Ashikaga Yoshiaki occupies the seat of the fifteenth Muromachi shogun during the events of the third season, succeeding his deceased older brother, Yoshiteru. His character embodies the pride and entitlement inherent to the shogunate lineage, yet this is consistently undermined by a pronounced cowardice that surfaces under threat. Initially, Yoshiaki secures his position in the capital through an alliance with Nobunaga Oda. This relationship sours as Yoshiaki grows resentful of Nobunaga's power, his annoyance palpable during a meeting following Nobunaga's victory over the Azai clan. Seeking to counter Nobunaga's dominance, Yoshiaki maneuvers politically, aligning himself with the Ikkō sect leader Hongan-ji Kennyo, the Azai, the Asakura, and forces from Enryaku-ji temple on Mount Hiei. Yoshiaki actively supports Kennyo's declaration of Nobunaga as an enemy, fueling the Ikkō-ikki uprising and the siege of Ishiyama Hongan-ji. However, during the critical confrontation at Makishima, his inherent cowardice manifests decisively; he fails to act effectively under pressure, contributing to the coalition's setbacks. Attempting to flee capture, he is instead apprehended and delivered to Nobunaga. Nobunaga exiles Yoshiaki from Kyoto rather than executing him, a strategic move to avoid the repercussions of killing a sitting shogun. This expulsion strips Yoshiaki of political relevance and signifies the dissolution of the Ashikaga shogunate's authority within the narrative, cementing the shift in power toward Nobunaga's unification.