Earlier, while trying to save Suzaku no Miko from Ashitare's first attack, Nuriko drove Ashitare away by firing a flare into his face. Dishonoured, punished by Nakago for his failure and seeking revenge, Ashitare returns to his mission, this time having personal motives behind fighting: to slay the one who wounded him.

Just as he is about to lift the boulder that was blocking the massive doors leading to Genbu's Cavern, where the sought-after Shinzaho is located, Nuriko senses some evil chi (energy/life force) behind him. He turns around and sees the one he wounded earlier, Ashitare. For the sake of Suzaku no Miko, his friends, and for the safety of Konan-koku, Nuriko braces himself for battle, elevating his chi, which becomes evident with how the bracelets given to him by Taiitsukun turn into gauntlets.

Painfully, Nuriko discovers that Ashitare's strength is equal to his and that the wolfman (Ashitare) is agile too. Nuriko decides to attempt a surprise attack from behind of sorts, taking off his outer coat and draping it over Ashitare, then leaping over him. Due to the updraft created by Nuriko's leap, the coat uncovers Ashitare's eyes for a moment, leaving Nuriko wide open to Ashitare's attack. Nuriko is impaled by Ashitare's claws. Quickly shaking off the shock and pain, Nuriko flips over, places Ashitare's neck in a dangerous hold and snaps it, killing the Seiryuu Seishi.