“That is small matter. Has there been an acceptance of policies memorialized by the departed?”
“Many daimios have yet to present their answers to the letters of inquiry sent out by the Shogunate. The majority may be against intercourse with the tojin peoples, yet Satsuma and Ii have joined me in urging a temporary treaty for the opening of a few ports. When all answers have been received, His Highness will command the Council of Elders to announce the acceptance of our policy.”
“Banzai!” I cried. “Let intercourse be established for a time, and even the frogs in the well will be compelled to see light.”
“The talk of a temporary treaty is a compromise to bring over those who waver between the two camps. I have talked too much with you and with him who has gone to doubt now that ports once opened will ever be closed.” He looked at me with a quizzical smile. “Once a tojin enters, it is difficult to be rid of him.”
“You say I am forgiven?”
“One way has been suggested to rid the land from the tojin. That is to make him not a tojin.”
“Not a tojin? You mean death!”
“Death to tojin kin and country. I recalled to the Shogun the precedent of the wise tojin Anjin Sama.”
“That! Can I also become a Japanese?”
“If you wed a Japanese wife.”