In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Jesuit missionaries traveled to Japan to spread their Christian faith. At first, these missions went well, with nearly 300,000 people converting to Christianity. However, over time, their presence was frowned upon, as they were seen as outsiders interested in changing Japanese culture. As a result, Christian missionaries began to sneak back to Japan. This led to the systematic elimination of many Japanese Christians and Jesuit missionaries. In the novel Silence, Shusaku Endo illustrates the discrimination and suffering endured by many Christians in Japan during this period. Silence follows the movements of three Jesuit priests from Portugal, stationed in Macau, Sebastian Rodrigues, Juan De Santa Marta and Francis Garrpe, who travel to Japan. Their mission is twofold: first, to find their mentor Christovao Ferreira, who had apostatized while being tortured, something the men could not believe. Second, they would continue their missionary work, converting and supporting the Christians of Japan. The Church hierarchy is reluctant when asked to go; they thought it was far too dangerous. However, the men insisted, because they deeply desired to know the truth about Father Ferreira. After some attempts at persuasion, their superior, Father Valignano, reluctantly agreed to authorize this secret mission. Since the men were going to travel secretly to Japan, their first task was to find someone who knew Japan well and find a ship to take them on their journey. . They located a Japanese man named Kichijiro, who was in disarray, wearing worn clothes and smelling of alcohol. At first he was reluctant to talk to the men, but after a while he told them he was from a town near Nagasaki. Kichijiro explained that ...... middle of paper ...... he walks forward and notices a man in the distance. To his surprise, it is Kichijiro, who quickly tells him that the mountains are not safe and assures him that he will take care of him. Rodrigues reluctantly accompanies him, but is unable to trust him, even refusing to sleep. When Kichijiro disappears, he is sure to report him, but he simply returns with more wood for the fire. Kichijiro asks the father several times if he will be able to trust him again. Rodrigues feels that as a Christian he should forgive her, but he cannot trust her. Kichijiro convinces Rodrigues to eat dried fish, and afterwards, while walking, Rodrigues desperately needs water. He regrets eating the fish, but Kichijiro offers to run ahead for water and returns with a full pitcher. However, shortly after, Rodrigues is taken to guards who take Rodrigues into custody and give his reward to Kichijiro..