While Koushi meets his new family and learns about the task before him, Touko struggles to keep her place on the truck. But even if she succeeds, an unexpected obstacle may cut her journey short.

Hinako's illness worsens, provoking a crisis at the Okibi mansion. Meanwhile, Touko joins Akira to confront the gods. New forces and unguessed truths emerge as Flickering Flame draws ever closer.

Koushi struggles to load and operate the Lightning Cannon, but both the gods and the spiders have other ideas. Meanwhile, a chance encounter leads Touko to witness a startling scene.

While each divine clan pursues a separate goal, visions of the Flickering Flame lead Touko and Koushi toward the palace. But who is she really, and can they trust her guidance?

Koushi finally reunites with Hinako. They set out for the palace, but their path brings them face to face with the last of the capital's treefolk. Meanwhile, Touko and Akira encounter a familiar face of their own.

Takimi confronts Koushi on the palace steps. The medically minded god insists that only his medicine can save Hinako, but Koushi refuses to let his sister suffer any more experiments. As tensions mount, Kira appears—seeming not quite herself.