Igeta’s oppressive behavior was intolerable, connsidering his demands and expectations, proving, without any doubt, that Maung Ba and his colleagues were duped in believing that the Japanese would give them the freedom of independence and restore Burma’s erstwhile glory.
The Lion and the Sun – Chapter 11 – Part 2 (The Rising Sun) – Cont’d
Gratified by the convenience of a ready-made accommodation, Igeta began his guard duty around the bungalow.
It was the beginning of a painful disillusionment for Maung Ba. The pangs of despair and regret tormented his mind. This wasn’t what he had expected.
Everyday, around 12 noon, Igeta was quick to order his lunch. He wanted his menu to be a matter of routine. It consisted of sushi and a variety of vegetables. The cooking was done by Maung Po whose culinary knowledge was confined to preparations that catered to Burmese tastes. The preparation of Japanese cuisine was never his expertise. Team work was essential as far as cooking Japanese food was concerned. It was a dilemma that had to be resolved by trial and error. Rose volunteered to assist Maung Po in the preparation of Japanese food. She was familiar with some international recipes that included those of Japanese origin, while she stayed at the Chang Hotel.
In deference to Igeta’s orders, the purchase of fish by Maung Po had to be included among other necessities.
Igeta’s behavior was getting to be more and more intolerable. There was no choice but to exercise unlimited endurance in order to avoid antagonizing him. At the same time, they were grateful that they were not as yet forced out of the bungalow and transported to a camp as prisoners-of-war, until, suddenly, at midnight they were awakened by the fateful ring of the doorbell.
They were all ordered to dress in a hurry and herded into a truck among other prisoners.
A
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