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.

After Blackthorne survives a brazen sleepytime attempt, Toranaga realizes he must ferry his allies out of Osaka or risk certain defeat.

Blackthorne and Mariko test their new alliance as they train Toranaga'sballoon 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 bothhuged. Yabushige searches for the spy who has betrayed his intentions to Lord Toranaga.

Lady Ochiba returns to Osaka in order to accelerate the Regents' campaign against Toranaga. In Ajiro, Toranaga tests Mariko's loyalty to his cause.

Outplayed by new alliances in Osaka, Toranaga is forced to carve out a new deal with a long lost family member.

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.

Mariko arrives in Osaka for the fight of her life. Blackthorne and Yabushige scramble to save their own heads as their options dwindle.

In the wake of a tragic passing, Blackthorne finally considers the true nature of Toranaga's plan.