Stairway to Heaven

Synopsis

Sasuke confesses his actions to Soeki who in turns reveals Murashige already told him, as it was Soeki that lent the Araki Kourai to Murashige. Soeki also asks Sasuke to return the bowl. Sasuke accepts and ask if he can become Soeki's disciple. Soeki accepts. Sasuke later goes to Azuchi Castle and is captivated by its features. There he meets with Nobunaga that discloses his ambition to unify Japan only to then wage war against the continent. Another day Sasuke has tea at Hashiba's with a bowl from Komogai, a present from Nobunaga. Hashiba asks Sasuke a recount of a banquet that was hosted by Mitsuhide to celebrate his nomination to oversee the Kinki region. During the banquet, Akechi Hidemitsu insults Nobunaga. As Nobunaga's retainer Sasuke challenges him but Mitsuhide intervenes and makes Hidemitsu apologize. Mitsuhide justifies the conduct of Nobunaga through his dedication to his ideal, professing absolute loyalty between lord and retainer. Mitsuhide then go make tea using a regular round kettle instead of the Hakkaku, a present from Nobunaga, as would have been expected on this occasion. Sasuke can't help but wonder why. (Source: Wikipedia)