Throne of Blood

After defeating Tsuzuki's enemies in battle, Miki and Washizu return to Tsuzuki's castle. They are greeted with honor and the spoils of victory. The lord's gratitude sets the stage for the foretold fortunes to unfold.

On their way back through the thick forest, a spirit appears and prophesies their fates. It foretells Washizu as Lord of the Northern Garrison and Miki as commander of the first fortress. It also hints that Washizu will become lord of Spider's Web Castle and that Miki's son will one day rule.

Back at the estate, Tsuzuki dispenses rewards exactly as the spirit predicted. The fulfillment of the prophecy impression deepens in both men. The fortune appears to be sealed, influencing their future choices.

Asaji leverages the prophecy to tighten her grip on Washizu. She nudges him toward drastic steps to ensure the foretold future comes true. Her manipulation plants the seed of killing Tsuzuki.

With drugged guards, Washizu enters Tsuzuki's bedchamber and kills him in his sleep. Asaji turns the deed into a perilous necessity to fulfill the prophecy. The crime marks a decisive turn in Washizu's fate.

Asaji cries foul, claiming an intruder has entered the castle. Washizu kills an unconscious guard to cover the lie. The pair deepen their web of treachery and fear of exposure grows.

Kunimaru and Noriyasu begin to suspect Washizu's treachery and attempt to warn Miki. Miki refuses to believe that his trusted friend could betray him. The friendship frays as doubt takes root.

Washizu, pressed by Asaji's claim of pregnancy, must decide who will be his heir. He contemplates eliminating Miki and his son to secure his lineage. The dilemma intensifies the tension within the castle.

During a grand banquet, Miki and his son have not arrived. Washizu grows agitated as fear and guilt surface, and a vision of Miki's ghost appears. Asaji masks the truth, declaring the shake-up a matter of drunkenness and misfortune.

A messenger arrives with the severed head of Miki, confirming his demise. Washizu kills the messenger to suppress the truth. The night's deceit hardens into a brutal separation from reality.

Rumors swirl that Miki's son Yoshiteru, Kunimaru, and Noriyasu have joined rival factions. Washizu mourns the seemingly dead heir while seeking clues about his own future. He retreats to the forest to seek guidance from the omen-giving spirit.

The spirit in the forest tells Washizu that defeat will come only when the trees of the Spider's Web Forest rise against the castle. He shares the ominous prophecy with his troops, boosting their confidence while sowing paranoia. Washizu becomes convinced of an inevitable victory.

At dawn, the attackers advance with trees cut from the forest used as a cover. Washizu is wounded by arrows as the mutinous troops break into the castle. He dies attempting to draw his sword as the illusion of control shatters and the forest literally aids the siege.