Chapter 41

Summary

• A courier arrives in a village with urgent dispatches from Mishima, presenting them to an officer named Naga.
• Toranaga, who had sent forces with Hiro-matsu to Mishima, receives a message revealing his half brother Zataki has become a traitor by joining forces with Ishido.
• Zataki requests safe conduct to see Toranaga at Anjiro, arriving with samurai under the cipher of the Council of Regents.
• It is revealed Zataki has replaced Lord Sugiyama as a Regent, which is a concern for Toranaga's defensive position, especially with other regions potentially siding with Ishido.
• Upon reading the dispatches, Toranaga immediately calls for key personnel to discuss the situation and plan accordingly.
• A proposal is made to intercept Zataki's party in Yokosé and either turn them back or deal with them after delivering their message.
• Toranaga orders Buntaro to secure Yokosé as a meeting place with Zataki, while keeping the Musket Regiment ready to guard a potential retreat.
• The discussion among Toranaga's advisors highlights distrust in Zataki and the volatile political environment.
• Amid these developments, Blackthorne reflects on his interactions with the Japanese, including his intimate encounter with Kiku and his thoughts about returning to England.
• Blackthorne contemplates his relationships with various women in his life, as well as the different attitudes towards sexuality between Japan and the West.
• As dawn breaks, a message arrives for Blackthorne, summoning him to Toranaga's fortress, interrupting his thoughts and leading to a series of farewell interactions.
• Blackthorne readies himself for departure and engages in thoughtful exchanges with several characters, revealing complexities in personal relationships and political intrigue.
• Omi, a character who shares an intimate relationship with Kiku, requests to see Blackthorne, setting the stage for potential conflict.
• Kiku, now known to be Omi's lover, is purchased by Toranaga as a consort for a large sum, significantly elevating her status.
• Blackthorne confronts the issue of Omi and Kiku's relationship, attempting to navigate the delicate situation while maintaining their friendship.
• Blackthorne's struggle to balance his Eastern experiences with his Western origins is coupled with the ongoing theme of war and shifting alliances.
• The chapter concludes with villagers discussing the economic burdens imposed by their lords, touching on the experiences of common people in this turbulent period.