Harunobu finally conquers the Ogasawara clan and seizes their territory in Shinano. His only great enemy of Shinano, Murakami, remains. Capturing the impregnable Toishi Castle is the key in defeating Murakami, and Sanada who used to preside over the territory takes on the important task. Although Sanada is eager for take action, Kansuke dissuades Sanada foreseeing it as premature. Kansuke infiltrates to Echigo to ascertain Kagetora Nagao's caliber. Meanwhile, Sanada plots the invasion of the castle against Kansuke's admonition.