Back in Kyoto, Yoshitsune is welcomed by the ex-emperor Goshirakawa. Realizing that it is no longer possible to re-strengthen the ties with his brother, Yoshitsune decides to pursue a path different from Yoritomo’s. Meanwhile, the ex-emperor appoints Yoshitsune governor of Iyo on his own authority, learning that Yoshitsune has lost his domains due to Yoritomo’s order. Despite his retainers’ concern that accepting the appointment from the ex-emperor would worsen the relationship between the brothers, Yoshitsune takes up the post intending to show Yoritomo his decision to break away from his brother. Being alarmed that Yoshitsune would be drawn to the ex-emperor’s side, Yoritomo sends Kagetoki to Kyoto to keep an eye on Yoshitsune. One day, Yukiie visits Yoshitsune and tries to persuade him to topple Yoritomo together. Yukiie’s repeated visits are reported to Kamakura by Kagetoki and….
度重なる頼朝（中井貴一）からの仕打ちに、失意のまま都に戻った義経（滝沢秀明）を後白河法皇（平幹二朗）はあたたかく迎え入れる。もはや頼朝との関係改善が困難と悟った義経は、頼朝と争うのではなく頼朝とは別の道を歩むことを決意する。所領を頼朝に奪われた義経に、法皇が独断で伊予守に任命。そのことを知った頼朝は、義経が法皇に取り込まれることを恐れ、様子を探るべく梶原景時（中尾彬）を京へ派遣する。
