Chapter 48

Summary

• Blackthorne, a European referred to as Anjin-san, is guided by samurai through a less affluent area towards a particular house where 'barbarians' reside.
• The area is marshy and malodorous, reminiscent of low tide in Billingsgate, with the stench of seaweed, feces, and something acrid yet familiar.
• Blackthorne hears Dutch singing coming from a building which is a blend of Japanese and European architectural styles, indicating the presence of fellow Europeans.
• Baccus van Nekk, inebriated and relieving himself, initially mistakes Blackthorne for a samurai but soon recognizes him with joy.
• Inside the building, Blackthorne meets other crew members from his ship, sharing a rejoiceful reunion, and learns about the death of the Captain-General in a pit.
• Blackthorne hears the gruesome tales of other crew members' deaths, including one by self-disembowelment and another whose rotting wound became fatal.
• The crew has been making their own alcohol through a self-made still, but Blackthorne finds the drink harsh and the cup filthy.
• Questions arise about Blackthorne's adaptation to Japanese culture, including his attire and possession of swords which other crew members are forbidden from having.
• Blackthorne announces they will soon be on the high seas again, met with great enthusiasm.
• After sending the women away, Blackthorne learns the improvements made on the ship were primarily the work of Toranaga’s men, not his crew.
• Blackthorne discusses the likelihood of engaging in lucrative privateer activity once they take to the seas and reassures the crew of their share of the prize money.
• The crew can move around the village freely within limits, are inspected regularly, have access to a doctor, and are supplemented with provisions by the samurai.
• Although the crew’s current conditions are satisfactory, Blackthorne discovers they are living in an eta village, a class of people despised by most Japanese, which disturbs him.
• Returning to the castle, Blackthorne throws off his flea-infested kimono, feeling tainted by its association with the eta.
• Blackthorne has a bath, feels refreshed, and reflects on not having told the crew about his samurai status or the full extent of his plans.
• In the morning, Blackthorne inspects his ship, Erasmus, which is in excellent condition, and realizes he will need to acquire navigation tools and a crew in Nagasaki.
• After returning to his quarters, Blackthorne has a meal and is visited by Fujiko, who greets him with a bow.