Summary

In Chapter 12, Yoshitsune and his loyal followers surprise-attacked Shoshun’s group, killing many and causing the survivors, including Shoshun, to flee. Shoshun was tracked down by the monks who raised Yoshitsune as a child, and handed Shoshun over to Yoshitsune. Shoshun’s head was then cut off. Yoshitsune, whose life was clearly at risk, then had no choice but to rebel against his own half-brother. Yoshitsune sought out permission to fight Yoritomo from Go-Shirakawa. The Retired Emperor agreed, made Yoshitsune sheriff, and allowed the Minamoto family feud to proceed. The exact reason - Go-Shirakawa genuinely sympathizing with Yoshitsune or wanting a family feud to rupture the Minamotos, allowing the reclamation of lost imperial power - was not known. Yoritomo was meanwhile stunned to learn he was now the outlaw. Yoshitsune and Uncle Yukiie decided then to join forces to deal with their common...