Destinies converge in Japan after a barbarian ship washes ashore in a poor fishing village; 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 survives a brazen assassination attempt; Toranaga realises he must ferry his allies out of Osaka or risk certain defeat.
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.
Lady Ochiba returns to Osaka to accelerate the Regents' campaign against Toranaga; in Ajiro, Toranaga tests Mariko's loyalty to his cause.
Hiroyuki Sanada
Lord Yoshii Toranaga
Cosmo Jarvis
John Blackthorne
Anna Sawai
Toda Mariko
Tadanobu Asano
Kashigi Yabushige
Hiroto Kanai
Ishido Kazunari