At the madman Shishio Makoto's headquarters, the long-delayed duel between Kenshin and Shinomori Aoshi concludes, while at Aoi-Ya, those left behind wage their own, desperate battle against Shishio's Juppongatana or "Ten Swords." The strength of one swordsman in particular seems monstrous, and defeat imminent...that is, until Kenshin's former Hiten Mitsurugi master, Hiko Seijûrô, takes the field. Will the respect of one warrior for another succeed where all else has failed? Elsewhere, Kenshin and Sôjirô cross swords at last. Although well-matched, Kenshin's victory is by no means certain...