Returning to the capital Teruhi and Jinzaburō's group see the city the distance, in flames after an attack by the Mongols. They find some survivors led by Abiru Yajirō who says that other survivors are scattered throughout the hills. Before they can devise a plan, they are detected by a small group of Mongol scouts and Teruhi fires arrows at them in frustration and anger. Amushi then sees a large force marching towards them, who are led by the Mongul Mingghan Commander, Uriyan Edei. As the survivors head for shelter at Aso Bay, an old woman inspires some soldiers to stop and fight a rearguard action along with the exiles. On the narrow trail, Jinzaburō plans a strategic defense based on his fighting experience. Jinzaburō tells Abiru of his time in Kamakura with Nagoe Tokaiki of the Hōjō clan who told him that playing shogi and war were the same, and to never lose sight of the big picture. He also learned that if you lay down your sword you can never win. Just then, the monguls attack with explosives and charge through the blinding smoke. However, the defending forces led by Jinzaburō recover and decimate the attackers with arrows. Following this experience, Abiru finds newfound resolve and promises to support Jinzaburō.

Jinzaburou confronts Shiraishi who says he only cares about recovering his clan and his lands. Jinzaburou defeats him and Teruhi takes his head. That night Teruhi kisses Jinzaburou while he is asleep, conflicted about his coarse manner and his bravery. Meanwhile Chō Minpuku has prepared a small boat loaded with supplies to abandon the island, but only Onitakemaru agrees to leave with him. In the Toibarai fortress, while seeking an omen for the future, the elder dies, but Nagamine holds firm, maintaining morale. The Mongol army Vice Marshal, Kou Chakyuu prepares to attack the fortress, and uses flaming torches to show the scale of his army. At Hakata on Kyushuu, Kagesuke the son of the Shouni clan patriarch, Shouni Sukeyoshi prepares to send reinforcements to Tsushima but his father stops him, preferring instead to save his forces for after the invasion to fight against the other Kyushuu clans. Back on Tsushima, what initially appears to be reinforcements sailing towards the defenders turns out to be a fleet of Mongol Ships.