Chapter 11

Summary

• Yoshi Naga, a strict and dangerous 17-year-old, allows Hiro-matsu to enter without appointment, as he is one of the few allowed such privilege.
• Naga orders Blackthorne to be searched thoroughly by his expert samurai before being allowed to enter the presence of Lord Toranaga.
• Hiro-matsu enters the audience room, followed by Blackthorne, both showing their respect by kneeling and bowing their heads low to the ground.
• The audience room where Toranaga sits is meticulously described, highlighting its size, decor, and the presence of an earthenware vase with cherry blossoms.
• Blackthorne's bold behavior captures the attention of the room and especially Toranaga, after which tension in the room subsides.
• While Toranaga attends to a falcon, the background of his role as a powerful lord and his physical description are provided.
• Hiro-matsu and Toranaga chat, and the former suggests Toranaga leave for safety reasons, though Toranaga intends to stay until the Council of Regents meeting concludes.
• Father Alvito, a Portuguese Jesuit, introduces himself to Blackthorne, offering to interpret between him and Toranaga.
• Blackthorne is wary of Father Alvito but is aware of the importance of making a good impression on Toranaga.
• Conversation begins between Blackthorne and Toranaga, with Blackthorne answering questions about his nationality, reasons for war with Spain and Portugal, and the nature of his religion.
• The discussion continues with Blackthorne explaining the Protestant faith, the reasons behind his voyage, and the purpose of his fleet's journey to Japan.
• Blackthorne defensively clarifies his country's position regarding naval dominance, and he describes the letters of marque that authorized their actions at sea.
• Toranaga and Blackthorne engage in a conversation about war, trade, and Blackthorne's presence in Japan, highlighting the gravity of such topics.
• The dialogue is interrupted by loud voices outside, causing a moment of heightened alertness among Toranaga's guards.
• Lord Ishido arrives, creating tension in the room and conversing with Toranaga with an air of mockery and thinly veiled threats.
• Toranaga dismisses Blackthorne, ordering him to be detained with the common criminals, finalizing an interview that was less successful for Blackthorne than he hoped.