Discussion on the Lake

"Lord Akechi. What a magnificent lake," Raquel remarks.

With the towering castle keep soaring into the sky behind her, Raquel descends the main approach and addresses Mitsuhide. Before their eyes stretches a lake so vast it could be mistaken for the sea. The sun has climbed high in the sky and begun its slight westward descent.

"Indeed. It is called Lake Biwa. The greatest lake in all of Japan. This lake brings bounty to the local fishermen, supports rice cultivation, and serves as a vital waterway for merchants. It is a lake of life."

With these words, Mitsuhide moves to the front of the column and leads the procession to the boat waiting for them.

"Lord Raquel. Though it may be considerably smaller than your vessel, this size suits Lake Biwa well. It is called a maruko-bune. Unfortunately, the wind has grown strong. We face headwinds to Sakamoto Castle. Please wait a moment."

After speaking to Raquel thus, Mitsuhide goes to the boatman. He is likely discussing the timing of departure. Diego whispers to Raquel.

"If we're heading southwest, it would be safer to wait a bit. But in the middle of summer like this, the wind won't die down quickly."

The wind blowing across the lake whips at the hem of Raquel's hakama, creating a fluttering sound. Raquel turns from the front of the main gate and looks up once more at Azuchi Castle towering against the deep blue summer sky. The massive scale of this castle and the magnificent splendor of the keep standing atop the mountain peak are unlike anything Raquel has seen in any country. She is made to understand, whether she wishes it or not, that the lord who created this in just three years now stands at the pinnacle of power in this nation.

As Raquel continues gazing at the castle in amazement, a messenger runs up to her.

"A message from Lord Mitsuhide. Though this wind is expected to weaken in a few hours, night navigation should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, we shall depart immediately as planned. Please board the vessel."

Raquel nods slightly and steps onto the boarding plank. Diego and Tagawa follow behind her. In her line of sight, Mitsuhide, who has already boarded, waits with a slight smile.

"Lord Raquel. Let us depart as planned. With this wind, it will take two and a half to three hours. During that time, I would like to speak with you a bit more. Please come this way."

With these words, Mitsuhide guides Raquel to a simple cabin constructed in the center of the boat. It is not like the ship's quarters found on a nau vessel. However, it is sufficient shelter from wind and rain, and a place to drink tea and pass the time. Raquel enters the cabin as instructed. Prompted by Mitsuhide, Raquel sits facing him across a hearth. Of course, there is no fire in the hearth. Raquel assumes the formal seiza position that she has struggled to adapt to since coming to this country. Mitsuhide sits casually cross-legged before her, appearing relaxed.

"Lord Raquel. Though you are a woman, if seiza is uncomfortable, you may sit cross-legged. With those garments, it should be acceptable. With this wind, today's boat journey will be somewhat long. I would like you to be comfortable."

"Then I shall gratefully accept your kind offer."

Receiving Mitsuhide's words, Raquel honestly accepts them. If she remained in seiza position while being rocked by the boat for three hours, her legs would surely stiffen like stone from the waist down, and she would be unable to walk for some time. With unfamiliar movements, Raquel removes her long and short swords and places them to the side, then hesitantly shifts her knees and sits cross-legged. Watching this, Mitsuhide strokes his chin with satisfaction.

"Now then. Yesterday's religious debate. I found it most interesting to observe. Therefore, there are additional things I would like to hear. Perhaps you too had things left unsaid. We have time. Let us speak."

Mitsuhide takes a sip from the tea cup brought by a servant.

"First, let me speak of what concerns me. At the end of yesterday's debate, you seemed to begin saying something to Lord Nobunaga. But you swallowed those words. That is how it appeared to me. It was after Lord Nobunaga said he had destroyed the Ashikaga shogun house. What were you about to say at that moment?"

Raquel feels tension at this question. This is indeed a topic she would prefer not to delve deeply into. However, if she does not answer sincerely, she will likely offend Mitsuhide. She currently has no choice but to seek Mitsuhide's protection. Raquel steels herself.

"Yes. You are quite perceptive. Yesterday I was about to ask Lord Nobunaga something. It was whether Lord Nobunaga, having destroyed the Ashikaga shogun who was the leader of the warrior class, had become the new leader of Japan's warriors - that is, the new shogun - or had become the new king of this country. However, I do not yet fully understand the structure of this nation. Therefore, fearing I might commit some impropriety, I held my tongue."

"Hmm. Indeed, that would be a difficult question."

"Is that so? It seems I was wise to refrain."

Raquel bows her head slightly. However, she cannot read what will come next, and anxiety builds in her chest.

"Do not worry about it. What you questioned - that is also something I would like to know."

"What do you mean?"

"Hmm. Your stories of your lost homeland's god and law, and of kings and people. All of them resonated in my heart. At the same time, I feel I have become even more uncertain about what Lord Nobunaga sees beyond his vision of 'unifying the realm under military rule.'"

Raquel does not know how to continue the conversation and waits silently for Mitsuhide's words.

"At that time, you wanted to ask whether Lord Nobunaga, having defeated the Ashikaga house, was a new king or a new shogun. If you had posed that question, how do you think Lord Nobunaga would have answered?"

"Yes. Since he defeated the leader of the warrior class, I thought he would answer that he had become the new shogun."

"But you hesitated to ask that question. What caused you to do so?"

"Yes. Since coming to Japan, I have heard that this country has had a royal family with an unbroken bloodline since ancient times. Therefore, I wondered whether perhaps that Ashikaga house was the royal family, and Lord Nobunaga had destroyed them. However, I do not understand whether that king refers to the Ashikaga house, someone deriving from Buddhism, or an entirely different existence. Not understanding this, I felt it dangerous to ask."

Mitsuhide's face no longer shows any expression of relaxation. It is the face of a man searching for his way of life as a warrior, a politician, and a retainer.

"Hmm. Let me speak a little."

With these words, Mitsuhide begins speaking matter-of-factly.

"The leader of the warrior class is not a king. In this country, there is a royal family that has been passed down since ancient times. They are called the Emperor. This country was created in the age of ancient mythology by the gods of antiquity. The descendants of those gods descended from the heavenly realm to this world and have ruled this country as royalty."

"Then those royal descendants still rule the country today as Emperor."

"Indeed. In Kyoto, where the Emperor resides, is the court that serves as its center. On the other hand, those who excelled in martial arts and supported the court with their strength became the shoguns. The Ashikaga shogun house are descendants of the Genji clan, whose blood separated from the royal house in ancient times. But in these past several decades, Kyoto has been devastated by famine and war, and the Ashikaga power has weakened. Shamefully, even His Majesty the Emperor has fallen into poverty. Such a state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue."

"If the Ashikaga shogun possessed blood connected to the royal house, does Lord Nobunaga, as the new leader, also belong to a clan that separated from the ancient kings?"

"...No, that is not the case."

"..."

"Then Lord Nobunaga excels above all in martial arts and is strong in battle. Is the royal house's military power even stronger than Lord Nobunaga's? Lord Nobunaga said that a weak king cannot protect the country. Does the court possess military might so great that even Lord Nobunaga, who defeated the Ashikaga shogun, cannot match it?"

"His Majesty is an existence who prays for the peace and tranquility of the country and people. He possesses no military power. Instead, the shogun protects His Majesty with military might, establishes laws, collects taxes, and handles the governance of the people. The shogun house is recognized by the people as legitimate rulers only after receiving that authority from the Emperor."

"Why have the military leaders continued to protect a royal house that possesses no military power? They could obtain everything by destroying them. Is there some force at work like our laws?"

"Japan's gods are not beings that constrain the people with laws. Our gods are not singular. They dwell in mountains and seas alike. And Amaterasu Omikami, the god of the heavenly way, is said to be the distant ancestor of the royal house. She is the great light that illuminates this world. However..."

Having said this much, Mitsuhide reaches for his tea cup and drinks it down in one gulp.

"Three years ago, Lord Nobunaga destroyed the Ashikaga house. As the new leader of the warrior class, the court also recognized Lord Nobunaga's power and granted him the position of Udaijin. It could be called the highest rank for a military house. However, Lord Nobunaga, having once accepted that appointment, is now considering relinquishing that position."

Raquel falls silent for a moment.

"Lord Mitsuhide. It would be difficult for me to fathom Lord Nobunaga's true intentions in this. Both Lord Nobunaga and Lord Mitsuhide are deeply involved in this country's future. The shallow thoughts of someone like me would only cloud the true reasoning."

Hearing this, Mitsuhide makes an exaggerated frown and speaks to Raquel in a joking manner.

"Why are you flustered? What I expect from you are seeds for my contemplation. You need not worry unnecessarily."

Hearing Mitsuhide's words, Raquel shows a slight smile as if infected by his humor.

"I understand. Then, to serve even slightly as seeds for Lord Mitsuhide's contemplation, I shall speak my thoughts. For that purpose, might I trouble you to indulge my questions a little longer?"

Hearing Raquel's words, Mitsuhide's eyes brighten.

"Ask me anything."

"Then. Regarding the structure of this country, I would like to understand it more correctly. This has been in my mind since arriving in Hirado - nay, even before coming to Japan."

Raquel pauses to take a breath.

"In this country, there is a king who has ruled Japan since ancient times. I heard this in Macau. What this king represents - I feel I understand a little from Lord Mitsuhide's explanation. But at the same time, this country also has Buddhism, which came from the continent in ancient times. The Buddhist temples now seem to be a common enemy of Lord Nobunaga and the Christians. However, Buddhism itself has been rooted in this country for several hundred years.

And then there is Lord Nobunaga - that is, the shogun who leads the military houses. In the countries where I have lived, kings wielded military power themselves. And they claimed that military power was granted by God, using this to control the people, establish laws, and govern the country. But Japan appears to be different. Lord Mitsuhide said that His Majesty, descended from the gods who created this country, prays for the people but possesses no military power. Then what gives Japan's king the power to rule the people - that great power that no sword can sever?"

Mitsuhide nods slightly at Raquel's words. The cabin walls creak and groan. The voices of the men desperately rowing against the headwind fade beyond the sound of water.

"His Majesty is also like your god - not something that can be overthrown by mere human military power or faith from the continent. But I understand your meaning. What gives our Emperor true power - might that also be the power of the people, as you spoke of yesterday?"

"I believe so as well. Since coming to this country, I have developed deep respect for how profoundly this nation's people honor their ancestors. Honoring ancestors begins with honoring one's parents. Parents love their children and guide them toward righteous living. Especially for young children, parents are absolute protectors. One could say rulers. Therefore children honor their parents and obey them. But those parents are also human children. And their parents' parents as well..."

"And so, as one inherits this unbroken chain of blood, eventually ancestors become gods. That is what you wish to say?"

"Yes. And His Majesty, who has inherited that blood from the most ancient times, connected to the founding gods, embodies the very form of this nation. Lord Tagawa, who has escorted me from Hirado, takes great pride in how the Tagawa house has been valued by the Matsuura house for generations. And Lord Matsuura takes great pride in how his bloodline traces distantly to the royal family. This strong bond of honoring ancestors - is this not the source of the king's power? No sword can sever this, nor can foreign Buddhas paint over it."

"Hmm. You are connected to Deus through law. We Japanese are connected to the gods somewhere through our ancestors. That gives strength to our nation's people."

Mitsuhide's expression shows a sense of discomfort, as if what he has spoken has not yet settled in his mind.

"Let me ask one more thing. We Japanese are connected to the gods through our ancestors. But in your teachings, what becomes of your ancestors? If people worship only God and neglect their ancestors, that too would surely endanger the country."

"Honoring parents, siblings, and family is also an important commandment in our law. However, perhaps there are some differences from Japan. Even parents, if they break the law and commit foolish acts that invite God's wrath, should be admonished by their children. For before God, both parent and child are equally but servants. Parents should be honored, but they are not absolute. In our teachings, only God is absolute."

Mitsuhide falls silent. Raquel knows she must not interrupt this silence. She closes her eyes lightly and simply listens to the sound of water from outside. After a brief silence, Mitsuhide again calls for a servant and orders fresh tea. He rises briefly to exchange a few words, then sits back down across from the hearth.

"By the way, though it's late to ask, tea is acceptable to consume according to your laws? You will stay at Sakamoto Castle from tonight. Eventually I would like to arrange for you to open your medical practice in the castle town. But that is still some time away. During your stay at Sakamoto Castle for the time being, I shall strictly order the kitchen not to serve anything you cannot eat. For tonight, we have ayu river fish. Can you eat fish?"

"Lord Mitsuhide. Your consideration touches my heart deeply. We can drink tea. Moreover, the food of this country strangely suits us. However, fish without scales are forbidden by God, so if permitted, those with scales would be appreciated."

"Ayu have scales. They eat only algae from the riverbed, so they should suit your taste. However, your laws are truly strict. It must be quite difficult to observe them in a foreign land."

"Yes. They may seem somewhat restrictive to Lord Mitsuhide. However, there may also be little cause for confusion. Even if someone suddenly appears claiming to be a king or god, whether to follow them becomes clear when measured against our law."

"Hmm. That connects to yesterday's debate as well. But the suffering that comes from such strictness - your father's death. Even now, my heart aches for your hardships."

Having said this much, Mitsuhide suddenly stands and pushes open a small board door in the cabin wall, propping it open. Through the opened window, a small breeze enters the cabin and stirs up the old ashes in the hearth. About two hours have passed since departure. The sun has already begun to tilt, preparing to fall behind the shadow of the lake.

"Then let me ask one more thing. The stories of your former country, your laws, and your long life in foreign lands - through the eyes of one who has lived as a wandering people, how does this Japan appear to you? What moves your heart, what seems strange - I would like to hear your thoughts."

Receiving these words, Raquel considers for a moment.

"Then I shall speak my thoughts. The surprises began even before arriving in this country. I once asked a friend in Macau about Japan. At that time, I heard about firearms. The story was that several firearms sold at high prices by Portuguese merchants to Japanese lords were mass-produced by Japanese hands in just a few years. And now thousands of firearms are used in battle, I was told. I could not believe it. However, it was true. After all, I treated many in Hirado who were wounded by firearms. Lord Tagawa was one of them."

Hearing these words, Mitsuhide nods deeply.

"Indeed. Our country's gunsmiths seem to be excellent. Even the Christians were surprised. I have gunsmiths among my retainers. If you wish to see them, I shall show you their forge sometime. However, as you know, gunpowder and lead shot are not easily obtained. That is why we need trade with the southern barbarians."

Raquel nods slightly and swirls the tea in her cup.

"Another thing that surprised me - this was a story I heard in Hirado. Lord Matsuura also considered trade with the southern barbarians important. Therefore, he permitted Christians to preach in Hirado. As a result, over a thousand Japanese quickly converted. What surprised me was that these converted Japanese Christians successively attacked shrines and temples. They dragged Buddhist statues from their pedestals, piled them high on Hirado's beach, and burned them. Lord Matsuura became more cautious toward Christians after witnessing such scenes.

Lord Matsuura also told me this story. An old woman who had never failed to pray to a small Buddha statue morning and evening immediately upon converting to Christianity smashed that Buddhist statue against the wall, held up the gold particles that emerged from within, and shouted: 'This is all the value Buddha possesses!' Those gold particles were probably placed there by the Buddhist sculptor who carved the statue.

In other countries, I often heard stories of Portuguese and Spanish people destroying foreign idols. But in Hirado, it seems the converted Japanese took the initiative, doing so enthusiastically and sometimes fanatically. Hearing this story, I felt I glimpsed another aspect within these usually gentle and modest people - that once they become fanatical, they charge forward with unstoppable momentum."

"Hmm. Fanaticism. I understand what you mean. After all, I myself commanded the burning of Enryaku-ji temple. I do not like Christians. However, as Lord Nobunaga also says, the warrior monks of the Buddhist temples have also lost their way. But the Buddhist monks and the armed peasants they manipulate know no fear. Those who know no fear are strong in battle. To defeat them, ordinary samurai simply will not do. Most are Buddhists, you see, so they all shrink back. That too is part of the monks' strategy. In desperation, I decided to deploy Christian samurai against them. They too have no hesitation. The Christian samurai worked well. Using your words - fanatically.

They successively defeated the warrior monks. And they gleefully dragged stone Buddhas from the temples to use as cooking stoves. All of them had been devout Buddhists just a few years earlier."

Having spoken this far, Mitsuhide takes a deep breath.

"So, do you view such fanaticism among Japan's people as strength, or as danger?"

Raquel again hesitates in her response. Mitsuhide sees through this and prompts her with slightly irritated voice.

"I want to hear your words from the bottom of your heart."

Raquel receives Mitsuhide's sharp gaze directly and gives in.

"Then I shall speak. The fanaticism that Japan's people sometimes display, as I just described - it may at times be somewhat dangerous. We Jewish people are bound by law, making us inflexible. However, even if our god or king were suddenly replaced by something else, we would immediately recognize it as false by measuring it against our law.

But Japan's people may not be the same. Earlier, I heard that in this country ancestors eventually become gods. However, those ancestors are not gods like ours who give detailed instructions about everything from food to how to rest. They are vague, magnificent ancestors. If those vague beings were suddenly replaced by something else one day, you might not notice. Rather, you might become fanatical about that novelty and charge ahead - is there not such danger? However, this is the reverse side of strength. This is certainly not criticism."

"Hmm."

Mitsuhide murmurs this with satisfaction, then contemplates Raquel's words while gazing into space. His face shows an expression that could be called the joy of one who ponders.

"In our country, it is said that in ancient times, the court was nearly replaced by Buddhist forces. However, His Majesty's blood, connected to the ancient gods, would not permit this and magnificently prevented it. But according to your view, such danger exists within us."

"Once, Buddhism nearly replaced His Majesty. So such things have indeed occurred. But it did not happen. Surely His Majesty's wish for the people's peace prevailed. But now, that Buddhism is being replaced by Jesus, and some are fanatical about it."

Raquel stops speaking there again. Mitsuhide, without stirring, listens to her words and nods deeply.

"Buddhism replaced by Deus. And perhaps..."

Just as Mitsuhide reaches this point, a voice is heard from outside the cabin.

"Such a starry sky - it's been a long time!"

Drawn by this voice, Mitsuhide and Raquel go outside. Diego and Tagawa are already there, all gazing up at the heavens. Unnoticed, the blazing sun that had illuminated Lake Biwa has already dropped behind the lake's surface. The strong wind has stopped as if by magic. The lake's surface shines black like hard paint made of mercury, reflecting the thin blue-tinged sky. Across that sky, the white luminous Milky Way extends to the infinite distance.

"Oh, this is magnificent!"

Mitsuhide also exclaims in admiration. Raquel gazes at the lake surface and sighs.

"And this lake reflecting the heavens is also beautiful."

Hearing Raquel's words, Mitsuhide crosses his arms and responds with a proud expression.

"This lake has the shape of the biwa musical instrument. That is the origin of its name. That biwa is now playing elegant music under the stars."

While murmuring this, Mitsuhide simply gazes at the lake surface.

"Lord Mitsuhide. Why is this country called Nippon (Japan)? Surely, like this Lake Biwa, there must be some origin for that name?"

"Nippon means the land where the sun rises. The sun rises from the east. And this country lies to the east of the world. Therefore, it is Nippon - Japan."

Hearing these words, Raquel shows a momentarily startled expression. Then she turns her body toward Mitsuhide and looks directly into his eyes.

"Lord Mitsuhide. My surprises about this country have increased by one more. On the ship from Macau to Hirado, watching the sun rise from the eastern sea, I held hope in my heart that Zipangu lay ahead. Therefore, I well understand that this country is the Land of the Rising Sun. However, that the people living in this land have perceived their own country as the Land of the Rising Sun at the eastern edge, and have even made this their country's name - this is a great surprise to me. The people of this country have been conscious since ancient times that Japan exists within the world."

"Long ago, a certain crown prince sent a letter to a continental king: 'The Son of Heaven from where the sun rises, to the Son of Heaven where the sun sets.'"

Hearing this, Raquel again turns her gaze to the lake surface and watches the star shadows wavering there.

"The Hirado where I stayed meant 'peaceful door open to the world.'"

Mitsuhide looks up at a single star shining particularly brightly in the distant Milky Way.

"Indeed. Through that door, Buddhism and culture once came and became part of this country's form. Sometimes the Mongols came as well. And now Christians and you have come. From now on, the world will become even closer. Japan too must be in a time of great change."

Raquel nods silently and slightly, then looks up at the Milky Way again. The beacon fire tied to the bow illuminates the lake surface. The maruko boat glides forward, cutting through the sea of stars. Only the sound of the oars rowed by the crew and the splash of oars hitting water dissolve into the atmosphere. Far across the lake surface, the lights of Sakamoto Castle waver and dance.