The Eternal Zero by Naoki Hyakuta

Author:Naoki Hyakuta [Hyakuta, Naoki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kodansha USA
Published: 2021-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

—

My sister had been sniffling by my side for some time by that point. As for me, my whole body was tense.

After a spell of silence, Nagai continued, “Towards the end of ’43, it was clear that Rabaul could no longer serve as a military base, and all the pilots were withdrawn. Those of us who remained didn’t even have any aircraft to send up against the enemy. Every day we dug tunnels in preparation for the anticipated land battle. But the Americans paid Rabaul no notice and instead headed straightaway to Saipan. Had they decided to attack Rabaul, I don’t think I’d be here today. Cut off from the supply lines, the island was forgotten by both sides. I stayed there until the end of the war, but every day was such a struggle…”

It was all I could do to nod. Nagai spoke again.

“Luckily, though, I was allowed to live on. After the war, I worked my fingers to the bone. The joy of coming home alive taught me the joy of civilian work. I’m sure I’m not the only one. I think many men had a heartfelt appreciation of their lives and their work. No, not just men. Women too.”

Nagai seemed to be savoring each word he uttered.

“After the war, Japan achieved a wonderful rebirth. But, Saeki-san, I believe that was thanks to all those men who brimmed with joy just to be living, working, and providing for their families. And that happiness came courtesy of the precious blood spilled by men like Miyabe-san.”

Nagai wiped tears from his eyes.

My sister and I were both at a loss for words. The room fell silent.

“There’s just one thing that really bothers me,” Nagai said abruptly.

I asked what that might be.

Nagai folded his arms. “Miyabe-san valued his life above all else. He made choices that allowed him to survive even if it got him branded a coward.” He cocked his head slightly. “Why on earth would someone like that volunteer to become a kamikaze? It’s odd if you think about it.”

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