After his ablutions, he felt marginally better. Sending for Genba, he told him about Saburo and Tora.Genba was stunned. “And the superintendent won’t let them go?” he asked in a tone of disbelief. “They haven’t really done anything, have they?”“No. Someone is putting pressure on Kobe to keep him from interfering in the blind woman’s conviction. I’m going to find out what is going on.”Genba wrinkled his broad brow. “The weather’s turning. Do you want me to come?”“No, Genba. You’re the only one left. You must keep an eye on the others.” The thought crossed his mind that his family had been attacked before, and that Genba would not be able to stop armed soldiers. But this time, he did not think he was dealing with warlords. No, this was a different type of enemy. “Is Hanae around?”“Yes, sir. Shall I tell her about Tora?”“No. Send her to me. I have something to ask her.”Hanae arrived, having been told by Genba what had happened to her husband. She bowed deeply, then asked, “You have seen him, sir?”“Yes, Hanae.
