At Anjiro, Omi and headman Mura complete exhaustive preparations to receive Yabu and thousands of samurai. Mura has secretly stolen rice, stores, and weapons from the commissariat, convinced war is coming, despite villagers’ fear of Taikō-era bans. The village kneels to await the galley’s arrival.

Aboard, Fujiko begs Toranaga to allow her death rather than serve Blackthorne. Toranaga refuses, then bargains: if granted her wish later, she must become Blackthorne’s consort for six months. She accepts, and Toranaga emerges satisfied—until he sees Yabu’s army drawn up along the shore.

Facing danger with only fifty guards, Toranaga seizes the initiative. He orders an immediate inspection, sweeps down the ranks with commanding presence, flatters Yabu publicly, and rallies the Izu troops to defend the Taikō’s peace. The display binds the moment to his authority and stalls any move against him.

Privately, Yabu confronts Toranaga over a report that he resigned from the Council. Toranaga confirms it, explaining the resignation deadlocks the Council and neutralizes Ishido, promising Yabu time and opportunity against rival Jikkyu. Before Yabu can reconsider the advantages of delivering Toranaga’s head, Toranaga calls an honor guard, presents Yabu with his priceless Minowara sword, and returns to the galley, casting off at once.

Onshore, Yabu panics over his guns still aboard; Mariko delivers Toranaga’s message that the galley will return quickly with the guns, extra powder, and 250 men. She also presents Toranaga’s sealed order making Blackthorne a hatamoto with a stipend; Blackthorne must remain in Anjiro, and Mariko will interpret for three days. Yabu then proclaims the village responsible for teaching Blackthorne Japanese within six months—on pain of crucifixion and the village’s destruction—leaving Mura and the people terrified but compliant.