During a first raid at the professor's home, Primo does not recognize Bonafè, who escapes to his family residence in rural Abruzzo.

But his sidecar gets confiscated and the two are taken prisoner by the Germans, who recognize Bonafè as they have him in a list of wanted men, due to a publication opposing the persecution of Jews.

The couple escape thanks to Bonafè's ability to improvise an explosive formula, and taking advantage of confusion during an allied air raid.

Upon reaching a village on foot, Primo tries to ask for help at the local fascist party cell ("Casa del Fascio").

Upon reaching Bardacci's house, he hears that the poet had joined the Royal Italian Army in Albania and perished in the struggle.

Bonafè discovers this and is allowed to escape in exchange of a promise to assist with Bardacci's political rehabilitation in the future.

By the time Primo recaptures him, the pullman is gone and again they must walk, eventually reaching Rome's outskirts early June.

Upon meeting once again the girl, he demands back his clothes but accepts her "even better" offer of a fascist "Federale" uniform, anticipating his promotion for Bonafè's delivery.