Chapter 36 - 40 Summary

In Chapter Thirty-six, Shigeko is traveling between Hofu and Hagi with the kirin and her senior retainer Hiroshi. She is wondering what is about to happen to them all, and whether it is true that she will have to marry the Dog Catcher, Lord Saga. Hiroshi, her companion, shares her distaste and between them passes a moment of tenderness as they both realize that they may never be able to express their love for each other.

A few days later, in Chapter Thirty-seven, Takeo leaves Inuyama to begin his long journey into the East. Along the way, he meets up with the procession of his daughter Shigeko and Hiroshi. While traveling, he instructs his scribe Minoru to take note of every detail as it happens, and also to dismiss his Tribe bodyguards for fear of their loyalty being called into question...