Yoshii Nagakado is Toranaga’s son. As this episode unfolds, Nagakado makes a major decision after Rodrigues helped John Blackthorne and Toranaga’s group escape Osaka. Toranaga leaves his scion in charge of Ajiro in the Izu region, hoping he can batten down the hatches and help Blackthorne train the military in the use of Western weapons like guns and cannons.

Sadly, Nagakado’s ego gets in the way at the seaside village. He has shown signs of jealousy over the way his father relies on Blackthorne and Mariko. He doesn’t realize Toranaga has to play politics and set his Edo legion up properly if he is to engage with the Regents. After resigning from the council, the leader understands it’s just a matter of time. But while war is impending, Toranaga has to ensure all armies within his power will rally when he calls.

Toranaga planned strategically for some time, having several wives as part of his military tactics. Nagakado, however, is too feisty and impetuous to the point of hastily sending a message to Osaka. Such impulsive behavior will only serve to rile the cabal and hasten their assault. Unfortunately, things come to a boil in the fields of Ajiro. The arrival of a royal entourage from Osaka led by Jozen forces Yabushige (the Lord of the area) to arrange a demonstration of what the cannons can do. It’s an intimidation tactic to keep the peace for now.

Unfortunately, Nagakado fires a hidden cannon at the envoy, effectively blowing them to pieces. It stuns Yabushige, who keeps begging him to stop. This act leaves Shōgun’s Mariko and Blackthorne terrified, as they watch Nagakado cross lines he cannot walk back from. In a sheer act of arrogance, Nagakado even tells his enemies to send word to his father about this act of treachery. The episode ends with him beheading Jozen, who thinks they are all brutal for the ambush.

Shōgun’s Yoshii Nagakado Is Being Manipulated by Omi

The sad thing about Nagakado being so disrespectful and disruptive is that he isn’t even being counseled by someone loyal. Omi (Yabushige’s nephew) manipulates Nagakado very similarly to Game of Thrones’ Littlefinger. Omi wants to curry favor with Osaka, realizing that if Yabushige is branded a traitor and gets taken out, Omi could end up receiving this fief.

This harsh truth comes to light earlier in the story when he beds the concubine Kiku, who has been spending nights with Yabushige, as well. It seems she is a spy, positioning her real lover, Omi, to take over. While initially reluctant to backstab his uncle, Omi can tell that Yabushige fears Toranaga and will bend his knee to him. But with four Lords and a bigger army from Osaka coming, Omi must select the right side to partner with.

Kickstarting the war could help eliminate his enemies and then allow him to surrender Ajiro to Ishido. In fact, he could easily do what Yabushige had done: offer himself up as an inside man. Seeing as no one suspects that Omi has full disclosure on the plans of the Toranaga clan, he would be an easily controllable spy for Ishido’s clan to rely on.

This is a brave gamble, but one Omi seems to be managing well. He has mined his uncle for all the necessary intel, and kept playing on Nagakado’s insecurities to a tee. Omi knows the true currency of the realm is information, allowing him to carve a potential path to the power players — an ambition he has always harbored deep down. It once more confirms that Shōgun is made for Game of Thrones fans who may not know of the 1975 novel by James Clavell and the 1980 TV miniseries.

Shōgun’s Yabushige Could Be Redeemed

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This bit of insubordination from Nagakado does open the door for a surprising arc: Yabushige’s redemption. He has been divided, having served beside both Toranaga and Ishido in the feudal scraps for territory against Korea. But he keeps waiting for the smoke to clear to see which team to truly join. Yabushige is a double agent, informing both sides, but with the war sparking so soon, he might have to capitalize on the fact Toranaga needs him.

Ishido and the Regents have already began to hint that they want Yabushige’s head. Hearing of Jozen’s battalion being killed will only push this even more. As such, it’s a matter of survival for Yabushige. Proximity matters and if the politicians don’t want to hear or trust him anymore, he may as well side with the heroes who are trying to protect democracy in this conflict. Once he stops toeing the line, he can live up to the legends that paint him as a respected, fierce warrior — not a sniveling spy who loves politicking for self-gain.

Toranaga is desperate for experienced leaders and willing to forgive. Plus, Ajiro does love fighting for a Toranaga who wants the rightful heir, Yaechiyo, to take the throne when he turns 16. The drama is coming down to principle and the old, honorable code — things Yabushige left in the past. But once he reconnects with that passion for justice, he can be reborn. His potential to be a hero is present; he just needs the right motivation. With Toranaga’s fief, the European armory, and Blackthorne ready to train them in the art of war with naval fleets, the stage is set for Yabushige to butt heads with Omi over which side to pick.

New episodes of Shōgun premiere Tuesdays on FX.