Chapter 11

In the huge mansion, south of Berlin echoed the rhythmic sound of a German band, whose name Shin did not know. In the center of the stage, a woman with a big silhouette and blond hair like straw, sang sensually, looking at the people who danced in the center. His hips swayed, in a somewhat comical pose, while his high pitched voice echoed an exciting chorus.

At that awkward moment, Shin realized that, as in Japan, Germany also did not seem to feel the effects of the war. They seemed oblivious to their actions, ignoring the horrors they committed a few kilometers away. They ate and drank without moderation, laughing out loud, while they talked and shook hands, weak in their universe.

Shin lowered his forehead, disgusted. Beside him, Saito raised a chalice and observed the environment. He seemed more at ease as if he didn't mind such filth.

"I am on borrowed time, " Saito had said in the morning while looking at himself. At that moment, Sakamoto understood what he meant. And he could have sworn that the cyanide capsule was swinging in Saito's shirt pocket, as a happy reminder that all that hell would soon be over.

"See that one there " Jiro called his attention, pointing with his face a handsome man, with his hair combed to the side, with intense eyes and, at the same time, kind.

Sakamoto watched the Nazi beside a blonde woman, and then turned to Saito, waiting for explanations.

"They say that Hitler and he ..." He held up his two index fingers, rubbing each other, in a very enlightening swing.

"Do not play! " Sakamoto murmured. " But isn't Hitler celibacy? They say he is ...

At that moment, he realized the world of lies that he lived. He thought of his beloved uncle and wondered if he was also deceiving his with sweet words.

Not! Not your beloved Emperor!

"Don't be depressed," Jiro whispered, noticing his mood. " Think of the people who need you, the people who depend on you. I forgot about my family during my time in China, but when I arrived in Germany, I was glad I didn't commit suicide. I have a father of fragile health and a grandmother who needs her grandson."

"And your mother? " Sakamoto stared at the sergeant.

"My mom and I don't have a good relationship," he admitted. " I know she loves me, but she has a hard time accepting me. She knows that I was meeting with Oguri."

Shin nodded. He turned his eyes to the man they spoke of earlier.

"What's his name?

"Albert Speer. " He made a lovely pout with his lips. "Chief architect and armaments minister of the Third Reich," he said imposingly, but at the same time, making fun of it.

Shin held back a cheeky laugh.

"And do you believe the rumors are real?

Saito shrugged.

"We may never know ..." he murmured. " Have you ever imagined a world where men like these are the leaders?

Sakamoto drank some of his drink. He wanted to reply, but the hum of voices caught his attention. There was a kind of frenzy and excitement in those people. Soon knew why.

A few feet from him, a man of medium height and light-eyed walked to the stage, followed by a group of men wearing black. Shin recognized him immediately, even though he had never seen him in person before. He had a picture of that man in his room, he had read his book and listened to his speeches. He had been an idol during one stage of his life, and now everything that caused him was disgust.

Adolf Hitler took the stage and approached the microphone. The static came before he started to speak. The whole room was silent, listening to the energetic voice that spoke.

Even though Sakamoto understood nothing of what Hitler said, he understood the strength of his nature. His eyes were magical, fascinating. Even though he didn't look at anyone in particular, it was as if he watched everyone, knew their secrets, their fears, and also their passions. Like a god of authority, he raised his hands, gestures beautifully rehearsed. He had a timbre that was sometimes calm and serene, and now, in the most important moments of his speech, he rose in a high, voracious tone.

It was a wolf and it was in front of its sheep. A lover in the face of his beloved's nakedness, totally consuming her. And no one present seemed able to understand the effect of their manipulation.

However, free from brainwashing, Shin Sakamoto could see everything without hesitation. In that instant, he imagined the reasons that had brought him here. His beloved Emperor, even without saying much, used to give the favorite member of the family the treats he could. Hirohito had never seen Hitler personally, but the stories he had told Shin about the Nazi leader's trajectory had fascinated him. Furthermore, Shin knew that some Japanese were volunteers in the German army. There was something between the two cultures that brought them together, making them sisters.

He closed his eyes. Nothing he had seen in the past few days matched his image of the Emperor. Son of the sun goddess, Hirohito certainly could not be responsible for so many atrocities. Therefore, everything indicated that the military was abusing the divinity and manipulating it according to their sordid interests.

He opened his eyes again. The uncle's face appeared in his mind. Shin loved him and always would, I adored him with all my heart. He had never touched him - the privilege was only allowed for some people - and even when they talked, Shin was afraid to look him in the eye, as audacity could be considered an abomination. Even so, Shin knew that the Japanese leader was certainly innocent of all that. Nonetheless, deny Hirohito's responsibility was also admit that the constitution was flawed because Hirohito was the great voice of their society. To the same extent, assuming your guilt would be a heinous crime, lese-majesty. In this mix of feelings, he felt confused, wanting to sit on the floor and whimper like a child.

The quick speech ended. Hitler got off the stage and started walking in front of his audience, which still applauded him. Then he greeted each other. Shin's gaze followed him to the children, saw him stroking the head of a little boy with blond hair.

To his surprise, shortly afterward, he started to move towards him. The SS men were at his side and were smiling. It was not long before he realized the reasons: he was a member of Japanese royalty, important and an ally of the Germans. It was obvious that Hitler would want to greet him.

Within seconds, the great Nazi leader was before him. He had a serene smile on his lips and said something. Shin seemed fascinated for a moment. But it was too static to move.

"Does the Führer ask if he should bow as the Japanese do, or do you accept a cordial handshake?"

Jiro's words stuck in his mind. But Shin couldn't answer. There were too much hatred and revolt in him. He feared what he would say if he open your mouth.

In the face of the other's silence, Saito's eyes widened.

" Shin?" He stammered, trying to get his attention.

Anything.

Then realizing that there was something among the Orientals, Hitler held out his hand. It was one of the most embarrassing moments so far, as Shin made no mention of greeting the other.

"I'm not going to touch it," he said to Jiro at last.

" Then bow."

" Never."

Hell! Saito almost passed out at what he saw. That guy was a child spoiled!

"Mr. Sakamoto is not feeling well since he arrived in Germany, and he is afraid of passing on any disease to the Führer," he explained in German. " We Japanese believe that we can pass diseases through touch."

Hitler seemed impressed ... and flattered. Then he said a few more things.

"The Führer says he was informed about his affection for "Mein Kampf". He says he is happy for the union between two sovereign and powerful nations and that he believes that victory is near."

Shin nodded, uncomfortable.

" He says now that he expects to be well handled. He says he admires his uncle, who is a great man, a mind that will guide the world to a new heyday.

Shin remained silent. Saito thought it best to speak even without authorization.

"Mr. Sakamoto is certainly very happy for your words, but I believe he need to rest. I fear for your fragile health " Jiro lied. " However, certainly, once he feel better, I'm sure you will want to know better the man who so idolizes, your beloved Führer."

Adolf Hitler loved to be flattered, and he was not reluctant to receive the words. He smiled and bowed to Jiro, who responded with equal energy. Shortly afterward, the Nazis left them.

"You will go with me to Japan," Shin murmured, as soon as the men were gone.

" I can not..."

" I already said that you should only obey me. I will personally ask the Emperor to render his services directly to me as a personal guard."

It was an honor, Jiro knew.

" Thank you, Sakamoto-san."

***

June 1942.

Mamoru Aiko appeared in the hall with a huge smile on her lips. Ever since he learned that Shin had left for Germany, he had meditated on an argument to close Ai and finally be able to build the bomb shelter. Since the conversation with Ryo, the shelter had not left his mind, and the fact that on June 4th, at Midway Bay, four Japanese aircraft carriers were sunk, only confirmed the importance of such. However, on that sunny morning, he remembered a fact that he had long since forgotten.

Shiro looked at him in surprise. A damp cloth was running over the plaster cultures that spread across the corridor, decorating it. Mamoru appeared at his side so quickly that he looked like a ghost.

"It's summer," Aiko laughed. The fan vibrating from side to side, making the hair swaying in the wind. " Do you know what you mean?"

" What's hot? " Shiromiya smiled, finishing her task.

" It means you're turning sixteen! Been with us for over a year, and I never thought to ask about your birthday. What is the day?"

Shiromiya Kazue searched the mind for the date. He only remembered that when the traditional June rains reached their peak, his mother would lift him in her arms and spoil him, saying that he was another year old.

Shiro said that to Mamoru, smiling.

"So you can have a birthday today! " Aiko shouted. " Unfair not to know the date! " He made a lovely snort, making Kazue laugh. "Tell me, Shiro: have you ever had a birthday party?"

"A birthday party?"

Poor peasants did not have that kind of luxury. The mother used to make a corn cake, and they ate under a nearby cherry tree. He thought of his brother, Satoshi, and felt a sudden urge to cry. He remembered that he had never been a companion, but he had his good times. He used to climb on the orange tree and scoop orange for Shiro. Why life had separated them with so much pain and suffering was something he would never understand.

"I will ask for Nana to make a cake, I will send to buy soft drinks and I will send a note to the newspaper informing that Ai will not open its doors during the week. We need rest, now!"

" Won't the girls be angry? I know they need the money ..."

"A few days of rest won't hurt anyone." Mamoru looked excited. " You, me, Nana and the girls! We will have a great night."

" Can I invite Ryo-san too?"

The sudden question startled him. Ryo hadn't shown up in almost a month. Since his friendly gaze became disgusted, the merchant has lost interest in the adorable faced boy.

" Shiro ..."

" Please, Aiko-san! " begged. " Ryo-san is the only friend I have outside Ai. He read an entire book to me and then brought me another one as a gift."

Aiko took a deep breath. He didn't know how to explain that Ryo was not interested in that friendship. He saw Shiro just as an eccentric prop, something to bring fun to the boring life. Something that would take him out of the sameness, that would make him live news and amuse him. Aiko didn't want Shiro to have the same fate as himself, in an eternal wait for something that would never come.

" Ryo-san is a very busy person, Shiro. " said.

" But it doesn't hurt to invite, right?

Aiko bit his bottom lip.

"Shiro," he began cautiously, "I will send you a letter inviting. But, do you promise not to be sad if he doesn't come? "

Shiromiya smiled but did not answer. At that, Aiko just grunted and went to the gate to call a boy who used to carry messages.

***

There was a succession of crashes that seemed to burn his hearing. The ground shook and everything went dark. Ryo staggered, holding on to the walls that seemed to swing in front of the bombs.

It was all dark, and he shouted, calling out to him. Everywhere looked, couldn't find it. Even risking his life, he couldn't stop. Looked for him in one of the nice rooms that the other user to use. Anything. He went down to the library, to the garden. In the distance, the city burned, and there were screams and cries in the air. Even though he lived outside the urban center, the screams of agony echoed through the trees, and death danced in the sighs of pain that rang through the darkness.

It was then that he realized that there was a single place that had not gone. He ran to the bomb shelter and entered the underground room. As if his soul returned to life, like a castaway finding land, like a thirsty being blessed by a cup of water, he saw it.

Shiro was sitting in a corner, wrapped in a blanket. He looked scared, but he remained calm. When his eyes met him, he smiled.

"I looked for you everywhere," Ryo said, with a mixture of relief and unease.

" You told me that I should always look for shelter if the bombs ...

" Fool! " Ryo interrupted him, this time angry. " It almost killed me from the heart! " scolded. " But you did well to protect yourself, I'm relieved."

Their bodies went straight towards each other. There was no hesitation, firm and direct, he held the other by the face, raising his face in his direction.

He took it on the lips with a kiss he had never given anyone else. He sucked on his hot tongue, licked his entire mouth, and realized, delighted, that Shiro gave himself to him without embarrassment.

"Ryo-san! " Tadao's voice made him open his eyes.

Ryo sat on the bed, confused. Another dream about that prostitute and ignorant boy that he despised. Since you saw him last time when you gave him a book, dreams - or nightmares? - they had left him no more. Every night saw him, most of the time, naked, in his arms. He could even feel is goosebumps and his whispers of passion. He hated himself for those damned daydreams and promised to seek medical help before he went crazy.

Yes, because, certainly, those dreams had nothing to do with the others, which involved the woman he loved. Childhood dreams were visions, and these were now only ... disorders.

He needed a woman!

There must have been some beautiful prostitute in Tokyo willing to go to bed with him that day.

"Ryo-san? " Tadao was still ahead of you.

" What you want?" He asked.

He dared not complain about the unauthorized entry into his room, as the employee had taken him out of a terrible dream.

"Aiko-san sent you a missive. I asked the boy to wait, but he said that Aiko is in a hurry. So I thought it best to wake you up. I thought it could be something important.

Ryo held the letter out and opened it without hesitation. At first, he seemed incredulous at the first lines and then laughed.

"Aiko must be sick in his head if considers that I'm going to a nobody's birthday party " crumpled the letter and tossed it away.

The employee continued to watch him curiously.

"The illiterate boy I mentioned is having a birthday," he said to Tadao. "And Mamoru invited me," he laughed, making a joke."

Tadao nodded.

" Tell Aiko that I have more to do. "

" In those words?"

"Without removing a letter," he was irritated. " What does he think I am? If it was still your party, I might consider it, but ..."

He preferred to be silent. Each day was in a worse mood. It was best to get up, take a shower, and go to work.

***

It was already night when Aiko returned from the center. He had gone to get soft drinks and a gift for Shiro. Nana set the wooden kitchen table in the garden, and all the women who worked there, residents or not, had attended. Laugh, eat, and drink. There was no alcohol or luxury, but it looked like the noblest and happy birthday party in the world.

Shiro received hugs like never before. He was surprised by such affection, but he loved it. Nana was the last of the women to hug him, but it was from her that he most enjoyed the cuddle.

"Let go of me, brat," she said when he started not to let her go.

"I love you, Nana-baba," he confessed, from the bottom of his heart.

The old woman felt her eyes prickle, but she looked away.

" You must be an idiot to think those words will move me."

Shiro smiled. He was sure she loved him.

When Aiko appeared, Shiro hugged him without even waiting for him to open his arms.

"I have a gift for you," Mamoru said. " But I'll leave it to you later, okay?"

"You've already given me the best gift ever." He looked at the people. " This is the best birthday party I could wish for."

Aiko kissed him on the cheek.

" Aiko-san, will Ryo come? "

In the morning, shortly after receiving the missive from the other, Aiko chose to leave to avoid confrontation with Kazue. Telling Shiro that Ryo had no interest in that friendship hurt him.

" Shiro ... " started.

" Oh, all right. " The minor interrupted him, as soon as he noticed the sad words. " I know he is busy."

After that, the boy quickly left Aiko's side. Even so, Mamoru noticed tired eyes and a trace of tears forming. Once again, he cursed himself. He had been frivolous and let himself be carried away by Ryo's clever words. Now, Shiro was hurt, and the other didn't even care.

He started to follow Shiromiya, put his arms around him, and took him to a quiet place, to have a frank conversation. But before he moved, a knock on the gate caught his eye.

He took two steps towards the entrance. Probably some customers who had not read the newspaper would show up for their weekly session of happiness. However, moving forward, he saw Shiromiya run towards the gate and open it without asking the other person's name.

Surprised, he watched Ryo standing on the other side. The face, in a mixture of shame and anger at himself, probably.

Why had he come? Hadn't it been extremely unpleasant to decline the invitation? Aiko wanted to go ahead and send him away, but he was unable to utter a single sentence when he realized the state of happiness that the birthday boy was left with.

"Oh, he came, Aiko-san," Shiro said happily.

Mamoru looked at Ryo. He was furious, and Ryo noticed. Even so, he looked back at Shiro.

" I brought a gift. " said. In the tone of the voice, there was a conflict that Aiko could not understand what it was. " Take it " he lifted a small package and gave it to Shiro. " But I'm gooing..."

" Nana made a cake, please don't go without try it on."

Shiromiya pulled him by the arm, leading him to the garden. Ryo was surprised that he didn't even open the package, as none of the people he used to give away disregarded his treats. Suddenly, he realized that for Shiro, his presence was much more important than whatever was inside the package. Considering that the boy was poor and without assets, that was almost a proof of love.

Proof of love?

Where did the thoughts go?

Before however, reasoning better, they arrived at the table. Shiro pulled out a chair and invited him to sit down. The women were silent, incredulous at the scene. Ryo looked at them and realized that they were different without the excessive makeup on the skin. It looked simpler, true, but also more beautiful. If I didn't know, I would never say they were simple prostitutes.

He sat still, Aiko's eyes fixed on him. Gaining courage, he looked at him, but soon he lowered his face. He knew his friend was hurt and furious, but what else could he do? Even denying his presence, he had not had a single minute of peace in the day. The simple possibility of visiting Shiro without giving a series of explanations seemed like a unique opportunity.

"I thought you weren't coming, Ryo-san," Shiro admitted. " Aiko looked sad, it scared me " he looked at the courtier, laughing.

As soon as he noticed Shiro's eyes on his, Aiko smiled.

"Of course not, dear," he said.

A birthday was always a special date, and Aiko vowed not to spoil it because of the unthinking attitudes of the trader.

" Open your gift " Ryo whispered to the other.

Only then, Shiro seemed to remember that he had something in his hands. He looked at the small package and smiled. He opened it and looked at a small box.

" Thank you, Ryo-san! It's beautiful!"

Ryo almost laughed, but remembered that the other, certainly, had never received a jewel, and then ordered:

" Open the box. "

Shiro did as he was told and opened it. Inside, there was a cord with a medallion. The figure of a heart made him smile. He looked at Ryo.

" I got some strings from the people who watch me dance and kept them for sale later when I buy a place to live. But I will keep yours forever because it is a symbol of our friendship."

There were so much innocence and sincerity in those words that Ryo was moved. He saw Shiro lifting the cord and placing it on himself. The world seemed to disappear at that moment, as he was aware of each other's skin. Suddenly, the dream came back, and he looked at the beautiful mouth. Shiro was so perfect it hurt. In himself, he realized that perhaps he was his destined person, but then he refused the thoughts.

Yes, they could be friends. He was from Aiko, and Mamoru would never be someone who would frequent his social bond.

Still, he felt confused. Then, apologizing, he reaffirmed that he needed to go. Shiro seemed to understand and again thanked Ryo for going to see him.

"Come and see me dance when you can, Ryo-san," he asked.

The image of that delicate body swaying on the stage excited him. Solved by the reaction, Ryo just nodded and walked away.

When the gate closed, Aiko stood beside Shiromiya.

" Shiro, we need to talk."

Aiko's tone was sweet and gentle. So, Shiro just nodded and followed his guardian. The golden heart fell against his chest as he walked. A feeling of total happiness to take him, and a certainty that his bond with Ryo would be forever.