In 1166, Kiyomori becomes the first samurai who reaches the position of a Major Counselor at the Imperial Court. Although some aristocrats reacted sharply against Kiyomori's unprecedented promotion, Kiyomori continues to extend power with the backing of Motozane, a Regent and son-in-law of Kiyomori. Meanwhile in Izu, Yoritomo becomes emotionally involved with Princess Yae, the daughter of Ito Sukechika from a local powerful family who is placed to keep Yoritomo under surveillance, while Sukechika is away for the sake of serving under Kiyomori in Kyoto.
摂政基実（村杉蝉之介）を後ろ盾に、清盛（松山ケンイチ）は出世の道を駆け上る。一方、伊豆の源頼朝（岡田将生）は伊東祐親（峰竜太）の娘・八重姫（福田沙紀）との間に、ひそかに子をもうけていた。しかし、それは頼朝を襲う、更なる悲劇の始まりでしかなかった…。乙前（松田聖子）が再登場！華麗な歌と舞いを、清盛＆後白河上皇（松田翔太）の前で披露する。
