Kusanagi pays the prime minister a visit and delivers a special package--a cell phone from Kunakida. With it, Kunakida tries to convince goverment officials that the TAC can eliminate the Arigami without sacrificing Momiji. He asks that they at least give the TAC a chance to save Momiji's life. The prime minister reveals that that Momiji's pictures were released to the press by an Arigami spy in the government, whom they have been unable to identify.

Meanwhile, Japan is in an uproar. Volcanos are erupting everywhere and plants continue to grow at incredible rates. The people want the Momiji to be placed in custody, and they are angry with the goverment for being unable to do so.

Progress continues on the Kushinada pulse, and the TAC discovers that the secret to the Kushinada's blood is somehow involved in the strange melody that both Momiji and Kaede resonate. Momiji remembers that Kaede spoke of the rite of matsuri, and asks to be taken to the place where the ceremony is held.

Kunakid