Ao no Miburo

Nio risks his life in a desperate bid to buy time for Iemochi's escape, but the Shogun can't bring himself to abandon a child. When all seems lost, Hijikata joins the battle. But can even he defeat the white-clad assassin?

A wounded Nio wakes up in a luxurious sickbed in Nijo Castle. After a night of unsettling experiences, Kikuchiyo makes him a startling offer: leave the Miburo to serve the Shogun directly. Where do Nio's loyalties lie, and what has he learned from his encounter with the Blood Risshidan?

The Miburo set out to earn the small fortune their uniform coats will cost. While they each rack their brains and try their luck, a woman approaches Hijikata, offering a tempting new sword.

Hajime visits the Snake in search of work, but how far will he go for money? Meanwhile, Nio and Taro meet a woman named Nagi and her husband, Yotaro.