Yoshinobu and Susumu spend a few peaceful days hiding in Kurama's temple along with special agent Kasumi. One day, they receive a secret missive from the messenger owl, Zundamaru, from Hyo, who has stayed behind in the castle to serve as the emperor's bodyguard. The message informs Yoshinobu and the others that Mugensai is currently unable to use the timer's power and that they need to find Seimei as soon as possible and hide him in a safe place. As Yoshinobu and the others decide to begin the search, they encounter one of Susanoo's twelve commanders, Benkei, on their way.