I love these men! 

The entire regiment bows toward me in one machine-like motion as I approach.    

They are bowing deeper than usual. 

Out of respect for these men, I bow past my mid section, so that my head is almost down below my knee line. 

Major Hata, my go-to man and confidant, stands at attention between me and the rest of the men. 

“Hata-san” I call out. “Let us be the Emperor’s arms.”