Blackthorne prepares to receive Buntaro formally, mindful of rank and ceremony. With Mariko interpreting, they probe tactics—fire arrows, rockets—and Buntaro questions European war. When Malta’s siege arises, Blackthorne abruptly conceals key details after realizing they might unlock Osaka Castle’s defense, intending to reserve this leverage.

At dinner, cultural divide widens: Blackthorne’s hung pheasant and rich stew disgust his guests, and sake toasts escalate tension. To prove mastery, Buntaro, seated, fires five arrows through the shoji into the chosen gatepost, all within inches, which Blackthorne honors. Drinking worsens Buntaro’s mood.

Buntaro orders Mariko to recount her past: she is Akechi Mariko, daughter of the traitor Akechi Jinsai who slew Lord Goroda; her family died by formal seppuku, she was spared and exiled for eight years, and annually denied seppuku. Buntaro drinks until he collapses. Later, he awakens and brutally beats Mariko; Fujiko blocks Blackthorne from intervening, invoking the need to preserve life and house harmony.

After Buntaro departs in rage, Blackthorne finds Mariko injured. She insists he has no rights to interfere, confesses her hatred of Buntaro, and explains her cold revenge: she will never submit again. She married to please Goroda and her father, whom she now reviles. She warns Blackthorne of lethal consequences if adultery is exposed and of the ever-present “Eightfold Fence.”

At dawn, armed and ready to confront Buntaro, Blackthorne is met by an unforeseen ceremony: Buntaro kneels in the road and humbly apologizes for disturbing the wa of his host’s house. Blackthorne accepts, recognizing custom and sake’s mitigation. Mariko sends word that she is indisposed and apologizes for the disturbance. Blackthorne does not see her for eight days.