In this chapter, we learn that Malaco is a cautious man, but not as cautious as the rest of the group. Malaco complains about the fact that the recruits are thin and homesick, and that they need more space in the back of the truck. He tells the group that he has trained 17 times in close combat with his friend, Jahia. When Malaco asks if he can train himself into a warrior, Malaco says that he can't, because he's too small for the kind of fighting Malaco wants.