Shanaou informs Kichiji that he has made up his mind to go to Hiraizumi and starts preparing. The conflict between the Heike and high ranking court nobles continues and Kiyomori and his eldest son Shigemori quarrel over how this should be settled. However Kiyomori now puts great trust on Shigemori acting confidently as the successor of the head of the Heike despite his mild nature. Kiyomori's daughter Tokuko is reluctant to become the emperor’s bride. Around that time, a rumor about the relationship between Yoritomo and Hojo Masako in Izu spreads in Kyoto. Being alarmed to see the Genji regaining power, Mumemori strongly suggests to his father, Kiyomori to kill Shanaou or to confine him in the world of Buddhism. Shanaou is told by Tokiwa who is put under pressure by the Heike to become a priest immediately. Realizing that the time has come to leave Kyoto, Shanaou visits Otoku and asks her again to let him see Kiyomori. After a meeting with Kiyomori, Shanaou visits Ichijo Naganari’s residence to say farewell to Tokiwa.
