Nio's plan sends most of the attackers on a wild goose chase. But the strongest assassin remains, and only a lone boy stands between him and the Shogun. Can Nio outmaneuver an opponent who has him so outmatched?

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?