Chapter 34

Summary

• The chapter takes place ten days after the death of Jozen, beginning with Toranaga's sudden arrival at Anjiro, catching Yabu unprepared.
• Upon arrival, Toranaga demands to see an attack exercise with the original five hundred troops immediately, although Yabu requests to delay it until the next day.
• Toranaga has brought an additional thousand heavily armed samurai and plans to form nine assault battalions, with Buntaro being suggested to lead them. Yabu is shocked by the news of forming such a large force.
• Toranaga skillfully manipulates the conversation, revealing that if Yabu goes to Osaka, he would likely be executed by the Regents for destroying Jozen and his men, but staying would have the same outcome. Toranaga offers to be Yabu's second if he chooses seppuku.
• Yabu discusses with Toranaga his future actions in light of the Council of Regents and his position being precarious due to the execution of Jozen.
• Toranaga has received an invitation to the Osaka castle for a ceremony, and his presence or absence will profoundly influence the political landscape.
• Mariko reports to Toranaga about her experiences with the Anjin-san (Blackthorne), including his suicide attempt and his need for a translator. She emphasizes his value and suggests he acquires a barbarian navy.
• Mariko speculates on Blackthorne's loyalty and suggests he is governed by his Christian conscience, notably showing remorse for deaths considered 'innocent'.
• Toranaga deliberates on the various intelligence and political insights provided by Mariko before going aloft and later deciding to hunt instead of meeting Blackthorne.
• Blackthorne decides to cook a hare sent by Toranaga, much to the disgust and curiosity of the Japanese kitchen staff.
• Buntaro arrives at Blackthorne's house, asks to use the bath, and plans to stay there intermittently, speculating on the novelty of Blackthorne's marriage to a Japanese woman.
• Buntaro shows respect to Fujiko for her handling of a challenging situation with Omi, noting that no one from their clan had married a barbarian before.
• Fujiko and Buntaro discuss obedience, with Fujiko displaying her newfound skills in handling a pistol, and Buntaro expresses pride in her actions during recent events.
• Buntaro seeks to delay his conversation with Blackthorne until after a bath and the return of his wife from a meeting with Toranaga.