Chapter 61
Summary
- Yoshi Toranaga-noh-Chikitada-noh-Minowara checks his horse's saddle, distrusting the animal.
- The Hunt Master admires Toranaga's meticulousness, which Toranaga knows will prevent accidents.
- Toranaga’s son, Naga, greets him and is assigned to write battle orders, an honorable task he takes pride in.
- Toranaga receives news that his opponent, Ishido, has left Osaka, signaling commitment to a military engagement.
- Omi, another of Toranaga’s sons, arrives with a samurai named Kosami who has a fresh wound from a fight in Osaka.
- Omi replaces the Hunt Master in overseeing the hunt and Toranaga contemplates the Hunt Master's retirement.
- Yabu, Toranaga's ally, discusses strategic options, suggesting taking advantage of Jikkyu's death and attacking along the Tokaido Road.
- Toranaga considers but ultimately dismisses Yabu's suggestion, opting to maintain his original strategic positioning behind the mountains.
- Yabu’s antagonism and underhanded methods are revealed; he had arranged Jikkyu's death.
- Accused of treachery, Yabu is ordered by Toranaga to commit seppuku.
- Yabu acknowledges his nephew, Omi, as his heir, absolving him of any betrayal.
- Yabu’s execution is arranged and he confronts his final moments with logic and calmness, understanding his fate.
- Toranaga secures his line of succession by reinforcing his son Sudara as heir.
- Sudara is sent to organize the attack and Toranaga contemplates the future of his realm and his ambitions.
- Toranaga settles the future of his concubines and consorts, ensuring that each has a place and security.
- Toranaga ends the chapter reflecting on his own karma and the paths chosen both by him and the significant individuals around him.