Chapter 38
Summary
- Blackthorne is emotionally drained, grieving for Mariko, stressed about communication barriers, and fatigued from relentless language and samurai training.
- Mariko has been isolated, seemingly for her protection, leaving Blackthorne to worry and yearn for her presence.
- Blackthorne has had a confrontation with Fujiko about a pheasant he had neglected, leading to the execution of Ueki-ya, the gardener.
- Plagued by guilt, Blackthorne understands that his ignorance of Japanese customs contributed to Ueki-ya's death, shouldering the responsibility.
- Naga expresses a wish to be Blackthorne's friend and to learn about the world beyond Japan.
- During a tense face-to-face meeting, Mariko and Toranaga inform Blackthorne that the killing of Ueki-ya was formally handled as per Japanese law.
- Blackthorne is tormented by the realization that his actions inadvertently led to Ueki-ya's execution, despite it being of no concern to him.
- An earthquake suddenly strikes, causing chaos, destruction, and fear as Blackthorne, Toranaga, and Mariko struggle for their lives.
- After the earthquake, Toranaga loses his swords and expresses frustration, later trying to relieve tension by clowning with Blackthorne.
- Blackthorne gains a philosophical understanding of "karma," coming to peace with past events and adopting a more centered outlook.
- Blackthorne retrieves a sword from the earthquake's fissure, symbolically offering it to Toranaga as a gesture of samurai kinship.
- Blackthorne is concerned about Fujiko and his house after the earthquake and rushes back to find his home destroyed and the village in chaos.