Chapter 31

Azuki discovered the man's name was Shinobu. Direct introductions to someone as insignificant as an acolyte or a child were uncommon. Shinobu would guide them to the charcoal burner's camp. He carried his big hoe, probably as much for protection as utility, a knife, and a canvas bag. He handed a bag to Azuki, too. On the way, they would gather mushrooms, which Yuta-sensei could give the charcoal burners for their help.

The morning was crisp and pleasant as they made their way along game trails through the cedar forest dotted with patches of bamboo and grassy clearings. In the spring, that big hoe would be useful for digging bamboo shoots, a seasonal delicacy Shota particularly liked.

Sensei asked Shinobu to tell them about the mushrooms.