On the trail of Kazuo Henmi, Sugimoto's group heads to the herring fishing grounds in Otaru. Sugimoto saves a fisherman who grows enamored with him.

Sugimoto's group meets an Ainu who claims to be an old friend of Asirpa's father and shares shocking news. Meanwhile, Tanigaki gets unwelcome visitors.

In Barato, Hijikata's group encounters an unexpected ally. Meanwhile, in Sapporo, Asirpa's group and Ushiyama stay at a hotel run by the alluring Ienaga.