Embarking on a perilous journey amidst Tokyo's stringent lockdown, Nanmaru, Emi, Tagaya, Tomoko, and Aki venture towards Marukami village, their hearts weighed down by the gravity of the situation. Upon reaching, Nanmaru's urgent tone resonates through the village, imploring the inhabitants not to succumb to complacency amidst the mounting toll of lives lost. His plea echoes a call to action, inviting the visitors to join forces in seeking a solution.
As dawn breaks the next day, Yoriyuki and Takashi traverse to the Marukami stronghold, where Sachiko, the village head, and Takashi's venerated great uncle await. Yoriyuki's refrain, now a familiar mantra since the show's inception, echoes once more—his steadfast determination to vanquish the nightmares that haunt the village's ancient ways. Yet, the intricacies of these traditions remain shrouded in mystery, mirroring the show's cryptic progression.
Their meeting abruptly shatters into chaos as unidentified gunmen emerge from the shadows, unleashing a hail of bullets. In an instant, the Marukami leader and Takashi fall victim to the merciless attack. Takashi's last breath carries a heartfelt apology, entrusted to Yuriyoki for Sachiko's ears. The revelation that Masumoto Kunitada, previously an ally of Yuriyoki under the influence of the enigmatic old man who vanished in the previous episode, stands behind this treacherous act, leaves a chilling aftertaste.
Meanwhile, the guests press onward to the village head's abode, their conversation dominated by the enigmatic figure of Professor Marukami, a subject that consumes Emi's thoughts amidst her noble intentions to save the villagers. Arriving at the house, they are met with a grim spectacle of bloodshed, painting a macabre picture of the tragedy that has unfolded.
Sachiko and her companions, stumbling upon Takashi's lifeless form amidst the bamboo grove where Yuriyoki had laid him, are consumed by grief, Sachiko's sorrow reaching a feverish pitch. Amidst the emotional turmoil, Emi's keen eye detects Yoriyuki's handprint, a haunting clue at the heart of this harrowing 60-minute episode.
