Tadaoka, a retainer, is the key to persuading the Abe clan to join the Black Ninja compact to replace the shogun with the Lord of Owari. Hakuunsai approaches him. Tadaoka refuses and threatens to report Hakuunsai to the shogunate. Hakuunsai counters with incriminating though false letters in a box found mysteriously in Tadaoka’s rooms. He threatens to ruin him unless he signs. Chiyo, the daughter of Hiyama, the spy samurai assigned to the Abe clan and herself a ninja, overhears this and is attacked by Gensai {"Women die, too" says this paragon of chivalry) but Tonbei intervenes. She reports to Hiyama and says that the box of letters must not be taken to Edo because, although it will also incriminate the Owari, their name will disappear leaving just the Abe clan’s. He agrees. Shintarō retrieves the box of letters. Chiyo and Kiyama agree not to spy on the Abe any more. Shintarō fights Gensai and Hakuunsai but Hakuunsai runs off into a procession with the shogun’s crest on it. (During this, Tonbei gives Shūsaku more ninja information, this time on disguises, weapons and medicine.)
