The Giant Hornet Queerat colony led by Kiroumaru arrives and annihilates the Ground Spiders. On the pretext of surrendering, the Ground Spiders' leader unleashes two Balloon Dogs, but Satoru uses his remaining energy to deflect the blast. Satoru suspects that Kiroumaru may intend to kill both him and Saki, and they flee through the forest, guided through a shortcut by Squealer. Upon arriving at the river, they are reunited with their friends. As they return to town, they encounter Kiroumaru, who surprisingly helps them by towing their canoes behind his ship. In parting, Kiroumaru asks that they keep his assistance a secret, suggesting he may have defied orders to kill or capture them. Saki restores Shun's telepathic powers and helps the others restore their own when they return home.