Chapters Forty-Seven through Fifty-One Summary

Blackthorne is relieved to find the Erasmus in perfect condition. Gyoko tries to maneuver it so that her son is made samurai in return for information she has. Buntaro asks Toranga for Blackthorne's head, having heard the rumors of Mariko and Blackthorne. Toranga loses his temper in an unusual display of emotion, telling Buntaro that he needs Blackthorne's head "on his shoulders" for the moment, but that he will grant the request at a later date. Toranga has pretended to accept his own defeat though notes that it is part of his plan which he believes to be his only chance for survival. Blackthorne asks Toranga to allow Mariko to divorce Buntaro and Toranga agrees to consider it.

In chapter forty-eight, Blackthorne requests the opportunity to visit with his crew and Toranga grants the request but Blackthorne...