Mariko sets out in full daylight to lead Toranaga’s ladies—Kiri and Lady Sazuko with her infant—out of Osaka Castle. Browns form the vanguard while Grays line the avenue. A Gray captain, Sumiyori Danzenji, invokes Ishido’s new orders and demands papers. Mariko asserts Toranaga’s command; Yoshinaka obeys and kills Sumiyori, but an unseen arrow immediately strikes Yoshinaka dead, halting the column.

Miyai Kazuko takes command and orders the advance. Twenty Browns meet twenty Grays, engaging in formal, even-numbered duels until every Brown falls, leaving many Grays dead or wounded and a lone Gray barring the way. Mariko appeals to Regent Kiyama to clear the path; he refuses, citing legality, offering only to call the Regents. Mariko insists bushido and Toranaga’s order outrank Ishido’s edict and sends Kazuko forward.

Kazuko challenges Biwa Jiro, defeats him despite severe wounds, and tries to lead on; a volley of arrows kills him, inflaming the Browns. Another vanguard charges, meets a fresh Gray line, and is again annihilated in ritual combat. The cortege stalls amid growing encirclement as Grays tighten their cordon along the avenue and walls.

Mariko takes Yoshinaka’s sword and confronts Kojima Harutomo, who parries respectfully and retreats, denying her any opening while honoring her status. Seeing the noose closing and fearing capture would ruin her mission, Mariko halts and withdraws to the gate. She declares she cannot perform her duty and vows to commit seppuku at sunset if still barred, asking Kiyama to be her second. The crowd bows in homage. Mariko returns to the garden tea house and weeps for the dead.