It is 1164, Yoritomo, who was exiled five years ago by Kiyomori, has now turned 18 and lives with his retainer in Izu. Meanwhile, Kiyomori gains power in the Imperial Court under the rule of Emperor Nijo, who is in conflict with the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Nijo suddenly falls ill and passes the throne to his son, Prince Nobuhito (who later becomes known as Emperor Rokujo) with hopes to eliminate Go-Shirakawa's influence over the Imperial Court. However, after the passing of Nijo and with the enthronement of Emperor Rokujo at the tender age of two, the power balance within the Imperial Court begins to fall apart.
第３部が華々しく開幕！来るべき源平合戦に向けて、伊豆の頼朝（岡田将生）、北条時政（遠藤憲一）がついに登場！京都では清盛（松山ケンイチ）が朝廷内で着々と力を伸ばし、平家の全盛時代を築き上げる。後白河上皇（松田翔太）との権力争いも、より過激に。繁栄する平家一門と、追い落としにかかる朝廷＆源氏。激動の時代はここから始まる！北条政子、源義経、弁慶も間もなく登場。
