In the time line of 'Another Battle for the Wolf," this would come after Chapter 3 in chronological order.
Home Fires Keep Burning
August 18, 1877
Hajime,
I hope this letter finds you, and finds you well. I know that mail to the war zone is erratic, especially to the front lines, but I just needed this chance to talk to you. I do not have to tell you how much Tsutomu and I miss you. I am sure that you know. We have been well. I keep busy with the garden, and getting vegetables dried for winter use. Doing the work outside helps keep my mind from dwelling on things that are better left alone.
I will resist the urge to scold you. I am sure that you know what I am talking about. I was both worried and relieved at the same time after reading Oba-san's report from the front that was published in the latest edition of the Nichinichi. I am a faithful reader of not only his column, but also the rest of the paper, as I am sure you remember. I suppose that is the only way I can find out what you and your troops are doing, and how you have been. It seems that, since you are one of the sub-commanders, they actually publish news about you. I doubt very much that you would have the time to write to me even if you were so inclined. Morinusuke certainly doesn't reveal anything in the letters he sends me. Something tells me that you probably had something to do with him keeping quiet about your recent wound. I know you well enough to be certain that this has to be the truth.
At least I know you lived to fight another day, since it was only your wounding, not your death, that was reported in the paper. Hajime, you need to keep your promise to me. I know you have a duty to Japan, and I understand and support that. I would have it no other way. It is one of the many things about you that I love, yes, that I love. Please indulge your wife in your absence and let her wax poetic about you. But your son and I need you as much as your country does. Although we are more than happy to share you with her to make sure she is protected, we do want you to return to us when your responsibilities to her are finished.
Having Tsutomu is such a great comfort to me while you are away. He has your eyes, your curiosity, and your zest for life. As I watch him, I can tell that he has also inherited your keen observation skills. He seems to soak in his surroundings, even as young as he is. We celebrated his eight month*birthday not long ago. He is crawling now, delighting in this new mobility of his. He loves to explore every inch of the house, and I must be careful to pick up any errant object from the floor, lest it find its way into his mouth.
I know you may not be able to do this, but if it is at all possible, can you please send me a telegram to let me know when you will arrive back in Yokohama? If I know when you will return, I will be sure to be there when you walk off the ship. There is not much more to say, except to tell you again how much you are loved and missed. Tsutomu will be up from his nap soon, and after he wakes I want to take this to the precinct station to try to have it sent with the dispatches going to your unit. I figured that was the best way to try to get this to you, if they will allow the inclusion of a piece of personal mail in the official courier's pouch.
You are always in my thoughts and I look forward to having you with me again.
Tokio
Smirking, I let out a light snort, and put the letter down. Picking up my rice bowl and chop sticks it doesn't take long to finish what is left of my dinner, which was rudely interrupted by mail call. I've never enjoyed having my meals interrupted by anything, unless it was to pay special attention to Tokio. A mail delivery during the dinner hour is usually quite irritating. However, today I found something extra tucked between the government missives sent from Tokyo. It was a letter from my wife. I thought I was imagining things when I smelled Tokio's perfume on the bundle of mail that was handed to me. I should have known better than to think that my nose failed me. I can only imagine how much of that stuff she had to smear on the paper to have the scent last until I received her letter.
Mail sent by regular means doesn't often reach us. But it seems that my wife was smart enough to somehow get someone at my old precinct station to include her letter in the official dispatches being sent to the front. I shouldn't be amazed that it managed to reach me. I've always known that Tokio was a very clever and resourceful woman. Knowing her, she probably bribed them with a treat from her kitchen. That is my wife for you. I furrow my brow, my train of thought reminding me of how much my stomach misses her cooking. Too bad she couldn't have sent some of whatever it was she used for a bribe along with her letter.
I suppose that news from home would cause a longing in most men, a feeling that some would call 'homesickness'. This letter from Tokio just causes me to have more resolve. She understands why I'm here. Long ago she bought into my vision of Japan. She had a similar viewpoint before I married her, otherwise, I don't think she could stand being yoked to someone who was subjected to danger as often as I am. If I wasn't here chasing that idiot Saigo, I'd be home and in the path of something very similar. Neither she, nor I, can see the difference between battles here on the island of Kyushu or those in the streets of Tokyo. A firearm and katana work as efficiently in both settings, and criminals are criminals regardless of where they choose to live and die. If there is a sour aspect to this assignment here in Kyushu, it would be that I can't return home each night, as I seem to sleep better with my wife beside me.
I'm glad to hear from her, to know that she and the boy are well. I suppose it was better to hear her reaction to my recent mishap by letter than in person. I'm certain it will spare me an in depth discussion about the matter once I return home. I have to admit that it strokes my male pride to know that my wife truly misses my presence. There are many women who would feel that it is a blessing to have their husband away from home for months, but not Tokio.
Many of the men under my command also have wives and children back in Tokyo. However, from what I overhear when I do my evening rounds, a few of them are very concerned about how the families they left behind are coping without them. In some cases the men are so bothered that they can't concentrate on the task at hand. Morons, who can't focus on what we are doing here, put others in danger and get people killed.
At least I don't have to worry about my wife. She is independent and capable to a fault, leaving me to do what I need to do, free from concern about my domestic responsibilities. I tried to take care of a few things for her before I left. I also found a trusted associate or two to help her with the heavier tasks, if the need arises. It was the least I could do for her. I know that I will be home eventually, but the length of a war can never really be determined.
I realize that I am actually growing old and soft, when I find myself considering her request to send that telegram she wanted. I'd rather just surprise her and show up on our doorstep one day, but somehow I don't think that she would appreciate my tactics. It seems that a married man would eventually unlock the secret to understanding the mind of his woman. So far, I have been less than totally successful in that mission. However, I look forward to the continuing challenge.
Note:
*I believe that in historical Japan, a person turned a year older each January first. Since Fujita Tsutomu was born on December 15, 1876, he would be thought of as being 18 months old in August 1877. I am using the western way of figuring ages for this piece, giving his age as 8 months.