Chapter 45

Summary

• The chapter focuses on Mariko's secret love affair with Blackthorne during their nine-day journey to Mishima.
• Mariko and Blackthorne take advantage of the room assignments made by Yoshinaka, their journey leader, to meet at night undetected.
• The only person aware of their affair is Mariko's maid, Chimmoko, who keeps the secret, knowing the severe consequences of betrayal.
• Mariko feels protected from discovery by her rank as samurai and the laxity of men in observing women's behavior, believing her word would shield her if needed.
• Despite the affection, Mariko worries about Blackthorne's inability to conceal their affair due to his foreign upbringing and obvious mannerisms.
• The first night together, Mariko admits to Blackthorne her understanding of love and fears for his safety, implying their relationship is doomed.
• Their time together at night is described as joyous, while the days are easy for Mariko but challenging for Blackthorne, who remains vigilant to avoid mistakes.
• Gyoko and Kiku, two other women in the party, discuss Mariko and Blackthorne's relationship, suspecting it is doomed but admiring its beauty.
• Omi, also part of their traveling party, proposes marriage to Kiku, who declines because of her existing obligations to Lord Toranaga, despite her affection for Omi.
• Yoshinaka delays their journey based on Toranaga's subtle instructions, not rushing them to Yedo, and contemplates whether or not he should report his suspicions about Mariko's affair.
• Father Alvito, a Jesuit priest, offers to teach Blackthorne Japanese and attempts to form a temporary truce during their travel, while the church grapples with other political concerns.
• Alvito deals with the dilemma of how to handle the Christian samurai Joseph, who has allied with Toranaga, and wrestles with his duty versus his personal beliefs regarding Mariko and Blackthorne's relationship.
• Throughout their journey, the traveling party maneuvers through busy inns and roads, with Mariko's rank allowing them easy passage.
• As their journey moves on, they approach Mishima, where Mariko warns Blackthorne of the risk of being discovered once Yoshinaka files his report.
• Mariko and Blackthorne agree to stay within their "private world" until absolutely necessary to return to reality.
• The chapter concludes with an optimistic perspective from Blackthorne, who feels that there is plenty of time left for them despite Mariko's fears.