It is 1164, Yoritomo, who was exiled five years ago by Kiyomori, has now turned 18 and lives with his retainer in Izu. Meanwhile, Kiyomori gains power in the Imperial Court under the rule of Emperor Nijo, who is in conflict with the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Nijo suddenly falls ill and passes the throne to his son, Prince Nobuhito (who later becomes known as Emperor Rokujo) with hopes to eliminate Go-Shirakawa's influence over the Imperial Court. However, after the passing of Nijo and with the enthronement of Emperor Rokujo at the tender age of two, the power balance within the Imperial Court begins to fall apart.