Morning is unwelcomingly quiet, not bringing any more news, but around lunch time Duke calls, letting 5-0 know that a body matching Akamu Kahele's description has been found in the basement of a house in a residential neighbourhood. Steve starts to get the sinking feeling that Ahmed Zahed is long gone, having tied up any loose ends that might lead authorities to his identity. A day later, the NSA agent that had visited 5-0 informs Steve that Zahed was spotted in Japan, at the airport, with the help of face recognition software, and that he had boarded a plane for Lahore, in Pakistan. From there to Afghanistan, his native land, it was merely a question of a 2-hour flight or even a car ride.

The funerals of the Navy personnel killed by the bombings are austere and sombre; all the top Navy Officers are in attendance, as well as the Governor and Police officers serving on the island. The sight of all the men's families receiving the burial Flag is daunting for everyone at 5-0; the 21-gun salute seems to remind everyone, with each firing, of the fragility of human life, but also of the gratuity of this attack. Steve is back at Joe's funeral, right now, and much like then, he feels an uncontrollable fury take hold of him. He realises ironically that he was lucky, when it came to Joe, because he got to go after the men who came for them and get his revenge. Suddenly, he realises he won't be able to simply let this go. Just because a misguided terrorist had decided to avenge his criminal brother's death, killing thirteen good people… he had to let it go? To pass on all the information 5-0 had managed to gather to some unknown CIA team and hope for the best?

The next day, a plan slowly starts to form in his head and, two days later, he's managed to convince the Governor to let him go after Al Nazri, much to Danny's desperation. He'll be damned if he'll let the terrorists just go scot-free. So he liaises with the Navy and gets them to approve of his incursion into the country, under the guise of reserve duty, which he's due for, anyway.

Explaining his decision to the team is a little harder. Nobody understands why he needs to go himself, why he can't just relay the information to the CIA, in the field, and just have them deal with the problem. Steve's reasoning is that they won't be half as invested in solving the problem as he is, shying away from telling everyone how much he doesn't trust the Agency. The fact that a highly graduated officer tried to have him and his team killed, just because he was getting close to finding the truth about Wo Fat's mother's death, doesn't reassure him in the least.

Danny is incredulous, and lets everyone know. Deep down, he's terrified that Steve will pull one of his 'Captain America' stunts and get himself killed; if he's being honest with himself, he doesn't even want to consider the possibility that his friend is actively trying to get himself killed, after the whole Joe White incident. As the heated discussion gets underway, the team discreetly disbands to go to their respective offices, hoping Danny manages to convince Steve of the madness of his decision.

"Steve, why? Just tell me why," he tries to keep his voice level, as they enter the office. This has been a very frustrating day, so far, and it's not looking like it'll get any better. On the contrary.

"Danny, I want him. That son of a bitch killed thirteen people and he got away. I can't accept that."

"Yes, he got away! He's back in the mountains of Afghanistan, with his terrorist friends, in a land that he's 100% familiar with, with local resources at his disposal, with fellow insurgents everywhere. What makes you think that you have any chance of even finding out where he's gone off to?"

"Danny, I have to try," Steve offers no more explanation, busying himself with haphazardly throwing some items into a bag.

"Are you sure this isn't some misplaced attempt at atoning for Joe?" Danny goes on, hesitating, but finally deciding he has to say it.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Steve is surprised at Danny's words and stops, considering his question carefully.

"You told me yourself, you feel guilty for Joe's death, which I told you you're obviously not, but you never listen," Danny starts, arms flailing, as though what he's saying is obvious to everyone, but the man standing in front of him. "However, this is not the way to process that grief, Steve," he concludes, inwardly cursing Catherine for not even managing to rid Steve of the guilt he feels for Joe.

"Danny, listen. I know you're worried about me, but that is another bus entirely," he smiles, trying to lighten the mood. "I am OK, regarding Joe. I managed to process my grief and I know I need to move on. It's what he would've wanted. Really."

Danny looks him in the eye, surprised that he seems to be sincere. He can detect a strength and a dogged determination he hasn't seen in a long time. The old McGarrett is back, and it's about time. Sadly, that also means that the crazy, impetuous, "shoot first, ask questions later" gung-ho SEAL is, too.

"So… you mean you really only want to go to Afghanistan to capture Al Nazri? No ulterior motives?"

"Yes, Danny, no ulterior motives and look on the bright side, you'll get to drive your car while I'm away."

"Funny. I'd rather I didn't. What did the Governor say?"

"He understood my motivations. Asked me to not stay away too long, but told me he trusts the team. Plus, you'll be staying, to hold down the fort, so he's confident all will be fine."

"You sure you don't want me to come with you?"

- Danny Williams in Afghanistan! Perish the thought!" Steve laughs, amused.

"Funny."

Steve returns to his desk to prepare for the mission. Seven hours later, he's on a military plane headed for Shanghai.