Rin, the daughter of a martial arts master, embarks on a journey to avenge her slain parents, and her target is Kagehisa Anotsu, the head of the Ittou-ryu.

Manji and Rin visit the famous swordsman and artist Master Sori to enlist his aid for revenge on the Ittō-ryū; Rin tries to convince him to join her, revealing that she is aware that he is a spy for the shogunate.

Makie approaches Manji in an alley and tries to seduce him, but he realizes it is a trap and they fight; during a quiet moment on a bridge, Makie meets Anotsu and asserts that he is only interested in her fighting ability.

Manji and Rin stop to rest at an inn, where Manji encounters Eiku Shizuma disguised as a monk; he offers to help Manji find Anotsu, as he is also seeking him for his own purposes.