Kubad finally left Venice on 12 February 1568. Even though he would have preferred the speedy and convenient journey by sea across the Adriatic and Aegean seas, he chose instead the land route from Dubrovnik and via Sarajevo and Edirne because of escalating strikes by Uskok and Maltese pirates against Ottoman shipping. Back in Istanbul he reported to his lords in the Imperial Divan and fulfilled his promise to the Venetian Senate by arranging for the obliteration of all references to Soranzo's contract with di Segura. He even convinced the kadi of Galata to tear his copy of the vexing certificate out of his ledger and burn it.

Kubad's willingness to undertake this unlawful act derived partly from expectations for future rewards. Venetian relief at no longer being liable to Ottoman justice was enormous and a grateful bailo compensated the courier well. There was a darker cause, however.