Ep. 3: Kusaka discovers Akizuki's suicide after their relationship collapses under political pressure.

3

Four years later, Kusaka serves the new government in Western-style attire while secretly housing Akizuki. Their bond fractures as Akizuki resents his comfortable hiding while Bakufu comrades suffer imprisonment, leading to his suicidal intent. Aizawa, now a law officer, uncovers the secret and gives Akizuki a tantō. Although Kusaka and Akizuki attempt reconciliation, police led by Aizawa interrupt them. Kusaka returns to find Akizuki gone and a suicide note present. Akizuki crawls through snow to a tree with four trunks, where he ends his life. Kusaka discovers the body and finds a cicada shell from eight years prior in Akizuki's pouch. Overcome with grief, Kusaka takes the tantō and commits suicide beside his lover.