Kansuke is challenged to a duel by the strongest retainer of the Takeda clan. Kansuke beats the samurai without an actual duel and makes Harunobu and the retainers appreciate his wisdom. Meanwhile, the second son of Harunobu loses his sight because of illness. Harunobu’s wife worries that this as an ominous sign of difficulties ahead brought by the one-eyed retainer. Harunobu takes no notice but her worry proves right—the powerful rival clan Uesugi starts invading Takeda’s land in Shinano.