Chapter 51

Summary

• Naga, Yabu, Blackthorne, and seven others sneak out of the castle before dawn, their exit facilitated by Naga's connections and status.
• The group, wearing dark kimonos and carrying swords, passes through the castle gates and patrolling guards without challenge, and heads towards the sea.
• They arrive at the wharf where the ship Erasmus is docked, and Blackthorne's crew, surrounded by guards, are brought aboard.
• Blackthorne takes command of his ship and prepares to sail to a safer harbor near a village called Yokohama, anticipating storm season.
• Blackthorne manages tensions among his crew by distributing tasks as they prepare to be towed to the new harbor by a galley.
• Yabu boards the Erasmus and strikes a deal with Blackthorne, offering support to procure two hundred sailors ("wako") from Nagasaki and pledge to fight by Blackthorne's side on behalf of Lord Toranaga.
• Blackthorne is internally conflicted about trusting Yabu but acknowledges their mutual dependence.
• Flashback to the previous evening reveals discussions about potential plots and the need for Mariko to leave for Osaka, despite Blackthorne's wish for her to stay.
• Blackthorne's men, still fearful and feeling abandoned, reluctantly obey his orders while showing signs of unrest and distrust for the samurai.
• Uraga tests the loyalty of Blackthorne's samurai vassals by making them trample on a Christian icon; one resists and is killed after attacking Uraga.
• After van Nekk and the Dutch crew follow the same test reluctantly, Blackthorne suspects issues ahead with his crew's cohabitation with samurai and potential new Catholic recruits.
• Blackthorne reflects on warnings regarding Yabu's motives and contemplates the challenging dynamics of ensuring loyalty among a diverse crew.
• The chapter closes with Blackthorne concerned about maintaining control and safety, particularly around Catholics, and his growing attachment to Mariko.