After breakfast, Tetsumi left the monastery and headed for home. Though it had been more than five years since he had seen it, Tetsumi remembered where he came from. To be on the safe side, he traveled the same route that the demon slayers Ukon and Araki had taken him on. Tetsumi was in a rush to get home, so he traveled light. He carried a small bag over his left shoulder, which contained his clothes, a small amount of dried fruits and nuts that Mistress Fumika had kindly given to him, and a few other essentials. Slung over his right shoulder, Tetsumi carried his father's spear. If it was up to him, Tetsumi would have left it behind, but his father practically begged him to take it, so he thought it was best to take it with him. Tetsumi paid little attention to surrounding countryside, focusing entirely on getting home as soon as possible. Pity, for the landscape was beautiful.

Spring had come, so the harsh winter winds had ceased blowing for sometime. All along the way, entire orchards of plums and peaches were in full bloom. Acre after acre of the soft, smooth purple of the plum blossom was followed by the bright red, orange, and white of the peach blossoms. The farmers were busy pruning the trees so that only the best and most delicious fruit would be harvested, so a solitary traveler could easily slip through without being noticed.

Tetsumi did not stop at any of the numerous towns and villages that he passed through. He had no money, and did not want to count on the generosity of strangers. He slept outside and rationed what little food he had with him. A few days after he set out on his journey, Tetsumi came to the wood that marked the border of Lord Daigo's realm. After the forest, a huge clearing of grass came into view. This was the same clearing where Tetsumi's father had taught his to use the spear. It was now a day's journey to the town where Tetsumi and his friends had grown up.

The town itself had not changed in the five years that Tetsumi had been away. Many of the same shops that Tetsumi had visited as a child were still around, as were their proprietors. Many had known Tetsumi as a child, due to his father's importance, but none recognized him as he walked through town on his way to his father's estate.

On the northern side of town were Lord Okita's personal fields. Though Okita was well known as a warrior in his youth, now that time had caught up with him, he devoted his energies to other matters, such as agriculture. During his days as a demon slayer, Okita had seen the many plants that this land had to offer. When Okita finally settled down with his wife, he was granted an estate by Lord Daigo, who Okita had assisted in his younger days. Along with a home, Okita was granted several fertile acres to do with as he pleased.

Tetsumi had grown up in these fields, accompanying his father as he made his rounds to observe the crops. Seeing the sencha leaves alive with their rich, green color and smelling their distinct aroma made Tetsumi remember the times when his mother would take the leaves and roast them over a fire to make the tea that he loved so much. Tetsumi didn't like the tea so much as he loved the way that his mother would make it especially for him. Maybe tonight, if he arrived early enough, Tetsumi's mother would make him some sencha tea.

The sun was now starting to set behind the western mountains. In a few hours, it would be dark. Tetsumi was not worried; his home was only a short walk away. Already, he had seen some of his father's field hands walking toward the massive stone walls that surrounded the estate. Tetsumi followed silently, not wanting to draw attention to himself. Perhaps he could sneak in and surprise his family, but he could not escape the ever vigilant eyes of Aiji, the watchman.

"Hold it! Who are you and what business do you have here?"

"I should not have to explain myself to the likes of you."

"Then I can not help you. You will not pass these walls."

"I'm sure that Lord Okita would be most displeased if I did not see him."

"What business would our lord have a mere child such as your self?"

"Child? You dare talk to your lord's eldest son with that tone? I will see that my father deals with you personally, Aiji."

"Eldest son? Could it be… Master Tetsumi? Is it really you?"

"Why would I lie about myself Aiji?"

"Please, forgive me my lord. I… I did not know that you would be here so soon. Please, do not tell your father. I was only doing my job."

"Do not worry Aiji. I know that you were only doing your job. Now, open this gate before everybody finds out what you almost did."

Aiji was always careful about who was able to gain entrance to Lord Okita's estate. It did get him into trouble on more than one occasion, but it was always better to be safe rather than sorry. Once inside the gates, all of Tetsumi's memories came upon him like a flood. As he walked along the path that lead to the main house, he saw the pond that his mother and father loved to sit by when they wished to get away from their duties and bothersome children. Along the water's edge, various plants and flowers added dashes of colors to scene, making it feel even more serene. Along the northern edge of the pond, Tetsumi saw some figures crossing the bridge that his father had commissioned in order for him to go over the pond instead of around it.

Past the pond, Lord Okita's personal orchard was in full bloom. The plums had bloomed, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. The peaches had not yet come in, much to Tetsumi's surprise. He knew his father would have something to say about this. Okita would go on and on about how the peaches were late, at least until the cherries bloomed. Maybe it was the color, or that the cherry blossoms marked the true end of winter, but they always made Tetsumi's father happy. Next to the pond, mushrooms were ready to be picked. Lord Okita loved these funguses, perhaps a little too much. Tetsumi really needed to have a talk with his father. His attraction to plants was starting to bother him.

Along the path, Tetsumi noticed that several of his families servants were given him strange looks. Maybe he had grown so much that nobody did recognized him. When he asked a servant girl were Lady Behina was, she said nothing, only pointing toward the small garden that was in front of the main house. Tetsumi made his way to the garden, hoping to surprise his mother. As quietly as he could, Tetsumi made his way through the peony plants, hoping to find his mother. Unfortunately, he made too much noise and his mother spotted him.

Tetsumi's mother let out a small scream at the sight of the boy in front of her.

"Who is this boy and what is he doing in my garden?" Behina thought to herself.

Tetsumi said nothing; he had not seen his mother in five years. He just wanted to look at her, not wanting to leave her again. Moments later, Lord Okita came upon his wife with this strange boy.

"Who are you, boy? How dare you come upon my wife! Why do you say nothing? Speak!"

"In all my years, I do not remember you speaking to me like this."

"How dare you speak to me as if you know me? I should have you killed for such insolence!"

"Are you prepared to take responsibility for the death of your heir?"

"Who are you? Why do you speak as if you are my son?"

"I speak as if I am your son, because that is who I am."

"Tetsumi?"

Just then, Hitoshi, Tetsumi's younger brother, came upon the three of them.

"Mother, where are you? What was that you… Tetsumi! You're back already?" The boy's eyes lighting up with joy as he saw his older brother again.

Hitoshi ran past his parents and hugged his brother. Tetsumi marveled at how much his kid brother had grown as well. When he left, Hitoshi was no more than five years old; now, he looked a lot like Tetsumi when he left home. Their mother, with tears in her eyes, embraced her two sons, happy that her son had come back home safely to her. After all, is that not what all mothers wish for? To have their children at their side, keeping them safe from harm. Lord Okita only looked on, realizing who this boy was. This was indeed his son, only he was not the boy that had left him five years ago. He put his hand on Tetsumi's shoulder, welcoming his son back to his home. Thus, Tetsumi returned to his home. To Zeitakuhin Castle.