This book is primarily a flashback to Seijuro Hiko, the latter when he was small, was beaten by his adoptive parents! One day when he went out looking for water, he met Shishio, the latter killed three police officers, and now wants to kill Seijuro to make no witnesses. But Shishio will leave him life, and ask him for new strips! The flashback ends on the murder of his parents. The fight between Kenshin and Shishio finally begins, both use powerful and dangerous techniques!