His sakabato broken in battle, Kenshin seeks out the man who forged it - Arai Shakku'u - only to be turned away. Seiku, son of the legendary swordsmith, had for a time been continuing his father's work, the forging of katana, meant for killing, but now limits his skills to cooking knives only. Respecting Seiku's wishes, Kenshin leaves without the desired blade... but not before Shishio's spies learn that Shakku'u has forged one last sword.

Meanwhile, Shishio arrives in Kyoto with orders for his 10 generals, or "Ten Swords," to join him and put into motion a plan to take over Japan. Cho, one of Shishio's "swords," learns early of Shakku'u's final blade and determines to secure it at any cost. Now, armed only with his broken sakabato, Kenshin must face Cho in battle...

Story and art by Nobuhiro Watsuki.