It was the night when hell unlocked all its doors. The black rain has been falling for a week. The mountain mud flows down into the rivers and kills the fish. The overflow is destroying the crops. Everywhere there are puddles like old engine oil that smell of mildew and rotting flesh. There was a full moon somewhere behind the granite clouds last night and it seemed to send out a signal for every hidden demon to attend the march and show itself. It was all brought about by the arrival of General Shosen Umiji. He had been the commander of the forces in Nanjing and it was he who instigated the campaign of cruelty and hatred and was so successful in our victories over the Chinese. He had risen to that lofty position following his victory in a duel. Shosen Umiji—then a colonel—had been challenged by a cavalry commander to see who could behead twenty Chinese the fastest. Shosen Umiji was from my hometown. He had been a kendo champion in school. I’m sure everyone at home cheered when the result was announced in the local newspaper. He won by a good five seconds. It is a record that still stands. Since then, Shosen Umiji has remained a darling of the Imperial overlords and has risen to the rank of general.