In the seventh year, a demonist approaches Jinta while he is alone, begging him to buy her because she is in great pain. However, Jinta refuses. She pleads again, but he rejects her once more. The demonist then attacks Jinta, but fails to harm him. He tries to learn her name, but she doesn’t give him the chance. Eventually, he manages to kill her, and her white smoke appears. A lady witnesses everything and rewards Jinta, explaining that she had an agreement with him to kill this girl because she was originally a low-ranking prostitute in Yoshiwara who contracted syphilis, which destroyed her both physically and mentally. She ultimately became a demon and killed a man under a cherry tree.
Jinta questions why he was given this task—was it out of pity? The lady admits she is emotional and fears she will end up in the same situation someday. She cannot ignore it when she thinks about it. She thanks Jinta, surprising him with her self-perception. She explains that, as someone who earns a living this way, she can read men’s expressions to some extent and sees his expression as that of a lost child. When Jinta asks her who she is, she introduces herself as Utaka, a common name among street prostitutes, saying that the name alone is enough. She then tells him that if she ever becomes a demon under the cherry trees, she hopes he will kill her quickly—but at that time, she won’t reward him. Jinta clarifies he doesn’t work for free, which makes her think he is emotionless. She then leaves, and Jinta feels this woman is very mysterious.
Next, the scene shifts to Kenriusen Temple, crowded due to a holy day. There are Ofuu and Natsu. Natsu asks where the man she invited is, and Ofuu tells her that Jinta and Armor are working, so they didn’t come, and Zenji couldn’t attend because he was the one who invited them. Natsu mimics her father, who once said that any good merchant knows holiday events are great opportunities for business. She tells Ofuu this and suggests they enjoy themselves at the festival.
They play with kids, eat sausages and sweets, then stop by a certain plant. From it, Natsu learns they are in the middle of summer and asks Ofuu the plant’s name. Ofuu says it’s called Hosuki because its fruit is pink like hers, and some say it’s drenched in the fire of the year, making it seem like it’s covered in flames. There are many theories about it but no precise source. Ofuu also tells her some write it as Hosuki, meaning “demon lantern,” which might be the shining light from demons when they roam, which scares Natsu. Ofuu thinks Natsu is afraid of demons, but Natsu says everyone is. She reveals she was attacked twice by demons and nearly died if not for Jinta. She recalls that four years ago, he was her bodyguard for two nights, and when she saw him cut off a demon’s arm, the child inside her saw it like a living duel from a storybook.
Then, Ofuu asks if Natsu loves Jinta, but Natsu denies it, saying it’s not love; he is just someone from many stories of her own. She recalls his words about why he walks his path and tells Ofuu that when Jinta looked at her then, it wasn’t the gaze of a fighter but of someone fragile enough to break at the slightest touch. That’s when she realized he was no different from her, and that’s why she feels comfortable around him. She thinks calling this feeling love would disappoint all the women in the world. Ofuu agrees, saying Jinta avoids his feelings and refuses to confront them.
Then, Mr. Akitsu calls them over to see his merchandise and encourages them to buy if they like something. Natsu whispers to Ofuu asking who he is. Ofuu says he’s a regular customer at their restaurant from Kyoto. Akitsu introduces himself as Sumiguro Akitsu, surprising Natsu because Sumiguro Akitsu is known as one of the best metalworkers. When Akitsu tries not to make her worry, she tells him she’s Tohaku’s daughter, so how could she not worry? She also asks if his goods live up to his name. Glancing at his merchandise, she finds it good.
Akitsu shows two matching shells, which Natsu recognizes as a bit worn but finely crafted. He tells her that since they are the same age, if she gives these shells as a gift to someone she cares about, he will definitely fall in love with her. However, Natsu denies having someone she cares for. Ofuu intervenes, saying she does have someone but is embarrassed to say it, making Natsu even more embarrassed, causing her to laugh.
He then shows her a puffed bird, which Natsu finds cute but says it doesn’t compare to the shells. Sumiguro Akitsu explains that in the lineage of kings, birds transform into shells that drop into the seas, though he thinks this is just a myth. He adds that the birds disappear in late autumn and drop into the seas, turning into shells. He sees this bird as very suitable for Natsu because it’s small compared to shells. Natsu feels he’s mocking her, but he clarifies that he isn’t—he says it’s good to be a puffed bird that can survive the winter.
He explains that people’s hearts change and wishes for her feelings to bloom and turn into a shell. However, Natsu objects to being called a bird, although she likes it, and decides to buy it. After giving him the money, Akitsu hands her something as a gift, which surprises Natsu—it’s a real Sumiguro Kenashi. She inquires how he got it, but he tells her it’s not worth much and that he’ll throw it away later if she doesn’t take it, which shocks Natsu. So, Akitsu insists she keeps it, saying it will bring her happiness. Natsu accepts and thanks him before they say their goodbyes. As they walk away, the bells ring more intensely, and a plant falls from the tree, revealing a large hidden shadow.
Next, we move to Jinta, who is pursuing another demon. He locates and kills it, then goes to the person who assigned him the task to receive his reward. The man offers him some special sake from a rare source, but Jinta refuses and leaves. Grateful, the man tells him to ask if he ever needs anything in the future. While walking alone, Utaka appears and tells Jinta he came out unscathed. When he asks if she was worried, she confirms she was. She says if she died because of the information she sold, she couldn’t live with herself. Jinta gives her something for that information.
Then Utaka asks Jinta what’s bothering him. He replies that he’s troubled because he killed something he didn’t want to, but couldn’t choose to use his sword differently. As she starts to leave, she tells him about another man who specializes in killing demons—but it’s not him. It’s Mugi, who can control Shikami and reportedly uses animals like dogs and birds to hunt demons, though she’s unsure and calls it just talk. She warns him not to let this new rival steal his work.
Next, Jinta goes to the Sedata restaurant where they are waiting for him. Ofuu tells him Natsu isn’t doing well. When Natsu sees Jinta, she rushes over, grabs his hand, and says she missed him. Jinta pulls his hand away, but Natsu tells him not to. Then Ofuu explains what happened: the first time Natsu placed the kazanchi on her head, something strange occurred—she started crying and asking about Jinta.
Jinta asks Natsu to check the kazanchi. When he holds it, he sees it’s completely ordinary with nothing wrong. Sana asks to break it, but Jinta refuses. Natsu requests her kazanchi again and hugs it tightly. Then Zenji arrives, surprised by the situation, and tries to pull her away from Jinta, but she yells at him. They all sit together at the same table, with Natsu still clinging to Jinta, while Zenji wonders what happened.
Jinta asks Ofuu where they bought the kazanchi, and she tells him it was Mr. Akitsu, giving all the information about him. When Jinta wants to find him to ask questions, Zenji says Akitsu has been dead for a while—literally, he died decades ago. Zenji explains that Akitsu moved on to selling combs and sword accessories, including kazanchi, and that his works are rare and hard to obtain. Ofuu mentions that Natsu said the hairpin was a piece from Sumiguro, leading Zenji to believe Akitsu might have returned as a demon to hunt them down.
Then Sana says she saw Mr. Akitsu with her own eyes and insists it’s impossible for him to be a demon. Jinta also believes Sana’s words, and Zenji is amazed that Jinta believes Sana, despite never having met Akitsu before. Ofuu asks what they should do, which leaves everyone feeling hopeless.
As Jinta prepares to leave in search of Akitsu, Natsu holds on tightly so he won’t move. Jinta asks her to let him go, but she refuses, saying she’s waited a long time and won’t leave him. He then asks why she wants to be near him and why she calls him her brother. She admits she doesn’t understand, but tells him that just as birds embrace blooming flowers, there’s a reason for it. All she wants is to stay by his side, and after a long wait, her wish is fulfilled—she is satisfied.
Jinta tells her he will go out and return again, asking her not to worry and to wait for him in the same place. When he leaves, everyone is surprised by how well he handles the situation.
We return to Kenriusen Temple, where Jinta asks about Akitsu in several places but can’t find him. Suddenly, he recalls what happened in the past. Returning to the present, Akitsu appears behind him, saying he’s sure there will be a beautiful moon tonight and that he likes to drink sake on such days.
Jinta asks if he needs anything, not realizing it’s Akitsu. Akitsu tells him he came looking for him and says there is only one reason a demon would seek him out. When Jinta asks for his name, Akitsu reveals his demonic power, says his name is Akitsu, and summons a pack of dogs through his.
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