While Saitō arranges the time for the fight against Shishio, Kenshin and Sanosuke go to rest to Misao’s house, where they find Yahiko and Kaoru. After being told what happened with Okina, Kenshin promises that he will bring back Aoshi as he thinks he is still good. Next day, Kenshin, Sanosuke and Saitō go to Shishio’s base, but most of the Juppongatana are sent attack the Oniwabanshū since the soldier Sadojima Hōji discovered they stopped the fire from some days ago. Guided by Shishio’s lover, Komagata Yumi, Kenshin and his friends find the first Juppongatana, Anji. Being previously trained by him, Sanosuke decides to fight Anji to know if he is really is evil. While both hit each other with Futae no Kiwami, Sanosuke also asks Anji why did he join Shishio. When Anji is overpowered, Sanosuke manages to calm him and wins the fight.
