Anotsu's move toward an alliance with the central government has driven off Magatsu -- the last of the original members the of Itto-ryu. But neither Magatsu, nor Anotsu, nor even Manji and Rin realize that their lives are about to change forever. The Akagi assassins are beginning to tighten the noose on the Itto-ryu, and woe betide anyone who gets in the way.