Terumasa's Trouble! Friendship Forced Upon Him

With the dōjō funds finally in sight, Chokkaku can breathe easy — until the castle steward Tachibana comes calling. Holding Terumasa's guitar, Tachibana bows his head and asks Chokkaku to become the boy's friend. Chokkaku accepts readily, visits the Hōjō mansion, and takes Terumasa out into the town. Guided by Jun, they arrive at the newly built dōjō, where Chokkaku throws himself into practice with his friends. In a corner of the hall, Terumasa is left standing all alone.