Before Lord Toranaga can even think of deploying the Crimson Sky plan, he would require assistance from his own half-brother. However, why is Saeki Nobutatsu not on Lord Toranaga's side in Shōgun episode 7? Learn more about his betrayal here.
CONTENT SPOILERS: This article contains spoilers for Shōgun, so proceed with caution.
Lord Toranaga Needed His Half-Brother's Help
Saeki Nobutatsu (played by Eita Okuno) was Lord Toranaga's (Hiroyuki Sanada) last hope in Shōgun episode 7 titled A Stick of Time.
Lord Toranaga's Crimson Sky plan to take over the council and become the sole Regent would require another massive army before he and his people could strike down on Osaka.
Initially, Saeki presented himself as someone who is willing to become Lord Toranaga's ally and help his half-brother's cause. Though his motivations remained unclear, the revelation came into view during dinner.
As Saeki continuously served their army bits and stories about Lord Toranaga's previous battles, these were not indications he was on board to help his half-brother.
READ MORE: Shogun: Does Toda Buntaro Actually Kill Lady Mariko in Ep 7? Her Seppuku Wish Explained
Why is Saeki Not on Lord Toranaga's Side in Shōgun Ep 7?
As it turns out, before Toranaga sought Saeki's help, he was already offered a position on the Council of Regents. Needless to say, Saeki likely chose to have the upper hand at play rather than side with his own family.
He surprised Lord Toranaga before their comrades by saying that he accepted the position and was simply here to personally escort his half-brother to the Regents as a declaration of his surrender.
As the letter from the council read: "[Lord Toranaga] is to deliver his response to Saeki Nobutatsu, our ambassador and newly appointed Regent."
Thus, after Saeki reveals his true intentions, the Ajiro surrounds Toranaga's army, ending the Crimson Sky plan before it can even push forth.
This, of course, forces Lord Toranaga into a corner, feeling ambushed by his own blood relative. The episode ends with the Lord agreeing to his surrender, despite his allies being blind to whatever backup plan he has in mind.
READ NEXT: Shōgun: What Happened Between John Blackthorne and Lady Kiku in Episode 6?
Meanwhile, Shōgun episode 8 titled The Abyss of Life premieres on Hulu on April 9.
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