A few days after the experience gained in the conflict, Kano decided to go to Kyoto. He announced his decision to the Council, where no opposition was made. Indeed, several members, Hattori among the number, declared that they too would go. They felt that the Clan had thrown down the gauntlet, and that there must be victory or annihilation. There had been a steady emigration of the young samurai, and even Ekichi had besought his father to let him go. It was decided that all should be recalled and ordered to report at Choshiu’s yashiki at Kyoto.
When Kano, accompanied by his friends, and escorted by a corps of six hundred well-armed samurai arrived at the Capital, he could scarcely credit his senses. The quiet and almost solemn city had changed apparently into a garrison town. Everywhere samurai were met. The crests of Satsuma, Choshiu, Tosa, Hizen, and Kaga, jostled with those of the Tokugawa, with the result that brawls and street fights were common, and peaceable citizens scarcely dared leave their houses. The shout of Sonno Joï was heard everywhere and at all hours. A revolution was imminent.
It was not long after Kano was installed in his apartments of the yashiki when an attendant announced a visitor, who declined giving his name. Receiving directions to admit him, a samurai in rônin dress, that is without crest and his face concealed by a cloth entered. After saluting, the visitor discarded his disguise, and Kano recognized the features of Karassu Maru.
“Well, Mr. Councillor,” said the Kuge after they were seated, “you have indeed heeded my advice of pulling the ground from under the court; you have produced chaos, my friend. What has struck Aidzu, I can not conceive. Our chairs go in and out of the palace gates and, instead of being stopped and turned back, we are politely saluted by the guard. There must be more of this, and I believe Tenshi Sama will order the Phœnix Car, and promenade in the city. But how do you propose to restore order out of this chaos?”
Kano did not confide enough in his visitor to disclose his plans. He replied: “Before building a new house, my lord, it is best to clear away the debris, especially after a conflagration. But, as your lordship knows, I have been at Nagato for some time, and am very anxious to know what has happened. I shall feel much relieved if you will inform me.”
“I do not know how it came to pass, but after Iyemochi’s visit it was easier for the palace attendants to secure passports, and finally they were no longer demanded. Sanjo, Iwakura, and myself, went in and out as we pleased, and I met a great many rônin, all good fellows. Sometimes we had a little bout, and swords were drawn. Taken altogether, there is a very pleasant change in our condition, and I only hope it will last.”
Kano saw that Karassu Maru would not help him much in his scheme. When his visitor departed, he called Inouye:
“Have you still the haori which Karassu Maru lent you?”
“I have, my lord.”
“Very well; I have mine. Let us see if they will carry us past the gates of the Gosho.”