Chapter 10

Summary

• Their journey from the bay to Osaka was smooth and adhered to Rodrigues’ rutters (navigational guides).
• Rodrigues regained consciousness and realized his leg is set and his shoulder is strapped, having been dislocated.
• Blackthorne informed Rodrigues he's alive because he saved him after he went overboard during the storm.
• A Japanese doctor treated Rodrigues despite Blackthorne's attempts to apply European medical practices, insisting on open portholes for fresh air.
• Upon arrival in Osaka, a Japanese pilot took control of the ship.
• Blackthorne is impressed by the scale of Osaka and thinks it makes London look small by comparison.
• Rodrigues and Blackthorne discuss the political and religious situation in Japan, noting the influence of the Jesuits and the hostility towards Christians by some Japanese leaders.
• It's revealed that Blackthorne copied Rodrigues' rutter and that Rodrigues possesses an important, sealed package.
• Rodrigues explains Japan as an "upside-down" world and shares information about the country's population and strength, which alarms Blackthorne.
• Rodrigues speaks of the numerous Christian converts in Japan, the power of Jesuits in Nagasaki, and the historical troubles with the Taikō's edicts against Christians.
• Blackthorne is summoned by Hiro-matsu upon docking and prepares to disembark, worrying about the motives of the Japanese.
• The chapter ends with Blackthorne following Hiro-matsu into the Osaka castle, which is heavily fortified and guarded by samurai with different loyalties indicated by their colors, leading to a door guarded by chosen men.