Chapter 12, 'A Matter of Life and Death' Summary

Jiro thinks about how he can arrange a meeting with Saburo for Kinshi. He considers going straight to Yoshida, but knows he will be too angry to listen. He decides he needs an intermediary, someone who loves Kinshi but is also Yoshida's equal. He realizes Okada might be able to help him. He goes to Tozo and tells him that he needs to speak to Okada and that it is a matter of life and death. Jiro anxiously goes back to his duties, and a little later Tozo comes to take him to Okada.

Jiro tells Okada about Kinshi's night activity, then explains what he has found out about Yoshida. He asks Okada to talk to Yoshida for him and arrange a meeting with Saburo for Kinshi. Okada asks him if...