The Miburo celebrate their new status with the ultimate test of strength: a drinking competition. While inebriated swordsmen drop like flies, Serizawa confronts Hijikata with a question that shakes Nio's confidence.

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?