Just as Tamahome is about to land a fatal blow on Miaka, Tasuki shows up to block. The sight of what Tamahome's done to her completely enrages the former bandit chieftain; Miaka had looked forward to seeing him so much, had been so in love with him, and now not only has he attacked her and broken her arm but he's broken her heart: "You're on my shitlist now!!" Tamahome is much amused by this and the fight begins. It's pretty evenly matched, both are landing blows and Nakago, from his vantage point above the gardens tells Yui that he's blocked the Suzaku Seishi's powers in order to make the fight more fair, and hence, more entertaining. He doesn't really care who wins; they can't call Suzaku if they lose either member. As the fight continues, Miaka awakens just in time to see Tasuki about to get a good hit in on her love. She screams out for him to not hurt Tamahome. He stares at her in disbelief, demanding to know why she'd care after what he did to her, but she simply says that, "I don't know what I'd do if Tasuki, please don't hurt him!" Tasuki reluctantly agrees, putting away his tessen while declaring that he doesn't need a weapon to take out Tamahome. Tamahome says that that's fine, but he'll still use his. The fight continues, and Tasuki is now losing badly; Tamahome lands a lot of hits and Tasuki is unable to get any in. As Chichiri and Miaka watch from the bushes, he is beaten down again and again, and each time he rises to declare that he's not finished yet. By the end, he is battered and bloody unable to stand straight, blood running down his face and one eye swollen shut but he still continues to get up every time.