Chapter 35

Summary

• Blackthorne prepared to meet Buntaro, looking formally presentable as custom demanded, considering Buntaro's status as an important general and first guest in the house.
• He recalled Mariko's account of Buntaro's challenges, escape, and survival which led him to the Kwanto, acknowledging Buntaro's strength and bravery.
• Mariko indicated that, by Toranaga's decree, nothing should change despite Buntaro's return, causing Blackthorne to notice a change in Mariko's demeanor, which she attributes to relief.
• Inwardly, Blackthorne questioned his feelings about Buntaro's return and his possession of a hidden pistol, considering his relationship with Mariko and what might have begun between them.
• A formal welcome for Buntaro took place with Blackthorne, Mariko, and other attendants present. During the meeting, they engaged in conversation and exchanged courtesies.
• Blackthorne struggled with the conversation due to language barriers and Buntaro's rapid speech. Mariko translated but often simplified the content.
• There was discussion about warfare, archery, muskets, and fire arrows, revealing the Japanese's interest in war techniques.
• Blackthorne pondered the utility of information about European battles and sieges, like the one in Malta, as a key to possibly conquering Osaka Castle, deciding to withhold these details from Buntaro.
• Mariko shared information about Buntaro's desire to gain more knowledge of Blackthorne’s battle experiences.
• The dinner that Blackthorne prepared with pheasant and hare was seen as unpalatable and barbaric by his Japanese guests and was thus discarded, leading to some internal cultural frustration for Blackthorne.
• Later, Buntaro apologized for an unspecified matter, which made Blackthorne feel a sense of obligation to accept the apology.
• Buntaro and Mariko conversed privately, resulting in Buntaro becoming abusive towards Mariko, causing her to be physically hurt.
• Despite Mariko's insistence that Blackthorne should not intervene in her domestic situation as it was a private matter between husband and wife, Blackthorne felt compelled to help after hearing the commotion.
• Following Buntaro's departure, Blackthorne found Mariko injured and learned she attributed the violence to her own actions, revealing the strained and hateful relationship between her and Buntaro.
• Mariko held herself responsible due to her connection with her father, Akechi Jinsai, who assassinated his lord and was ultimately deemed traitorous.
• She also revealed the complexity of her feelings towards Buntaro and her wish for him to allow her death to escape the shame of her family's history and their marriage.
• Buntaro's apology the next morning seemed to be rooted in disrupting the peace of Blackthorne's home and being under the influence of alcohol. Blackthorne accepted the apology, though reluctantly, recognizing the cultural expectations and his own role in the drinking challenge.
• Mariko thanked Blackthorne for accepting the apology and excused herself for the disruptions, still not allowing Blackthorne to assist her medically.
• Mariko retreated to recover from her injuries and did not appear in front of Blackthorne for the next eight days.