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Daichi Yamamoto considered the latest intelligence concerning China. There was always something in the daily brief about China. Recent angry pronouncements from Beijing regarding Taiwan and supposed Chinese sovereignty over the Straits of Taiwan were a cause of deep concern. Fully ninety percent of the container traffic and shipping that was the lifeblood of Japan moved through those waters. If the PRC ever decided to block the waterway, it would create a crisis that could easily trigger world war.
Yamamoto looked up in annoyance as his intercom buzzed. He'd left specific orders not to be disturbed.
"Yes."
"Sir, CIA director Hood is holding on line two."
Hood. What did he want? Perhaps it was something about the sword. Yamamoto picked up his phone.
"Clarence. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Yamamoto's English was excellent.
"There have been some developments here, Daichi. Have you got a few minutes?"
"Of course, my friend. I always have time for you."
"I'm sure you've been thinking about the latest threats coming out of Beijing, but that isn't why I'm calling. It's about the Masamune sword."
"Ah."
"We have recovered it. Two people I trust with my life are going to bring it to you. But it's complicated, and I would like your help. Please allow me to explain."
Hood told Yamamoto about events in the United States, how the sword had been found and that the yakuza were now involved. He told him about Tanaka.
"Tanaka is dead?"
"As yesterday's fish."
"He was an important man in the yakuza organization," Yamamoto said. "The obayun is a man called Kobayashi. I know him. He will not let this pass without retaliation."
"That is one of the reasons I'm calling. I am hoping you can use your considerable influence to prevent this from escalating. Before he died, Tanaka revealed that the yakuza no longer support Nobuyasu's choice for premier in the next election. Nobuyasu's obsession with the sword makes it the perfect tool to pressure him, and through him the keiretsu. Kobayashi wants his man to lead your country."
So that was the game the yakuza were playing!
"You are giving me a headache," Yamamoto said, "but what you are telling me explains some things happening here."
Hood laughed. Then he laid out the idea that a trap might be set in Japan for Nobuyasu, using the sword as bait.
"I know you'd like to get something on Nobuyasu. Are you aware of his financial situation?"
"We are. It is something of a problem. The collapse of his financial empire would shake our economy. It is like what you say about your banks. What is it? Too big to fail?"
"That's right. I'm afraid I can't help you with that, but I assume that if you had leverage over Nobuyasu it would be helpful."
"It could be."
"Am I correct in assuming that as a declared national treasure, the Honjo Masamune belongs in the custody of the government?"
"That is correct."
"Then if Nobuyasu takes possession of the sword and fails to inform the government, he has committed a crime."
"That is also correct. I see where you are going, Clarence."
"We are convinced Nobuyasu has an ulterior motive for obtaining the sword. We don't know what it is, but I'm certain it would be of interest to you. The yakuza are a serious threat to my friends. You know of them as the Project. They currently have possession of the sword."
"Ah."
"They are more than friends. My agency has an unofficial relationship with them. The threat the yakuza represent is something I can't ignore. Do you think you can get them to back off?"
"It would be difficult," Yamamoto said. "The yakuza have a traditional interpretation of honor and revenge. The death of someone as important as Tanaka will be seen as a direct stain on their honor. The other families will be watching to see what Kobayashi does. He's getting old, and there are elements within his family that want a change in leadership. He must not display anything that can be interpreted as weakness. I do not think I can convince him to forgo vengeance."
"I was afraid you'd say that," Hood said. "You understand my concern."
"You are right to be concerned, but even Kobayashi will hesitate to provoke my agency. I can offer protection while your people are here. He would be foolish to try something."
"I would like them to be armed," Hood said. "In case something happens."
"I'm afraid that will not be possible," Yamamoto said. "We have very strict rules about guns here. However, my agents will be armed. I'm sure your friends will be safe."
"I understand. I appreciate your help."
"Tell me the names of the people who will bring the sword."
"Nick Carter and Selena Connor. Selena speaks fluent Japanese."
"That will be most helpful."
"When I have the details of their flight, I'll let you know. I expect it will be in a day or two."
"Excellent. I will have them met at the airport."
"Thank you for your assistance, Yamamoto-san. I wish you luck with Nobuyasu."
The two men shared a few pleasantries and ended the conversation.
Yamamoto put down his phone and thought about what he'd just learned. His mind turned over the possibilities.
Nobuyasu was in possession of highly embarrassing photographs that would destroy Yamamoto's career if they were ever made public. Dismissal from government service would only be the beginning of his problems. The humiliation would be unbearable.
For some reason Nobuyasu was obsessed with the Honjo Masamune. The return of the sword to Japan might provide an opportunity to force him to hand over the incriminating photographs and negatives. As head of the PSIA, Yamamoto had many tools at his disposal. Such a shame, if an important man like Nobuyasu were to meet with an unfortunate accident while attempting to illegally appropriate a national treasure. Perhaps an opportunity would present itself after the Americans arrived.
It was a happy thought.