Ep. 7: Soueki and Sasuke observe Mitsuhide's desperation while Nobunaga plans his imperial ascent in January 1582.

7

In January 1582, Soueki and Hidenaga discuss Nobunaga's vulnerable trip to Kyoto to visit merchant Shimai Shoushitsu, creating an opportunity for Mitsuhide to attack at Honno temple. By March, Sasuke survives a fall and receives governance over a 200 koku manor, bringing his total to 400 koku, while Takigawa Kazumasu is honored for conquering Kai but denied the Jukou Konasu tea jar, receiving rule over the Kantou region instead. Mitsuhide learns from Hideyoshi that he will be denied Shikoku, a fact Nobunaga confirms by stating his son Nobutada will rule there, revealing this is merely the first step toward becoming emperor. In April, Kuroda Yoshitaka and Hachitsuka Masakatsu arrive at Hideyoshi's camp fighting the Mori, suggesting an attack on Shimizu Munearu at Takamatsu castle, but Hideyoshi prefers flooding it via the Kawazugahana river as a ploy to buy time for Mitsuhide to kill Nobunaga. By May, Soueki and Sasuke visit Mitsuhide to discuss a banquet in Azuchi celebrating victory over the Takeda. Soueki promises to provide food with Souji and Sasuke as assistants, and noticing the Hakkaku arrangement, he realizes Mitsuhide's desperation and believes he will act soon.