Having become traveling partners for the sake of their goals, Manji and Magatsu are assaulted by a group of bald men. Manji, groaning in pain, is approached from behind by Shira, who then lops off Manji's arm. Shira had reconstructed his body, and desired a rematch with Manji. But now Magatsu, whose important woman was killed by Shira, stands in his path.

Ever since the Dewanosuke incident, Burando kept making blunders. He is finally thrown in solitary confinement by Habaki, and goes insane. But as a result of his madness, Burando grasps something important about the immortality experiments: That humans are essentially otters. Meanwhile, Rin and Doua resolve to infiltrate Edo Castle to rescue the surrounded Manji and Isaku.

The Ittour-ryu are pursued by the Rokki-dan, lead by Habaki. Upon hearing this, Run and Manji decide to pursue as well. Even with all these people leaving Edo to chase the Ittou-ryu, the four leasers appointed by Kagehisa Anotsu are nowhere to be found. Then, in the wee hours of the morning, Kagehisa and the other three stand at the Ootemon in front of Edo Castle.

Manji is wounded from his duel with Shinra. Renzou picks up a sword and tries to kill Manji, but Rin and the others talk him down. Meanwhile, Habaki is livid upon learning of the attack on Edo Castle. Habaki wants to pursue Ittou-ryu, even in absence of its leader. As a result, one of the Ittou-ryu enters a mountain village. Habaki's daughter, Ryou, tries to subdue him to be of use to her father.

Arashino, Hasshuu, and Murasaki of the Rokki-dan act as the vanguard in the clash with the Ittou-ryu. The crucial Abayama manages to escape with the help of his followers. But then he hast to confront Giichi and Hyakurin, who pursued Abayama to assist Habaki.

The Ittou-ryu, Rokki-dan, and Manji and Rin all gather in Nakaminato, as if guided there. They all bear their motives on their swords in the moment they begin their final deathmatch. Deceive, subdue, and dance in chaos. Sparks will fly in the decisive batte between the strongest. The last laugh belongs to...