In "Ransom," Usagi and Yukichi meet up with Kitsune, a street performer and thief, who has stolen a ledger recording bribes to local politicians. When Kitsune's protégé is kidnapped in return, Usagi decides that he must help and get her back. Then, in "Crossroads," Usagi and Yukichi come upon a group of pilgrims who have been left for dead by a band of cutthroat ronin. Deciding to go after them, Usagi must head back to the province, and the danger, from which he has just escaped! Collects #22-26.