Toranaga is ready to put Crimson Sky in motion after Shōgun episode 6, a plan he initially refused to consider but now has no option but to use it.
Shōgun episode 6 introduces Lord Toranaga’s Crimson Sky, an old war plan that will have to be put in motion now that Ochiba-no-kata and Ishido have made their move. Ishido was failing to assemble a new version of the council to deal with Toranaga, but Ochiba quickly found a fifth Regent and set up a vote to determine the Lord of Kanto’s future. Ochiba-no-kata, a key Shōgun character, is the one pulling the strings, hoping not only to protect her son but also to avenge her father’s death and reclaim what was taken from her.
Ochiba, the Heir’s mother, believes Toranaga was behind the attempted cue that resulted in her father’s death and now sees him as a major threat to her son’s reign. Ochiba-no-kata is based on the Sengoku princess Yodo-no-kata, whereas Lord Toranaga is based on Togukawa Ieyasu. Part of the true story James Clavell’s novel is based on involves major battles that would define the country’s future, a description that suits Toranaga’s upcoming attack on Osaka as described in Shōgun episode 6.
Lord Toranaga’s Crimson Sky Plan Explained
Toranaga originally refused to use Crimson Sky
Shōgun’s Crimson Sky is a war plan that consists of a single, violent rush on Osaka to take down the council and appoint Lord Toranaga as the sole regent. Toranaga would rule on behalf of the Heir without having to report to anyone else, making him essentially into Shōgun. The Osaka castle is where Ishido and Ochiba-no-kata are currently concentrating their power, which is why it would be the target. The idea for Crimson Sky would be to resolve things as quickly as possible, opting for a brief, intense fight rather than an extended war.
The assassination of Sugiyama after he refused to vote with the rest of the Regents made it clear that Ochiba and Ishido were willing to do anything to control the council.
Even though Toranaga’s options were becoming very limited, he initially refused to put Crimson Sky in motion. This is because, according to Toragana, they did not have the numbers to defeat Ishido and would be marching toward their deaths. Additionally, Toranaga has said more than once that he does not seek to become Shōgun. He urged his allies to find a different course of action, but it wasn’t long until Toranaga realized marching toward Osaka and taking over the castle was the only option they had against Ishido and Ochiba.
What Made Toranaga Agree To The Crimson Sky Plan
Sugiyama’s death showed what Ochiba was willing to do
The assassination of Sugiyama after he refused to vote with the rest of the Regents made it clear that Ochiba and Ishido were willing to do anything to control the council. The Council of Regents’ power is now symbolic as Ochiba-no-kata is the one making the decisions. Between taking several daimyos hostages and killing a Regent, Ochiba has shown that she will stop at nothing to win this war. As a result, Lord Toranaga accepted that the only to protect the Heir and avoid being crushed by Ochiba’s power was to put Crimson Sky in motion.
As stated by Toranaga during his conversation with Mariko, Ochiba is fighting with “no honor,” thus making her next moves unpredictable. The odds are still not in Toranaga’s favor, though, which is why he will reach out to his half-brother. If Saeki Nobutatsu agrees to an alliance, Toranaga might have enough men to win the battle that will define the future of the region. John Blackthorne will serve as the leader of the cannon regiment, which is expected to be very important considering this will be an attack by land and not just by sea.
What Crimson Sky Means For The Rest Of Shōgun
Shōgun’s remaining episodes could be all about war
Lord Toranaga’s Crimson Sky plan means that Shōgun’s upcoming episodes could be the show’s most action-packed yet. The series had so far focused on the political chess game played between Ishido and Toranaga, but Ochiba’s return to Osaka changed everything. She refused to continue waiting for the Regents to eventually deal with Toranaga and assured the council would vote for his death as quickly as possible. Sugiyama’s death means any daimyo who stands against Ochiba will be killed, meaning Toranaga has no choice but to go to war too.
| Episode Number | Episode Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | “A Stick of Time” | April 2 |
| 8 | “The Abyss of Life” | April 9 |
| 9 | “Crimson Sky” | April 16 |
| 10 | “A Dream of a Dream” | April 23 |
It remains to be seen whether Toranaga’s half-brother will join his efforts, or if the Lord of Kanto will have to find other allies. It will also be interesting to see whom Yabushige will be loyal to once the battle begins – the Lord of Izo has been reporting to Ishido while also being part of Toranaga’s inner circle. Shōgun’s final four episodes are set to be the culmination of everything the series has been building up, particularly the tension between Toranaga and the other Regents. There will also be a personal element to it given Ochiba’s hatred for Toranga.
