Episode 4 of Shogun opens with a urgent message dispatched to Omi, the nephew of Yabushige, in the serene village of Ajiro. The summons commands Omi to ready the village for the impending arrival of Toranaga.
As the preparations swell with fervent activity, Mariko faces a treacherous challenge on the galley. John's recent elevation to the esteemed rank of Hatamato has created a void that now demands a consort. This responsibility falls squarely upon the shoulders of Fuji, who vehemently rejects the prospect. However, Mariko sternly reminds her of the duty she owes to Toranaga, emphasizing that it is the only path forward - to continue the valiant struggle of her husbands and families.
The news of Toranaga's resignation from the Council reaches Yabushige like a bolt from the blue, jolting him to the core. Unhesitatingly, he voices his opinions, declaring that Toranaga has effectively "signed his death warrant" with this decision.
As the galley gracefully glided ashore in Ajiro, the resounding chants of Yabushige's name echoed through the air, heralding the arrival of his vast samurai army. However, his fleeting joy was quickly extinguished as Toranaga's ferocious speech rang out, galvanizing the samurai into chanting his name instead. Toranaga firmly believed that a war was looming on the horizon, and those who conspired against Japan must be dealt with swiftly and severely.
In a startling turn of events, Toranaga abruptly departed Ajiro in a small boat, claiming urgent matters awaited him. This unexpected departure left everyone in a state of shock, especially John. He frantically searched for his crewmen, but the villagers' inability to understand Portuguese made communication difficult. It was Mariko who stepped in to clarify the situation, explaining that both the crew and the ship now belonged to Toranaga. For their safety, the crewmen had been placed in the city of Edo.
John was infuriated but helpless, realizing that his freedom was merely a mockery and that he was at Toranaga's mercy. As Hatamato, John was afforded the opulence of a spacious house, a generous salary, and Fuji as his consort. However, this arrangement essentially kept him prisoner in Ajiro while Toranaga was away. John stubbornly refused to accept Fuji as his pseudo spouse, but Mariko made it abundantly clear that for the next six months, she would fulfill the marital duties regardless of his feelings.
During a clandestine meeting with Omi and his general, Yabushige calmly discussed the looming challenges. The general voiced his frustration, believing that Toranaga had taken Yabushige for granted, insulting him repeatedly, including the recent spectacle in Ajiro. Despite these indignities, Yabushige remained composed. When Omi was reprimanded for failing to discern Toranaga's spy in the village, he came forward with a well-crafted plan to bolster Yabushige's position.
Until Toranaga's return, the ship and its powerful cannon were under Yabushige's command. He mulled over a cunning scheme: if he offered the ship as a gift to Ishido, he might curry favor with the powerful figure. With Toranaga facing impeachment once the fifth Council member was found, Yabushige saw an opportunity to seize control.
In a tender moment shared between Mariko and John, she explained the reasons behind Fuji's appointment as his consort. Their conversation delved into the intricacies of Japanese culture and customs. Mariko referenced the concept of "the eightfold fence," a childhood lesson that taught her the value of finding solace within oneself, a retreat from the chaos of the outside world.
The following morning, another clash erupted between John and Omi. The latter, with steely resolve, insisted that John relinquish his firearms for the day. However, John stubbornly refused to acquiesce. The tense standoff was unexpectedly diffused by Fuji's quick wit. She swiftly confiscated the guns from John's grasp and pointed them menacingly at Omi, ordering him to vacate the premises. Omi, aware of Fuji's connection to the powerful Hiromatsu, had no choice but to comply with her demands.
Later, John and Mariko were summoned by Yabushige to a vast and open field. John was tasked with the crucial responsibility of training a gun regiment for Toranaga's army - a deal that had spared his life. But when Mariko inquired about his past experiences in war, John faltered, finding it difficult to articulate his role in such violent conflicts. Determined to regain the upper hand, John proposed an alternative approach. Given his lifelong experience as a sea pilot and the unparalleled capabilities of the English cannons, he volunteered to teach the regiment naval combat techniques. He confidently promised that the cannons would deliver devastating blows with unparalleled accuracy and range.
As John demonstrated his skills, all traces of skepticism were gradually eroded, replaced by a growing optimism. Over the next few weeks, John diligently trained the regiment in this newfound combat craft. Meanwhile, Mariko, who had been entrusted with John's personal diaries by Toranaga before his departure, spent her evenings reading them, striving to gain a deeper understanding of the man she was now partnered with.
During one of these quiet evenings, a scout suddenly appeared, reporting that Jozun, bearing Ishido's flag, was approaching their camp. Nagakado, Toranaga's son, immediately went on alert as Yabushige greeted the approaching messenger. Jozun delivered a terse demand, insisting that Yabushige return to Osaka to answer for his alleged "treason." He claimed ignorance of Toranaga's presence in one of the carriages, but the situation was tense, and the future hung in the balance.
Yabushige adamantly insisted that Jozun remain behind and witness the cannons' devastating power the following day. Given their strong rapport, Jozun acquiesced to the request. If he had agreed to return, Yabushige would have been compelled to take his own life. But since he refused, he would now be branded a fugitive.
Over dinner, John and Fuji exchanged meaningful gifts. As a token of gratitude, John presented her with one of the guns, and in return, Fuji bestowed upon John her father's sword, a symbol of honor and trust.
Meanwhile, Kiku and Omi were embroiled in a secret affair, but there were hints that Kiku might have ulterior motives. She could potentially be a spy working for the Christian Regents or the Portuguese. This mystery would slowly unravel as the story progressed. But for now, Kiku remained inconspicuous.
To assist his uncle, Omi hatched a clever plan to manipulate Nagakado by leveraging Toranaga's influence against him. Nagakado had always felt overshadowed by his father, who treated him like a child and disregarded his opinions. Omi successfully lured Nagakado into a rash action, convincing him to act impulsively rather than seeking Toranaga's guidance.
The episode's most poignant scene unfolded near a geyser, where John and Mariko shared their thoughts and feelings about themselves and the world. They were kindred spirits, sharing similar perspectives and life experiences. Perhaps this emotional connection sparked what Mariko did next. While John slept peacefully in his quarters, Mariko crept in silently, gently woke him, and they shared an intimate moment.
However, the morning after, Mariko refused to acknowledge their encounter and instead claimed it was a courtesan. The episode concluded on a dramatic note. Instead of demonstrating the cannons' capabilities, Nagakado surprised everyone by unleashing them against Jozun and his men. The attack was devastating, leaving no chance for defense. Everyone was stunned, none more so than Mariko, who reluctantly exclaimed, "It is war."
