Hino Saburo (1) This really is isn't a chapter yet, but I got into writing it.

"Rei-chan?," asked Hino Saburo.

"Hai, Father," said his daughter from the other end of the connection. She actually used the Eigo world for "father," another sign she was really becoming Americanized. Or was she doing it to distance herself? "What is happening in the government now? Can you help my friend?"

"She is safe enough for now. The sword matter will be settled with a fine."

"Will she have to give up the children?"

Hino Saburo suppressed a sigh, but left a telling moment of silence in its place. "I'm trying to arrange for Matsudaira-san to meet with your friend and the children. That could make a difference. But daughter, there is an unexpected problem."

There was an equally telling silence at the other end of the line. "What is the problem?"

"The problem is Matsudaira-san's daughter. She seems to have some special dislike for you."

Another pause. "Have you spoken with her yourself?"

"Not alone. But she was with the Prime Minister for a time when I last spoke with him."

"Have you spoken with Kaidou-san?" asked Rei.

"Not yet."

Hino Saburo heard his daughter ask his granddaughter to leave before she spoke to him again. "Kaidou-san has been very kind, father. But we are not lovers. We were never lovers, no matter what Yoko thinks."

"Did he make advances to you? Ever?"

"No, otousan. Never."

"Never?"

Yet another silence allowed Hino Saburo to fill it with unpleasant images.

"I might have made advances to him. But this was a long time ago. Yuu-chan was the only man I have ever slept with, Father. Kaidou-san did not betray your trust. And he has not betrayed Yoko with me, not then, and not now."

"But he is involved with you, isn't he?" asked Hino Saburo.

"He thinks he is in love with me. That's what I feel, anyway. But he won't leave Yoko for me . . . We've only met once since the White House. I was in hospital."

"That may have been one too many times." This time Saburo did not bother to suppress his sigh.

"Should I speak with her?" asked Rei. "I have only met her once. You must know her much better."

"Don't contact her yourself," said Hino Saburo. "I think that would only make her more angry and suspicious. In fact . . . "

"What, otousan?"

"You should find another attorney to represent your friend. As long as you are involved so directly, your name will keep coming to Matsudaira-san and Kaidou-san's wife. That is not helpful."

"I suppose it is not, otousan," responded his daughter. Then she said with a hint of both accusation and discovery, "You have never suspected there was anything between me and Kaidou-san."

"No, I did not," said Hino Saburo. "I trusted him completely with you. I arranged the marriage that made his career. To find this out now . . . is disappointing. You should have told me of this when it started. I might have . . . " He stopped before he finished revealing his thought.

"You might have what, Father?"

Hino Saburo chose his words. "I might have surprised you, my only child."

Rei did not answer.

Getting together with Kaidou Goro alone where their meeting could remain secret was not easy, so when he finally confronted his former protégé, Hino Saburo was abrupt. "I've spoken with my daughter about you, Kaidou. Why didn't you tell me about this before?"

Kaidou's face took on an entirely unexpected expression: bewilderment. "You did not know?"

Hino Saburo said, "No! Do you think you would be here now if I knew before? When did you know about my daughter? How long were you going to keep this a secret from me? I made you, Kaidou Goro. And this is how you honor me?"

Kaidou recoiled a bit, but kept his composure for the most part. He responded, "I didn't know I suppose until I visited her in the hospital. But I was sure after I saw her over Kumada-san's body. So you did not know until now? After all these years?"

"No, I did not know," Hino Saburo said icily. "I would have never let you marry Matsudaira's daughter if I knew this would be hanging over you. You may have managed to ruin your career and mine! I want to believe my daughter when she says she has never slept with you, but is it true? Tell me the truth, now, Kaidou. If you have any honor at all."

Kaidou seemed to take a moment to shift a mental gear, something old Hino did not miss even in the heat of his anger. "No. We have never been together like that. Not now, and certainly not when I was caring for her." He shook his head. "I have had a number of liaisons with other women since I married, but not with your daughter." He smiled ruefully. "If we slept together, it would spoil whatever it is that is between us, I think. I don't think there is much danger of that happening. Ever."

"There is no chance Deja-chan is yours?"

"No. None. Would that she was, Hino-san," said Kaidou sadly. "Would that she was."

Hino Saburo could recognize sincerity when it revealed itself, and Kaidou's cooled his anger and made him thoughtful. "You know . . . I thought of matching you with my daughter, Kaidou-kun, when she grew older. But the opportunity came for the Matsudaira match . . . " He shrugged. "Well, if I had arranged the match, she would probably have refused, just because I arranged it."

Kaidou actually laughed.

Hino Saburo let silence build. He was satisfied Kaidou hadn't committed any offense worse than foolishness with Rei. He wanted to keep Kaidou off-balance for a bit longer, though, because he was going to have to set him against that formidable wife of his.

"I've asked my daughter to find another American attorney for Urawa-san. That should keep her out of the way of your wife. Now, I was trying to persuade Matsudaira-san to visit Mrs. Urawa and the children before he makes his decision. Your wife is arguing that he should not because it would anger the Americans."

"If the Prime Minister is seen with Urawa-san," said Kaidou, "People might take it as a sign he supports her claim. If it can be arranged, it should be done secretly."

"That is what I suggested, Kaidou-kun," Hino said. "Tell me, do you really think all the Americans will be angry with us if we do not hand over the children? You know the Americans much better than I."

"It will certainly anger the followers of Mr. Swainson," said Kaidou, "And perhaps many others. It depends on how far Mr. Swainson wants to go."

"Have you met this so-called holy man?"

"Yes, I have."

"What do you think of him, Kaidou-kun? Could I try to arrange something with him?"

"If you mean buy him off, not with money, I think," said Kaidou. "My Ministry has looked at him because of his operations in Japan and now because of the trouble he is stirring up. He is very wealthy, though he is very good at hiding his wealth. Good enough to hide it from our tax people, though they are sure he controls a considerable number of investments in Japan. I don't think you could present a sum that would really interest him. Not enough to risk being entrapped taking it."

"Why do you think he is doing this? My daughter tells me the natural mother is a terrible person, someone who shouldn't be allowed near children. About that, I believe her absolutely. The boy broke into hysterics when I started to ask him about his real mother. Is this holy man that much of an ass?"

"He is using this issue," said Kaidou. "But for what purpose, I don't know. It is difficult to see his true face. He is a natural performer, very good. But what he really believes, what he is really after . . . ?" Kaidou shrugged, shaking his head.

"Is he to be reasoned with at all? Or does he really think his god tells him he is always right?"

"He won't want to be seen retreating," said Kaidou. "That I am sure of. But if you make some informal proposals, I think he would listen. Do you want me to try to arrange a meeting? I do have a couple of reliable friends in our service in the United States."

"Arrange it. As soon as he will allow."