THE NEW RONIN By Kurt Saxon
Chapter Twelve: THE ORGANIZATION
When Takeo left Henry Wolff he went to the studio where Saburo and Yasuo had laid the groundwork for their publication, "Stand Out." Saburo had bought the finest composing, photo and photo-lab equipment. Yasuo had been collecting the names and profiles of the most attractive and personable characters in Japan's entertainment and social set.
The place was staffed by extremely glamorous secretaries and other office personnel. The technicians were the brightest and best of Japan's young communications experts. Yasuo's choice of a receptionist was Suzuko, a gorgeous aspiring actress. Takeo had not visited the place since Saburo had first rented it. Suzuko had not met him and since he was obviously not one of the beautiful people, she didn't want to. She looked at him in a bored manner as she buffed her nails.
Takeo glared at her and said, "I want to see Saburo Kurita and Yasuo Sugiama."
"They are busy," answered Suzuko. "Do you have an appointment?"
"I don't need an appointment," snapped Takeo as he walked past her and began looking for his friends.
Suzuko pushed a button on the desk and alarm bells clanged throughout the building. All the bolts on the doors leading from the lobby slid into place. Suzuko then snatched up a short sword from a decorative plaque and waved it under Takeo's nose.
"Now, sir," said Suzuko, "you will stop where you are or I'll use this. And don't think I won't."
After a quick glance through a peep-hole, the main door off the lobby opened and Saburo and Yasuo came out. "Takeo," said Yasuo, "great to see you. But you should have called. Sorry about the commotion."
"Suzuko," said Saburo, "this is Takeo Sato. He is welcome at all times. You can put your sword down."
Suzuko put the sword back on its plaque and sat down at her desk. She resumed buffing her nails as if nothing had happened. Saburo and Yasuo let Takeo into the layout room and Yasuo poured him some tea.
"Nice place you've got here," said Takeo. "But don't you think all the security measures and that tigress out there is a bit too much?"
"Well," said Saburo, "the alarms and automatic locking bolts were Hideki's idea. Suzuko was hired by Yasuo. She may be a little extreme but she is a good receptionist and does keep us from being bothered by tradesmen."
"Also," said Yasuo, "she is a fine actress as well as being an expert in kendo. Her father teaches swordsmanship at all the studios. She would have cut you to ribbons if you hadn't stopped."
"All right, then," said Takeo. "I came over to tell you I found a martial arts teacher. He is an American, Henry Wolff. He knows everything about fighting and weapons. In his basement are several of the weapons we took from the island."
"How could he have gotten them?", asked Yasuo.
"Did you let on that you knew where they were from?", asked Saburo.
"He had to get them from Max Morrerr," said Takeo. "And of course I didn't indicate I recognized them. So there is a link between Wolff and Morrerr. Also, Wolff is fighting his own war with the Yakuza. I think we could tell him everything. But, of course, I can see no reason for it."
"We must get the others over here," said Saburo.
While calls were made to the rest of the seven, Yasuo took Takeo by the arm and led him to his own area. This was a lavishly furnished room decorated with art objects and huge block prints, mainly from Japan's Genroku and Bunka Bunsei periods.
On a wide table was a Kuniyoshi print of a fierce samurai warrior. Superimposed over it was the likeness of Japan's most prominent actor of traditional military roles.
"I've met this actor," said Yasuo. "He is an idiot and a coward but we're giving him the image of a hero in real life. Wait until you read Saburo's article on him. He can never live up to our treatment. But the producer of his latest film was around yesterday and believes it will make the picture. Also it should give the fool an extension of his sagging career."
"Oh," added Yasuo, "when I told the producer I was taking drama he offered me a feature role in 'The Wilted Cherry Blossom.' That's about a kamikaze pilot who turns back from his mission and spends the rest of his life making up for his cowardice.
"I am to play his squadron leader. I get shot down before reaching a target so I'm only in the first few minutes of the picture. It's futile and sad and beautiful."
"Sounds like a lot of pacifistic nonsense," said Takeo, contemptuously.
"But won't I look grand and heroic dressed in a flying suit and piloting that Zero? That's worth dying for, on film of course," said Yasuo.
"I can see the Zero as grand and heroic, but not you," said Takeo.
"So much for the mechanical mind," said Yasuo, shrugging. "Anyway, 'Stand Out' is going to give the same treatment to politicians, business leaders and everyone on top. That way we'll not only get wide support for our publication, but will have a foot in the door of every important enterprise in the country."
"That's good," said Takeo disinterestedly. "It's not my area, though. By the way, when do you expect to do the film?"
"In two weeks," said Yasuo.
"Well," said Takeo, "let's hope your face is not too battered to be recognizable. Our instructor starts out by pounding a student senseless as a test of his courage. Your test is tomorrow morning."
When Minoru, Tadashi, Yoshi and Hideki arrived they all discussed Henry Wolff and his usefulness to them. Hideki and Yoshi had installed the most sophisticated computers that money could buy in Hideki's detective agency. In the few minutes before they had left for the studio, Hideki had fed Wolff's name into the computer and got a printout with every bit of information the police had on him.
Tadashi looked it over and said, "You are tapping into the main computer, aren't you? You couldn't get such detail from legal sources."
"That's right," said Hideki. "We have the equipment, Yoshi has the skill to use it and we have the need for the information."
"But it's not legal," Tadashi persisted.
"But it's not against society," said Hideki. "Since it is for the benefit of our organization and since it does not interfere with the interests of law-abiding citizens, its technical legality or illegality is of no consequence."
"I say you're moving too fast," said Tadashi. "It's one thing to tap into private sources when in pursuit of our enemies, but this is frivolous. I say you should wait until our need for information is critical."
"I must disagree," said Saburo. "If Hideki anticipates deliberate illegal acts in the use of the computers, it is best to test the system with relatively unimportant information. If they were apprehended extracting relatively insensitive information, the penalties would be light and whatever monitors they have would be known."
"It doesn't matter," said Yoshi. "We have already duplicated every scrap of information in the police master computers. There is no longer a link between our computers for any monitor to check. Furthermore, we can reengage their computers at any time with little or no chance of being discovered."
"And how did you accomplish that?" asked Tadashi.
"I worked through Minoru," said Yoshi. "After installing computers in his unofficial stock exchange, I deliberately programmed a trace for all the possible entry codes into the police computers. When I finally cracked it, I took a printout of some inconsequential police business to their main headquarters. I told the head of their computer department that we had unintentionally tapped into their computer or their computer had tapped into ours.
"I complained that our stock exchange information was confidential and sensitive and we wanted no such hookups. I added that if their computers were connecting with ours, then some competitor might do likewise and so I wanted to find the leak.
"They were very cooperative. We worked on their computer until I detected the leak, which I programmed in while pretending to program the detection of it. This was easy since their man was relatively unskilled except in routine computer work.
"He thanked me for solving the problem and I came away with the codes to override and circumvent any monitors they might use in that model. So unless and until they get a more skilled operator or a more sophisticated computer, we can tap into their system at will."
Tadashi nodded thoughtfully and asked, "Could you pull that trick on the computer systems of Minoru's rivals in the financial field?"
"He did," said Minoru, laughing. "I have all their data at my fingertips."
"Then he might do the same thing with all the computers in the nation's political campaign headquarters," said Tadashi. "And even in corporations controlled by the Yakuza?"
"No problem," said Yoshi.
"Then," said Tadashi, "I'll have to give my ideas of legality a broader interpretation."
The next morning they all assembled at Henry Wolff's home. Takeo said to Wolff, "Sir, these are the six friends I told you about. We are dedicated to fighting the enemies of our old master and of our nation. This is our senior member, Saburo Kurita. This is Yasuo Sugiama; this one is Tadashi Yoritomo. Here is Yoshi Orita, Hideki Nishima and Minoru Watanabe."
"You are a fine looking group of men," said Wolff. " I believe you are all superior, if Takeo is an example of your group spirit. It will be a pleasure to train you in the arts of fighting, to which I sincerely look forward.
"In case Takeo has not explained my methods fully, I will tell you what to prepare for. First of all, you will probably be injured, and to what extent is up to you. My method is to engage you in actual combat in order to learn your strengths, weaknesses, degree of aggression or willingness to go all-out, and your general characters.
"Don't be ashamed to be defeated by me as I have been an instructor for over forty years. Try only to stay alive for now. When the time comes that I grow worried for my safety, that will be the time of your graduation."
Saburo was first to step into the arena. He crouched and began to circle. Wolff stepped forward and gave him a slap which made his head ring and sent him sprawling.
"Never crouch and circle," shouted Wolff. "You only give your opponent time to size you up. Attack and attack only."
Saburo recovered and charged, feinting with one fist and lashing out with the other at where Wolff's head would've been had he dodged the fist. Wolff did not dodge, but instead, stepped in and landed a punch to Saburo's chest, which knocked the wind out of him.
"Never feint; never jockey an opponent into position," said Wolff. "Take advantage of where he is at any given second."
Saburo charged again and again and each time was sent to the floor. Wolff ended his session as Saburo's nose bled, an eye prepared itself to blacken and it was assured that he would be bruised and stiff for days.
"All you have is courage, at this point," said Wolff to Saburo. "However, you never made the same mistake twice. That shows you are adaptable and will learn quickly.
"You will return tomorrow at this time. You will ache but you must discipline your body to accept pain while going into battle again and again. You must never allow your body to rule your mind."
Saburo retired to the sidelines, inwardly dreading the next day when he knew he would want only to stay in bed and groan. As he limped off, Wolff said, "It is good that you know when you've had enough. Takeo's friend, Isoroku, did not know when he was beaten. One rule I made since accepting him as a student was that when I say a session is over, it's over.
"Isoroku kept fighting even after I had ordered him to stop. He has such an ability to suppress pain that he honestly didn't know he was injured. I feared I would have to kill him and so I never allow a session to go past the time when I put a halt to it."
Yoshi was next and fought frantically, but well. He had watched and it was as if he had taken Saburo's session himself. He displayed the same courage and tenacity and it was almost with difficulty that Wolff knocked him out.
When Yasuo's turn came he literally danced to the attack and lashed out with both fists, one atop the other. He caught Wolff full in the face but Wolff jerked back his head and Yasuo's thrust was blunted. Wolff then received several more of Yasuo's charges and then put him away with a deft chop at his throat.
Tadashi came in and was so adept after watching the workouts with Saburo, Yoshi and Yasuo that Wolf had to beat him with advanced techniques. Minoru soaked up the lessons by observation and was harder to beat than Tadashi, even though he was the least aggressive of the seven.
Hideki was extremely aggressive and didn't make one move the others had lost by. Wolff was beginning to grow apprehensive and by the time he had finally sent Takeo flying with a badly sprained wrist, he was out of breath and confused.
"Who the hell are you people?" he asked. "In fighting the seven of you it's like I've been fighting the same one who learns all my previous moves in successive bouts.
"Normal students don't profit from their mistakes as easy as all of you. If you don't mind, I'd like something of your backgrounds, partly to satisfy my own curiosity and partly to direct me in your training."
The seven thought awhile and Saburo then handed over the police computer printout describing Henry Wolff and covering his known activities since he had come to Japan. "Since we know so much about you," said Saburo, "it is only fair that you should have more than surface knowledge of us."
Wolff glanced at the printout and asked, "How did you get this and why?"
"We tapped into the police master computer," said Hideki. "Since we are to become involved with you, we wanted to know if you might be a threat to our interests."
"We are group of seven for whom our master, Ishida Kuwahara, a Shinto priest, has set a task," said Saburo. "He believes, and so do we, that we have worked together as warriors for thousands of years."
"Yes," said Yasuo, "that's why we are so close and why we learn so quickly. Our master says we have been fighting the being now known as Namoto ever since our ship was marooned on this planet."
"Namoto," said Wolff. "I know of him. He is a minor kingpin of the Yakuza now, but on his way to becoming its chief. And just how did you get the information about me from the police computer?"
"Oh, that was easy," said Yoshi. "We have unlimited resources and I have set up a system of computers which drains all the information from any tapes or disks being run on any computer I wish to link up with."
Tadashi then spoke up, "I hope you aren't offended by our checking on you. Many of our acts are of necessity illegal, insofar as they are not officially sanctioned. You are in the same position. We have no intention of intimidating you but we believed, and still do, that you will be in a position to expose us to the authorities and our enemies in the Yakuza. I hope you don't blame us for assuring ourselves of your trustworthiness."
"Under the circumstances," said Wolff, "I'd suspect you if you didn't take precautions. But do you really believe you have been together for thousands of years and that this Kuwahara is your master?"
"Yes," said Saburo, "I don't expect you to share our belief. We have seen many confirmations of our belief which we are not at liberty to tell you about. And as far as Kuwahara being our master; well, that's a term of reverence and deep affection and has no implications of submissiveness.
"We might just as correctly refer to you as our master," said Yasuo. "You are older and know more about what we wish to learn. And although you have nearly killed us all, we have the utmost respect for you. So that's how it is."
"I'm deeply touched by your respect and trust," said Wolff. "I halfway share your belief in your heritage as warriors. I knew immediately that Takeo was not ordinary. And now that I've experienced your quickness to learn and know something of your capabilities, I think Max Morrell was fated to send me the answer to all my prayers. Is it possible that I might meet Kuwahara?"
"I think he would be overjoyed," said Minoru. "Takeo is convinced you are a part of our destiny. Our master could confirm this, if true. And if not, since you are a trusted friend and mentor, he would worry less."
"If you are free for a day or two," said Takeo, "I could take you to meet with him."
"I'm always free," said Wolff. "You will resume your training day after tomorrow."
With that, he left with Takeo as the others went their separate ways. Takeo drove an Alpha Romeo and paid no attention to traffic laws, except where others might be endangered. It took him only forty minutes of a normal hour and a half drive to get to the old priest's home.
Takeo knocked on the door and it was opened by a beaming Kuwahara who welcomed them both into the house. Upon being introduced, Kuwahara said, "I know you from a long time ago, my old friend."
"I seem to know you, too," said Wolff. "Yesterday when I met Takeo and today, the others, I felt an instant closeness. Could it be that we have really known each other a long time past?"
Takeo interrupted, "I'll leave you here and return this time tomorrow, unless you call and tell me otherwise." He left and sped off for Tokyo.
Kuwahara ushered Wolff to the parlor and bustled off to prepare tea and cakes. Wolff sat patiently and waited to take a few sips of tea before he began to talk.
"You have seven remarkable young men, Mr. Kuwahara."
"Did you recognize them?" asked the old priest.
"Yes", said Wolff. "I didn't realize it as recognition until I met you just now. I still can't understand it and maybe I never will. But I recognize you all."
"You sir," said Kuwahara, "are the being who captained the ship that brought us here so long ago. No wonder we found each other after all this time."
"I can't accept that, Mr. Kuwahara," said Wolff. "I don't reject it but I'm not a religious man and never have been."
"Then let me put it this way," said Kuwahara. "Maybe what I've told you is speculation based on fantasy. But it is a fact that my seven are exceptional, that they appeared when I needed them most, that their faces are the same as those of my seven dead comrades. It is even a fact that the handwriting in the diaries of my dead comrades is identical to that of each of these young men who most closely resembles, both in look and personality, their counterparts at rest on a Pacific island where I was stationed during the war. How far can coincidence go?
"And as for your not being a religious man; is religion only ritual; traditional belief systems? Or could it not be a self-appointed task set many lives ago?
"From what Takeo told me by phone yesterday, you have devoted the last several years of your life to fighting the Yakuza. Why? Would it not be easier for an intelligent man to join with the mainstream and take from the system the best it had to offer in this life?"
"You mean my struggle against the Yakuza was preplanned?," asked Wolff.
"Look, my friend," said the old priest, "you acknowledge my seven are exceptional. You imply you believe in nothing. You are an American fighting criminals in Japan, although there are a good number in your own country. You take time out to visit me, who, under normal circumstances would not interest you."
"You're building up a case," said Wolff. "I thought I asked to meet you on impulse. I know now it's more. Until now, I had never questioned my motives in fighting the Yakuza. So why am I fighting the Yakuza instead of the Mafia, or either?"
"Because Namoto is a part of the Yakuza. Because my seven and I cornered him on your ship. Because you were drawn to him here through an ancient memory which is yours, alone, as I can't remember or see why you should have a personal interest in him.
"At any rate, you know instinctively that Namoto is in the process of taking over Japan through the Yakuza. Without conscious realization, you have been working your way toward him. Alone, you can't touch him. But with my seven, you can defeat him and keep him from establishing a criminal empire which could literally take over the world.
"That is why you are here."
"Things are falling into place," said Wolff. "Yoshi said he and the others have unlimited resources. They obviously have money to buy fast cars and expensive computers. Not to mention my own fees, which are high. But to take on Namoto's organization, and with it the whole of the Yakuza, will require more funds than I have seen evidence of."
"You are to become one of us," said Kuwahara. "It is necessary that I trust you even though you are as yet unconvinced. I will show you the source of our unlimited resources. You must know everything because the seven will need your maturity. They have powers they don't yet realize, but they need a guide, to replace me when I am gone."
He went to the phone and called Saburo at the studio. This phone had a "Bug Trap," which showed it was not being tapped. "Saburo," he said, "I have decided to take Mr. Wolff to the island. Contact Takeo on his car phone and have him turn back."
"Are you sure of what you're doing, Master?", asked Saburo.
"Yes," said Kuwahara. "It is necessary. He is one of us and must know everything."
Within minutes Takeo had gotten the message and turned back. He had no misgivings about trusting Wolff. The seven had enough on him to end his career and Takeo realized the old American would be useful to the group in many ways.
It was late afternoon when Kuwahara, Takeo and Wolff boarded Tsubaki's launch and headed for the island. As Takeo piloted the boat unerringly to their destination, Kuwahara and Wolff talked of many things. Their main topic of conversation was the organization which would enable them to counter Namoto's rise to power.
Wolff had, for years, been training men to stand up to the Yakuza. But up until now his efforts had been mainly defensive. If what Kuwahara had told him turned out to be true, an actual underground counter-organization was possible.
Toward dusk the next evening they landed. As they entered the cave, Wolff turned toward the Pacific Ocean for a look at the sunset. Its beauty overwhelmed him. He wondered how, faced with the majesty of nature, anyone could devote his life to creating a social sewer, as had Namoto and his colleagues.
In the cave, Wolff stared in astonishment at the materials stored in the compartments. When he saw the same weapons he had bought from Max Morrell, he turned to Takeo and said, "You knew my connection with Morrell and yet gave no sign."
"It was not my place to let on I knew your connection with Max," said Takeo.
"You will find," said the old priest, "these young men are incapable of betraying a confidence. I have the utmost faith in their ability to keep knowledge to themselves if it would cause harm or embarrassment to another."
Wolff's brain spun with the realization that he had finally found the nucleus of an organization which could rid the world of those who would enslave it. But like Kuwahara had, on occasion, he wondered if the organization, without guidance, might not become simply another negative power structure. His fears were proved groundless when Kuwahara ushered him into the tomb.
"I had not meant for anyone else to come in here," said Kuwahara. "But as one with no belief in rebirth, I thought the tomb of my comrades, who I believe to have returned in the persons of the seven young men, might start you to thinking."
As Wolff examined the faces of the soldiers, he accepted
without believing. Whether it was the likenesses in the faces or the atmosphere
of the tomb, he knew Kuwahara and the seven were truly above the domination
of anyone. With his contacts, the wealth of Supply Base Three, and the
seven, he could win with honor.
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