November 24, 1840—Nagasaki Harbor
The ship creaked beneath Osahito’s feet as it left the harbor’s mouth. Never had he seen such a ship as this. The ships of Japan were much smaller, truly only useable for travel close to shore. The storms in the Sea of Japan were far too nasty for anyone to hazard sailing out of sight of land.
But this ship had sailed thousands of kilometers out of sight of land. How could it handle the storms? Could it master a typhoon? He had much to learn. How could the ship even make sure it was headed in the correct direction without any landmarks or stars for guidance? Truly these Dutch were magicians. Osahito was not a superstitious man, but there was magic afoot here.
His father’s mind was clearly failing. He was the only heir. If my father dies while I am gone, what happens? Osahito, knowing the laws, knew the answer instinctively. Ieyoshi would select the regent. But who would the selection be? Probably one of the Daimyo. Perhaps Shimazu? Shimazu was loyal enough to Ieyoshi, and the two families had been allies for generations. But, Ieyoshi might name himself regent. It was legally permissible, though unheard of. That would provoke the defection of all the Daimyo to Date’s cause.
But could Ieyoshi trust someone else with the regency? Ieyoshi had become much less willing to trust his allies as of late. Osahito chuckled to himself. I am a perfect example of that.
With one move, Ieyoshi could destroy all the advances he had championed. With one stroke, all who had served the past few years would have fallen in vain. That was unacceptable to Osahito’s mind. He was loyal to Ieyoshi, and as an officer, had sworn an oath to serve the Emperor and His shogun. Willem, his merchant-guide for the past several days had begun to discuss some Dutch philosophy.
The concept of a contract between government and people was intriguing, though wrong. It, however, was an idea. Was his higher loyalty to Ieyoshi, as the Shogun, or to Japan, his country? If Ieyoshi’s actions threatened the well-being of the country, was action required? That would set quite a precedent. Perhaps as a personal test, but once passions were inflamed, it could be used as a partisan political argument. No. This would not be a good idea.
His allegiance was to his country. His allegiance was not built on a spoken oath, required as a matter of form, but of his sense of honor. Tanaka had said: “depending on your sense of honor”. It was a simple truth.
What did honor dictate? Honor was not a person. Its will was not easily decipherable. Osahito stood, arms clasped behind him, as Japan disappeared beneath the horizon. A shudder of regret passed through his body. His honor had made itself clear. Japan was more important than Ieyoshi. Action would be required upon his return. But first, he would learn what he could from these Dutch. Any additional knowledge gained would be very beneficial once his feet stood once more upon his native ground.
