Shishio Makoto, accompanied by
Seta Sōjirō and
Sadojima Hōji, goes to
Yoshiwara to seek the services of Hanahomura, who is the most sought after courtesan in the district. Hanahomura reveals to Shishio that she came to work in Yoshiwara after her family was murdered by an unknown culprit. They are interrupted by the arrival of the Wadatsumi Shark Corps, a paramilitary unit whose members frequently avail the services of Yoshiwara's brothels. The unit's leader, Sameo Ichigase, seeks to permanently acquire Hanahomura's service and tells her he will return for her in a week. Hanahomura's companions, Hanabi and the children Akari and Kagari, inadvertently stumble onto the Wadatsumi Shark Corps's plans to purchase the battleship
Rengoku; Hanabi is murdered while the children are taken to be offered to the Rengoku's dealer. Hanahomura offers her life to Shishio in order to convince him to rescue the children. The Wadatsumi Shark Corps are intercepted by Shishio and his Juppongatana, who proceed to slaughter the former. Hanahomura recognizes Shishio as the man who murdered her family when she recognizes the killer's handiwork as Shishio personally slays Ichigase, however she realizes the futility of revenge. Shishio, Sōjiro, and Hōji meet with
Yukishiro Enishi in Ichigase's place to negotiate the purchase of the
Rengoku. As Hanahomura prepares to depart with Shishio and the Juppongatana, she reveals her name is
Komagata Yumi. Shishio sees
Himura Kenshin's phantom and resolves to confront him as part of his coup. The story closes with images from Kenshin and Shishio's battle at Mount Hiei. ==Publication==