Feeling frustrated by his own helplessness, Tatsunosuke runs into the eccentric outlaw Sakamoto Ryoma and demands that he be given a pistol. What does Tatsunosuke think he can accomplish with the power of a gun in his hand? Is he ready for such a responsibility? Finally, Matsumoto is appalled by the poor state of most of the men, but most shocking of all is the revelation about Okita Souji's health. What afflicts this strong warrior?