In Chapters 25 and 26, the defense presents its case. Hatsue is the first witness, but before she testifies, she remembers how her life changed because of the war. The plans she made with Kabuo weren't realized; she was now living with a man who was living with the memories and demons of the war. For nine years he worked, trying to save money and to figure out a way to buy back his family's land. And Hatsue stood by his side.
Her testimony provides a twist — for the first time, mention is made of a dead battery and that Carl agreed to sell the land to Kabuo. To the spectators and the jurors, this comes as an unexpected and almost unbelievable claim. To the readers who know the truth, the news is equally unexpected but believable.
Under cross-examination, Hatsue gives testimony that is ridiculed and called into question by Alvin Hooks. Keeping silent for three months about news that her husband was indeed aboard Carl's boat is somewhat suspicious. Keeping silent for three months about news that her husband was about to be able to purchase the long-desired land is incredible. Alvin Hooks summarizes and trivializes her testimony by ending with the comment, "I don't know what to believe and what not to believe."
