Shogun_ A Novel of Japan - James Clavell [577]
“The Father-Visitor’s implementing his agreement with you, Sire. At Yokosé I reported failure, now I think there’s hope.”
“I can’t use hope against swords.”
“Yes, but God can win against any odds.”
“Yes. If God exists he can win against any odds.” Then Toranaga’s voice edged even more. “What hope are you referring to?”
“I don’t know, actually, Sire. But isn’t Ishido coming against you? Out of Osaka Castle? Isn’t that another Act of God?”
“No. But you understand the importance of that decision?”
“Oh yes, very clearly. I’m sure the Father-Visitor understands that also.”
“You say this is his work?”
“Oh, no, Sire. But it is happening.”
“Perhaps Ishido will change his mind and make Lord Kiyama commander-in-chief and skulk at Osaka and leave Kiyama and the Heir opposing me?”
“I can’t answer that. Sire. But if Ishido leaves Osaka it will be a miracle. Neh?”
“Are you seriously claiming this to be another Act of your Christian God?”
“No. But it could be. I believe nothing happens without His knowledge.”
“Even after we’re dead we still may never know about God.” Then Toranaga added abruptly, “I hear the Father-Visitor’s left Osaka,” and was pleased to see a shadow cross the Tsukku-san’s face. The news had come the day they’d left Mishima.
“Yes,” the priest was saying, his apprehension increasing. “He’s gone to Nagasaki, Sire.”
“To conduct a special burial for Toda Mariko-sama?”
“Yes. Ah, Sire, you know so much. We’re all clay on the potter’s wheel you spin.”
“That’s not true. And I don’t like idle flattery. Have you forgotten?”
“No, Sire, please excuse me. It wasn’t meant to be.” Alvito became even more on guard, almost wilting. “You’re opposed to the service, Sire?”
“It doesn’t matter to me. She was a very special person and her example merits honor.”
“Yes, Sire. Thank you. The Father-Visitor will be very pleased. But he thinks it matters quite a lot.”
“Of course. Because she was my vassal and a Christian her example won’t go unnoticed—by other Christians. Or by those considering conversion. Neh?”
“I would say it will not go unnoticed. Why should it? On the contrary she merits great praise for her self-sacrifice.”
“In giving her life that others might live?” Toranaga asked cryptically, not mentioning seppuku or suicide.
“Yes.”
Toranaga smiled to himself, noticing that Tsukku-san had never once mentioned the other girl, Kiyama Achiko, her bravery or death or burial, also with great pomp and ceremony. He hardened his voice. “And you know of no one who ordered or assisted in the sabotage of my ship?”
“No, Sire. Other than by prayer.”
“I hear your church building in Yedo is going well.”
“Yes, Sire. Again thank you.”
“Well, Tsukku-san, I hope the labors of the High Priest of the Christians will bear fruit soon. I need more than hope and I’ve a very long memory. Now, please, I require your services as interpreter.” Instantly he sensed the priest’s antagonism. “You have nothing to fear.”
“Oh, Sire, I’m not afraid of him, please excuse me, I just don’t want to be near him.”
Toranaga got up. “I require you to respect the Anjin-san. His bravery is unquestioned and he saved the Mariko-sama’s life many times. Also he’s understandably almost berserk at the moment—the loss of his ship, neh?”
“Yes, yes, so sorry.”
Toranaga led the way toward the shore, guards with flares lighting their way. “When do I have your High Priest’s report on the gun-running incident?”
“As soon as he gets all the information from Macao.”
“Please ask him to speed his inquiries.”
“Yes, Sire.”
“Who were the Christian daimyos concerned?”
“I don’t know, so sorry, or even if any were involved.”
“A pity you don’t know, Tsukku-san. That would save me a lot of time. There are more than a few daimyos who would be interested to know the truth of that.”
Ah, Tsukku-san, Toranaga thought, but you do know and I could press you into a corner now and, while you would twist and thrash around like a cornered snake, at length I’d order you to swear by your Christian God,