The Tumultuous Journey

Summary
Asura worries that Indra's demeanour will alienate others. Taisō asks him to clear a few trees to make a path between fields, making a shortcut for his mother. However, it was a lie. Later, Taisō is restrained, Indra finding him guilty of having the trees cleared without others' consent, and Asura gullible for having believed him. Taisō confesses he wanted a path to get medicine for his mother. Asura asks why he didn't tell the truth, as he would have used Ninshū to heal her, but Taisō reveals his mother hates it. As Asura was deceived into clearing the path, Indra will not punish him. Hagoromo intervenes, suggesting Indra is being too strict, and that everyone makes mistakes. Indra is adamant that crimes should be punished to deter future crimes. At night, Asura breaks Taisō out, but they're discovered by Indra, who chastises Asura and defeats him. From afar, Hagoromo watches the two. At the anniversary of Shiro's death, Asura and Hagoromo discuss Indra, his eyes, and the differences between him and Asura. The day comes when Hagoromo is to decide his successor as the leader of Ninshū. Hagoromo hands them scrolls, each one with a location that was damaged by the fight against the Ten-Tails. Hagoromo wants each to go to a location, and solve whatever problem remains. He will pick his successor based on the results.

Asura is baffled by Hagoromo's decision, having neither the skill nor the desire to take over Ninshū, willing to simply aid Indra. Hagoromo discusses the two with Gamamaru as the two depart. Asura notices Taisō following him. Taisō explains that after telling his mother of what Asura did for him, she told him to go aid him in his journey. The two journey to where the God Tree used to be, finding a village there. The two are attacked by the villagers, fearful they're more robbers. While avoiding one of their attacks, one of the attackers hurts another. Asura heals her injury. Asura and Taisō are welcomed into the village. The next day, the two grow suspicious when they're not allowed to go where Asura senses the God Tree. The woman who Asura healed, Kanna, wishes him to heal her mother. Asura notices something with strong chakra connected to her, but can't heal her. Taisō finds graves of several others who perished to the same illness. Asura decides to go to the God Tree, and is aided by Taisō and Kanna. The three venture down a cave among the God Tree's roots.