Some months later, on the eve of Ryoan's departure to Osaka, he discovers that both he and Manjiro are courting O-Seki, the daughter of a priest at the local Zenshouji Temple. Both young men declare their love to her, but in markedly different ways. As Ryoan leaves, he is attacked by swordsmen hired by the Koushougakuha to disable him. Manjiro intervenes and kills two of them, but one escapes and Manjiro recognizes them as being from the Genbukan Chiba dojo. Manjiro confesses to the incident and faces a trial by wooden sword which he wins...