Tiger Cubs.In 1627, two and a half years since Irako was punished and banned, Mie's despair over her cruel treatment by her father eats away at her mind. She runs off with her father's sword and he orders her slain, however Fujiki confronts and disarms her even though she uses the Nagare Boshi technique. Fujiki tells Ushimata he believes the killer is Irako even though he is blind, and suspects that he is hiding in Kagegawa. Instructors Mariko Hikobee and Okitsu Sanjyuurou visit Tsudanoichu, a blind masseuse and acupuncturist asking about any new blind strangers. He suggests they speak to a man called Shizuhata Kengyou, the head of the Toudouza, however because of his high station and closeness to Tadagawa, that would be impossible for them. Later, Mariko visits a bathhouse, but as he prepares to sit in the bath he is sliced in half. Later, Okitsu is seen receiving payment from Kengyou's secretaries for information about the three tiger cubs, the three strongest Kogan-ryuu disciples. In the woods, he encounters Fujiki on the way and challenges Fujiki who is vulnerable due to an infected hand. After insulting Mie, Okitsu attempts to use the Nagare Boshi technique, but Fujiki is faster, severing Okitsu's right hand and then killing him.