Chapter 42 Summary

H is hanging out his laundry when a neighbor of Hadano's, Mrs. Tazaki, comes over with sweet potatoes to swap for some figs from Hadano's trees. H asks if she completely understands the meaning of the Emperor's message. The neighbor tells H that one of the leaflets dropped by the B29s makes it clear that Japan has accepted the Potsdam Declaration. Later, at H's request, Mrs. Tazaki brings the leaflet over for H to read. Mrs. Tazaki tells H that she is sure the Emperor never expected Japan to lose the war. H asks her if she thinks everyone thinks as she does. Mrs. Tazaki replies that she does not know because such things are not to be discussed.

The next morning, H leaves early so that he can arrive at the armory before Sugita and the other students. To his surprise...