Hyakkimaru is having difficulty adjusting to his new hearing when he is attacked by a huge bird-like monster and is only saved by the appearance of the Biwa-Hōshi. The priest tells them they are in Sakai territory, which are preparing to march on the Daigo army. The next morning, Hyakkimaru encounters Mio, a young woman singing a beautiful song, but he collapses from his wounds. The travelers stay with Mio and a group of orphaned children at an abandoned temple while Mio works at night serving the Sakai troops as a prostitute...