Blackthorne, worn by training and isolation, descends with Naga to meet Toranaga and Mariko. On the way, Naga asks for friendship and lessons about foreign lands. Blackthorne is relieved to see Mariko, but burdened by grief over Ueki-ya’s death and his own harsh treatment of Fujiko and the household.

He recalls the incident: a rotting pheasant he had ordered left untouched forced Fujiko and the servants into a formal dilemma. Ueki-ya volunteered to remove it, knowingly incurring the penalty for disobeying the house head. After Fujiko sought guidance, Toranaga ruled Blackthorne legally samurai, and to spare Blackthorne pain, arranged Ueki-ya’s quick, honorable death. Mariko explains the law, wa, and why the act honored both the house and Blackthorne’s status; Blackthorne accepts his fault and the lesson.

As Toranaga discusses impending war—Mariko to Osaka, Blackthorne overland to Yedo to ready the ship—the ground convulses. A series of violent quakes tears the plateau open. Blackthorne drags Toranaga from one fissure and then plunges into another to rescue Mariko, with Toranaga aiding them as the chasm grinds shut. Igurashi disappears into the earth; fires rage in the camp.

In the aftermath, fear turns to relief and dark humor; Toranaga curses the quake and lost swords, and he and Blackthorne laugh, even urinating into the ditch. They speak of karma and patience; Blackthorne feels clarity and serenity return. He retrieves Fujiko’s sword from the cleft and offers it to Toranaga, who accepts and calls Blackthorne friend.

Released to check the village, Blackthorne finds Anjiro shattered, Omi’s house askew, and his own home burned. He is to report to the fortress by sunset, with Mariko bound for Osaka and he for Yedo to prepare Erasmus for war.