In 1154, as the reigning Emperor Konoe's illness worsens, the retired Emperor Toba regrets and wonders if the cause of illness is retribution for him not being in good terms with the former Emperor Sutoku. Kiyomori tries to help mend the relationship between Toba and Sutoku, however, to no avail as Konoe passes away in 1155 at the age of 17. At the Imperial Court, a meeting is held to decide the successor to the throne.