Episode 4 of "Chief of War" kicks off with the solemn demise of King Kalani'opu'u, ushering in an era defined by a new monarch: his son, Keoua. Yet, beneath the surface of this regal succession lies a tumultuous shift in power. Though Keoua assumes the mantle of kingship, the true might of the military has silently transitioned to Kamehameha, who has been anointed the God of War. This transition, orchestrated before the king's untimely demise, was a testament to Kamehameha's strategic acumen, noticed by the late ruler in the previous episode. Keoua, incensed, rails against the perceived usurpation of his birthright by Kamehameha. Despite Kamehameha's attempts at reconciliation, Keoua scorns his cousin, whom he deems unworthy due to his humble origins. In a fit of rage, Keoua pounds his own face until a tooth is dislodged, a grim symbol of his declaration of war against his flesh and blood.
Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of O’ahu, Kahekili learns of the king's passing and promptly convenes his war generals. Seizing the moment, he plots to conquer Hawai’i, capitalizing on the chaos. However, one of the Maui chiefs expresses reservations, haunted by the memory of slaying a child king and losing Ka’iana, and questions the alignment of their actions with the prophecy. Kahekili, fueled by a bloodlust, is convinced that he must obliterate all other royal lines to fulfill the prophecy, ensuring his bloodline stands unrivaled. His resolve is unyielding.
On a more personal front, Ka’ahumanu, now married, finds herself missing her English lessons with John. Discontent with the role of a submissive wife, she initially balks at John's assertion that freedom can be found within marriage. It takes a moment of challenge and introspection for her to grasp the depth of his wisdom.
As Kamehameha geared up for war, Ka’ahumanu exhorted him to trust his own instincts should the Gods remain unresponsive. When the divine voices failed to echo his pleas, Kamehameha reached a pivotal decision, opting to adopt a defensive stance. He prepared for battle should Keoua approach, but refused to initiate aggression.
Meanwhile, Ka’iana awoke to find Tony's side of the bed empty. Vai dismissed his worries about Tony with a casual shrug, but Ka’iana sensed something was amiss. Horrified by the sight of caged individuals, including a weeping infant and helpless women, a seething rage welled up within him. Unable to contain his frustration, he unleashed his fury on a soldier in the heart of the town, prompting a harsh military crackdown.
Ka’iana fled and took refuge, but this rebellious act did little to aid his journey back home. It also placed Vai in a precarious position, as she begged the Captain to wait for Ka’iana that very night. Eventually, Vai tracked down Ka’iana, concealed within his hiding spot, and implored him to leave before it was too late. Ka’iana, desperate to rescue Tony, was unyielding, despite Vai's insistence that the opportunity had slipped away. The Captain, who had deceived him, intended to sail that very night.
Armed with guns, Ka’iana could have returned home to fight his war, but his sense of honor and determination to find his friend were unwavering. Upon learning that Tony might be imprisoned in a warehouse with other slaves, Ka’iana set off to rescue him. After incapacitating several guards, Ka’iana liberated all the slaves and set the warehouse ablaze. Chaos ensued as the slaves fought back, overthrowing their captors, while Ka’iana finally located Tony, who appeared greatly weakened.
With the guns loaded onto the ship and Zamboanga engulfed in turmoil, Ka’iana managed to reach the dock and board the vessel. Vai was also there, and as they cast off, the fiery orange glow of the burning warehouse illuminated the night sky.
