Destinies converge in Japan after a barbarian ship washes ashore in a poor fishing village. Meanwhile, in Osaka, Lord Toranaga finds himself outplayed by his enemies.
Blackthorne’s arrival in Osaka stirs up a hornet’s nest of rivalries. Mariko is trapped between her cause and her faith when she must translate for the barbarian in Lord Toranaga’s custody.
Blackthorne and Mariko test their new alliance as they train Toranaga’s gun regiment for war. Yabushige must navigate his past promises to Ishido when an old friend comes to the village.
Blackthorne and Mariko struggle to contain the secret that could get them both killed. Yabushige searches for the spy who has betrayed his intentions to Lord Toranaga.
Toranaga’s defeated clan moves to Edo and awaits their fate. Blackthorne must decide who he fights for — the lord who has turned his back on him, or the ambition that brought him to Japan in the first place.
