A boy is attacked by a wild bear, introducing a plague that affects only males.

Arikoto's wounds finally heal, and he's introduced to the other men in the Ooku, but they don't take kindly to him.

Though blissfully in love, Iemitsu is still not pregnant. Lady Kasuga finds a promiscuous man in town who bears an uncanny resemblance to Arikoto.

Lady Kasuga falls ill, causing worry over what will happen in the event of her passing. The plague finds its way into the Ooku.

Iemitsu steps out into the open and announces her intentions, creating major changes across the country.