Father Alvito returns to the Jesuit Mission and briefs Father-Visitor Carlo dell’Aqua and Captain-General Ferriera. He reports that Toranaga withheld this year’s trade clearances, suspects the castle assassin targeted Blackthorne, and demands maps and written accounts on Iberian “spheres of influence,” conquests, plunder, trade rates, and Japanese mercenary use. Toranaga also warns that any Christian-linked attack on Blackthorne could trigger renewed expulsions.

Ferriera pushes for Blackthorne’s removal and even hints at deposing Toranaga, but dell’Aqua forbids interference, threatening excommunication. They clash over the Black Ship’s indispensability and the Church’s entanglement with trade. Ferriera vows to sail on time and fears an enemy fleet as his ship will be heavy with silks and gold.

They debate Toranaga’s position and the Christian daimyos Onoshi and Kiyama siding with Ishido. Alvito identifies Lady Maria (Toda Mariko) as Toranaga’s interpreter but says she will reveal nothing. Dell’Aqua recalls the perilous 1588–90 gun-running episode under Father da Cunha and the desperate, abortive plea for conquistadores, fearing exposure through Blackthorne’s information.

Strategically, dell’Aqua outlines options: protect Blackthorne until he “hangs himself,” help Toranaga remove him, or attempt conversion. They choose appeasement: supply the requested maps and explanations with a plea for delay, secure immediate clearances by promising the Black Ship’s early arrival, and offer Toranaga a significant brokerage share. They will also give Toranaga Blackthorne’s rutters, explaining they arrived via Rodrigues, were unintentionally unopened for two days, and came by way of Mura and Father Sebastio, to prove Blackthorne a pirate.

Friar Perez then barges in, defying papal and Japanese edicts and vowing open preaching with more friars and conquistadores. Dell’Aqua rebukes him but, after Perez departs, orders surveillance and immediate warnings to Kiyama and Onoshi. The chapter closes with the Jesuits resolved to shield the Church by placating Toranaga and controlling provocations.