In the fourth episode of Oooku, we delve deeper into the lives of two central figures: Arikoto, the cultured man from Kyoto, and the female Shogun, both of whom have assumed roles they did not choose voluntarily.

At the beginning of the episode, the stark contrast between Arikoto's refined manners and the rough behavior of the men from Edo becomes evident. Arikoto's polite and respectful treatment of the female Shogun is often criticized by the men from Edo, who attribute his behavior to his upbringing in Kyoto. Unfazed, Arikoto asserts that respect and good manners do not depend on a person's origin but on their character.

Despite the turbulent environment, Arikoto remains calm, composed, and friendly. Yet, he is not immune to the pressure of his new reality. There are moments when he physically exhausts himself to temporarily escape his circumstances. His empathy, however, remains unwavering, especially for the female Shogun, whom he recognizes as a grieving mother.

This compassion leads to an ever-closer bond between Arikoto and the Shogun. They spend increasing amounts of time together, often accompanied by Arikoto's cat, Waka Murasaki, who provides them both with comfort and companionship. A shared moment of laughter symbolizes the emergence of a genuine connection, in which they see each other not merely as figures in a social hierarchy but as individuals who enjoy each other's company.

Yet, not all elements of the episode are uplifting. Gyokuei, who was renamed O-Tama by the Shogun, is treated harshly by the other men. In response, Gyokuei commits a disturbing act of revenge by orchestrating the death of Arikoto's cat and unjustly blaming someone else for it.

Despite the difficult circumstances, there is a glimmer of hope for Arikoto and Gyokuei. Arikoto's unwavering dedication to sword training gradually earns him recognition and respect. He firmly believes that violence and revenge cannot bring about positive change and hopes that Gyokuei will come to realize this as well.