Chapter 12

Summary

• Toranaga contemplates the danger of the the priest's presence but chooses not to dismiss him, wary of Ishido's reaction.
• Ishido confronts Toranaga directly about his defiance of the Council of Regents' decree by forming family alliances.
• Toranaga justifies his actions by citing the stability of his realm and his commitment to keeping peace.
• The chapter provides a brief history of Japan's unification under the dictator Goroda, followed by General Nakamura who later became the Taikō, with the support of both Toranaga and Ishido.
• Toranaga defends his decisions, emphasizing practical power over titles such as Kwampaku or Shōgun.
• Ishido and Toranaga debate the issue of the Lady Ochiba being considered a hostage in Toranaga's castle.
• Toranaga learns that the Council's vote could potentially be four against one, isolating him politically.
• Ishido raises the stakes by threatening to execute alleged traitors along with their families, including noble bloodlines.
• Usagi, a young samurai and relative of Hiro-matsu, almost attacks Ishido in defense of Toranaga's honor but restrains himself at the last moment.
• Toranaga publicly punishes Usagi for his insolence and orders his dishonorable death through crucifixion.