Meiji 11, May 14th Okubo informs Kenshin he is needed as Makoto Shishio is active in Kyoto. A former Ishin Shishi assassin, Shishio was exceptionally skilled but dangerous and ambitious. He was executed out of fear he would take over Japan when the Meiji government was newly established but survived. Okubo gives him a week to decide. Saito later kills Akamatsu and Shibumi, upholding his belief as a Shinsegumi to immediately kill his enemies. Before Kenshin can plan to meet with Okubo to discuss his decision, the Home Minister is assassinated by an associate of Shishio...