In Osaka Castle, Toranaga confronts Ishido for removing Blackthorne without consent. Ishido apologizes through clenched teeth, but deflects blame onto a staged bandit ambush and orders massive sweeps that will swell his troop presence. He agrees Toranaga owns the barbarian but demands him afterward for execution. Ishido then announces a postponement of the final Regents’ meeting, citing Lord Kiyama’s illness under a Jesuit doctor, signaling a tightening political trap around Toranaga.

After Ishido departs, Hiro-matsu warns Toranaga that delay or departure both spell disaster: the other Regents will likely impeach him. Toranaga remains outwardly calm, choosing to keep routine—swim first—then see the barbarian, signaling resolve despite isolation.

In Toranaga’s garden, Kiri welcomes Toda Mariko. They recall old ties, Mariko’s burdensome past, and her son’s arranged marriage. Kiri conveys Toranaga’s request that Mariko interpret for Blackthorne and secures Mariko’s sworn secrecy, even from her confessor, and asks her to conceal her crucifix to avoid provoking the barbarian.

At a tea house, Toranaga, Kiri, and the seven-year-old Heir receive Blackthorne. Through Mariko, Blackthorne answers basic questions and, to engage them, draws a world map in the sand. He explains southern sea routes, Magellan’s Strait, Dutch and English rivalry with Portugal and Spain, and the value of secret “rutters,” naming sources and noting Japanese ronin garrison Portuguese forts. Anecdotes about the far north and bathing customs test credibility and build trust.

Blackthorne then outlines papal treaties dividing the non-Catholic world between Spain and Portugal, placing Japan in Portugal’s sphere. Toranaga, Kiri, and Mariko are shocked; Mariko affirms that Catholic orders bind Catholics but declares she is first samurai. Toranaga considers verification via the Jesuits and the need to keep the Pope away as he weighs Blackthorne’s value. He moves to decide the pilot’s fate when an elderly Buddhist nun arrives with Grays, interrupting the meeting.