Episode 9 of *Chief of War* unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of Hawaii, where Keoua's stock rises among neighboring chiefs following a volcanic eruption. They interpret this cataclysmic event as a divine sign from the gods—and particularly, the Goddess of Fire—endorsing Keoua as the rightful leader to guide them into the future.
Meanwhile, Kamehameha takes a bold step by allowing Ka’ahumanu to join the council. Despite murmurs of dissent and faint whispers of skepticism, Kamehameha remains steadfast in his belief that Ka’ahumanu offers a unique perspective, one that could be instrumental in leading them forward.
Before the impending clash, more truths emerge. Namake, burdened by guilt, confesses to having shared a fleeting romantic encounter with Kupuohi during a time of profound loneliness and grief. The fact that their brief liaison quickly fizzled out upon Ka’iana’s return underscores Namake's conviction that no malice was intended. Namake refers to this episode as the greatest shame of his life, prompting Ka’iana to embrace his brother in a gesture of forgiveness. That same night, Ka’iana also extends a comforting hand to his wife, recognizing the pain she has endured, especially in the wake of Nahi’s tragic demise.
Meanwhile, Prince Kupule, miraculously surviving the stab wound to his gut from the previous episode, remains a focal point of concern. Kahekili believes Kupule's mind has been poisoned, leading him to attempt the king's assassination. In a chilling display, the advisor is executed right before Kupule's eyes, a stark reminder of the consequences of betrayal.
However, the narrative quickly shifts to the looming confrontation. As dawn breaks, the armies brace themselves for the epic showdown. Kamehameha leads his troops to the Black Desert, with the recently erupted volcano looming ominously in the background.
Both Keoua and Opunui engage in a game of psychological warfare, taunting the enemy forces and, in particular, Ka’iana. Yet, Ka’iana remains unshaken, swiftly turning the tables on his adversaries. After all, they wield the formidable presence of the God of War on their side, along with weapons poised to turn the tide of battle in their favor.
What unfolds amidst the chaos of battle? The clash commences, yet Keoua’s forces prove no match for the relentless firepower arrayed against them. It’s akin to waves crashing futilely against a steadfast rock, though it does offer some slick, adrenaline-fueled action sequences that captivate the eye. Adding a touch of cinematic flair, we witness a scene reminiscent of the Avengers: Endgame female squadron, as the women of the battlefield join the fray, albeit mostly engaging from a safe distance.
However, the tide shifts when Opunui seizes a gun, drawing Kamehameha, the War Chief, into the heart of the melee. Rather than clinging to the weapon, Kamehameha abandons it, opting instead to pursue Heke with a ferocious intensity. He swiftly overpowers her, until Ka’ahumanu intervenes, landing a shot in his leg. This momentary reprieve allows Heke to seize the opportunity, delivering a fatal dose of poison that seals Kamehameha’s fate.
Amidst the carnage, Kupuohi falls, pierced by a blade, while Keoua stands isolated, a bystander to the volcanic fury that engulfs much of the battlefield. Ka’iana, with a gun trained on his adversary, seems poised to deliver the final blow, but fate intervenes. A sudden eruption from the fractured earth spews lava and scalding steam into his face, ending his life in an instant.
Or so it seems. In a twist of fate, Ka’iana clings to life, and it is Ka’ahumanu who reaches him first. Their embrace is charged with an almost-kiss, a moment of intimate connection that hangs in the air, only to be halted at the last second. Her father, witnessing this tender exchange, observes silently, while Kamehameha, oblivious to the scene, is simply relieved to have emerged from the ordeal relatively unscathed.
How does Chief of War draw to a close? Word of the battle’s outcome reaches Kahekili, whose resolve to conquer the Kingdoms for himself remains unshaken. The newfound unity among the Kingdoms, however, complicates his ambitions. Yet, when news arrives that Ka’iana still lives, the King’s demeanor shifts dramatically.
The Maui chief, driven by a prophecy he is determined to fulfill, sees in Ka’iana the potential key to his destiny. With Keoua’s demise, Kahekili sets his sights on waging war against Kamehameha and Ka’iana, his intentions as fierce and unyielding as the volcanic forces that shaped the battlefield.
