The Jesuits themselves hold no direct power nor the ability to kill him outright, due to their foreigner status in Japan and delicate local politics.

Toranaga quickly realizes that Blackthorne and his ship present a great opportunity, not only in his dealings with the Portuguese but also in his struggle with his main rival, Lord Ishido (based on Ishida Mitsunari).

While in prison Blackthorne meets a Franciscan priest who gives him a much greater understanding of the tumultuous sociopolitical situation in Japan, and where the Portuguese and the Jesuits fit into it.

As a result of a series of events, Blackthorne eventually finds himself very close to Toranaga, saving his life on multiple occasions, as he begins to understand and deeply respect Japanese culture.

For his service, he is awarded the titles, privileges and obligations of hatamoto, granted a fiefdom as Daimyo of Kanagawa, promoted to samurai and commissioned a command as both Chief Admiral of the Kanto region and General of the Cannon Regiment.

One of Blackthorne's Nagasaki descendants, Shin Komoda, is mentioned as having been a samurai who died in a brawl shortly before the events in Gai-Jin take place (during the early 1860s).