General Ryumon Mitsuhide returns alive. He claims that his performance of the tea ceremony saved his life. Kaku is relieved but collapses. At Maruoka Castle, the Seii soldiers debate the events on the bridge. Commander Wajima Ouga takes full responsibility for making the wrong judgement and assuming that their was an ambush. Ouga is ashamed of herself and doesn’t believe she should be Commander. Her adviser, Yayakichi tells he has a plan. A dark one.
Yayakichi’s sacrifice
He writes a false letter that presents an accusation from several subordinates claiming that he is responsible for the failure at the bridge. Despite no evidence, the other senior military officers called for the dismissal of Yayakichi. He tells his sons his plans to their horror. He tells them they must sign as well. Yayakichi isn’t done though. He conspires with another soldier to “lay siege to the chief’s residence.”
Yayakichi plan succeeds. He’s seen as a traitor and is sentenced to death. Ouga isn’t fooled, but Yayakichi doesn’t deviate form his plan. One of his son agrees with the death penalty, even if the other soldier disagree. Wajima condemns him to crucifixion. Hei Yayakichi is killed. Commander Wajima doesn’t take his death lightly. She understands his sacrifice and is grateful.