January 1582, Soueki discusses with Hidenaga: Nobunaga plans to go to Kyoto to visit the merchant Shimai Shoushitsu who owns the Narashiba teajar. Being lightly protected it would be a perfect time for Mitsuhide to attack him at Honno temple. March, Sasuke survived the fall only to be moqued by Nobunaga. Still for his efforts in conquering Fukuyou castle, he's rewarded governance over a 200 koku manor, having now 400 koku in total. Takigawa Kazumasu is honoured as the conqueror of Kai by Nobunaga. In reward he asks for the Jukou Konasu tea jar. He's denied but granted rule over disadvantageous Kantou instead. Mitsuhide reads a letter from Hideyoshi saying he would be denied rule over Shikoku he conquered. Later, Nobunaga confirms it by telling Mitsuhide his son Nobutada will rule over Shikoku. As Mitsuhide is angered, Nobunaga discloses this is only the first step in its plan to become emperor. April, Kuroda Yoshitaka and Hachisuka Masakatsu arrive at Hideyoshi's camp who is still fighting the Mori. They want him to attack Shimizu Munearu who holds Takamatsu castle. But Hideyoshi prefers to flood the castle using the Kawazugahana river. Though it is only a ploy to buy time while waiting for Mitsuhide to kill Nobunaga. May, Soueki and Sasuke visits Mitsuhide. They discuss a future banquet in Azuchi to celebrate victory over the Takeda. Soueki promise to provide food, with Souji and Sasuke as assistants. From how the Hakkaku is set, Soueki notices the desperation of Mitsuhide and is convinced he will take actions soon.
甲州攻めも終わりをむかえ、ついに武田は滅びた。信長は家臣に恩賞を分配するものの、満足のいく結果を得られなかった左介は意気消沈。だがそんな思いをいだいたのは左介だけではなかった。
