At dawn, attendants bathe and groom Blackthorne, then three maids—Rako, Asa, and Sono—pamper him with saké, food, and massage. Mariko relays Toranaga’s favor and future plans for mapping. A gentle doctor examines Blackthorne. Toranaga arrives amid Blackthorne’s jubilant hornpipe; Toranaga insists on learning the dance, matches him with surprising agility, then gifts Blackthorne his kimono. Toranaga abruptly changes plans, ordering Blackthorne to depart at dusk with Kiritsubo for Yedo, assuring him his crew is arranged for and revealing the ship is already in Yedo. He confirms Friar Domingo’s death.

Left with Mariko, a discussion of “pillowing” spirals when she offers women—or a boy—for his health. Blackthorne reacts furiously, appalled by the suggestion, exposing deep cultural and religious divides. Guard leader Oan scrambles to calm him; the strict Hiro‑matsu briefly checks on discipline. Mariko, conflicted yet resourceful, defuses the conflict with apologies, and Blackthorne softens. Departure preparations continue.

Meanwhile, Father Alvito awaits Toranaga with Blackthorne’s rutters, reflecting on Osaka’s immense treasure, the Taikō’s death, and Lady Ochiba’s hostility—context for the stakes surrounding the Heir and Osaka. The wealth anchors power and foretells the cost of any coming war.

Granted audience, Alvito produces the rutters and intelligence on the early Black Ship; Toranaga orders full translations and promises clearances by sunset. Dismissing guards, Toranaga privately presses Alvito about Christian daimyos, warning of a split with Ishido. He offers a sweeping bargain: if Onoshi and Kiyama openly support him within forty days, the Regents will repeal the Expulsion Edicts and the Jesuits will gain exclusivity, excluding rival orders. Alvito cannot commit but promises to try.

As Alvito departs to act, Toranaga watches, pleased, then, alone, tucks his kimono and reprises the hornpipe—buoyed by newfound leverage over both barbarians and Christians.