Layer
Behind the flag lies a mask—yet another layer of secrecy. You’re standing in front of a crowd, giving a rousing speech. Hiding your face is the flag of your country, and behind that flag you’re also wearing a mask, just in case the flag falls down. The extra layer of secrecy is just to be safe.
These layers are meant to protect you. We all have layers we hide behind sometimes, you know? You can't be totally transparent with everyone.
そう
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Someone jumps up on stage and starts peeling off your layers! You stand there, first goes the flag, then the mask, then ... your soul (そう) is laid bare. No, literally. You don't have a body, your soul was under that mask. And now it's floating there for all to see.
Everyone in the crowd is completely silent, staring at your soul, with all of its layers peeled off.