Mitsukake leaves with them as they journey to find the final seishi. Their travels lead them to the village of Tamahome, the warrior who had been forced to become a prisoner in a rival country where warriors were also assembling around Miaka's friend and rival. Upon their arrival, Miaka remembers that the boy's father was very sick and that Mitsukake could help heal him. The man appears very old and sick, but Mitsukake revives him with his special gift and only asks for fish for his cat friend in return.

Miaka swears that she can hear the sweet melody of a flute, but since no one else can hear it, they dismiss her claim. When they finally do hear it, they are attacked by an assassin set from the rival country. Suddenly a boy playing a flute appears and saves them from the killer by destroying him with his flute music. He claims to be Chiriko, the final seishi which means that they can return to the Emperor's Palace and await the return of Tamahome. Before leaving they say good bye to his family and his little sister doesn't want Miaka to leave them so Chiriko starts to play a soothing song which frightens his companions who had seen what his music could do. Instead of killing her though, he put her in a peaceful sleep so that they could leave.

The group returns to Konan where they meet Chichiri, one of the Suzaku Seishi, who had remained behind so Hotohori could go along on the journey. In the palace area, Mitsukake becomes concerned about Hotohori being lost and the three Seishi Miaka had gathered on the journey are surprised to find that Hotohori is actually the emperor. Now they must await the return of Tamahome.

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