Upon discussing the matter with Tenshō-in, he made up his mind to tell the emperor in person that the implementation of such a policy would be unattainable. Princess Kazu, however, strongly opposed Iemochi's decision. Sakamoto Ryōma visited Katsu Rintarō. Although he initially intended to kill Lintarō, after discussion, he changed his mind and asked Lintarō to become his mentor. In the meantime in Satsuma, Tatewaki got promoted to the position of Karō. In Edo castle, where Iemochi's departure was looming close, Tenshō-in and Lintaro argued with each other whether Iemochi should take a land route or a sea route. Meanwhile, Kazunomiya, who learned that Tenshō-in pushed Iemochi to visit the capital, came to harbor strong hostility toward Tenshō-in. The news that Shōgun Iemochi arrived at Kyoto came to Ōoku and lightened her mind. Kazunomiya, on the other hand, worried about Iemochi and became more restless. Her fear became true when radicals led by a Chōshū Domain group supporting the expulsion of foreigners dominated the Imperial Court in Kyoto. Mired in the quandary, Iemochi was forced to promise to the court the enforcement of expelling foreigners. Tenshōin, who blamed herself for urging Iemochi's visit to Kyoto, asked Kazunomiya to convince his brother, Emperor Kōmei to arrange Iemochi's return to Edo, but Kazunomiya adamantly refused it. Tenshōin sent Katsu Kaishū to Iemochi, who fell ill from the exhaustion from the trip to Kyōto. Through the conversation with Katsu, Iemochi regained his spirits and learned his board perspective on the matter. In the meantime, Chōshū Domain carried out the expulsion of foreigners, and word reached Satsuma. Hisamitsu and Tatewaki realized that war was imminent. In Kyōto, Iemochi was permitted to return to Edo with Kazunomiya's plea to the emperor. Tenshōin expressed her gratitude to Kazunomiya. Then, the news came in that the British Royal Navy staying in Yokohama headed to Satsuma. The Anglo-Satsuma War was about to start.