Kippoushi (Nobunaga), surrounded by castle intrigue, is caught aiding a band of homeless youth who are stealing his father's goods. As his father is about to shoot them, Nobunaga intervenes. His father releases the gang into Nobunaga's care.

Nobunaga is engaged against his will to the daughter of The Viper of Minou, Kichou--secretly a ninja. After the wedding, she tries to kill Nobunaga, but he talks her out of it. She then attempts suicide, but Nobunaga convinces her to remain with him.

As Nobuhide awaits death, Tsuneoki gets wind of a traitor. A brash child, Inuchiyo, begs his way into Nobunaga’s service. On the eve of the funeral, Nobunaga rushes to help Tsuneoki confront the spy, and ends up missing his father’s memorial service.

When Nobunaga requests 500 muskets, of his retainers, only Nobunaga’s mentor Hirate supports him. Nobutomo, titular lord of Owari, makes a grab for real power. As Hirate's health fades, Nobunaga puts his new battle method to the test.

Saitou Dousan, lord of neighboring Mino Province and Nobunaga's father-in-law, invites Nobunaga and Kichou to meet. As Toshiie tries to lead a defensive force to the site, Dousan's son/Kichou's brother, Yoshitatsu, puts a cunning plan into action.

Facing multiple provocations by the aggressor Imagawa, in cahoots with the puppet masters of the Principal Line, Nobunaga appeals to his loyal brother Nobukatsu for aid. But Nobukatsu faces opposition from those surrounding him, who have other ideas.