Hiroaki Samura's Blade of the Immortal has gained worldwide recognition for its rough yet graceful art, its modern attitude coupled with a detailed, archaic setting, and uncertain innocence mixed with brutal bloodletting.

This issue brings the reader into the midst of something out of the ordinary for Blade of the Immortal--a highly detailed traditional Japanese ceremony. These hidden politics, this tentative romance, age-old traditions, surprises, heartbreak, anger, fear--so much emotion packed into a single issue! And not a single sword is drawn. But that doesn't mean the tension and action are not present; rather they are hidden, gestating behind thin veils and quiet patience. This issue, as well as #79, are the crux of a long, mysterious story--a winding path that will soon begin its descent into the complex chaos you've come to expect from Blade of the Immortal!

* Winner of Japan's prestigious Media Arts Award and America's own Will Eisner Award.