The chaotic fallout from the clash between Jinka Yamato and Yazen overturns the established balance of power that had long favored humans over the enchanted katawara. As rumors spread that Yazen"s dangaishu—monks who hunt katawara—have been defeated, scattered bands of katawara begin to surface across the land, further fraying the already fragile ties between the two peoples. Feeling his confidence eroded, Shinsuke Hyoudou now spends long hours in heavy drink with Senya, an old adversary who harbors a thousand katawara within his own body. In a turn of events, Senya"s indirect involvement leads to the death of Tsukiko"s father—a new ally of Shinsuke—when a local deity erupts in uncontrollable rage. Despite this, Tsukiko harbors no bitterness toward Senya and resolves to become Shinsuke"s disciple regardless of the circumstances. Though Shinsuke refuses to train her as a swordsman, he grudgingly permits her to accompany him and Senya on their journey. As the unlikely trio presses onward, Tama Youko persists in her quest to trace Jinka, the nine‑tailed fox whose power could bring about the world"s end. Their path is fraught with danger as they navigate the remnants of shattered alliances.
