Episode 2 of Shogun opens with a poignant flashback that sheds light on the profound bond between Yoshii Toranaga and the late Taiko. As the ruler lay dying a year prior, he made a fateful decision that would reshape the political landscape. He decreed that a political stalemate would persist until Yaechiyo reached the age of sixteen, ensuring stability during her minority. To maintain this balance, he entrusted political power to five Regents, yet he remained vigilant against any covert scheming within their ranks.
Toranaga and the Taiko were once close friends, sharing a deep camaraderie that transcended mere political alliances. Fate, however, intervened, preventing Toranaga from marrying Ochiba, a woman they both deeply admired. The Taiko, filled with regret, lamented that he had not conquered Korea during his prime, a conquest that would have granted him the power to bestow Japan upon Toranaga as a token of their friendship.
As the Taiko lay on his deathbed, he made a heartfelt request to Toranaga. He warned that Yaechiyo's life would be in danger once the scramble for power began and begged Toranaga to watch over her, ensuring her safety amidst the looming political storm. Little did they know that his prophecy would soon come to pass.
In the present day, John is summoned to Toranaga's court, where he finds himself at the center of a political maelstrom. Shortly after, Martin Alvita, a Portuguese tsuji, or translator, arrives to assist the Regent in navigating the complex web of diplomacy and intrigue. But before he can settle into his new role, he receives instructions from Father Dell’Acqua, the leader of the Christian faction known as the "Society of Jesus."
Dell’Acqua tasks Alvita with protecting their "mission" at all costs, hinting at a deeper, more dangerous agenda than mere translation. He reveals that John's private diaries contain secret information about a hidden Portuguese base in Macao, a revelation that the Regents are unaware of. This revelation sets the stage for a thrilling tale of politica
Upon his arrival at the court, we discover that Mariko is none other than a former student of his. Despite not being actively involved in translation, Toranaga insists on having her by his side to vouch for Martin's loyalty and authenticity in his translations. To his credit, Martin remains steadfast in his duty, translating every word truthfully. John's fears of Martin's potential betrayal are unwarranted, as the translator reveals himself to be an honourable man.
In a slickly edited montage of their conversation, the anjin reveals his roots in England, painting a vivid picture of the religious strife between Protestants and Catholics, mirroring the conflict brewing between England and Portugal. John maintains the facade of a merchant, cloaked in the guise of being authorised by the Dutch Marquis to trade freely across the open seas. Toranaga is captivated by John's sincerity and fiery spirit.
However, their tête-à-tête is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Ishido. Rumours of John's heterodoxy have already circulated, travelling swiftly through the court. No one can fathom the exact reason for Toranaga's keen interest in him.
Later that evening, in a private meeting with his trusted advisors, the true intentions of Toranaga are revealed. Kiyama and Ohno, the Christian Regents, owe their allegiance to the Portuguese. John's presence in Osaka is like a dagger piercing their hearts. They are poised to vote unanimously against Toranaga, demanding that John be executed. This calculated move will divide the Regents and safeguard Toranaga's position.
John is condemned to die, and until that fateful moment arrives, he must endure the confinement of a prison cell.
Amidst the maze of confusion surrounding his present circumstances, he stumbled upon Father Domingo, a Protestant compatriot who had traversed the vast oceans to Japan nearly three decades prior. Toranaga, sequestered within the castle's walls, awaited his inevitable impeachment, while the cunning Regent cunningly manipulated the anjin to suit his own agenda.
Domingo peeled back the layers of Toranaga's ancestry, revealing the bloodline of the Minowara, a lineage blessed with a "divine mandate" to reign as Shogun. Yet, the depths of his true desires remained shrouded in mystery, amidst the looming threat of impending events. Domingo also shed light on the intricate web of trade arrangements, where the Portuguese served as mediators between the reluctant Japanese and Chinese.
Their ominous Black Ship, anchored in Macao, reigned supreme over the lucrative trade, amassing vast profits. The late Taiko had valiantly attempted to dismantle this arrangement, but the Society of Jesus had cunningly fomented a rebellion, quelling his efforts. From their clandestine base, a gunring operated, manned by hundreds of converted Japanese soldiers, mercenaries under the Church's command.
The following morning, the Regents gathered to deliberate on the pressing matter. As Toranaga had foreseen, Kiyama and Ohno pressed for John's execution. However, Ishido firmly brushed aside their demands, insisting that the castle's rules must be strictly adhered to. He was also critical of their association with the Portuguese, motivated solely by their greedy desire for profits. This deadlock bought Toranaga precious time, while the pressure on Martin mounted. Captain Ferreira, commander of the ominous Black Ship, demanded that he secure the permit for the ship's departure from Japanese shores.
As the President of Foreign Relations, Toranaga held the key to granting this permit. Ishido ventured outside the castle walls to visit Yabushige, his former general and a comrade bound by shared experiences. This meaningful camaraderie encouraged Yabush
He elaborates that the Spaniards and Portuguese firmly grasped control of the Magellan Pass, paving the way for the Erasmus to set foot on their newfound land. These two empires greedily carved up the New World, with Japan being a mere pawn in their game, dividing it into two territories solely for their own benefit. Their ultimate objective is to evict any non-Catholic rulers and establish their own absolute rule in these conquered lands.
Toranaga and the rest of the court are left in stunned silence. However, the Regent has already devised a cunning plan. He orders John to be confined to his quarters for the night, unaware that this is merely a ruse to lure out the spy lurking among their ranks, one who secretly serves the Church.
The first step in this intricate trap is to deny the Black Ship permission to depart from the shores. This provocation forces both the Regents and the Church to dispatch their assassin deep within the palace walls. It is one of the maids, unsuspected and unsuspecting, who unleashes chaos as Toranaga's samurai struggle to react swiftly enough.
Toranaga, however, is sharper than his foes. He tactfully dispatches the maid before she can complete her mission, but not before John attempts to intervene and save her life. Toranaga reveals that the maid's true target was John, not him, making him an even more crucial pawn in this intricate political game.
