Father Sebastio summons Blackthorne from the pit and reports Pieterzoon’s death and absolution, urging the crew to renounce their heresies. Vinck tries to take Blackthorne’s place and is threatened off. A samurai quotes a fatalist saying, and Blackthorne climbs into the glare where Omi, Mura, and guards await. Blackthorne blusters about being a daimyo; Omi dismisses this and offers food and freedom from the pit only if Blackthorne obeys.

When Blackthorne refuses and insults Omi and Yabu, Omi orders Croocq trussed in a cauldron, lighting the fire to force compliance. Blackthorne capitulates, agrees to “behave,” answers “hai,” and submits to humiliation as Omi urinates on his back to teach “manners” and responsibility for his crew’s conduct.

At Blackthorne’s plea, Omi has Croocq removed before harm and allows him out of the pit for the day, promising others might follow depending on behavior. Omi makes Blackthorne responsible for any infraction, renames him Anjin (Pilot) due to linguistic limits, and departs satisfied, intent on learning from him to better fight Christian barbarians.

On Yabu’s veranda, Omi explains his strategy and cites a former monk’s view of Christian vulnerabilities. He judges Anjin only temporarily broken and urges rapid language instruction. Pleased, Yabu puts Omi in charge of the prisoners, expands his fief, promises arms, status as hatamoto in war, and gifts a commemorative stone.

Igurashi reports the convoy ready. Yabu orders Omi to escort it to Yedo, leave guards over the foreigners, keep the ship safe, and arrange its sale to the Portuguese. Omi suggests military use of the ship; Yabu rejects naval warfare. As they prepare to depart, a Toranaga-crested galley appears, startling Yabu and altering the situation.