The Boy and the Samurai — Erik Christian Haugaard

On his own in the teeming city, orphaned Saru learns to survive. He begs, steals, and fights for what he needs. He finds danger in bandits and street gangs, charity in tentative friendships with a priest and a cook's young daughter, and comfort from his little cat, Neko. But Saru trusts no one, not until he meets the samurai and agrees to help in the rescue of his wife, held hostage in the castle. How can a street urchin and a lone warrior prevail against a mighty warlord?