Ira Davis, the former first mate of the John Howland, comes to the Whitfield farm and asks Manjiro to join his ship, the Franklin, as a steward. Since Manjiro has graduated from school and completed part of an apprenticeship, he argues that he should be a cooper and initially refuses to go. Davis convinces Manjiro to accept the low-paying position by implying he may be able to return to Japan during the journey. Although he knows his life in Japan will not be privileged, he is desperate to return home.

On the Franklin, Manjiro runs into Jolly, who has aged and has a scarred face. Jolly does not recognize him at first, but when he does, both prepare to attack until the captain distracts them. Jolly warns Manjiro to disembark before it is too late, and Manjiro strangely senses that the danger does not come for Jolly.

Manjiro’s time on the ship is miserable. The food is poor, and he is shunned by most sailors other than Mr. Aken, a friend from the John Howland and son of the Whitfields’ family friends. Rather than look for whales, Manjiro looks for Japan’s coastline, to the bewilderment of Daniel, the young, inquisitive green hand that works with him.