes large and round, staring in astonishment at the bald disciples who were looking contemptuously at them. Shuei noted the deep gold of his irises and the gleam of gold metal that peered from under the sharp wedges of brown hair.
"You should've told us that you went hunting. We would have appreciated your bringing back a monkey," said Shuei.
"Who are you calling a monkey?" cried the boy.
"You, monkey-boy," replied Shuei coolly. "They won't like your new pet," he continued, addressing Kouryuu who was taking no notice of him. "You should have asked permission from Sanzo-sama before going out to look for one. You should also have finished your chores first." They were heading for the master's room; he would decide what punishment would be meted out to Kouryuu and what would be done with the boy he'd brought home.
"Oi! Don't let the monkey into the temple!" shouted the disciples.
"Let him go! The master will want to see him," said Shuei.