What happened between Lady Kiku and John Blackthorne in Shogun episode 6? Knowing full well that Lady Mariko and the Anjin had been pining for each other behind the scenes, what's to become of their relationship after being offered a different courtesan for the night?
CONTENT SPOILERS: This article contains spoilers for Shōgun, so proceed with caution.
Lady Mariko Offers Lady Kiku's Services for the Anjin/Hatamoto
Shōgun episode 6 titled Ladies of the Willow World lets Lady Mariko venture off to Madame Gin's Tea House to find another courtesan for the Anjin/Hatamoto.
Once Lady Mariko settles 300 monme for Lady Kiku's services, she introduces her to John Blackthorne on the same night. Blackthorne compliments Lady Kiku's method of pouring tea, indicating his interest.
However, the night is filled with tension as Lady Mariko struggles to keep her emotions in as she potentially pushes the white samurai away from her permanently.
By the next day, Lady Kiku and John Blackthorne both seem to have spent quite the night in the series. Without saying a word, Blackthorne gives Mariko one last look before going back his own way.
Seeing as Lady Mariko and Blackthorne have previously made love in secret, this makes things quite more complicated between them. Not to mention the fact that she is still married to Toda Buntaro.
Then again, it wouldn't be called a forbidden romance if they came together the conventional way.
The question is, did Blackthorne and Lady Kiku engage sexually that night?
READ MORE: Shōgun Fans Explore What Makes the Courtesan Teacup Scene in Episode 6 a Powerful Move
Did John Blackthorne and Lady Kiku Sleep Together?
As Lady Kiku begins to prepare the quarters that she and the Anjin are to share for the night, Lady Mariko and Blackthorne are stuck together, hesitant as to how they must act in front of each other.
However, before Blackthorne leaves the scene, his hand lingers on Mariko's. Instead of reciprocating this feeling, the translator enters her room in silence.
Although the episode doesn't explicitly show whether or not Lady Kiku and John Blackthorne had intercourse that night, it is likely that they didn't.
Keep in mind that Blackthorne's feelings are quite clear in pursuit of Lady Mariko. He wouldn't choose to sleep with just about anyone he could get his hands on, as his eyes remained on Lady Mariko.
There's also the possibility that Lady Kiku is simply using the Anjin/Hatamoto's reputation to increase her power in becoming the most sought-after courtesan.
READ NEXT: Shōgun: Meet Lord Toranaga's Replacement in the Council of Regents, Lord Ito
Shōgun episode 7 titled A Stick of Time premieres on Hulu on April 2.
Follow our official Facebook page for more news coverage and other explainer articles! Check out more right here on Epicstream.