Episode 18: Only One Flower in the World

1585, In Oozaka castle, Imai Soukyuu gets dismissed as tea master; Soueki will have the position. Hideyoshi courts Ochacha, now 15. Sasuke is sent to excuse him to his wife One, who owns the title Kita no Mandokoro. Kato Kiyomasa, the chief tax collector arrives. He brings a Tsujigahana dyed kimono. One doesn't want it and generously gives it Sasuke for Osen. Hideyoshi and Ochacha arrive in his bedchambers. She reluctantly gives herself up to him, acknowledging this as the only chance she has at power. Hideyoshi agrees, saying she reminds him of her uncle, Oda Nobunaga. He drugs her with an aphrodisiac and ties her up before having sex. To contrast this, Sasuke and Osen have a normal, loving relationship. He gives her the kimono he received earlier and they spend the night together. Many months later, in August, in order to assume his new postition, Soueki is given a new name by the chief priest of Daitoku temple Kokei Souchin: Sen no Rikyuu. Afterwards, Soueki, Hideyoshi, and Hidenaga discuss political matters over tea. Soueki proclaims the emperor unnecessary and suggests poisoning him. Hideyoshi, furious, stabs Soueki. Soueki, unperturbed by the assault, praises Hideyoshi's honor and bravery before pledging his unending loyalty. Ultimately, Hideyoshi heeds Soueki's advice and the two plan to assassinate the emperor. An opportunity arises in January 1586, in the golden tea room Soueki made. During the act, the emperor acknowledges Hideyoshi. Grateful, Hideyoshi spares him. In February, Araki Doufun meets with Sasuke. He's dying, and in exchange of one of his treasures, he wants Sasuke to find his son and tell him the story of his survival. Sasuke picks a ritual tea stand from Korea as payment.