Crimson Sky

The story begins with Mariko, who, after years of longing to reunite with her deceased family, is sent on a crucial mission by Lord Toranaga. Her task is to travel to Osaka to gain favor with Lord Ishido and prevent him from seizing control of the city. Accompanied by John Blackthorne and Kashigi Yabushige, Mariko pretends that Toranaga is surrendering to Ishido as part of a larger scheme to undermine Ishido's plans. Upon arriving in Osaka, Mariko and her companions face resistance from Ishido's men. Mariko orders her warriors to defend them, but as the conflict intensifies, she confronts her own son, Ryūji, who has vowed to disown her. Despite this emotional turmoil, Mariko leads her group through the city gates, determined to fulfill her duty to Toranaga. Their departure is met with consequences. Ishido's men pursue them, leading to a fierce battle. Mariko's supporters dwindle, and as she fights to protect her group, her composure begins to falter. In the chaos, Mariko realizes her life is at stake and vows to commit seppuku by sunset to protest Ishido's offenses. Just as Mariko is about to take her life, Ishido grants her a stay of execution by providing a permit for her departure. However, her relief is short-lived. That night, Mariko and her group are ambushed by masked assassins in the castle. As they fight to defend themselves, Mariko sacrifices herself by placing her body against the door to buy time for her companions. In the end, Blackthorne steps forward to fulfill her final wish and ends her life.