After a daring escape, Lord Toranaga and his newfound English associate John Blackthorne are free from captivity. How does Lord Toranaga choose to celebrate? With a diving lesson from the Anjin, the barbarian, John Blackthorne. Toranaga names Blackthorne hatamoto, an honorific indicating high status earned through his courage in effecting Toranaga’s escape. If this lord, who has very obviously taken a shine to him, wants to learn to dive, then John Blackthorne will see it done.

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Persons: Lord Toranaga, John Blackthorne, Lady Kiri, Ishido, Lady Mariko’s, Buntaro, Shinnosuke Abe, it’s, Mariko, Toranaga, He’s, acclimating, Blackthorne