Nakiami and Yango cross the mountains, but due to their Tessik heritage, they are not allowed to board ferry across the river toward the village. Instead, they are lucky enough to hitch on a cargo ship heading in the same direction. Meanwhile, Kagisu brings in an enslaved Ruikon boy named Azami who will later be used for interrogation. Meanwhile, Midori is undergoing military training and is producing fast results. A worried Nakiami loses track of Yango when she goes to evaluate the snowy pathway. After she finally finds him, she is overjoyed when he takes her to view a town he found nearby. Azami contacts Haru to warn her that Midori is in grave danger. A mysterious creature, later known as the Hiruken, persuades a kind old woman to buy Akiyuki from the slave traders.