We learn that the son of Lord Mitsunaka, Bijiyo, has squandered his education. Mitsunaka is so angered by his son's laziness that he decides the boy must be put to death. When his loyal servant Nakamitsu prevents him from doing so, Mitsunaka charges him with the job of performing the act himself, forcing Nakamitsu to make an agonising decision between duty and love.

In contrast to the play's opening moments, these scenes are performed in a more ritualized fashion with exaggerated movements and a lot of music and dance.