平治の乱

In 1159, Yoshitomo finally decides to join hands with Nobuyori and rises in revolt against Shinzei--the Heiji Rebellion. Yoshitomo and Nobuyori place Emperor Nijo (Emperor Go-Shirakawa's son who has ascended the throne) and the former Emperor Go-Shirakawa under confinement, and set fire to the Imperial Palace. Kiyomori, who learns of the rebellion while heading for Kumano, immediately returns to Kyoto. Although Shinzei tries to hide in the mountain, he is found by his pursuers and commits suicide.

義朝（玉木宏）は信頼（塚地武雅）と手を組み、ついに決起した。後白河上皇（松田翔太）と二条天皇（冨浦智嗣）を幽閉した義朝は、逃げた信西（阿部サダヲ）を追撃しながら、熊野詣で中の清盛（松山ケンイチ）を京で迎え撃つ！前半最大のクライマックス「平治の乱」。２回にわたって源平最初の大激突を描く。