Fushi continues his journey through the forest, where he meets the elder Pioran once again, who teaches him how to speak after he shows interest in writing. After a while, Fushi is able to slowly speak with the elder, and even tells her his story. They later arrive at Takunaha, a territory currently at war with Yanome, aiming to reach the home of Pioran's lover. While resting, however, they are attacked by a mysterious creature who steals Fushi's memories and, therefore, his forms. Fushi's creator, The Beholder, appears and tells him to destroy the creature's core in its midsection...