In order to discover more about the relationship that binds Kenshin and Enishi, Saito Hajime makes a surprise appearance at the Kamiya Dojo — only to find the aftermath of Kenshin, Sanosuke and Yahiko's desperate life-or-death battles with Enishi's cabal of fighters. One member of the "Six Comrades" remains standing - Yatsume Mumyoi. Will the strength of Saito's Gatotsu be enough to fell this freakish warrior-of-the-shadows?!

Kenshin always felt that, so long as he wielded a sakabato, those within his sight could be protected from harm. But while he is incapacitated by the gargantuan Kujiranami of the "Six Comrades," Enishi seizes upon the opportunity to cripple Kenshin's resolve and will to fight for good. If Kaoru dies, will Kenshin's dream of a new Japan die with her?

Kujiranami, the giant whose right arm Kenshin severed during the Bakumatsu, escapes from prison and goes on the rampage. Armed with a frightening new weapon, the police force is helpless against this behemoth's wrath. One warrior has the courage to stand up to him: Myojin Yahiko, Kenshin's youthful ward and Kaoru's only student in Kamiya Kasshin-ryu.

Finding himself in the middle of a provincial squabble between an old man and the local yakuza, Sano returns to his old "fight merchant" ways and agrees to do some ad hoc butt kicking for pay. But the old man he's hired to tangle with might be his strongest foe to date.

Kenshin and his comrades have finally discovered the location of Enishi's island compound, but to free Kaoru from captivity, a good deal of fighting will be necessary. Woo Heishin, Enishi's mysterious second-in-command, meets them on the beach and brings his deadly bodyguards, the Soshin or the "Four Stars," to serve as a welcoming committee.

As the feared assassin of the Bakumatsu, Himura Kenshin killed in the name of the new era. As the rurouni of Meiji, he wielded a sakabato to protect those who couldn't protect themselves, all along holding true to his vow to never take another life. Now Kenshin's fight with Enishi has entered its final stage, as has his quest for atonement.

After a night of gambling, Kenshin and Sanosuke return with an unexpected prize - a woman. Beautiful and mysterious, Takani Megumi, the daughter of a famous family of physicians, has unwittingly been participating in the production of a super-powerful, super-profitable form of opium.

Held captive and running out of hope, Megumi must face a life of suffering or a peaceful death. Meanwhile, Kenshin and the others continue their battle with the elite former guards who spit fire and throw poison darts.

In this volume, Yahiko tries to save a waitress from a yakuza gang, the incredible fighter Raijunta Isurugi defeats the school's master, and Kenshin must use his antiquated swordsmanship to battle Raijunta.

Kenshin's battle with Raijuta to decide the fate of Meiji Era swordsmanship is coming to a head. One fact is quickly becoming apparent: Raijuta will stop at nothing to ensure the supremacy of his own school of sword-fighting!

The Shinsengumi - fearsome and formidable protectors of the Shougunate, with whom Kenshin did battle during the final days of the Meiji Restoration. One man in particular - Saitou Hajime, captain of the third unit - lingers in Kenshin's mind. Now an officer of the law and known as "Fujita Gorou," Saitou arrives on the steps of the Kamiya Dojo, challenging Kenshin to a duel that will force a reawakening of Kenshin's own past...

In the 11th year of Meiji, on the day marked in the Western calendar as May 14th, time once again begins to flow. With the shocking midday murder of Department of Internal Affairs Chief Okubo a fait accompli, Kenshin leaves for Kyoto, scene of chaos and bloodshed - against the wishes of nearly everyone who knows him as the gentle "rurouni."