After Blackthorne’s interview, Toranaga weighs the danger of foreign influence and pointedly keeps Father Alvito present to avoid inflaming Ishido. Ishido discards courtesies and demands an answer about Toranaga’s marriage alliances, accusing him of violating the Taikō’s will. Toranaga insists the peace stands, titles are irrelevant, and the law makes the Heir adult at fifteen.

The dispute shifts to Lady Ochiba. Ishido argues she is effectively a hostage in Yedo; Toranaga reframes her stay as a family visit beyond his orders. Ishido then presents signatures from Sugiyama, Onoshi, and Kiyama, making a 4–1 Council demand for Lady Ochiba’s immediate return and signaling they will wait in Osaka until she arrives. Toranaga recognizes the peril of isolation.

Pressing his advantage, Ishido threatens that all traitors plotting against the Heir will be exposed and executed, “even Minowara,” deliberately insulting semi-regal houses to provoke violence. A young Toranaga retainer, Usagi—Hiro-matsu’s grandson-in-law—leaps up to cut Ishido down. Ishido stands ready to die, hoping the killing will legitimize a crackdown by Osaka’s garrison.

Usagi regains control at the last instant and begs leave to commit seppuku for his shame. To deny Ishido any pretext and to enforce discipline, Toranaga refuses the honor and orders crucifixion, with the youth’s swords to be broken and his name erased. Hiro-matsu seizes the blades and undertakes the sentence, forcing Usagi to crawl. The court witnesses the youth’s stoic acceptance, while Toranaga silently vows to repay Ishido.