Miaka and the Suzaku Seven all grieving for Nuriko's death continues on their journey for the Shinzaho. They enter to the cavern of Genbu, where they encounter Tomite and Hikitsu, two warriors of the Genbu Seven. They are both the protectors of the Shinzaho and will not give it to anybody. Miaka, the Priestess of Suzaku, is put to a test to see if she really is the Priestess. Tomite and Hikitsu kills Miaka by freezing her. She is saved by her powers of Suzaku. Tomite and Hikitsu apologize to the Priestess and gives her the Shinzaho. Tomite tells them that it is not enough to summon Suzaku and they must get the Shinzaho from the west, Byakko. On their way out, Miaka thinks about the devotion of the Genbu Seven for their Priestess even after they had passed on. She is happy knowing that Nuriko will watch over her as well.