Poor O-Chiyo, having to sully herself through prostitution to support herself and the man she's indebted too. Some of the boatmen wanted to help her and yet she refused despite the way others in her Han treat her. The men try to take advantage of her sexually and the women call her a whore and refuse to sell her food. All she has is Hayase and she still doesn't feel good enough for him. He's thanked her for all the help she's provided him so that he could spend the time needed completing his plans for the bridge he wants built. He tries to beg his Lord to review his plans, but they treat him like a dog. Despite their treatment toward him, Hayase was still willing to protect his Lord because he cared that much about his Han and wanted it to flourish by having his bridge built. Itto gave him the chance to live, but he didn't listen and instead challenged Itto to a duel and died for his no good Lord who ended up being killed anyways. O-Chiyo was going to kill herself to be with Hayase, but Itto convinced her to live and fulfill Hayase's dream of having his bridge built. Good chapter.
