The Taira clan, also known as the Heike, has reached unprecedented power and influence in Japan. Through strange and terrible circumstances, a biwa-playing girl finds herself enmeshed in the story of their political strife.
Shigemori rushes to deal with the fallout of Kiyomori's assault on the regent. As Biwa spends more time with Shigemori's family, she begins to open up.
After the passage of several years, Biwa catches up with a friend. A clash with the Enryakuji monks bodes ill for the Heike, and Shigemori is compelled to take drastic action to restrain Kiyomori.
Tokuko finally carries Emperor Takakura's child. The prospect of an emperor from the Taira lineage is a happy tiding, but the prospect of Kiyomori's tightening grip on power bodes ill.
Shigemori's passing hits Kiyomori hard. However, with Shigemori gone, no one is left to stand up to Kiyomori, leaving his whims and ambitions unchecked.
