Shogun_ A Novel of Japan - James Clavell [585]
“There’s no proof, Yabu-sama,” Toranaga said. “I agree completely. There’s no proof at all.”
“Yabu-sama, did you do those things?” Hiro-matsu asked.
“Of course not!”
Toranaga said, “But I think you did, so all your lands are forfeit. Please slit your belly today. Before noon.”
The sentence was final. This was the supreme moment Yabu had prepared for all his life.
Karma, he was thinking, his brain now working at frantic speed. There’s nothing I can do, the order’s legal, Toranaga’s my liege lord, they can take my head or I can die with dignity. I’m dead either way. Omi betrayed me but that is my karma. The servants were all to be put to death as part of the plan but two survived and that is my karma. Be dignified, he told himself, groping for courage. Think clearly and be responsible.
“Sire,” he began with a show of audacity, “first, I’m guiltless of those crimes, Kosami’s mistaken, and the servants liars. Second, I’m the best battle general you have. I beg the honor of leading the charge down the Tokaidō—or the first place in the first battle—so my death will be of direct use.”
Toranaga said cordially, “It’s a good suggestion, Yabu-san, and I agree wholeheartedly that you’re the best general for the Musket Regiment but, so sorry, I don’t trust you. Please slit your belly by noon.”
Yabu dominated his blinding temper and fulfilled his honor as a samurai and as the leader of his clan with the totality of his self-sacrifice. “I formally absolve my nephew Kasigi Omi-san from any responsibility in my betrayal and formally appoint him my heir.”
Toranaga was as surprised as everyone.
“Very well,” Toranaga said. “Yes, I think that’s very wise. I agree.”
“Izu is the hereditary fief of the Kasigi. I will it to him.”
“Izu is no longer yours to give. You are my vassal, neh? Izu is one of my provinces, to give as I wish, neh?”
Yabu shrugged. “I will it to him, even though …” He laughed. “It’s a lifetime favor. Neh?”
“To ask is fair. Your request is refused. And, Yabu-san, all your final orders are subject to my approval. Buntaro-san you will be the formal witness. Now, Yabu-san, whom do you want as your second?”
“Kasigi Omi-san.”
Toranaga glanced at Omi. Omi bowed, his face colorless. “It will be my honor,” he said.
“Good. Then everything’s arranged.”
Hiro-matsu said, “And the attack down the Tokaidō?”
“We’re safer behind our mountains.” Toranaga breezily returned their salutes, mounted his horse, and trotted off. Sudara nodded politely and followed. Once Toranaga and Sudara were out of range, Buntaro and Hiro-matsu relaxed but Omi did not, and no one took his eyes off Yabu’s sword arm.
Buntaro said, “Where do you want to do it, Yabu-sama?”
“Here, there, down by the shore, or on a dung heap—it’s all the same to me. I don’t need ceremonial robes. But, Omi-san, you will not strike till I’ve made the two cuts.”
“Yes, Sire.”
“With your permission, Yabu-san, I will also be a witness,” Hiro-matsu said.
“Are your piles up to it?”
The general bristled and said to Buntaro, “Please send for me when he’s ready.”
Yabu spat. “I’m already ready. Are you?”
Hiro-matsu turned on his heel.
Yabu thought for a moment, then took his scabbarded Yoshitomo sword out of his sash. “Buntaro-san, perhaps you’d do me a favor. Give this to the Anjin-san.” He offered him the sword, then frowned. “On second thought, if it’s no trouble, will you please send for him, then I can give it to him myself?”
“Certainly.”
“And please fetch that stinking priest as well so I can talk directly with the Anjin-san.”
“Good. What arrangements do you want made?”
“Just some paper and ink and a brush for my will and death poem, and two tatamis—there’s no reason to hurt my knees or to kneel in the dirt like a stinking peasant. Neh?” Yabu added with bravado.
Buntaro walked over to the other samurai, who were shifting from one foot to the other with suppressed excitement. Carelessly Yabu sat cross-legged and picked his