Back Whence He Came (何処かへと帰れ, Izukoka e to kaere) is the 4th chapter of the Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying manga series.
Summary[]
Seeing that Hanbei stands up, Yamahito realizes that he too is no longer human, but tells him that those who stand on his way die. Hanebi tells Shoukich that Yamahito is no longer the one he knows and he will eventually bring ruin to his people. Seeing his red eyes, Hanbei isn't aware of how Yamahito got his undying body, but he will kill him. Yamahito then starts attacking, but Hanbei manages to dodge or deflect his attacks. Hanbei notes that while he was looking for a way to break his immortality, he heard a lot about the red eye phenomenon, which is different than his immortality and that they can die. Hanbei then lets Yamahito stab him in exchange to be able to stab him himself. While this wasn't enough to kill Yamahito, the two men continue to fight with Hanbei noting that while Yamahito is agile and flexible, his attacks are wild and rely on brute strength, and if they continue fighting like that, he will win. Hanbei lands another blow, which causes Yamahito to retreat.
Hanbei follows him to some tall grass, but as its getting dark, he has a hard time seeing him. Hanbei feels that if he lets Yamahito now, he will come back and ambush him while they descend the mountain. Yamahito then jumps out of the grass and slashes Hanbei, before returning into hiding again. Hanbei tells Shoukichi to run away and warn the villagers about Yamahito.
Shoukichi returns to where the other group was killed and lights up a torch. To his surprise, he sees Yamahito in front of him, who gets scared of the flame. Yamahito then asks for forgiveness and explains that he doesn't want to eat him, and that he just wanted a family as he is lonely. Shoukichi refuses to throw away the torch and questions Yamahito why did he kill the people if he was lonely. Yamahito tells him that when they die, they are no longer human or monkey, so they are the same. Yamahito wonders if Shoukichi recommended him to Suzu, however Shoukichi states that he will never marry her. Hanbei then returns and grabs Yamahito from behind and places his sword on his throat. Shoukichi wonders why Hanbei is helping him, but Hanbei just states that he is killing time as he has nowhere to go or won't die. Yamahito pushes his sword through his chest, stabbing himself and Hanbei behind him, and Hanbei quickly cuts his throat. The group then notices several monkeys have surrounded them. Yamahito feels that they have come for him. A large ape then shows up and grabs Yamahito and eats him. It looks at Shoukichi and the lying Hanbei and then leaves.
The next day, Shoukichi and Hanbei return to the village. Suzu is happy that Shoukichi is alive and welcomes them back. Elsewhere Doujun asks Takamine on what they should do about Hanbei. Takamine states that since he saved the village, he must be thanked and had send a messenger.