Balsa makes preparations to leave the capital with Chagum. She must leave the city without being noticed, a task made difficult by the prince being overcome with the grief of leaving his family. Shuga and Hibitonan, the pupil and master star diviners, discuss the events that recently happened, confirming that an evil water spirit has possessed Chagum. The Emperor dispatches four secret hunters to recover the prince and kill Balsa. Balsa takes Chagum to a hut to stay with Tōya and Saya, two orphaned children acquainted with Balsa, while they help gather supplies before Balsa and Chagum start their travels through the mountains.