As the weary party returns from collecting the seishi, Chichiri comes running up to greet them enthusiastically as Hotohori discretely exits. Tasuki wonders where he is, to which Chichiri replies, "You mean you don't know? He's the" This statement is interrupted by Hotohori's return, in his full imperial regalia. As he welcomes all the seishi to the palace, Tasuki, Mitsukake, and Chiriko simply stare in shock. A dumbfounded Tasuki manages to gasp out, "He's the Em-per-or?!?!?!"