Chapter 55

Summary

• Mariko is escorted by ten Browns as she heads toward the gates, dressed in a pale green kimono with a dark green hat and gloves, carrying an iridescent sun shade.
• The gates open for her in the quiet cul-de-sac, as Grays line the avenue and battlements, with important figures including Anjin-san, Yabu, Kiri, and the Lady Sazuko waiting.
• The Browns, who only carry swords, stand in formation ready for the procession, while samurai women and children look on, some carrying swords.
• As Mariko approaches the gate, Kiyama with his own men (not Grays) acknowledges her, allowing her to pass through after a brief exchange.
• Mariko boards her palanquin and signals the start of the procession, but it is abruptly halted by a captain of the Grays demanding to see their papers.
• Mariko insists that her orders from Lord Toranaga override any requirement for papers, but the Gray captain Sumiyori stands firm, at which point Mariko orders Yoshinaka to kill him.
• Yoshinaka swiftly executes Sumiyori, but is then killed by an unseen arrow and the procession is again stopped in shock and uncertainty.
• Young Miyai Kazuko is then put in charge by Mariko and tries to lead the procession forward, only to be met by a blockade of Grays on the roadway.
• Battle ensues as Browns and Grays engage in man-to-man fights with casualties on both sides until only one victorious Gray remains standing.
• Despite the odds, the Browns continually reform their vanguard in attempts to push through, with Kazuko eventually succumbing to arrows as he tries to lead the Browns.
• Mariko, seeing the lies lost and further violence ahead, steps out of her own palanquin and takes up Yoshinaka’s sword to continue the procession.
• She confronts a Gray, Kojima Harutomo, but despite her efforts, she realizes she cannot break through and is at risk of being surrounded and captured.
• Mariko makes the decision to withdraw and warns that she will commit seppuku at sunset if she fails to fulfill her lord’s orders, which prevents the Grays from capturing her.
• All present, including Kiyama and his men, bow in respect as Mariko leaves the avenue to retreat into a cha house where she weeps for the fallen.