At the Edo Castle, a dispute continues between Gou who wants to make Kunimatsu the Tokugawa's successor, and Fuku who insists that Takechiyo is the most eligible successor. While the dispute is heating up, Oba no Tsubone falls ill. Sensing her life is approaching to an end, Oba no Tsubone advises Hidetada to talk things over with Ieyasu, and tells Gou never to forsake her own offspring no matter what happens.
