Kiyomori and Yoshitomo are respectively ordered to cut off Tadamasa and Tameyoshi's heads by Shinzei who has now come to power in the Imperial Court. Although the two are torn between sorrow and duty, they finally make up their heart-rending decisions. After following Shinzei's order, Kiyomori is invited by Emperor Go-Shirakawa to his banquet where Go-Shirakawa tests Kiyomori's loyalty to him. Shinzei tells Kiyomori to bear all the burdens and become the country's valuable asset.