The feud between the two clans is escalating with each passing day. The Genji, or the Minamoto Clan, have suffered heavy losses, and a considerable number of them have been taken prisoner. Among the captives is Yoritomo, a young successor of the Minamoto Clan. The leader of the Taira Clan shows clemency towards Yoritomo and exiles him to Hirugakojima, a small island in the Izu province, where he lives a tranquil life and never contemplates avenging his clan's defeat.
Unexpectedly, a monk named Mongaku, who had insulted the Emperor, joins Yoritomo on the island. Mongaku and Yoritomo are known to each other. Mongaku tries to persuade Yoritomo to take revenge on the Taira Clan, but Yoritomo brushes aside his words and remains unmoved.
