Chapter 46

Summary

• General Toda Hiro-matsu received a private dispatch from Mariko, breaking Toranaga’s seals to read it.
• The scroll detailed recent events at Yokosé, Toranaga's decision to submit, instructions on frontier defense, and information about a Christian renegade and the Anjin-san (Blackthorne).
• Hiro-matsu questioned Mariko about the events, including a tea ceremony where his son predicted their Master's loss before a second meeting with Lord Zataki.
• Mariko reported on all she had witnessed and her encounters, carefully revealing her respect and admiration for Blackthorne and Toranaga's trust in him.
• Hiro-matsu recalled his son’s and others' reports, realizing the gravity of the situation and conflicting reports concerning Toranaga's actions.
• Mariko, aware Hiro-matsu mistrusted his own son and had complex feelings about Blackthorne, questioned his true thoughts concerning her and Blackthorne.
• Hiro-matsu, preoccupied with his thoughts about Toranaga, Zataki, and his own duties, considered co-opting Toranaga's son, Lord Sudara, to start a war against Toranaga's wishes to protect his Master's honor.
• Gyoko relished her return home, managing her Tea House in Mishima effectively and considering how to manipulate secrets she held concerning Mariko, Blackthorne, and political matters. She also mused about Omi and Kiku’s affair.
• Father Alvito discussed Blackthorne and his new position with Rodrigues after sending coded messages via carrier pigeons about Toranaga’s surrender and his own travel plans.
• Blackthorne and Mariko enjoyed a private evening at a beautiful inn until Rodrigues came to visit Blackthorne.
• Rodrigues, armed heavily, was forced to give up his weapons due to stringent security measures, which led to tension and a search.
• Blackthorne and Rodrigues acknowledged mutual respect but admitted that their national and personal interests could make them enemies at sea.
• Mariko joined Blackthorne after Rodrigues left, discussing the visit and the necessity of caution with guests, recognizing the realities of trust and danger in their world.