By what means did Brother Ikeda expect to obtain the privilege of being raised to Master Mason?

Brother Ikeda expected to obtain the privilege of being raised to Master Mason by the benefit of a pass. In Masonic tradition, a pass serves as a formal acknowledgment or authorization that confirms a candidate has fulfilled the necessary preparatory work and has demonstrated a suitable level of understanding and commitment to the Masonic principles. The use of a pass ensures that the candidate is properly vetted and recognized as a worthy individual to advance to the next degree.

Other options, while potentially relevant in different Masonic contexts or jurisdictions, do not align with the standard procedure observed in raising a Brother to the level of Master Mason. The letter of recommendation, payment of a fee, or completion of a written examination may be components of the initiation process or other degrees, but they do not specifically pertain to the protocol associated with being granted the privilege of advancement to the rank of Master Mason.