Velasco remarks that he is generally pleased with the progress he has made in Mexico, though the journey to Spain that lies ahead is fraught with difficulties. He is perplexed by Matsuki’s refusal to continue with the other envoys but also relieved to be rid of him. Before Velasco departs, Matsuki tells him that they will not meet again and warns him that no good can come of his missionary work in Japan.

Velasco and the three remaining envoys make the journey from Mexico City to the Atlantic coast. They stop in Puebla, where they encounter the Japanese former monk again. That night, Nishi and Hasekura leave the Franciscan monastery where they have been staying and make the short journey to Tecali, where the Japanese man lives.

The two envoys easily find the former monk, who talks to them at length. He tells them how he came from Japan to Mexico, via Manila, and says that he remains a Christian, despite having seen the Spanish do terrible things in Latin America. He says that he is too old to return to Japan and has no one waiting for him there. He also warns them that the recent Huaxteca uprising has made it dangerous to go to Veracruz, a fact that Velasco has concealed from them.

The envoys continue their long journey to Veracruz, stopping again in Cordoba, where they have dinner with the mayor. The mayor and dignitaries have never heard of Japan and react with derision when they are told what a small country it is. Velasco finds himself defending Japan and the Japanese, since he feels that disparagement of the country is also a slight upon his own ambition to claim it for Christianity. In an expansive mood, he tells the Japanese envoys that they are to have an audience with the king of Spain, which impresses them as well as the Spanish dignitaries.

As they advance across the plain, the envoys see fires started by the rebels. Tanaka tells Velasco that they know about the uprising but will proceed to Veracruz anyway. Tanaka, the only veteran soldier in the group, takes command, and they continue to move forward. Velasco performs the last rites for a young native man, and two of his friends, out of gratitude, escort the party to Veracruz, enabling them to survive an attack by the Huaxtecans.

When the expedition arrives in Veracruz, Velasco receives a letter from his uncle, telling him that the Jesuits have petitioned the king, asking his majesty to refuse Velasco’s requests and those of the Japanese envoys. Velasco falls asleep thinking about how to counter this attack.