Trama

After Lord Toronaga rescues Blackthorn from prison, he enlists him as his aide and names him, 'Anjin-san'. Mariko is directed to tutor Anjin-san in the language and customs of Japan.

The next day dawns to the ship close to its destination of Osaka where Rodrigues explains to Blackthorne it is not the home of Toranaga they are going to, but the castle of Japan's head regent Ishido. While Blackthorne is conducted to Toranaga, Rodrigues brings Blackthorne's charts to Father Dell'Aqua, the head of the Jesuit mission in Japan.

Dell'Aqua and his aide, Father Alvito review the documents and reflect on the magnitude of the Dutch ship's arrival - the Portuguese hold of the region may be in peril. The key to Portuguese rule in the Orient is the famed Black Ship, a vessel that makes a once yearly journey from Portugal to Asia to gather valuable goods which are sold in Europe. Dell'Aqua & Alvito know that Blackthorne has come to seize the ship and lay claim to trade in the region for the Dutch and English. Alvito is to quickly review the documents for any indication of other Dutch or English plans as Toranaga is likely to demand them as spoils of the ship when their existence is known.

Blackthorne has his first meeting with Toranaga where Alvito presents himself as translator. When he objects Alvito instructs him how to identify him as his enemy and Toranaga summons Lady Mariko to translate for him. Toranaga then interviews Blackthorne about the purpose of his journey to Japan. Before the interview can be concluded Ishido, head regent and rival to Toranaga interrupts and is curious about the Englishman. In order to protect him from his rival Toranaga calls Blackthorne a pirate and sentences him to prison as a ruse.

En route to prison Blackthorne learns of another brutal side of Japanese customs as he passes crucified prisoners. He finds a Franciscan monk imprisoned who explains there is one punishment in Japan and that punishment is death. The monk also tells of the Jesuit plans for dominance in the region and the Black Ship that annually conducts its massive profits back to Portugal.

Having successfully eluded his rival Toranaga is able to free Blackthorne. This time Alvito is forced to eavesdrop from the sideline as Blackthorne explains to his new benefactor the true plan of the Jesuits and Portuguese and their plans for Japan. After the meeting, Blackthorne's life is threatened by an assassination attempt creating a mystery as to who wishes him dead.