Chapter 20
Summary
- Blackthorne feels content while receiving a Japanese-style massage from a girl, drinking saké, and enjoying Portuguese-style deep-fried fish.
- He struggles with learning the Japanese language during interactions with the girls serving him.
- The girls cater to Blackthorne with amenities, teach him Japanese phrases, and guide him through Japanese customs such as using hot towels and taking baths.
- Mariko informs Blackthorne that he's under Lord Toranaga's personal care and will soon travel to one of Toranaga’s provinces to recuperate and prepare navigational maps for Toranaga.
- Blackthorne has a positive examination by a Japanese doctor, contrasting with his previous bad experiences with European doctors.
- He reflects on his encounter with the doctor and how he felt no embarrassment when he was naked in front of others.
- Blackthorne expresses happiness through a dance, singing a sea shanty, which intrigues the girls and the samurai guards.
- Lord Toranaga arrives and, after witnessing Blackthorne's dance, he decides to try it himself, mimicking Blackthorne and joining in with enthusiasm.
- Blackthorne is honored when Toranaga gifts him a silk kimono after dancing together, and Toranaga seems pleased with the exchange.
- Toranaga informs Blackthorne that he will be leaving for Yedo at dusk with the Lady Kiritsubo and adds that he should learn Japanese quickly.
- Blackthorne asks about his ship and crew and is told they are already in Yedo and that he need not worry about them.
- An unexpected discussion about sexual customs leads to cultural misunderstandings, resulting in Blackthorne becoming offended.
- There's tension when Mariko offers Blackthorne a boy for intimacy, which he vehemently declines, upsetting those around him.
- Mariko apologizes for her cultural misstep, attempting to preserve decorum and the relationship with Blackthorne.
- Father Alvito waits for Toranaga, contemplating the immense wealth of Japan and his role in spreading Christianity.
- Alvito discusses with Toranaga about Blackthorne's presence and the potential arrival of the Black Ship from Macao.
- During a private conversation, Toranaga expresses concerns about the Christian daimyos, implying that their support could prevent war.
- Alvito grapples with the offer of an alliance with Toranaga but feels incapable of committing without authorization from his Church superiors.
- Toranaga gives Alvito 40 days for a decision on the alliance and a repeal of anti-Christian edicts.
- After parting with Alvito, Toranaga, alone, joyously mimics Blackthorne's hornpipe dance.