The finale of ‘Shogun’ witnessed the return of Yabushige, John Blackthorne, and Toranaga’s consorts to Edo after the tragic sacrifice of Lady Mariko. Yabushige’s guilt over leading intruders into Osaka castle led to his confession and subsequent sentence of Seppuku. Before his death, he revealed the heir he had chosen and had a final conversation with Toranaga, expressing regret over not witnessing the fruition of Toranaga’s plan. Toranaga fulfilled Yabushige’s dying wish by explaining his strategy for executing Crimson Sky without sending his army to Osaka. Instead, he had utilized Lady Mariko, causing distress and division among the important families and the Council of Regents. Lady Ochiba’s betrayal and pledge of loyalty to Toranaga further weakened Ishido’s position. Yabushige’s final question to Toranaga about his Shogun aspirations remained unanswered, but his smile as he stabbed himself implied his understanding of Toranaga’s true intentions. Toranaga’s smirk confirmed his plan to become the Shogun of Japan, subverting expectations by avoiding the Battle of Sekigahara. Instead, Toranaga gained ultimate power and began his Shogunate with the backing of Taiko’s heir, thanks to the sacrifices of Nagakado, Hiromatsu, Mariko, and the strategic use of Yabushige and John Blackthorne. Meanwhile, Blackthorne realized that his ship’s destruction was part of Toranaga’s plan to keep him alive. He eventually accepted his role in Toranaga’s rise to power and decided to build him a fleet, leaving behind his dreams of returning to England.