With Misao's help, Kaoru finally manages to locate Kenshin in Kyoto - at the home of Hiko Seijuro, his master in the school of Hiten Mitsurugi. Having convinced his master to complete his training, Kenshin assumes the role of pupil once more while, elsewhere in Kyoto, other forces come together. There is the arrival of Shinomori Aoshi, soon approached by the men of Shishio Makoto to join their cause; there is the arrival of Saito Hajime, who comes to free Sano from jail and also to join him in questioning 'Ten Swords' member Cho.