Summary

In Chapter 9, Ling wakes in the present. For a moment, she cannot remember who she is. The doctors have assured her that memory loss is not part of her illness, but the episodes continue to occur. She wonders how much of her writing is accurate, but feels that it does not really matter. Ling meets with Tatsuji and shows him Aritomo's prints. She says she believes he sold some of them as a means of supporting himself. There are 36 left in Ling's possession. Tatsuji remarks that all 36 are scenes of Malaya, and that none of them are from Japan.

Ling then says she heard that Tatsuji collects and preserves tattoos. He says he does not advertise that side of his business though there are collectors who like to own pieces of work by famous horimono masters, or tattoo artists. She asks what sparked...