Chapter 30

Summary

• Mura and other villagers are preparing Anjiro for the arrival of samurai and Lord Yabu, under the supervision of Igurashi and Omi.
• Omi reveals to Igurashi that the great daimyo Toranaga will be accompanying Yabu and that the village has been thoroughly prepared for their arrival.
• The village has been cleaned and adorned as it is for New Year, and a large force of samurai awaits Yabu's arrival.
• Omi has invested a significant amount of money in preparing for the arrival, encouraged by his wife Midori.
• Village elders express their fears and concerns, humor is exchanged, and Mura worries about the consequences if anything is amiss.
• A secret stash of rice and weapons is hidden in the village, indicating preparations for conflict and Mura's plans for the village to take up arms again.
• The galley carrying Yabu and Toranaga is about to arrive, accompanied by the intense concerns and prayers of Mura for the village's safety.
• Scene shifts to the galley where Fujiko begs Toranaga to allow her to commit seppuku, but Toranaga refuses and orders her to become the consort of Blackthorne, the pilot.
• Fujiko struggles with the order but grudgingly accepts a reduced period of six months after negotiating with Toranaga.
• Back on shore, Toranaga exudes confidence as he inspects Yabu's samurai, asserting control and acknowledging the strength of Yabu’s forces.
• Toranaga unexpectedly gifts Yabu a priceless heirloom sword, then departs Anjiro hastily, leaving some matters unresolved, particularly about Blackthorne's status.
• Blackthorne is informed by Mariko that he must stay in Anjiro to learn Japanese, under protection as a vassal of Toranaga, now elevated to hatamoto.
• Yabu, now in possession of Toranaga’s sword, reassures the villagers of the importance of Blackthorne's stay and learning their language, with a stark threat of severe consequences for the village should they fail to teach him within six months.