Chapter 28

Summary

• Blackthorne is urgently commanding the oarsmaster to increase speed as they are pursued by the frigate.
• The wind necessitates the frigate to tack to reach the harbor, giving a slight maneuver advantage to Blackthorne's galley.
• Blackthorne ignores Yabu, asserting that he, Anjin-san, has been named the chief captain by Toranaga-sama.
• He holds their course to force the frigate to turn, narrowly avoiding a collision while exchanging insults with Rodrigues.
• Blackthorne orders sake to maintain warmth and clarity, despite treacherous conditions.
• Sake is brought to Blackthorne by Usagi Fujiko, a poised young woman of neat appearance.
• Confronted with covering shoals, Blackthorne concentrates on his navigational task, thinking of the strategic implications.
• Despite Yabu's presence, Blackthorne indulges in a moment of dominating glee, even while acknowledging Yabu's bravery.
• As the frigate sails well, Blackthorne considers the future with a Black Ship and potential revenge.
• Both ships head towards a narrow pass through fishing boats, with the galley's rowers heavily exerting themselves.
• Fishing boats are armed with archers, and Blackthorne anticipates battle with preparations of muskets and powder.
• Blackthorne is informed by Santiago of Rodrigues' intention to assist, because of danger aboard the Santa Theresa.
• A threat of cannons and plan to use floating kegs against the frigate is conceived by Blackthorne.
• As they approach the narrow channel, both ships seem shielded by one another, protected against fire arrows from fishing boats.
• Ferriera urges Rodrigues to ram Blackthorne's galley, but Rodrigues resists due to Toranaga’s presence.
• At the climax, the frigate and galley navigate closely, avoiding both rocky spines and a collision initiated by Rodrigues.
• Ferriera demands aggressive action, but Rodrigues, assessing his options, ultimately avoids a fatal engagement.
• Ferriera confronts Rodrigues about his potentially fatal risks, but Rodrigues dismisses them as pilots' games.
• Toranaga expresses a desire to return to his own ship, leaving Ferriera disappointed and denying him the company.
• Mariko is relieved to leave the odorous frigate, while Ferriera issues stand-down orders from his aggressive stance.
• Rodrigues reflects on the successful outcome, the decision he had to make, and the heresy Blackthorne represents to their world.