Amazingly, Blackthorne has managed to escape Osaka with his head still on his shoulders.

But his situation is still precarious on Lord Yabushige's turf.

In fact, once Toranaga flees the village following a brief speech, it looks as though the Anjin has leapt out of the frying pan and into the fire.

But his situation improves when he realizes that he can impress Yabushige with his knowledge of cannons.

After initially rejecting Fuji as his consort, Blackthorne embraces her and gifts her one of his guns after she stands up to Omi on his behalf.

She reciprocates with the gift of her father's swords.

Of course, it's Mariko who holds the key to Blackthorne's heart, and the two of them engage in some surreptitious pillowing, which she refuses to acknowledge the following day.

With that, it's time for Jozen to witness a demonstration of Blackthorne's cannons.

Recognizing an opportunity to gain the favor of his father, Toranaga, Nagakado goes on the attack, murders Jozen, and decimates the army of Ishido's men who had accompanied him.

Mariko whispers, "It's war," and we realize that with one foolish move, Nagakado just took his father's situation from bad to worse.

It's a good thing Toranaga has the Anjin and his guns on his side.