We fell silent again after that. It was a little later, just as the tram slowed for a stop, I felt Sachiko give a sudden start. She was looking down the carriage, to where two or three people had gathered near the exit, A woman was standing there looking at Mariko. She was around thirty or so, with a thin face and tired expression. It was conceivable she was gazing at Mariko quite innocently, and but for Sachiko?s reaction I doubt if my suspicions would have been aroused. In the meantime, Mariko continued to look out of the window, quite unaware of the woman.
The woman noticed Sachiko looking at her and turned away. The tram came to a stop, the doors opened and the woman stepped out.
?Did you know that person?? I asked, quietly.
Sachiko laughed a little. ?No. I just made a mistake.?
?You mistook her for someone else??
?Just for a moment. There wasn?t even a resemblance really.? She laughed again, then glanced outside to check where we were.
Chapter Eight
In retrospect it seems quite clear why Ogata-San remained with us for as long as he did that summer, Knowing his son well enough, he must have recognized Jiro?s strategy over the matter concerning Shigeo Matsuda?s magazine article; my husband was simply waiting for Ogata-San to return home to Fukuoka so the whole affair could be forgotten. Meanwhile, he would continue to agree readily that such an attack on the family name should be dealt with both promptly and firmly, that the matter was his concern as much as his father?s, and that he would write to his old school friend as soon as he had time. I can see now, with hindsight, how typical this was of the way Jiro faced any potentially awkward confrontation. Had he not, years later, faced another crisis in much the same manner, it may be that I would never have left Nagasaki. However, that is by the way.
I have recounted earlier some details of the evening my husband?s two drunken colleagues arrived to interrupt the chess game between Jiro and Ogata-San. That night, as I prepared for bed, I felt a strong urge to talk to Jim about the whole business concerning Shigeo Matsuda while I did not wish Jiro to write such a letter against his will, I was feeling more and more keenly that he should make his position clearer to his father. As it was, however, I refrained from mentioning the subject that night, just as I had done on previous occasions. For one thing, my husband would have considered it no business of mine to comment on such a matter. Furthermore, at that time of night, Jiro was invariably tired and any attempts to converse would only make him impatient. And in any case, it was never in the nature of our relationship to discuss such things
openly.
Throughout the following day, Ogata-S?n remained in the apartment often studying the chess game which ? so he told me ? had been interrupted at a crucial stage the previous night. Then that evening, an hour or so after we had finished supper, he brought out the chess-board again and began once more to study the pieces. Once, he looked up and said to my husband:
?So, Jiro. Tomorrow?s the big day then.?
Jiro looked up from his newspaper and gave a short laugh. ?It?s nothing to make a fuss about,? he said.
?Nonsense. It?s a big day for you. Of course, it?s imperative you do your best for the firm, but in my view this is a triumph in itself, whatever the outcome tomorrow. To be asked to represent the firm at this level, so early in your career, that can?t be usual, even these days.?
Jiro gave a shrug. ?1 suppose not. Of course, even if
tomorrow goes exceptionally well, that?s no guarantee I?ll get the promotion. But I suppose the manager must be
?, reasonably pleased with my efforts this year.?
?I should think he has great faith in you, by all accounts. And how do you think it will go tomorrow??
?Smoothly enough, I should hope. At this stage all the parties involved need to co-operate. It?s more a case of j laying the groundwork for the real negotiations in the autumn. It?s nothing so special.
?Well, we?ll have to just wait and see how it goes. Now, Jiro, why don?t we finish off this game. We?ve been at it for three days.?
?Oh yes, the game. Of course, Father, you realize however successful I am tomorrow, that?s no guarantee P11 be given the promotion.?
?Of course not, Jim, I realize these things. I came up through a competitive career myself. I know only too well how it is. Sometimes others are chosen in preference who by all rights shouldn?t even be considered your equals. But you mustn?t let such things deter you. You persevere and triumph in the end. Now, how about finishing off this game?
My husband glanced towards the chess-board, but showed no sign of moving nearer it. ?You?d just about won, if I remember,? he said.
?Well, you?re in quite a difficult corner, but there?s a way out if you can find it. Do you remember, Jiro, when I first taught you this game, how I always warned you about using the castles too early? And you still make the same mistake. Do you see??
?The castles, yes. As you say.?
?And incidentally, Jim, I don?t think you?re thinking your moves out in advance, are you? Do you remember how much trouble I once took to make you plan at least three moves ahead. But I don?t think you?ve been doing that.?
?Three moves ahead? Well, no, I suppose I haven?t. I can?t claim to be an expert like yourself, Father. In any case, I think we can say you?ve won.?
?In fact, Jiro, it became painfully obvious very early in the game, that you weren?t thinking your moves out, How often have I told you? A good chess player needs to think ahead, three moves on at the very least.?
?Yes, I suppose so.?
