Scene at Ichiriki tea house, Gion (Gion Ichiriki chaya no ba, 祇園一力茶屋の場).

At the centre, Ōboshi has just received a confidential letter detailing the plan to avenge his fallen lord, a plan he and his companions have long concealed, deliberately adopting a dissolute lifestyle to deceive their enemies into believing they had abandoned all thoughts of revenge.
On the right, the courtesan Okuru is shown holding a mirror, which she has used to secretly read the contents of the letter from behind. Realising that his secret has been compromised, Ōboshi resolves to redeem Okuru from the teahouse and kill her, thus eliminating the risk of betrayal.
On the left stands Teraoka, Okuru`s brother, who from the outset has sought to assist Ōboshi in the revenge plot, despite repeated and firm refusals. It is precisely Teraoka`s unwavering loyalty and persistence—mirroring his devotion to Ōboshi—that ultimately leads Ōboshi to spare Okuru`s life, once he becomes aware of their familial bond.