The cortège bearing Kiritsubo’s and a second litter threads Osaka Castle’s checkpoints. Blackthorne, having glimpsed Toranaga disguised as Kiritsubo, frets that a close inspection could expose the ruse. At each stop the guards remain meticulous but courteous, heightening his fear that discovery would trigger a fatal clash.

At the final gate, Ishido appears and insists on handing a scroll to “Kiritsubo.” Politeness demands the recipient take it, which would reveal Toranaga’s hand. As Ishido snatches open the curtain, Blackthorne bellows, capers wildly, and seizes the scroll, thrusting it through the slit to preserve the illusion.

Ishido strikes Blackthorne; Blackthorne lunges for Ishido’s throat. Browns and Grays face off as Buntaro restrains Blackthorne and Yabu catches Ishido’s sword arm. Mariko rapidly reframes the outburst as superstition and insult, buying a heartbeat of restraint. Reading the peril, Blackthorne abruptly feigns madness, exploiting Japanese tolerance for the possessed.

When Ishido aims a bow, Mariko steps onto the bridge behind Blackthorne, calmly asserting control and promising to lead him out. The pair walk through the gate under a thousand eyes. Yabu urges restraint, arguing Blackthorne is more useful alive; Ishido begrudgingly lowers the bow but vows future revenge.

With attention fixed on the “mad” barbarian, Buntaro positions to shield Toranaga’s litter and moves the Browns forward. The litters pass the final checks, cross the bridge, and exit the castle. Out of sight in the woods, Blackthorne collapses, his diversion having enabled Toranaga’s escape.