Recognizing that diplomacy is dead, Toranaga finally triggers "Crimson Sky."
This episode marks the full emergence of Lady Ochiba as the series' true antagonist and the "will" behind Ishido. [S1E6] Judge, Jury and Executioner
Lord Sugiyama refuses to sign the death warrant, recognizing Ishido's blatant power grab. Recognizing that diplomacy is dead
The primary conflict centers on Ishido’s attempt to consolidate power by forcing the other Regents to vote for Lord Toranaga’s impeachment. assassinated the previous ruthless Lord
Her father, Akechi Jinsai, assassinated the previous ruthless Lord, Kuroda. To protect Mariko, he forced her to marry into the Toda family instead of dying with the rest of her kin.
Ishido holds the other Regents as "honored guests" (effectively hostages) in Osaka.