Yubari Chapter Part II

Is our presence a worry?When the coal mine union challenged the Yubari members to the debate, Mitsubayashi and another leader from the youth division was told to fly to Tokyo immediately. Shin'ichi had sincerely encouraged the leaders. They flew back to Chitose and were staying at an inn in Sapporo. They had trouble sleeping that night as the next day was the open forum requested by the Hokkaido Shimbun. Just as they were falling asleep, Mitsubayashi was awaken by knocking on the door and found Shini'chi standing at his bedside. '[t]he two had been surprised by Shini'chi's sudden appearance, but their astonishment instantly transformed itself into a feeling of reassurance.' Soon, they were able to sleep soundly.

Is our presence a worry for those around us? Or does it put others at ease? Amidst the coal mine incident, the Osaka incident was also unfolding at the same time. Though Sensei definitely had troubles of his own to worry about, he could still be so thoughtful. Within a few hours of them meeting each other, Sensei wanted to be with them as soon as possible knowing that they will be worried. His presence was able to put their minds at ease. If people have to constantly worry for us over the minutest things, it only goes to show one thing- that we are weak and not able to take care of ourselves. Is that the kind of life we want to lead? It also goes to show that our faith is not independent. If the people around us are taken away we will just crumble. To truly have the stand alone spirit, we do not hanker after transient happiness. We must possess absolute happiness that even when these things are taken away from us we will still be able to remain strong. Instead, we must become people whom others can depend on, not so that we can use the dependence to control others but so that we can lend support when others are down.