Chapter 26

Summary

• Toranaga and Yabu, aboard a galley, consider their limited options as they are trapped between hostile forces ashore and a blockade at sea.
• Yabu contemplates betraying Toranaga to Ishido in exchange for power, but he realizes there is no easy escape route to accomplish this.
• Toranaga orders preparations for attack while reflecting on the unpredictability and contradictory nature of the barbarian (foreigner), Blackthorne.
• Blackthorne recognizes the difficulty of their situation and informs Toranaga that escaping with force is their only option, as they lack cannon and are being outmaneuvered.
• While conducting an exchange with Blackthorne, Toranaga decides that they will attempt to acquire cannon from a nearby Portuguese frigate.
• Mariko, who is injured, is ordered by Toranaga to communicate with Blackthorne and to learn how to negotiate with the foreign sea powers.
• Toranaga expresses distrust of Christian loyalty and asks Mariko to prioritize her service to him over her religion.
• Meanwhile, aboard the Portuguese frigate, Captain-General Ferriera is urged by Father Alvito and dell'Aqua to refrain from attacking, considering the financial and political implications.
• Ferriera contemplates attacking the galley under the pretense that it carries pirates, but is squarely countered by dell'Aqua who insists on peaceful engagement.
• The frigate's pilot, Rodrigues, suffers from a broken leg but commands a swift retaliation should the galley prove hostile.
• The chapter presents a tense standoff between the galley and the frigate, with the frigate maneuvering to maintain a safe distance and the galley seeking protection or assistance.
• Alvito utilizes the temptation of a sumptuous meal to lure Blackthorne onto the frigate, which has additional implications for both sides.
• The chapter concludes with plans for Toranaga to parley with the frigate’s leaders, though both sides remain on alert for any signs of potential betrayal.