Sandy Fussel’s novel White Crane demonstrates that despite disabilities the Samurai kids achieve success because they follow the code of Bushido. In the novel, Yoshi learns to become a great leader and shows great courage. Niya shows great kindness to others, and Taji demonstrates great wisdom and perceptiveness. By honouring the code of Bushido, they and the rest of the Cockroach Ryu defeat the mighty dragons.
By hearing and smelling things that he cannot see, Taji can see things from a totally different angle. He shows wisdom through every choice he makes. For example, he decides that old rules have to change and that they don’t need to kill Nezume for touching a samurai sword. He says, “We don’t have to obey the rules. Sensei taught us sometimes the old ways have to change” he explains convincing the others. Taji is full of wisdom because he’s not distracted by unimportant details and he constantly makes wise decisions.
When Yoshi obeys sensei Ki-Yaga’s teachings and the way of Bushido, he finds great courage. He risks his own life to save Niya who fell down a treacherous mountain during an earthquake. If Niya was left alone he would have died. But Yoshi went to save him because best friends look after each other like family. ‘When we began this journey to the village, Yoshi and I were friends. Now we’re samurai blood brothers, lashed together like bamboo poles on a raft.’ This quote proves that Yoshi is loaded with courage and is not afraid to risk his own life if it means keeping his friends safe.
Throughout the novel the cockroach ryu students show great amounts of respect for each other’s differences. They learn not to judge others and this leads to them knowing how to show great respect. For example, it is polite and very important for samurai’s to bow to others before starting a conversation. It is the same as when we meet someone,