Chapter 56
Contains spoilersOverview
Mariko forces a showdown by preparing public seppuku, while Ochiba, steeled by Yodoko’s deathbed counsel and memories of the Taiko’s compact with Toranaga, opts to defuse the crisis. Ishido delivers dawn passes, averting the spectacle. The reprieve preserves order, reshapes leverage in Osaka, and keeps Toranaga’s timetable alive.
Summary
In the hushed aftermath at the gate, Yabu calls the bloodshed a poem while Blackthorne grapples with his inability to protect Mariko. In the forecourt, samurai women rally to Kiri, and Captain Sumiyori coordinates defenses. Yabu and Sumiyori quietly plan for mass seppuku and a last stand if Ishido still refuses passage.
Inside the donjon, Ishido, Ochiba, and Kiyama debate Mariko’s threat. They consider capturing her to delay Toranaga. Ochiba visits the dying Yodoko, who urges trusting Toranaga and letting Mariko go, even proposing Ochiba marry Toranaga. Yodoko dies, and Ochiba resolves to think as the Taiko or Toranaga would.
Ochiba recalls the Taiko’s deathbed: Toranaga counseled a balanced Regency; Yodoko urged making him sole Regent; Toranaga refused, and a compromise Council formed. These memories frame the present crisis and Ochiba’s decision to defuse it.
Chimmoko summons Blackthorne to Mariko. In a tea house, Mariko and Blackthorne profess love; she frames her death as duty to protect Toranaga and Blackthorne, asking him to believe there is a tomorrow. Mariko then prepares a public seppuku at the gate, dressed in white.
When Kiyama declines to act as second, Mariko appoints Yabu. At the brink, Ishido arrives and announces dawn passes for Mariko, Kiri, Sazuko, the child, and their men, with others allowed to apply. The Grays withdraw. Mariko forces herself to stand, then collapses; Blackthorne carries her inside, the crisis averted for now.
Who Appears
- Akechi Mariko
Determined to force passage, prepares public seppuku, names Yabu as second; reprieved by dawn passes; collapses.
- Lady Ochiba
Debates with Ishido and Kiyama, receives Yodoko’s counsel, recalls Taiko-Toranaga history, and orders a political reprieve.
- Ishido
Weighs capturing Mariko; ultimately delivers dawn passes, rebukes the public spectacle, and withdraws Grays.
- John Blackthorne (Anjin)
Reflects on death and helplessness; comforts Mariko; carries her inside after she faints.
- Kasigi Yabu
Commands Browns, plans last stand with Sumiyori; accepts role as Mariko’s second, denied the final stroke.
- Lady Yodoko
Dying consort of the Taiko; urges trusting Toranaga and letting Mariko go; dies before Ochiba’s promise.
- Lord Kiyama
Warns Mariko will act; opposes public seppuku; declines to serve as her second.
- Sumiyori Tabito
Gray captain entrusted by Mariko; organizes defenses, contemplates mass seppuku; receives Ishido’s passes.
- Kiritsubo (Kiri)
Hosts and steadies the samurai ladies; nearly aids Mariko but honors protocol.
- Chimmoko
Mariko’s maid; coordinates the ritual, summons Blackthorne, assists with death garments.
- Maeda Etsu
Elderly samurai lady who publicly supports Mariko and tests the scope of the reprieve.
- Lady Sazuko
Present with her infant; included among those granted dawn passes.