Chapter 13

Summary

• Toranaga, normally able to sleep despite problems, finds himself unable to rest due to numerous troubling questions.
• He contemplates various issues including the loyalty of Ishido, Onoshi's defection, Council dealings, Christian priests' interference, assassination concerns, Yabu's status, and especially the enigmatic barbarian's role in future events.
• The concept of karma, its roots in Buddhism, and how it dictates one's fate based upon past actions is explained.
• Toranaga reflects on the coincidences surrounding the barbarian's arrival and the political and personal implications.
• He acknowledges that the barbarian will remain part of Japan, either living or dead.
• Hiro-matsu, his counselor, checks on him, discussing security and the fate of a wife of a disgraced samurai.
• Toranaga denies Hiro-matsu's request for seppuku and remains firm on requiring his presence alive for counsel.
• They discuss the barbarian's character and the political tension with the Council of Regents, specifically the conflict with Ishido.
• The discussion turns to speculation about the true power dynamics among European powers and the implications for Japan.
• Hiro-matsu advises Toranaga to order Yabu to commit seppuku and to declare war on Ishido.
• Kiri, Toranaga's trusted confidante and head of his ladies-in-waiting, serves them tea and brings warmth to the conversation.
• Toranaga and Hiro-matsu continue to talk about past wars, alliances, battles, and the potential necessity of war to resolve the current political situation.
• Hiro-matsu is instructed to begin covert actions such as sending a deceptive message to Ishido's mother and a secret message to Toranaga's son Sudara.
• Toranaga reflects on a contingency war plan known as "Crimson Sky," relying on his sons and allies to mobilize forces and focus on strategic targets across Japan.
• Toranaga is aware that his plans will be difficult to accomplish without his leadership and the uncommitted daimyos' support.
• Finally, he acknowledges the long-standing and growing number of his enemies as he plans his next moves in the political arena.