There's not much intimidation or inter-rogation taking place except that the group were asked simple sympatheTIC questions. Then they were finally let go inside the pagoda.
Their curiousity runs mild. They whispered to each other ears. They noticed that the women wear their traditional costumes made of fine silk and others wearing shiny satin gowns with intricate embroidered pieces designed of special symbols or ornaments.
Justin: Why they have cushions at their back?
Leo: Know why? So that you wont forget where you put the pins.
All the guys laughed hysterically (quietly...trying to control the laughter but still they end bursting, chuckled and giggled until their face turned red)
Cracker jack: shut up! Stop being ridiculous.
Waldo: I think it meant something else.
Justin: You think it's a PUZZLE? I wont lose no sleep on that.
Cracker jack: You know what? I have something to tell you. In 14th Century BC the pins are very expensive. Only the well to do family can afford them. But then without pins and needles how they can have a garment or beautiful clothes. That's why in 14th Century English Parliament the parliamentarians passed an ACT that allowed to sell PINS less than its value on the first 2 days in January. All women are given money to buy PINS for their special needs.
"So you mean to say the cushions at their back has something to do with the story or history of pins?" George asked Cracker jack.
"Good question." I was thinking more than what pins are supposed to do. It could be for health reason or never mind." Cracker remind them that their culture is different from ours so we have to respect them for their differences, their uniqueness. Their skin color? Aren't their skin fair enough? I mean their skin color is the same as ours."
Inside the pagoda: All the people are looking at them. They never smile. Nobody does. Now they felt uneasy. They all felt nervous and anxiety sets in.
Then they heard the loud sound of the bell and drums. The Head army announced the coming of the King and Queen of the Kindgom of Tokugawa.
"Why they are honored as King and Queen when in Japan they should be called Emperor and Empress?" Jack was curious to know.
The King and Queen of the Tokugawa were already old. Too old to do the work for the kingdom. Toyotami's parents are already five hundred years old!
George: Oh my God! How could they live so long?
The head army heard their inquiry and he told them that everyone in the kingdom has long life. As a matter of fact, the little child Toyotami is only a year old and ...
"And what?" Jerry asked.
The head army stopped answering the question and introduced King Panucha and Queen Shielah to the foreign visitors.
King Panucha and Queen Shielah welcomed them with a smile. They all bowed down but it's not polite to look at them in the face. It is customary to looked down while they talked and they -- Cracker jack and company have to prefer to listen instead.
King panucha: Welcome to our kingdom Cracker jack. What can I offer you and your friends?
Jack: I and my courageous men are here in your kingdom King Panucha to recover and retrieved the sacred golden ivory.
King panucha: Hahahaha! Did you know that the sacred relic belongs to my one and only son?
It belongs to Emperor Toyotami and his heir.
It's up for my son Toyotami to decide whether he'll give the golden ivory or not. He cannot be disturbed right now. He is sleeping.
Queen Shielah: If you want you and your men can stay here at the pagoda for the night then you can join us to celebrate Toyotami's birthday celebration. He just turned one year old today.
Supper was set right immediately. The dining hall was adorned with beautiful colorful trimmings of cherry blossoms, lanterns, bonsai, ikebana floral arrangement, hanging beans of all kinds including green peas. Lots of food are served to the delight of the whole crew. They were all hungry. They were all hungry alright that the King was pleased that they like the food.
King Panucha: Do you like our food on the table, Jack?
Afraid that the king will think he is rude and arrogant if he will tellthe truth so he said:
Cracker jack: The food is good, my Lord. They look delicious. Err...king panucha where is your son? I haven't seen him yet.
King Panucha: Oh that fuzzy little boy King doesn't want to eat again.
Queen Shielah: It's hard to feed our baby. It's our number one problem here. I don't know what to do with him.
Jack: Maybe I could help Queen Shielah if you don't mind.
King Panucha: Thank you Cracker jack but I am warning you. You'll have a big problem.
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