Key Conflicts Pt. 2 // Diane S.

• Mameha brings Sayuri to a wrestling match out of Gion, where Sayuri reunites with the Chairman. There, she also meets Nobu, the Chairman's business partner. However, Hatsumomo follows them even there, to another town, to ruin Sayuri's prospects for the future. Mameha, inspired by the wrestlers, comes up with a plan to "throw Hatsumomo off-balance". Although Sayuri would like nothing better than to get rid of Hatsumomo, she would rather not go through with the plan because it involves her feigning interest in Nobu. Sayuri knew that if she became involved with Nobu, with him being the Chairman's business partner, she could never have a future with the Chairman. 
• Nobu proposes that he becomes Sayuri's danna, but Sayuri doesn't want to become his mistress for fear of ruining all chances with the Chairman.  She takes another man as her danna, which angers Nobu so much that he doesn't speak to her afterwards. However, during the time of war, Gion is shut down, and all geisha have to find themselves someplace to live, or they will be shipped off to the factories. Even though he hadn't spoken to her for years, Nobu reappears in Sayuri's life and finds her a safe home, to which Sayuri feels entitled to him for. 
• After the war, Nobu again proposes that he becomes Sayuri's danna, but Sayuri is still hoping for the Chairman instead. Sayuri doesn't want to hurt Nobu's feelings or anger him after all he'd done for her, but she wanted nothing more than having a life with the Chairman, which would become impossible if she became Nobu's mistress. In time, Sayuri discovers that Nobu  has an acquaintanceship with the Minister, but Nobu hates him for his laziness and greed. In desperation, Sayuri sets up a situation in which Nobu would come across her and the Minister in an unfavorable position.
• Sayuri enlists Pumpkin to help  her carry out her plan, but Pumpkin, realizing that Sayuri has feelings for the Chairman, brings him to the designated area instead of Nobu. After all those years, Pumpkin still held a grudge against Sayuri for 'stealing' her spot as the daughter of the okiya, and ruined Sayuri's plan as revenge. Nobu hears of the encounter, however, and is so angry that he wants nothing to do with Sayuri anymore.