Ep. 9: May 1582 Sasuke receives a valuable bowl while Nobunaga plans war and refuses court titles.
On May 29, 1582, Sasuke struggles to feed his fifty men but receives a crude Bizen bowl valued at one thousand koku from Hideyoshi. By June 1, Nobunaga prepares for war against Chousokabe in Kyushu, requiring aid from Hakata merchants Kamiya Soutan and Shimai Shoushitsu. He declines offers to become shogun, grand advisor, or grand counsellor, asserting his status as God of the Realm due to his extensive art collection, though he lacks two tea jars. Sasuke visits Kiyohide, who discourages him from viewing masterpieces at Honno. Meanwhile, Mitsuhide informs four retainers of his plot to kill Nobunaga. Soueki delivers gunpowder to Honno under the guise of supporting the Mori war. Nobunaga dines with Nobutada and Nagamasu, intending for Nobutada to rule using art for influence, with Nagamasu as advisor. As Mitsuhide moves troops, Sasuke feels impending doom while carving a tea scoop. Nobunaga is killed by Hideyoshi after being woken by a stone frog.
Episodes
- Ep. 5 · Hideyoshi besieges Tottori Castle and tests Sasuke with tea artifacts in August 1581
- Ep. 6 · Sasuke attempts to capture Fukuyou Castle using crude pottery and deception tactics.
- Ep. 7 · Soueki and Sasuke observe Mitsuhide's desperation while Nobunaga plans his imperial ascent in January 1582.
- Ep. 8 · Tokugawa Ieyasu attends Nobunaga's banquet while Mori Terumoto targets Takamatsu castle.
- Ep. 9 · May 1582 Sasuke receives a valuable bowl while Nobunaga plans war and refuses court titles.
- Ep. 10 · Nobunaga's final tea, Hideyoshi's theft, and the escape of key figures amidst the Honnoji Incident.
- Ep. 11 · Yasuke hunts Nobunaga's killer while Sasuke offers prayers and Nagamasa seeks refuge.
- Ep. 12 · Sasuke informs Hideyoshi of Kiyohide's decision while Mitsuhide maneuvers for power.
- Ep. 13 · Mitsuhide realizes betrayal as Hideyoshi's superior forces approach Kyoto for a decisive clash.