Toda Hiro-matsu lands with Toranaga’s authority, confronting Yabu in Anjiro. Declaring the foreign ship and all cargo confiscated, he forces Yabu’s submission. To avoid war and exposure of a spy, Yabu reframes the seizure as a “gift.” Hiro-matsu orders muskets, powder, and silver loaded for Osaka, leaves the cannon and cloth aboard Erasmus, and insists Yabu accompany him.

Hiro-matsu also claims the barbarian leader for Toranaga. Yabu, seething, instructs Omi to bring Blackthorne. Omi tests deference but, on Blackthorne’s word, waives binding. At the harbor, Portuguese pilot Vasco Rodrigues intercedes, assumes responsibility for Blackthorne, and reveals Toranaga’s interest. Rodrigues launches at once, then audaciously ferries Blackthorne to Erasmus, overawing Yabu’s guards by invoking Toranaga’s flag.

Below decks, Blackthorne finds his cabin stripped and his rutters and charts gone, a devastating loss. Rodrigues admits he earlier searched with Hiro-matsu and failed to find them, then ushers Blackthorne back as the galley departs for Osaka with Yabu aboard.

In Anjiro, Omi oversees night work to reload the cannon onto Erasmus and, after Igurashi departs for Yedo, he has Father Sebastio release the crew from the pit under strict rules; one man is dead. Omi orders proper care for the survivors, gives Masijiro a dagger to commit seppuku in the pit, and commands the pit erased.

That night Omi and Kiku share an intimate interlude. When Midori returns from her father’s funeral, Kiku visits the house; amid the old mother’s barbs, Kiku briefs and gently reassures Midori about Omi’s actions and peril as Toranaga’s reach reshapes their fates.