Because they could not summon Suzaku, they must find the Shinzaho, artifacts from the other two priestess who managed to summon their countries' gods, which means they have to go to the other two countries (this world is divided into four parts, Konan, Kouto, Hokkan, and Genbu). Before leaving on their journey Miaka, Tamahome, and Nuriko go to visit Tamahome's family bringing gifts and a promise from the Emperor to look after them. When they arrive they find everyone slaughtered at the hands of Suboshi. Tamahome tries to avenge their death, but in the end must settle for a proper burial.

After recovering from that tragedy, the seven companions (since Hitohori could not go) leave by ship. The journey goes awry when Soi attacks the ship with a thunderstorm. Miaka, Tamahome, and Nuriko end up over board and the rest of the group must search for them. The three end up on alone on a small island until the others can come and rescue them.

After a series of events that don't really involve Mitsukake, they end up in city where only women are allowed, so they all dress up as girls. (This happens only in the manga canon.) Although all of them look pretty good, Mitsukake looks... ah... scary. The women automatically recognize him as a male although he denies it fervently. Chichiri (who has used his powers to actually become a woman) finds a moment to slip away from the others to save the imprisoned Mitsukake who would have been made into wine had he not been rescued. Chichiri gets him out but the group's cover is blown and they must escape.

Before they arrive at the location of the first Shinzaho, Nuriko is killed by Ashitare, but Nuriko uses the last of his strength to lift the boulder blocking the entrance to the cave where the treasure is hidden. Mitsukake arrives too late and can't help his friend, though he does what he can to restore the beauty of which Nuriko had been so proud.

They enter the cave to retrieve the Shinzaho but they find two warriors protecting the treasure. The companions try to fight the duo, but since they are dead, it doesn't do much good. They must first test Miaka to see if she is worthy of the treasure so they in case her in a block of ice. Through her courage and strength, she shatters the ice and is given a necklace. The group's happiness is spoiled when one of the warriors mentions that they must also retrieve the second Shinzaho from the other land.

After exiting the cave, the necklace is stolen, much to the horror of Miaka. She runs away and meets Taiitsukun who tells her to go to Nagako to retrieve the treasure. It turns out to be a plot to prevent her from summoning her god, but it separates her and Tamahome from the rest of the group. They travel into the desert where a warrior from the opposite side (Tomo) puts them under a spell in which they believe they are in a village even though they are dying out in the desert.

Tamahome finds Miaka, then loses her again, but Miaka meets Amiboshi again, who has turned good. Tamahome saves her, Tomo dies and the spell is broken, and the group continues their journey. They end up in the city where the second Shinzaho is kept along with the three remaining warriors of that country. Miaka gets the treasure, but Yui tricks her into giving it to her. Chiriko is killed when Muboshi possesses him and he asks Tasuki to kill him to protect everyone else. Yui summons her god, and wishes for Suzaku to be sealed so everyone loses their powers. War breaks out between the two countries. Yui than wishes Miaka and herself back into the real world, although Tamahome is pulled along with them.

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