Chapter 56
Summary
- Yabu and Blackthorne discuss Mariko's decision to order the death of another man, which Blackthorne sees as a ritual akin to the Spanish Inquisition, revealing her true intentions to him.
- Yabu expresses that Mariko's actions and orders were akin to a poem, emphasizing the formalized and inevitable nature of the deaths that occurred, all leading to her own planned seppuku.
- Blackthorne reflects on moments of his own past, including a time when he wished to commit seppuku but was stopped, leading him to no longer fear death.
- Blackthorne observes the aftermath of the violence, with Grays and Browns showing equal dignity to the dead of both sides.
- Yabu orders the gates closed but is reminded by another officer that Mariko commanded they be left open.
- An elderly Lady Maeda Etsu arrives at the castle to join Kiri and others who wish to wait with Mariko.
- Several samurai women express their support for Mariko and her decision, some grandmothers and some young ladies, as they gather on the veranda.
- Two military men, Yabu and Sumiyori, discuss the inevitable battle and suicide plans should Mariko's sacrifice be in vain, acknowledging if Ishido does not let them go, they and the women present will all commit seppuku.
- Yabu tells Blackthorne he may have a secret plan and to stay close and silent.
- Ishido, Ochiba, and Kiyama discuss Mariko's imminent seppuku, with Ishido suggesting capturing and confining Mariko to prevent her from dying before Toranaga arrives.
- As Yodoko lies near death, she shares her fears with Ochiba and encourages her to let Mariko leave, warning of the consequences of not doing so.
- Ochiba reflects on her own past, her desires, and her relationship with Toranaga and the late Taiko, pondering the idea of marrying Toranaga while mourning Yodoko's death.
- Mariko prepares for seppuku, donning a white death kimono, and faces the reality of her situation.
- When Mariko is about to begin the act, Ishido arrives with permits for her, her companions, and Yabu's men to leave safely at dawn, effectively granting life back to those who wish to leave.
- Despite her weakened state from the emotional ordeal, Mariko manages to stand up on her own, demonstrating her unyielding strength and samurai spirit, but ultimately collapses into Blackthorne's arms who carries her away.