After the passage of several years, Biwa catches up with a friend. A clash with the Enryakuji monks bodes ill for the Heike, and Shigemori is compelled to take drastic action to restrain Kiyomori.

Shigemori's passing hits Kiyomori hard. However, with Shigemori gone, no one is left to stand up to Kiyomori, leaving his whims and ambitions unchecked.