Arata and the others have arrived in the domain of Yorunami, one of the Twelve Shinsho. Rather than meeting Yorunami directly, Arata decides to talk to one of his Zokusho first to learn what kind of man he is. The party reaches Suzukura, a city ruled by the Zokusho Hiruko, but are told that they are required to pay a passage tax to enter...
Still living in Hinohara's place back in the modern world, Arata meets Kadowaki at school and decides to "play" with him. Meanwhile in Amawakuni, Kotoha injures her foot on the way to the Capital and the party is forced to take a break in a ruined village. Alone with Arata, Kotoha works up the courage to make an unexpected move...
In the modern world, Arata's family knows something is different about Arata, but they continue to try to converse with him despite their confusion. In Amawakuni, Arata is heading toward the Capital. Along the way, he learns of the relationship between the princess of Amawakuni and the Twelve Shinsho. He also encounters some nomads who say that, with the princess gone, the world will fall into chaos...
Kanate ahas been taken by The Reckoning of Warden Tsutsuga. Arata goes to search for them and finds them facing off before Tsutsuga in a battle to the death. Tsutsuga says the winner will be declared innocent of his crimes. Outraged, Arata draws his Hayagami on Tsutsuga, but ends up in a tight spot when he's unable to call upon its power...