After battling his way to the top of the assassin world, Kenshin has finally settled into a new life with his newfound friends. When the Meiji government requests his assistance to combat the threats of a former assassin, Makoto Shishio, Kenshin reluctantly agrees, despite the wishes of Kaoru. As he approaches Kyoto, Kenshin ponders the bleak prospect of having to fight former comrades and the feelings of betrayal that loom ahead. Will he be able to protect the government without sacrificing his own ideals? Will he be able to emerge from this unscathed or will old wounds reopen?