Akiko and Shiraishi were both quiet on the way home, and Akiko assumed that Shiraishi had been as unnerved by the assault as she herself had.

“What on…â€ Shiraishi’s voice was disbelieving, fed up, and Akiko looked up to see what was happening.

There was a large crowd gathered at the foot of the steps to the shrine. Some were the protesters, but there were other people as well, people wearing clothes that were almost, but not quite, military uniforms. Then she spotted a couple of people in kimono. Mr Fujimura and Ms Yamanaka.

“Why can’t they just leave us alone?â€ the priest asked, of no-one in particular, as she parked the car in the shrine’s parking spot. Akiko didn’t bother to answer, and wasn’t even sure which group were “theyâ€, or whether the priest meant both.

The atmosphere at the foot of the steps was tense, but didn’t seem to have gone beyond the two groups staring at each other. Looking around, Akiko saw Akira standing on the steps, and she smiled her thanks to him. He nodded back, looking slightly embarrassed; it was true that there was basically nothing he could do if trouble did start.

“Revd Shiraishi, Ms Yamanaka told me about the trouble you were having.â€ Mr Fujimura broke the silence, bowing to the priest. “I see that she was not exaggerating.â€ The protesters still said nothing, but they were not disguising their hostility as they watched Mr Fujimura and his followers.

“We are having some trouble with these people, that is true.â€ Shiraishi’s tone was cautious, non-commital.

“I hate to see a shrine under this sort of pressure. It is not respectful to the kami. I would be honoured if you would allow me to have some of my associates help to watch the shrine, to ensure that there is no trouble.â€

Akiko looked at the people with him, and forced herself not to frown. They were clearly right-wingers, which wouldn’t help to convince people that the shrine wasn’t connected with fascism. On the other hand, they did need more people to help watch the shrine, especially if they were going to go out and purify more homes. The image of the Tanakas’ home was suddenly vividly before her mind, and she couldn’t suppress a shudder. She turned back to look at Shiraishi, who was also thinking.

Then she bowed.

“Thank you, Mr Fujimura. This shrine is deeply in your debt.â€

“Fascists!â€ came a cry from the protesters, and Mr Fujimura whipped round, searching their faces for all the world as if he were a teacher looking for a misbehaving pupil.

“You are the ones dishonouring your race!â€ he replied, his voice calm and cold. Akiko looked away, and met Akira’s eyes. He didn’t look any happier than she felt.

The protesters, outnumbered and clearly a little intimidated, did move aside as soon as they moved to enter the shrine, and while Ms Yamanaka came with them, Mr Fujimura excused himself, pleading an appointment. After Ms Yamanaka had paid her respects, Akiko found herself with Akira in the shrine office.

“Do you really want those people here?â€ he asked, suddenly. Akiko looked up at him, and then shook her head.

“No, but the protesters worry me more.â€

Akira sighed.

“I wish I had more time to spend here.â€

“Mm, so do I.â€

“Really?â€ Akira sounded very pleased. “Well then, er, would you like to have dinner with me? On Friday?â€ For a moment Akiko wanted to turn him down, but then she realised that the guards meant she could go out.

“Yes, thank you. That would be nice.â€