Father Alvito arrives before Toranaga, remorseful over excommunicating a Jesuit acolyte. With Blackthorne nearby, Alvito and Toranaga exchange courtesies; Alvito confirms the Black Ship docked fourteen days earlier and that Toranaga’s silk arrangement is proceeding. Pressed for results, Alvito admits Kiyama and Onoshi refuse to join Toranaga, insisting he can only “suggest,” not coerce, and he cannot threaten excommunication for politics.

Angered, Toranaga contemplates freeing Blackthorne with ship and cannon, then reflects on his dependence on Jesuit-brokered trade and the danger of a Christian-backed daimyo, likely Kiyama, leveraging foreign arms. Accepting the trap, Toranaga grants permission to build a church in Yedo and to hold Mass, then departs heavy-hearted. He orders Naga to attend the service and to become a Christian on New Year, signaling tactical accommodation.

Guards uneasily interpret Toranaga’s mood, while Buntaro conducts a meticulous tea ceremony for Mariko. Their ritual creates profound intimacy; both consider joint suicide but Buntaro forbids it for duty to Toranaga. Mariko proposes traveling to Osaka to settle family and marriage matters with Kiyama; Buntaro agrees if Toranaga permits and urges haste and caution. They discuss estate finances and the treasured T’ang cha caddy, and accept that massive bloodshed may follow Toranaga’s fate.

Speaking frankly, Buntaro vows to kill Blackthorne if Toranaga loses, fearing the foreigner’s influence. He postpones resuming marital relations until after the maples are bare or Mariko’s return, then, after she leaves, he weeps, convinced she has betrayed him.

Before dawn, Blackthorne greets Mariko; she discreetly warns him in Latin to be cautious. Toranaga emerges to hunt and invites Blackthorne to join to see falconry. Mariko retires, prays in gratitude for postponing death, and, compartmentalizing her faith as ordered, drifts to sleep resolved to keep her promises.