Shogun_ A Novel of Japan - James Clavell [255]
Blackthorne committed himself to God. And began. “Tell Lord Yabu I can help him very much. And Lord Toranaga. I can make their armies unbeatable.”
“Lord Yabu says, if your information proves useful, Anjin-san, he will increase your salary from Lord Toranaga’s two hundred and forty koku to five hundred koku after one month.”
“Thank him. But say, if I do all that for him, I request a favor in return: I want him to rescind his decree about the village and I want my ship and crew back in five months.”
Mariko said, “Anjin-san, you cannot bargain with him, like a trader.”
“Please ask him. As a humble favor. From an honored guest and grateful vassal-to-be.”
Yabu frowned and replied at length.
“Yabu-san says that the village is unimportant. The villagers need a fire under their rumps to make them do anything. You are not to concern yourself with them. As to the ship, it’s in Lord Toranaga’s care. He’s sure you’ll get it back soon. He asked me to put your request to Lord Toranaga the moment I arrive in Yedo. I’ll do this, Anjin-san.”
“Please apologize to Lord Yabu, but I must ask him to rescind the decree. Tonight.”
“He’s just said no, Anjin-san. It would not be good manners.”
“Yes, I understand. But please ask him again. It’s very important to me … a petition.”
“He says you must be patient. Don’t concern yourself with villagers.”
Blackthorne nodded. Then he decided. “Thank you. I understand. Yes. Please thank Yabu-san but tell him I cannot live with this shame.”
Mariko blanched. “What?”
“I cannot live with the shame of having the village on my conscience. I’m dishonored. I cannot endure this. It’s against my Christian belief. I will have to commit suicide at once.”
“Suicide?”
“Yes. That’s what I’ve decided to do.”
Yabu interrupted. “Nan ja, Mariko-san?”
Haltingly she translated what Blackthorne had said. Yabu questioned her and she answered. Then Yabu said, “If it wasn’t for your reaction this would be a joke, Mariko-san. Why are you so concerned? Why do you think he means it?”
“I don’t know, Sire. He seems … I don’t know….” Her voice trailed off.
“Omi-san?”
“Suicide’s against all Christian beliefs, Sire. They never suicide as we do. As a samurai would.”
“Mariko-san, you’re Christian. Is that true?”
“Yes, Sire. Suicide’s a mortal sin, against the word of God.”
“Igurashi-san? What do you think?”
“It’s a bluff. He’s no Christian. Remember the first day, Sire? Remember what he did to the priest? And what he allowed Omi-san to do to him to save the boy?”
Yabu smiled, recollecting that day and the night that had followed. “Yes. I agree. He’s no Christian, Mariko-san.”
“So sorry, but I don’t understand, Sire. What about the priest?”
Yabu told her what had happened the first day between Blackthorne and the priest.
“He desecrated a cross?” she said, openly shocked.
“And threw the pieces into the dust,” Igurashi added. “It’s all a bluff, Sire. If this thing with the village dishonors him, how can he stay here when Omi-san so dishonored him by pissing on him?”
“What? I’m sorry, Sire,” Mariko said, “but again I don’t understand.”
Yabu said to Omi, “Explain that to her.”
Omi obeyed. She was disgusted by what he told her but kept it off her face.
“Afterwards the Anjin-san was completely cowed, Mariko-san.” Omi finished, “Without weapons he’ll always be cowed.”
Yabu sipped some saké. “Say this