Dannoshin addressed his remaining subordinates. “You will search fifty houses for Christian crosses, pictures, and holy writings. Leave no place or person unexamined.”

The searchers left, carrying spears for threatening citizens and poking into small spaces. The chief persecutor bowed to Sano. “Greetings, sōsakan-sama. Have you come to inspect Nagasaki’s anti-Christian operations? You’ll find that we’ve been very successful in controlling the spread of Christianity. However, the rabble cling tenaciously to their faith. Total eradication will take time.”

Dannoshin’s sly smile hinted at his pleasure in harassing citizens. Sano immediately distrusted him, but he needed the chief persecutor’s help. Approaching the dais, he opened his cloth pouch, took out the crucifix, and explained that it had been found on Director Spaen’s corpse.

“I’m trying to track down the owner, who may be a member of Nagasaki’s Christian community, and involved in the murder.”

The chief persecutor took the crucifix from Sano. Their hands touched; Dannoshin’s was repulsively warm and moist. As he examined the intricate carving, his pale, thick tongue slid over his lips, coating them with glistening saliva.

“A fine example of Spanish work,” he said. “We don’t see these often; most have been destroyed. The last time one turned up was in a raid on a secret Christian church ten years ago. I personally supervised the melting of all the gold and silver artifacts. So I must conclude that this crucifix belonged to a Dutch barbarian, who brought it with him to Japan and placed it on Director Spaen’s corpse after killing him.” He smiled, and his eyes creased into puffy slits.

“But it’s my understanding that all Christian artifacts are confiscated from the Dutch before they enter Japan,” Sano said, “and not returned to them until the ship leaves.”

Dannoshin shrugged. “The barbarians are clever. They probably hid this crucifix so well that it wasn’t discovered during the search. Nothing like it has survived the vigorous persecution that has reduced Japan’s Christian population from over three hundred thousand to a few hundred.” He handed the crucifix back to Sano with an air of finality.

Sano imagined searchers turning the city inside out, day after day, year after year. He understood the difficulty of locating every hiding place in the Dutch ship. However, he knew that the Japanese, too, were clever—and determined. Families who had preserved their traditions and treasures during wars, famines, and natural disasters could retain their religious faith and artifacts despite persecution.

“Are there any individuals whom you suspect of practicing Christianity?” Sano persisted.