A recap of events at the beginning of the series produced in 2008. It shows the death of Manji's sister Machi, and Manji killing the entire band of ronin responsible; the slaughter of the Asano family; Rin Asano meeting Yaobikuni for the first time and then seeking Manji; Manji's decision to help Rin; and Rin's encounter with Sabato Kuroi and his slaying by Manji.