Shura No Toki

Ran and Izumi have finally caught up to Hijikata but a great battle is about to begin. Izumi walks out to confront the soldier and the two of them fight between the opposing armies as both sides look on in wonder at the power displayed before them. In the end even the demon that is Hijikata is no match for the Mutsu Enmeiryu. When all is said and done Izumi and Ran head off before the battle begins with Ran intent on never leaving Izumi's side.

Izumi is heading North in search of Hijikata and Ran is still following close behind. However just as they approach Hijikata's position Ran is put in danger and Izumi is seriously hurt trying to save her. This gives Ran a chance to see a different side to the Mutsu but also means that they have missed Hijikata and must keep searching.

Sakomoto's enemies continue to plot against him but he continues to remain his apathetic self. However, when Izumi gets word that an assassin is coming to kill Sakomoto he heads out to defeat him before his friend is endangered. However, it soon becomes clear that this is a diversion to lure Izumi away from Sakomoto. Izumi quickly dispatches his opponent and rushes back to Sakomoto before it is too late.

Sakamoto's battles continue both politically and militarily as they revolution gains momentum and he is asked to join the fight against the Bakufu. Sakamoto sets off in hs ship the Union and Izumi joins his old friend determined to keep the vow that he made all those years ago.

It is now the start of the Meji Revolution and after seeing Ryoma Sakamoto fight many years before Izumi Mutsu has tracked him down. Izumi wants to fight Ryoma and unleash the mans full potential but as the two spend more time together they quickly form a very firm friendship.

The second round of matches begin and Iyori is pushed to his very limit even being forced to use two swords. However, when Tsubura is drawn against Jyubei it looks like the hard work has only just begun. After a very difficult fight Tsubura realises that she has no hope of winning and as such she and Sasuke decide to implement their plan regardless of the consequences.

The group have finally reached Edo but with the tournament only a day away Takato's entry is in doubt. Because Takato has no family name or known combat style he is forced to take part in an entrance exam beofre the tournamanet. As such he must fight one of the Shoguns very own spear-masters and either win or die.

Tsubura is being held captive by the Yagyu clan and it is upto Takato and Sasuke to erescue her from the Yagyu's headquarters. Durring their rescue attempt Takato comes face to face with the murderous Jyubei for the first time but fate intervenes and their confrontation is cut short.

Tsubura is being held captive by the Yagyu clan and it is upto Takato and Sasuke to erescue her from the Yagyu's headquarters. Durring their rescue attempt Takato comes face to face with the murderous Jyubei for the first time but fate intervenes and their confrontation is cut short.

Following the aftermath of his battle with the Kuki Clan Yakumo finds himself face to face with Musashi. The two decide that now is the time for their long awaited duel and as Shiori and Iori look on the two fight for their very lives. Ultimately even the great Musashi is no match for the Mutsu Enmeiryu. After his defeat Musashi decides to hang up his sword forever and Yakumo and Shiori head off into the sunset hand in hand.

Shiori is captured by the Kuki Clan and used as bait to lure out Yakumo. Unfortunately for the Kuki Clan Yakumo is angered by the abduction of the woman he loves. As such he accepts the challenge and shows them why the name Mutsu is feared throughout Japan.

Yakumo, Shiori and Iori all head back to Princess Yuki's palace. Once here Yuki confesses her love for Yakumo and ask him to stay with her forever. This in turn forces Shiori to face up to her own feelings about the mysterious wanderer.

Yakumo has finally reached Edo and he once again meets up with Shiori. They also encounter a Princess called Yuki after a fight between some disgruntled samurai forces Yakumo to intervene. However the Princess's fondness for Yakumo may prove a problem for Shiori.

Musashi, Shiori and Yakumo are all on their way to Edo by different routes and they each encounter a strange priest along their journey. We are also introduced to a young boy named Iori who claims to be Musashi's apprentice. Shiori also starts to explore her emotions, particularly towards Yakumo.

When a young nobelman is attacked by a group of bandits he is saved by the legendary swordsman Musashi Miyamoto. He is then offered a very lucrative job as the young man's bodyguard. Instead he recommends that they hire Yakumo Mutsu a wanderer who happens to be sitting nearby. Yakumo accepts the offer although his new charge seems to have doubts about the mans true skills.