The Way of the Traitor: A Samurai Mystery (28 page)
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Authors: Laura Joh Rowland
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BOOK: The Way of the Traitor: A Samurai Mystery
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For the first time, Sano doubted Kiyoshi's innocence. Surely this fantasy meant that he suffered from extreme guilt. But for what misdeed?
oThe soldiers make me kneel before the executioners, Kiyoshi whispered. A steady tremor shook him, gradually building in intensity. oI beg for mercy, because I'm innocent. I've served the shogun loyally all my life. I'm the hardest-working officer in the harbor patrol. His voice cracked on a high, plaintive note. oI always volunteer for extra duty. I practice the martial arts so I can someday bring my lord glory on the battlefield.... I spend my nights in the watchtower, looking out for foreign warships.... I study Dutch so I can understand the barbarians whose military power threatens our land. His voice rose to a wail. oI've never acted against the shogun or his regime. Whoever says so is lying!
From the corridor, the warden called, oIs everything all right in there?
oYes, Sano replied hastily, fearing that the interruption would silence Kiyoshi.
But Kiyoshi, mesmerized by his hallucination, seemed unaware of external distractions. oGovernor Nagai states the charges against me, he said, whispering again. o ~Ohira Kiyoshi has placed his personal gain before the interests of the shogun and nation, thereby committing treason against both. He has blood on his hands. Therefore, he must die.'
Personal gain? Blood on his hands? Maybe the youth really was a smuggler, acting on orders from his father, Nagai, or Iishino "or on his own initiative, to get money to marry Junko. Had he conspired with Jan Spaen, then killed the barbarian during an argument? Had he later killed Peony because she knew what he'd done? Then, when caught last night, had he framed Sano in an attempt to excuse his own behavior and receive a lighter sentence?
Had the two surviving barbarians been involved in the crimes?
Sano couldn't dismiss Assistant Director deGraeff's possible involvement. And, with a sudden qualm, he thought of how Dr. Huygens's language skill would enable him to communicate with Japanese members of a smuggling ring. He'd probably acquired his Japanese speech through conversations with students, including Kiyoshi "his accomplice? Sano didn't want to believe the worst about either Huygens or the boy in whom he saw his younger self, but if it was true, he must know.
Moving closer, Sano grasped the boy's slim, muscular shoulders. Their tremors resonated through his fingers. oKiyoshi. Was it you who took Dutch goods to the cove last night? Whose blood did you spill? Did you make a deal with a barbarian? Which one? Why did you lie about me? Answer!
oPlease, let me go! Kiyoshi's eyes rolled in terror. oDon't bring that sword any closer. You must listen. I was just trying to stop "I didn't want anyone to find out about "no. Please. NO!
The boy wrenched free of Sano and leapt to his feet. Sano lost his balance, falling hard on his tailbone. But he barely noticed the pain, because Kiyoshi's self-control had shattered. He rampaged around the cell, howling like a madman, pounding the walls. His frantic movements upset the meal tray and wastebucket, spilling food and filth all over the floor. Sano lunged after Kiyoshi, fearing he would hurt himself if not restrained immediately. But Sano was no match for the youth's wild energy. Kiyoshi dodged him again and again. Sano's feet slipped on the messy floor. From outside the cell, he heard cries, thuds, and the warden calling, oWhat's going on in there? Quiet down, you're disturbing the other prisoners!
oI only did it out of duty, Kiyoshi shouted. oAnd loyalty. And "and love. You must let me go. I have to stop it, I have to stop it....
He made a frantic leap toward the window. Sano grabbed him, but he broke free, ran to the door, and battered it with his fists and head. oLet me out! Please, let me out!
Throwing his arms around Kiyoshi, Sano forced him away from the door just as the bolt outside slammed back. oCalm down, Kiyoshi. With all his strength, he wrestled the young samurai facedown onto the floor. He sat on Kiyoshi's arching back and pinned the flailing arms. oBe still. Sano spoke between gasps of exertion as Kiyoshi's howls and struggles subsided. oEverything's going to be all right.
But was it? Kiyoshi's words could be interpreted as an admission of smuggling and murder, punishable by death even if he'd acted in a misguided attempt to please, protect, or control someone else. A madman's ambiguous testimony wouldn't clear Sano or Hirata. And if Kiyoshi was innocent, Sano couldn't pin the crimes on the boy, even to save his own life and honor.
Sano released his hold on the limp, trembling body beneath him. He laid a soothing hand on Kiyoshi's head. oKiyoshi, you must tell the truth. It's the only way you can help yourself, or the people you care about.
Silence. But when Sano gently turned Kiyoshi over, he saw that the boys expression, though still frightened, had lost its crazed panic.
The door banged open, and the din outside increased as other prisoners clamored in their cells. The warden and two guards rushed into the room. oYou'll have to leave now, the warden said. oHe's started a riot, and he'll make things even worse if you don't leave him alone.
oJust a moment longer, Sano pleaded. To learn the truth, he must break Kiyoshi's loyalty to whomever he was protecting, whether it be Chief Ohira, Interpreter Iishino, Junko, or Governor Nagai. oHe's calm now; maybe he'll talk.
But the warden shook his head. oCome back later.
The guards firmly escorted Sano out of Kiyoshi's cell, and the warden bolted the door. oWait, Sano protested.
Suddenly a huge boom rocked the prison. Sano's heart lurched; his ears rang. Fragments of plaster rained down from the ceiling as a shocked silence fell over the jail. Then the prisoners began shouting again, louder, pounding on the doors and begging, oLet us out!
oWhat in heaven was that? the warden said. oThunder? An earthquake?
Dawning comprehension horrified Sano. oThe Dutch ship, he said, and bolted for the exit.
Chapter 25
SANO'S GUESS PROVED unfortunately correct. From outside the jail, he saw the Dutch ship moving down the harbor channel with ominous majesty. Black smoke drifted out of cannon protruding from the lower decks. Flames blazed aboard a nearby patrol barge whose stern tilted below the water. The Dutch captain had entered the harbor before the two days were up, firing on troops who had tried to stop the ship. Sano's worst fear had become reality: His failure to resolve the barbarian's murder had brought war to Japan.
He leapt astride his horse and galloped downhill toward the harbor. Past him streamed noisy crowds seeking shelter, while braver, curious souls ran for the waterfront. Gawkers peered from balconies and roofs. Foreign merchants, concerned for their anchored craft, poured out of the settlements in raucous hordes accompanied by frantic Japanese guards. Shouts and cries filled the streets.
oThe barbarians will kill us all!
oRun for the hills!
Doshin tried vainly to maintain order. Troops, armed with bows, arquebuses, swords, and spears, rode and marched toward the harbor.
Then a second boom shuddered the sky and echoed across the hills. A fountain of smoke and water burst from the sea near the wrecked barge. Another wave of panic rose.
oMove, shouted Sano, maneuvering his horse through massed bodies and trying not to trample anyone. He must somehow undo the harm he'd caused. The Dutch captain might be rash enough to risk dying in battle against Japan's more numerous forces, and with his superior firepower, he could ruin the city.
The waterfront promenade was already awash in troops when Sano reached it. Sentries manned small boats around Deshima, preventing contact between the Dutch crew and their imprisoned compatriots. Beyond the beach, survivors of the wrecked barge swam for shore while waves swallowed their craft. From the harbor patrol station, more barges, packed with troops, sped toward the Dutch ship, which loomed larger and closer. Scarlet war banners fluttered on the clifftops above the harbor. Sano hastily secured his horse outside the station and rushed down the pier.
oWait! he cried, waving at the last departing barge.
No one heeded his plea. Then, farther down the coast, he saw sailors preparing to launch Nagasaki's three warships. They raised masts, mounted oars and cannon, unfurled sails and banners bearing the Tokugawa crest. Sano reached the largest warship just as gunners and archers assumed positions on deck and the high command started up the gangplank.
Governor Nagai, wearing a magnificent suit of armor with red-lacquered breastpiece, chain-mail sleeves, a many-plated tunic laced with red silk cord, and a helmet crowned with golden antlers, led a. group of aides. Interpreter Iishino, looking scared and uncomfortable in his armor, dawdled behind. When Sano arrived at the gangplank, Nagai was on deck, arguing with the ship's captain.
oUnder no conditions shall we fire on the Dutch ship yet, Nagai said.
oBut Honorable Governor, said the captain, othe barbarians have already attacked Japan. To accept such an insult would be an admission of cowardice. I can cripple the Dutch ship. The gunners on the cliffs can finish her off. His face blazed with zealous patriotism. oThis is our chance to demonstrate Japan's military strength!
The aides loudly seconded him, but Governor Nagai shook his circular gold war fan. oOur defense preparations are incomplete. At present, we can't guarantee a quick victory over the Dutch or minimal damage to Nagasaki. And think of the consequences of a battle.
oEven if we make sure the barbarians don't leave Japan alive, there are thousands of other foreign witnesses to today's events. We can't silence them all without inviting retribution from their governments, which would eventually realize that an entire international fleet of ships had failed to return home. The traders will carry tales to ports frequented by the East India Company. The Dutch will send more ships. Our nation cannot survive a full assault by the company fleet without massive destruction. Even if we escape total defeat, the battles will kill legions and disrupt foreign trade, costing us a fortune. I'll not bring full-scale war on Japan just to satisfy a fool's desire for glory!
With an air of finality, Nagai turned to his chief aide. oDoes everyone have orders to stand by unless they receive the signal from me?
oYes, Honorable Governor.
oThen let's be on our way. I must negotiate a truce with the Dutch before matters escalate to the point where war is unavoidable.
Nagai started toward the bow; his retinue followed. The captain shouted the order to set sail. Sano dashed up the gangplank, calling, oGovernor Nagai! Wait!
Troops seized Sano, locking him in a vise of chain-mailed arms. Nagai turned; a frown darkened his face. oWhat are you doing here? he demanded, striding toward Sano. To the troops he said, oThrow him overboard, and let's go.
oWait, Sano called as the soldiers started to hoist him over the railing. oGovernor Nagai, you must let me go with you and speak to the Dutch.
oBakarashii "ridiculous! Nagai's thick lips twisted in annoyance, though his curt headshake arrested the soldiers' overboard thrust. oHaven't you caused enough trouble already? You failed to disarm the Dutch ship when you had the chance. You could have accepted the whore's confession, closed Spaen's murder case, and allowed the barbarians to land peacefully. Now your folly and ineptitude have endangered the entire nation.
The angry sweep of his war fan encompassed the harbor, where the fishing boats now clustered at the docks, the other foreign vessels had moved as far inland as possible, and the Dutch ship reigned triumphant. Yet Sano saw a familiar shrewd glint in Nagai's eyes: He realized that if Sano conducted the negotiations with the Dutch, Governor Nagai could not be blamed in the event of failure.
oThe Dutch captain knows me, Sano said, hastening to help Nagai reverse his decision without losing face before his men. oWhen he hears about the efforts I've made toward catching his countryman's killer, he may consent to a truce.
After a moment, Nagai nodded. oRelease him, he ordered the soldiers. To the captain, he said, oProceed.
To the accompaniment of the rowers' chants and the splash of oars, the warship left the dock. Sano joined Governor Nagai in the bow, where they watched the Dutch ship, now ringed by patrol barges that looked puny in comparison. The moist, salt-laden drizzle chilled Sano, tightening muscles already stiff with anxiety; his shoulder ached. Not until he faced Captain Oss could he know what approach would best achieve peace. But he now had a chance to establish Nagai's role in the murders and smuggling, and convince the governor to drop the charges against him.
With a sidelong glance at Sano, Governor Nagai said, oMy clan has a long tradition of military leadership. Even in peacetime, we consider the strategy of warfare an important field of knowledge, because war and politics are much alike "don't you agree?
Sano nodded, unsure of where this was leading.
oYes. Well. During my youth I studied the writings of my ancestor, General Noriyama, who lived more than three hundred years ago, under the Ashikaga shoguns. He had a saying: ~Attack the branches; weaken the tree.' He applied this theory in his campaign against a rival general. Instead of killing his rival, he took the man's family hostage, rendering him powerless to act against Noriyama. A bold move whose genius lay not only in concept, but also in execution. You see, General Noriyama didn't take the hostages himself; he had his lieutenants do it. This way he avoided any adverse personal consequences should the ploy fail, or displeasing his lord with an overt quest for power.
oI see, said Sano. He'd just been warned that if he attacked the governor, his mother, aunts, uncles, and cousins would suffer at the hands of Nagai's minions. Also, the governor, like General Noriyama, had covered himself in the event that the frame-up should fail and the bakufu ever challenge his handling of Sano's case. If the tribunal should find Sano innocent, Nagai could blame his subordinates, and thereby escape punishment.
oThe soldiers make me kneel before the executioners, Kiyoshi whispered. A steady tremor shook him, gradually building in intensity. oI beg for mercy, because I'm innocent. I've served the shogun loyally all my life. I'm the hardest-working officer in the harbor patrol. His voice cracked on a high, plaintive note. oI always volunteer for extra duty. I practice the martial arts so I can someday bring my lord glory on the battlefield.... I spend my nights in the watchtower, looking out for foreign warships.... I study Dutch so I can understand the barbarians whose military power threatens our land. His voice rose to a wail. oI've never acted against the shogun or his regime. Whoever says so is lying!
From the corridor, the warden called, oIs everything all right in there?
oYes, Sano replied hastily, fearing that the interruption would silence Kiyoshi.
But Kiyoshi, mesmerized by his hallucination, seemed unaware of external distractions. oGovernor Nagai states the charges against me, he said, whispering again. o ~Ohira Kiyoshi has placed his personal gain before the interests of the shogun and nation, thereby committing treason against both. He has blood on his hands. Therefore, he must die.'
Personal gain? Blood on his hands? Maybe the youth really was a smuggler, acting on orders from his father, Nagai, or Iishino "or on his own initiative, to get money to marry Junko. Had he conspired with Jan Spaen, then killed the barbarian during an argument? Had he later killed Peony because she knew what he'd done? Then, when caught last night, had he framed Sano in an attempt to excuse his own behavior and receive a lighter sentence?
Had the two surviving barbarians been involved in the crimes?
Sano couldn't dismiss Assistant Director deGraeff's possible involvement. And, with a sudden qualm, he thought of how Dr. Huygens's language skill would enable him to communicate with Japanese members of a smuggling ring. He'd probably acquired his Japanese speech through conversations with students, including Kiyoshi "his accomplice? Sano didn't want to believe the worst about either Huygens or the boy in whom he saw his younger self, but if it was true, he must know.
Moving closer, Sano grasped the boy's slim, muscular shoulders. Their tremors resonated through his fingers. oKiyoshi. Was it you who took Dutch goods to the cove last night? Whose blood did you spill? Did you make a deal with a barbarian? Which one? Why did you lie about me? Answer!
oPlease, let me go! Kiyoshi's eyes rolled in terror. oDon't bring that sword any closer. You must listen. I was just trying to stop "I didn't want anyone to find out about "no. Please. NO!
The boy wrenched free of Sano and leapt to his feet. Sano lost his balance, falling hard on his tailbone. But he barely noticed the pain, because Kiyoshi's self-control had shattered. He rampaged around the cell, howling like a madman, pounding the walls. His frantic movements upset the meal tray and wastebucket, spilling food and filth all over the floor. Sano lunged after Kiyoshi, fearing he would hurt himself if not restrained immediately. But Sano was no match for the youth's wild energy. Kiyoshi dodged him again and again. Sano's feet slipped on the messy floor. From outside the cell, he heard cries, thuds, and the warden calling, oWhat's going on in there? Quiet down, you're disturbing the other prisoners!
oI only did it out of duty, Kiyoshi shouted. oAnd loyalty. And "and love. You must let me go. I have to stop it, I have to stop it....
He made a frantic leap toward the window. Sano grabbed him, but he broke free, ran to the door, and battered it with his fists and head. oLet me out! Please, let me out!
Throwing his arms around Kiyoshi, Sano forced him away from the door just as the bolt outside slammed back. oCalm down, Kiyoshi. With all his strength, he wrestled the young samurai facedown onto the floor. He sat on Kiyoshi's arching back and pinned the flailing arms. oBe still. Sano spoke between gasps of exertion as Kiyoshi's howls and struggles subsided. oEverything's going to be all right.
But was it? Kiyoshi's words could be interpreted as an admission of smuggling and murder, punishable by death even if he'd acted in a misguided attempt to please, protect, or control someone else. A madman's ambiguous testimony wouldn't clear Sano or Hirata. And if Kiyoshi was innocent, Sano couldn't pin the crimes on the boy, even to save his own life and honor.
Sano released his hold on the limp, trembling body beneath him. He laid a soothing hand on Kiyoshi's head. oKiyoshi, you must tell the truth. It's the only way you can help yourself, or the people you care about.
Silence. But when Sano gently turned Kiyoshi over, he saw that the boys expression, though still frightened, had lost its crazed panic.
The door banged open, and the din outside increased as other prisoners clamored in their cells. The warden and two guards rushed into the room. oYou'll have to leave now, the warden said. oHe's started a riot, and he'll make things even worse if you don't leave him alone.
oJust a moment longer, Sano pleaded. To learn the truth, he must break Kiyoshi's loyalty to whomever he was protecting, whether it be Chief Ohira, Interpreter Iishino, Junko, or Governor Nagai. oHe's calm now; maybe he'll talk.
But the warden shook his head. oCome back later.
The guards firmly escorted Sano out of Kiyoshi's cell, and the warden bolted the door. oWait, Sano protested.
Suddenly a huge boom rocked the prison. Sano's heart lurched; his ears rang. Fragments of plaster rained down from the ceiling as a shocked silence fell over the jail. Then the prisoners began shouting again, louder, pounding on the doors and begging, oLet us out!
oWhat in heaven was that? the warden said. oThunder? An earthquake?
Dawning comprehension horrified Sano. oThe Dutch ship, he said, and bolted for the exit.
Chapter 25
SANO'S GUESS PROVED unfortunately correct. From outside the jail, he saw the Dutch ship moving down the harbor channel with ominous majesty. Black smoke drifted out of cannon protruding from the lower decks. Flames blazed aboard a nearby patrol barge whose stern tilted below the water. The Dutch captain had entered the harbor before the two days were up, firing on troops who had tried to stop the ship. Sano's worst fear had become reality: His failure to resolve the barbarian's murder had brought war to Japan.
He leapt astride his horse and galloped downhill toward the harbor. Past him streamed noisy crowds seeking shelter, while braver, curious souls ran for the waterfront. Gawkers peered from balconies and roofs. Foreign merchants, concerned for their anchored craft, poured out of the settlements in raucous hordes accompanied by frantic Japanese guards. Shouts and cries filled the streets.
oThe barbarians will kill us all!
oRun for the hills!
Doshin tried vainly to maintain order. Troops, armed with bows, arquebuses, swords, and spears, rode and marched toward the harbor.
Then a second boom shuddered the sky and echoed across the hills. A fountain of smoke and water burst from the sea near the wrecked barge. Another wave of panic rose.
oMove, shouted Sano, maneuvering his horse through massed bodies and trying not to trample anyone. He must somehow undo the harm he'd caused. The Dutch captain might be rash enough to risk dying in battle against Japan's more numerous forces, and with his superior firepower, he could ruin the city.
The waterfront promenade was already awash in troops when Sano reached it. Sentries manned small boats around Deshima, preventing contact between the Dutch crew and their imprisoned compatriots. Beyond the beach, survivors of the wrecked barge swam for shore while waves swallowed their craft. From the harbor patrol station, more barges, packed with troops, sped toward the Dutch ship, which loomed larger and closer. Scarlet war banners fluttered on the clifftops above the harbor. Sano hastily secured his horse outside the station and rushed down the pier.
oWait! he cried, waving at the last departing barge.
No one heeded his plea. Then, farther down the coast, he saw sailors preparing to launch Nagasaki's three warships. They raised masts, mounted oars and cannon, unfurled sails and banners bearing the Tokugawa crest. Sano reached the largest warship just as gunners and archers assumed positions on deck and the high command started up the gangplank.
Governor Nagai, wearing a magnificent suit of armor with red-lacquered breastpiece, chain-mail sleeves, a many-plated tunic laced with red silk cord, and a helmet crowned with golden antlers, led a. group of aides. Interpreter Iishino, looking scared and uncomfortable in his armor, dawdled behind. When Sano arrived at the gangplank, Nagai was on deck, arguing with the ship's captain.
oUnder no conditions shall we fire on the Dutch ship yet, Nagai said.
oBut Honorable Governor, said the captain, othe barbarians have already attacked Japan. To accept such an insult would be an admission of cowardice. I can cripple the Dutch ship. The gunners on the cliffs can finish her off. His face blazed with zealous patriotism. oThis is our chance to demonstrate Japan's military strength!
The aides loudly seconded him, but Governor Nagai shook his circular gold war fan. oOur defense preparations are incomplete. At present, we can't guarantee a quick victory over the Dutch or minimal damage to Nagasaki. And think of the consequences of a battle.
oEven if we make sure the barbarians don't leave Japan alive, there are thousands of other foreign witnesses to today's events. We can't silence them all without inviting retribution from their governments, which would eventually realize that an entire international fleet of ships had failed to return home. The traders will carry tales to ports frequented by the East India Company. The Dutch will send more ships. Our nation cannot survive a full assault by the company fleet without massive destruction. Even if we escape total defeat, the battles will kill legions and disrupt foreign trade, costing us a fortune. I'll not bring full-scale war on Japan just to satisfy a fool's desire for glory!
With an air of finality, Nagai turned to his chief aide. oDoes everyone have orders to stand by unless they receive the signal from me?
oYes, Honorable Governor.
oThen let's be on our way. I must negotiate a truce with the Dutch before matters escalate to the point where war is unavoidable.
Nagai started toward the bow; his retinue followed. The captain shouted the order to set sail. Sano dashed up the gangplank, calling, oGovernor Nagai! Wait!
Troops seized Sano, locking him in a vise of chain-mailed arms. Nagai turned; a frown darkened his face. oWhat are you doing here? he demanded, striding toward Sano. To the troops he said, oThrow him overboard, and let's go.
oWait, Sano called as the soldiers started to hoist him over the railing. oGovernor Nagai, you must let me go with you and speak to the Dutch.
oBakarashii "ridiculous! Nagai's thick lips twisted in annoyance, though his curt headshake arrested the soldiers' overboard thrust. oHaven't you caused enough trouble already? You failed to disarm the Dutch ship when you had the chance. You could have accepted the whore's confession, closed Spaen's murder case, and allowed the barbarians to land peacefully. Now your folly and ineptitude have endangered the entire nation.
The angry sweep of his war fan encompassed the harbor, where the fishing boats now clustered at the docks, the other foreign vessels had moved as far inland as possible, and the Dutch ship reigned triumphant. Yet Sano saw a familiar shrewd glint in Nagai's eyes: He realized that if Sano conducted the negotiations with the Dutch, Governor Nagai could not be blamed in the event of failure.
oThe Dutch captain knows me, Sano said, hastening to help Nagai reverse his decision without losing face before his men. oWhen he hears about the efforts I've made toward catching his countryman's killer, he may consent to a truce.
After a moment, Nagai nodded. oRelease him, he ordered the soldiers. To the captain, he said, oProceed.
To the accompaniment of the rowers' chants and the splash of oars, the warship left the dock. Sano joined Governor Nagai in the bow, where they watched the Dutch ship, now ringed by patrol barges that looked puny in comparison. The moist, salt-laden drizzle chilled Sano, tightening muscles already stiff with anxiety; his shoulder ached. Not until he faced Captain Oss could he know what approach would best achieve peace. But he now had a chance to establish Nagai's role in the murders and smuggling, and convince the governor to drop the charges against him.
With a sidelong glance at Sano, Governor Nagai said, oMy clan has a long tradition of military leadership. Even in peacetime, we consider the strategy of warfare an important field of knowledge, because war and politics are much alike "don't you agree?
Sano nodded, unsure of where this was leading.
oYes. Well. During my youth I studied the writings of my ancestor, General Noriyama, who lived more than three hundred years ago, under the Ashikaga shoguns. He had a saying: ~Attack the branches; weaken the tree.' He applied this theory in his campaign against a rival general. Instead of killing his rival, he took the man's family hostage, rendering him powerless to act against Noriyama. A bold move whose genius lay not only in concept, but also in execution. You see, General Noriyama didn't take the hostages himself; he had his lieutenants do it. This way he avoided any adverse personal consequences should the ploy fail, or displeasing his lord with an overt quest for power.
oI see, said Sano. He'd just been warned that if he attacked the governor, his mother, aunts, uncles, and cousins would suffer at the hands of Nagai's minions. Also, the governor, like General Noriyama, had covered himself in the event that the frame-up should fail and the bakufu ever challenge his handling of Sano's case. If the tribunal should find Sano innocent, Nagai could blame his subordinates, and thereby escape punishment.
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