Chapter 49

Summary

• The chapter begins with a man welcoming a woman named Fujiko and expressing concern for her legs, which were previously injured.
• Fujiko is hesitant to show her injuries, but he insists, and she eventually obliges with the assistance of her maid, Hana-ichi.
• Upon examining the burns on the back of Fujiko's legs and waist, which are healing well, the man praises the doctor's work and comforts Fujiko.
• The man, Blackthorne, and Fujiko briefly discuss communication and the benefit of having a dictionary that translates Japanese to various languages, including Portuguese and Latin.
• As they discuss words, the bell for the Hour of the Goat is heard, indicating a time change. Blackthorne mentions he needs to meet Lord Toranaga and departs from Fujiko after ensuring she’s attended to.
• In another scene, Toranaga questions Blackthorne about his ship's readiness and crew requirements. Mariko, acting as interpreter, helps clarify Blackthorne's explanations.
• Toranaga dismisses Blackthorne's request to go to Nagasaki, instructing him to wait for further instructions in the castle.
• The narrative then reveals Toranaga's doubts regarding his generals and counselors, suspecting possible disloyalty and treason within his ranks.
• Mariko and Toranaga have a tense conversation about loyalty, in which Toranaga tests Mariko by asking if Sudara, Toranaga's son, sees him as a diminished leader.
• Mariko reveals the concerns of her husband Buntaro, who believes Toranaga should pass on leadership to Sudara.
• Toranaga, planning to confront these issues, summons his Council and Sudara to a midnight meeting. He instructs Mariko not to discuss the problems with anyone else.
• The Council meets, with all members required to surrender their swords, which is highly unusual and symbolic of distrust.
• General Kiyoshio openly accuses Toranaga of treason for his decision to go to Osaka and suggests he either commit seppuku or abdicate to Sudara. Toranaga asks him to leave and commit seppuku.
• Toranaga coldly inquires if anyone else shares Kiyoshio's sentiment of treason but is met with silence. Another man is ordered to commit seppuku for showing fear.
• Toranaga leaves the room after declaring he is still the ultimate authority and liege lord.
• After Toranaga departs, Sudara urges everyone to remain silent, patient, and loyal until they can discuss matters with Lord Hiro-matsu, the commander-in-chief.