Captain Iwashita's home.
Kamiyagawa Masatada sat across from the middle-aged captain, and the two enjoyed a hearty conversation.
"Aba..."
On the table in front of the two men sat the tiny old man, cross-legged.
Captain Iwashita could not see him, but he had been staring at Iwashita all along.
Earlier that evening, as Mr. and Mrs. Asakawa rushed their half-fainting son to the hospital, Kamiya had sent the little old man to follow and check on the situation.
Therefore, Kamiya was well aware of subsequent developments, including visits from Mayor Maruyama and Captain Iwashita.
"It's rare for you to come back and see me... Oh, you're studying at Kyushu University, right? It's been so long since I last saw you, and you've really become more impressive!"
"Yes, yes."
Captain Iwashita was sipping warm sake, while Kamiyagawa was drinking tea; they chatted over some boiled seafood, alternating between drinks.
The atmosphere was very harmonious.
