Part 2, Chapter 21 - Part 5, Chapter 41 Summary

Part 2, Chapter 21 - Orito decides to descend into the cat's escape. She moves around the shrine secretly. Along the way, she discovers the truth about the infanticide going on. She finds her way into a tunnel. She contemplates escape.

Part 2, Chapter 22 - Shuzai gathers information about the Kyoga Domain. He even sneaks up to the shrine and sketches its layout. Shuzai believes the place can be infiltrated with the right men. Uzaemon goes to see Jacob, to ask him to hide the scroll upon which are written the Twelve Scrolls. Jacob readily agrees as he learns the truth of the Shrine.

Part 2, Chapter 23 - Yayoi gives birth to twins. Orito has returned voluntarily to help tend to her and her children. The Lord Abbot is expected to return any day, to take the babies down...