When Ichiyo presses Hakugo to reveal his true identity, Hakugo tells him to go to the Sacred Forest. He says, “When you meet the sage of the Sacred Forest, learn the true goals of the nation and the Dragon King, and discover your own identity, the fate of this country will be decided.” Meanwhile, in order to track down Konton, who has infiltrated Japan, it is decided that poets will be dispatched there. However, Ichiyo, determined to uncover his own identity, persuades Ransaiwa to accompany him into the Sacred Guardian Forest. Eventually, as Ichiyo and his companion venture deep into the woods, the sage of the Sealing Tree awaits them...
